Posted: 11/4/2006 4:07:41 PM EDT
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Hey guys I need to buy a digital recorder for my TV. Tivo and some of the others force me buy a subscription. I want one that I can just sent to record at a specific time that I chose like a VCR and then later watch it or transfer to DVD. Thanks. Is there a good independent unit? No need to be wired to the internet or phone? |
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The main feature of a DVR (for the vast majority) is that they can browse through an Online Program Guide and click on show titles to record, and the DVR will handle everything else for them. Generally, that's going to require some kind of data connection at least, and in most cases, a subscription fee. The only ones that may do what you want are the combo DVR/DVD-R devices, but they often don't work all that well with external tuners (cable boxes and satellite receivers). But you might find one that does everything you want; you never know. -Troy |
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The following is advice based off my personal experience with Time Warner cable service in Missouri. Not sure how applicable it will be for everyone. I would recommend getting one through your cable company. You pay a small fee each month to have it. I would NEVER want to own one. The device is constantly writing data to a hard disk as you watch shows. This allows you to rewind and pause live TV and store programs. The thing that sucks about this is that hard drives wear out over time and fail quite a bit. We've this happen on multiple occasions. Also, the DVR devices are buggy and fail quite a bit. Since we've had the service for the last 2 years, we've had our DVR box replaced two times. That's retarded expensive if you're paying for it. Shawn |
Shawn are these suckers also noisy? I think my GF had one and it was loud as hell. Like you said constantly running. But I guess this is my best alternative. Thanks. |
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You could go the Home Theater PC route. The intial costs will be in the $150-200 range ($100 for Windows Media Edition + $100 for a TV Tuner card). Might be more if you currently have a small hard drive. The benefit of using a HTPC is that there are no contracts or subscription fees. Tivo is a simple one box solution. The on-screen menus and operating system are simple and intuative. There are plenty of alternatives on the market, but few that come close Tivo's quality. For HTPC's, check out the AVS forum: Link |