i want to get a digital video recorder to replace my VCR. which one is the best out there without having to pay for monthly subscription like TiVo.
2006-09-26 08:25:19 · 4 answers · asked by iSHoN 2 in Consumer Electronics ➔ TiVO & DVRs
I set up my own DVR using my home PC (hence "PVR" for PERSONAL Video Recorder). Granted, it's not a project for a newbie... but you don't have to be an engineer either; maybe just a little bit geeky like me. In total, It took me an afternoon to set it up on my PC, and about $150 (obviously much cheaper than a commercial DVR).
To have your PC function as a DVR, you need at least two things:
1) a TV Tuner (for video capture from your tv)
2) PVR/DVR software (to program your recordings)
Creating your own PVR has many advantages over commercial DVR:
a) never pay a subscription fee (free electronic tv guide)
b) hardware is cheaper than a DVR recorder
c) easy to burn captured shows/movies to DVD using your PC's media drive
d) easier to upgrade
e) has more features of TiVo, etc., and is more flexible
[eg, I can remotely program my PVR using the web, record 2 programs at the same time, compress video to smaller *.avi format, and of course watch any of my videos on my laptop or even pda).
I thought that it was relatively easy to setup, but I know other people run into obstacles.
Hope that helps...
2006-09-27 13:42:50 · answer #1 · answered by Fielding 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just about every DVR on the market has some kind of subscription fee, but it's usually pretty small (<$10). The only option that has no fees whatsoever is having a home theater PC, but they have a high initial expense and can be complex to setup on your own. Most also cannot record two programs at once and if you are using a decoder box from your satellite or cable provider, you need an additional external IR control to change channels.
It's basically only worth it if you are using an antenna or analog cable. If you have digital cable or satellite, suck it up and pay the subscriber fee.
2006-09-26 17:43:44 · answer #2 · answered by That Marvelous Ape 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sony DHG-HDD500 60-Hour High-Definition Digital Video Recorder (500 GB)
No Monthly Fees of any type
Free Electronic Program Guide downloaded from PBS station.
Records High Definition
I am planning to buy a second one, because it is awesome.
See it here
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DHG-HDD500-High-Definition-Digital-Recorder/dp/B00067TYFO
2006-09-26 19:20:10 · answer #3 · answered by Dennis K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Dish Network DVR. It is great! but, it costs about $5/month
2006-09-26 15:33:20 · answer #4 · answered by forjj 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋