First off, you need total HD everything. Just because you see HD on the TV doesn't mean you can record or drop it down to some storage media. Even if you have HD quality, the device itself has to be HD capable or really a HD device. Not one that "uploads" to be HD capable or suitable. There maybe other terms but basically its more of lesser device proving a bit more in order to "pass HD" signals. If your recorded HD media is actaully HD in its entirely, its best served by HD all down the line. Also, you have to contend with HDCP(google it) and/or whatever setup that maybe in place to copy protect HD content. In a nutshell, this is not as easy quest as you think or may determine, unless you get the full 9-yds. of items/devices but you'll still have to content with HDCP. As I see a DVD/VCR combo, that may not be capable, IMHO or as you've noticed. Get a true HD ready DVR and pick Philips, Toshiba or TEAC as brands that maybe more friendly in this regard, maybe.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/howto/articles/capturingforhd.aspx
tada -----WIlly 
I had posted this question under another heading and it was suggested that I re-post under a PC-related heading, so I'm hoping someone here can help me.
We use OTA broadcasting which comes in through our DTV-PAL which we then watch on our HD TV. I'm looking for a way to write HD programs that I have saved to my DTV-PAL to a disc keeping the HD formatting intact. I currently use a Panasonic DVD recorder/VCR combo to record my programs onto a DVD, but the quality suffers greatly because it doesn't record in HD. It was suggested that I purchase a Blu-ray drive & a video capture card then connect them to my PC, so I need advice on how to do that. And then, what do I need to connect my computer to the DTV-PAL or my TV to access the program to, in turn, write to the Blu-ray drive? Our antenna comes in to the DTV-PAL, which is connected to our TV (a Sony Bravia KDL-40V3000 that's a few years old.) My PC is a Toshiba Satellite A135-S4467 laptop that's probably 5 years old. Any help or insight would be appreciated.
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