My parents have a TV with a built in DVR. I may be interested in getting one myself. I was told by a sales associate at Best Buy that this is bad, that if the DVR breaks, the TV will also be shot. Does anyone out there have an opinion on this matter?
2007-09-14 06:24:06 · 4 answers · asked by julia r 2 in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
I've never heard of a TV/DVR combo, but in general, combo devices are a bad idea.
The individual components are never as good as even their cheap standalone competitors, and what's worse, if one piece of the combo breaks - say the DVR - you'll have to buy a new device anyways.
Furthermore, the TV industry is undergoing a lot of change right now. Any DVR you buy today is probably going to be outdated within the next 3-5 years due to advances in HD, analog signals for antennas going away, not to mention all the new features cable and satellite will be adding.
So combo units aren't a smart idea unless you're very tight on space.
2007-09-14 06:42:02 · answer #1 · answered by PoohBearPenguin 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The only TV/DVR combo I know of is the LG Flat panels. The video performance on them is not bad and the DVR idea is good but it turns out not so practical yet. They only record from the internal tuner which means that if you have a Satellite tuner or cable box you can't record it, only local off air or the built in cable tuner. The money you save by getting a TV without the DVR can be used to get a separate, more complete DVR. The only advantage is for the person who wants a DVR, is using cable card and doesn't have space for a separate component.
2007-09-14 07:21:21 · answer #2 · answered by Theaterhelp 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've seen smaller TVs that have the DVR 'built in' ... but I would NEVER buy one. While DVDs are 'extremely popular' right now, they're going to be 'harder than hen's teeth' to find in about five more years (or less) ... and so are the type of TVs the DVRs are included in. Get a good 'flat screen HD TV' and a good DVD player for now, then get a good HD-DVD player when you can afford it. An HD TV will play ANY DVD, but because technology is 'changing so fast' right now, it's a VERY BAD idea to buy a television with ANY 'reader' built in.
2007-09-14 06:29:52 · answer #3 · answered by Kris L 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I agree with the salesman!! Same with fridge/freezers, washer/dryers etc etc.
2007-09-14 06:26:43 · answer #4 · answered by Sal*UK 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋