Digital Video Recorders

[Magister]

I'm looking to buy a DVR but I'm having a hard time finding what I need. I just need a one with a HDD to record TV from a digital over the air signal. I don't want one that needs a subscription like TIVO. Its basically just a replacement for VHS after getting a HDTV.

I went into Future Shop and spoke with the sales guy. All they had were ones tied to providers like Bell and Rogers. He claimed stand alone recorders are not sold in Canada.

Any suggestions?

 

[larry]

really?
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product...spx?path=5725c3cec2782e0b4e9194389d258562en02

personally, i would go to a chinese shop in any small mall in scarboro to get one. should be able to play all regions too. i'd expect it to cost about 100 dollars.

 

[Magister]

really?
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product...spx?path=5725c3cec2782e0b4e9194389d258562en02

personally, i would go to a chinese shop in any small mall in scarboro to get one. should be able to play all regions too. i'd expect it to cost about 100 dollars.

Thanks but that one is a DVD recorder. I'm looking for one that records onto a hard disk drive.

 

[Tangwhich]

The absolute best product on the market for a DVR IF you are requiring OTA TV is Windows Media Center. Build yourself a small computer dedicated to that purpose. There are lots of great media players on the market, but I've not found one that also has OTA built in other than your computer.

 

[Magister]

The absolute best product on the market for a DVR IF you are requiring OTA TV is Windows Media Center. Build yourself a small computer dedicated to that purpose. There are lots of great media players on the market, but I've not found one that also has OTA built in other than your computer.

Does the DVR need built in OTA if the TV already has it?

 

[Tangwhich]

Does the DVR need built in OTA if the TV already has it?

If you are able to make you TV output what it receives to your computer (which I don't believe they can) then in theory it's possible, but a total pain in the ass. You're better off to have a TV card in the computer.

 

[girorok66]

Something like this? http://www.channelmaster.com/Channel_Master_TV_s/304.htm

 

[Tangwhich]

Something like this? http://www.channelmaster.com/Channel_Master_TV_s/304.htm

That looks cool!
I might get one myself if it's well reviewed..

Hmm, maybe not.. a bit too pricey right now, but I'll keep my eyes on it..

 

[WoodPeckr]

Hack Attack: Build your own DVR

It's not that hard and better than TiVo.

In order to put together your own DVR, you really only need to add two things to any given computer:
1. A TV capture card
2. DVR software

Add the preceding two components to any PC and you've got yourself a solid, fully-functional DVR; it doesn't get much more simple than that.

Build your own DVR

 

[skidor]

I've got a panasonic DVD player / recorder with a hard drive.

You can start watching your recording from the tv while its still recording - works like a pvr.

 

[Tangwhich]

I've got a panasonic DVD player / recorder with a hard drive.

You can start watching your recording from the tv while its still recording - works like a pvr.

If it's a DVD, then it doesn't record HD, which is the whole point of using OTA TV.