Posted: 5/5/2012 9:15:51 AM EDT
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I'm looking on the market for a"VCR type" DVR that I can just program like a VCRwithout having to use another pay service. And it needs to be able to record from cable/satellite TV, the ones I have found only receive broadcast TV. Anybody got a unit like this? Have any idea where to look for one?  |
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These devices are getting harder and harder to find. Available overseas, but makers are abandoning the US market and I've heard the one I am suggesting below may be discontinued in the future.
Channel Master CM7000 (formerly the DTVPal) records in HD but only does OTA, no cable. Don't know if they still offer it, but I think you could buy a lifetime Tivo and avoid paying monthly Tivo subscription. I'd probably suggest a Magnavox http://www.walmart.com/ip/Magnavox-MDR-515H-F7-500GB-DVR-and-DVD-Recorder/15080509. I have an older model and am pleased with it. It will do OTA and cable (not sure about satellite compatibility), although currently only records in SD. Potential problem is with the cable companies encrypting their channels and removing clearQAM. In those cases you can still record but you have to use the output from the cable STB and set the channel there. Depends on what your cable company is planning on. Many of the companies are tying to get approval to scramble everything including local channels. Tons of info on this unit and topic over at AVS forums. For the Magnavox, look at this thread. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940657. ETA: fix typo |
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Oh, I would have said these devices are extinct. I've even asked over on AVS Forum and was told as much. No one pointed me to the Magnavox unit, so I'll have to look it over. Thanks for that.
You can buy a top of the line Tivo for about $600 (includes the lifetime Tivo service contract) that acts as a stand-alone DVR. It probably seems like buying a "cable service" but the one-time payment makes the unit the functional and cost equivalent of a DVR with no service payments needed. |
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Quoted:
Oh, I would have said these devices are extinct. I've even asked over on AVS Forum and was told as much. No one pointed me to the Magnavox unit, so I'll have to look it over. Thanks for that. You can buy a top of the line Tivo for about $600 (includes the lifetime Tivo service contract) that acts as a stand-alone DVR. It probably seems like buying a "cable service" but the one-time payment makes the unit the functional and cost equivalent of a DVR with no service payments needed. Where can you get a premier XL4 w/ lifetime for $600? I checked Tivo's site and best buy and both show it as being $900 (400 tivo + 500 lifetime). |
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So, jerz, apparently, the price has risen. My conclusions remains unchanged - it's too expensive for what they offer. Apparently, it's even more expensive than before, so I am even less likely to buy one.
The $600 was during a special offer. At the time there was competition between two retail outlets. If you can manage to watch and wait, perhaps, it will come back. Perhaps, it won't. |