DVR to replace my VCR

[747jet]

I am looking for a DVR with the capabilities of an event programmable VCR and being able to record air signal via an RF input. My main interest (for cost reasons, I believe) would be to be able to program a DVR, just as I would my VCR (ie--- at least 8 events which would repeat, etc). Nothing more than a real time counter would be necessary, the same as VCR's use. I guess I would want a minimum of 40 hours of storage time. Anybody have any information on what's out there and best brands, models, approximate prices, even sites that would be helpful, etc?

I would love to find something with an extra tuner, full program and titling capabilities, etc., if, the cost was not prohibitive.

I am not interested in anything that requires a subscription, ie.. TiVo, Direct TV or Dish, either.... just a stand alone DVR to replace my VCR.

I hate to sound so misinformed, but, I am still stuck in the VCR world (haven't even went to DVD's) but, I think it's time to move into the 21st century! Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[Glen B]

How about a DVD recorder/VHS player combo unit if you have legacy VHS tapes you would like to transfer to DVD ? That's what I did, since I have tons of PBS documentaries that I recorded on VHS. Or you could get a DVD recorder without the VHS.
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Group/ProductMenu.aspx?g=88000&c=16&tp=172

[phaxda]

The cheapest way to get something like this is a legacy ReplayTV system that has a lifetime subscription attached to it, meaning that someone else has already paid for the service. While the unit will still work (with the older ones, you will need a phone line) support for setup and all is nil, but it's pretty easy. I picked mine up from a friend who had upgraded--it's actually just on loan, but I can't imagine that his modern Tivo-ing self will want it back anytime soon.

Good luck!

[dr*audio]

I have a Panasonic DVD recorder with a built in 80GB hard drive. It has a tuner, it's programmable, you can record at lower speeds for insanely long record time. It's super easy to use, and you can transfer your saved recordings to DVDs. You can also connect external audio and video sources (like a VCR or camcorder) to it, and transfer tapes to DVD. You can even use re-writeable DVDs with it. I love it.

[OvenMaster]

I am looking for a DVR with the capabilities of an event programmable VCR and being able to record air signal via an RF input. My main interest (for cost reasons, I believe) would be to be able to program a DVR, just as I would my VCR (ie--- at least 8 events which would repeat, etc). Nothing more than a real time counter would be necessary, the same as VCR's use. I guess I would want a minimum of 40 hours of storage time. Anybody have any information on what's out there and best brands, models, approximate prices, even sites that would be helpful, etc?

I would love to find something with an extra tuner, full program and titling capabilities, etc., if, the cost was not prohibitive.

I am not interested in anything that requires a subscription, ie.. TiVo, Direct TV or Dish, either.... just a stand alone DVR to replace my VCR.

I hate to sound so misinformed, but, I am still stuck in the VCR world (haven't even went to DVD's) but, I think it's time to move into the 21st century! Any information would be greatly appreciated.

I'm in the same boat. I'm looking for an off-air digital-tuner (ATSC) DVD-RW recorder with modulated RF output to feed my NTSC TV set. As soon as I find a decent one under $100, the VCR goes bye-bye.
Tom

[dr*audio]

Do not buy a cheapie with no hard drive, you will have a very tough time editing. With the HD, you can edit out commercials.

[uofmtiger]

One way to do it is by adding a tuner card to your computer.

[747jet]

Hi guys and thanks for the responses already!

The hard drive is what I really want. I don't have a specific need for the DVD recorder, unless that is the only way I can get my hard drive storage. I may not have been too clear on that in my original post, my apologies.

I do about 40 hours a week of VCR "timed" recording I would probably do even more, if I had something that let me set up more timed events, but, as I stated previously, my VCR is limited to 8 timed events (and it's a pain in the butt keeping track of the 6 or so hours per tape that I have recorded for the week. Another reason I would like at lest the 40 hours of viewing storage (actually 80 hours or so is sounding much better as I am thinking about it lol) is because of the crappy programming we get from our broadcasting stations (the big 3 or 4, prime time, whatever it is now. Half the time, my recorded programming is repeats! (imagine that.... ) so, now I'm down to about 5 - 10 hours a week that is new and that I actually watch, if I'm lucky. I would broaden out my viewing experience and check out some new recording material, if I had the storage room to save it and delete the garbage.

I CAN see the advantage of the DVD, though, too. There are still certain times something is aired that would be nice to save permanently.

[747jet]

Hey dr*audio, just out of curiosity, what model of the Panasonic DVD recorder are you using? Maybe I can look up the specs and features... even do some pricing and see if that may be the way I for me to go.

[Fred Sanford]

Keep in mind a standard (analog) off-air tuner will no longer work after next year, and this machine would have to be able to change channels on an outboard converter box to continue being useful.

I'd assume that the subscription TiVos will come up with software upgrades to work around this...hopefully.

je

[dr*audio]

Keep in mind a standard (analog) off-air tuner will no longer work after next year, and this machine would have to be able to change channels on an outboard converter box to continue being useful.

I'd assume that the subscription TiVos will come up with software upgrades to work around this...hopefully.

je


No, those with cable will not have to convert anything, the cable companies will take care of it. Yes, off an antenna, you're screwed.

My Panasonic is 3 years old now, I think but it's the DMR-E80H. The audio is excellent, also and I have used it to make DVD audio only recordings, or just capture a radio program that is on when I'm not home (I have it connected into my system, and leave the tuner on and set the program on the recorder.)

[Fred Sanford]

No, those with cable will not have to convert anything, the cable companies will take care of it. Yes, off an antenna, you're screwed.

My Panasonic is 3 years old now, I think but it's the DMR-E80H. The audio is excellent, also and I have used it to make DVD audio only recordings, or just capture a radio program that is on when I'm not home (I have it connected into my system, and leave the tuner on and set the program on the recorder.)

The original post said, "able to record air signal via an RF input", that's what I was addressing. Thought it would be worth considering if he's investing & investigating now.

je

[Web Police]

Keep in mind a standard (analog) off-air tuner will no longer work after next year, and this machine would have to be able to change channels on an outboard converter box to continue being useful.

I'd assume that the subscription TiVos will come up with software upgrades to work around this...hopefully.

je

I also have a stand alone Panasonic DMR-E80H Hard disk recorder.

If you intend to use it after Feb 2009 then you will need a digital to analog converter. These converters are relatively cheap. However most likely any hard drive DVR you find available today would come with a Digital receiver.

I have had my Panasonic for 5 years or so and it has worked great in that time period. I wish it had more capacity but it's firmware is limited to an 80gb. They did make newer versions which had 120 or 160 gb drives in them also. I haven't kept up on the newest ones available since my Panasonic has worked so well.

[Lastplace]

I'm currently using a sony HDD-250 DVR, it has 2 turners, cable (and cable card) & OTA digital UHF (CM 4228 in my attic). Records in HD or std def, 30 hours HD, 200 hours sd. Uses TV guide which is broadcast via local PBS.

I'm not sure what's going to happen with the TV Guide come 2-09.


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=537711


Setting up the UHF antenna is pretty cool, go to antennaweb.org put in your address and it shows your street and where the stations are.

[Fred Sanford]

I'm currently using a sony HDD-250 DVR, it has 2 turners, cable (and cable card) & OTA digital UHF (CM 4228 in my attic). Records in HD or std def, 30 hours HD, 200 hours sd. Uses TV guide which is broadcast via local PBS.

I'm not sure what's going to happen with the TV Guide come 2-09.


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=537711


Setting up the UHF antenna is pretty cool, go to antennaweb.org put in your address and it shows your street and where the stations are.

Hey, thanks for that, all good info. antennaweb.org was very helpful to me, much appreciated!

je