Can I use a dvr just to record regular cable broadcast like a vcr without a cable fee?

Question

I JUST NEED TO REPLACE THE VCR WITH DVR WITHOUT A FEE.

Answer 1

Here's what I have
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMRE85HS-Progressive-Scan-Recorder-Recording/dp/B00021ZVL0
It has a built-in hard drive and DVD burner so you can burn what you record.

I have my DVR connected to between my satellite receiver and my computer. I can record whatever I want without a fee. Cable shouldn't be any different.

Answer 2

There is no DVR without regular FEE (as in per month) or one time FEE (first time investment in buying the box).

Since dyou dont like a VCR then here're some options you can think of

1.DVD based DVR: Alsmot all DVD recorders come with some type of scheduler which can record programmes directly from TV Antenna, Cable box or Dish/Direct TV directly. All you have to do is to programme them. FREE DVR service and record it onto DVDRW so that you can reuse you DVD's if you like

2. DVD+Hard Disk Based: Sony, typically, came up with a DVD Recorder with hard disk which can store programmes on to Hard disk and then burn it onto DVD's. Again a free service as #1.

3. Build Your Own: You can take a normal computer with TV Tuner with graphics card which has TV out and you got yourself a DVR FREE for life (well almost). Windows media center from microsoft and Linux based FREEVO services are FREE. Add to that some TV tuner cards provide their free service for programming as well and let you schedule over the net when you're not home - ATI for example is one of the big players.

Catch: If you want to record the HIDEFINITION PAID channel, still you have only one choice as the box provided by Cable/Dish company. Although Over the Air Hidef channels can be recorded on Option #3 above.

Since you're used to of VCR+ programming so any of the 3 options will work for you but all it depends how far you want to go and how much do you want to spend and above all how easy you want to save your programmes.

Hope this helps!!

Answer 3

each so often you've a laptop that could do this yet except that you truly cant get a HD-DVR with out procuring it yet you're in a position to get one by TiVo is yet another one yet you may want to pay for it and the service srry wish this allows

Answer 4

Check out the Toshiba SD-H400 (ebay is a good place to start). It includes Tivo-Basic, which is free. Not as fancy as full Tivo service, but it's free and works well, especially if you have a wifi network over which it can get its updates (requires a phone line otherwise).