Community Newsletter: Q&A: Advice needed for an all-in-one DVR that can burn DVDs
- 3/10/08 5:01 PM
DVR
by sdelrio - 3/7/08 8:52 PM In reply to: Advice needed for an all-in-one DVR that can burn DVDs by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Get a Personal Video Recorder (PVR for short, not DVR)) from Rogers. It's super! You record two programs at once or watch one and record another one. You can transfer a recorded program to VHS or DVD. You can also pause live tv and watch a program while it's still recording (thereby eliminating commercials by scanning forward). There is no subscription fee. The unit rents for $20.00 per month plus a $2.00 system fee and taxes. It has an 80G hard drive for 40 hours of recording. Really nice. The quality of recording is exactly identical to the original and programming is so easy even my wife can do it 
.
Ciao.
P.S. No, I do not work for Rogers...
DVR to DVD +/-_rw_multi
by Krackcode - 3/7/08 8:53 PM In reply to: Advice needed for an all-in-one DVR that can burn DVDs by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Jim,
I kind of had the same situation recently, well like a year back or so :)! Anyways, I have Dish Network and their DVR, (which is a dual tuner and can record 2 shows at the same time), and I was in a Walmart one day, and I saw this DVD Recorder on clearance for like 50 bucks...so I nabbed it. I think it's a Panasonic brand, Multi-Format, and it includes input channels to plug in a VCR, Video Camera...etc., on the front i/o panel.
It was very easy to setup, and it works quite efficiently. It can burn whatever I plug into it, as well as, live TV, or DVR playback.
You can purchase DVR's from several different manufacturer's. I agree though with most of the pros that Dish Network does provide the best DVR unit and service.
Now aside from doing all this stuff and running a gazillion wires, you could pick a TV Tuner for your PC like a Haupagge HVR 1600 PCI card and kill all the birds with one stone.
http://hauppauge.com/pages/products/data_hvr1800.html
I personally have the 1600, and I got it new for around 50 bucks from Circuit City when it was on sale and had a mail in rebate. I have to say, it works quite well. It makes extremely easy, to burn my favorite dvr'd shows, old VCR tapes, Camcorder or live tv.
From one Jim W to another
by jrw88 - 3/7/08 8:57 PM In reply to: Advice needed for an all-in-one DVR that can burn DVDs by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hello fellow Jim W
First, let me say in my opinion that a TiVo is the best option. The usability is awesome. The TiVo/HuMax DVD Burner might be your best option if you can find one. If your wife sees the alternatives, she may greenlight the TiVo. Mine did. It's the only gizmo I've purchased that she really likes. Now that that's out of the way, I can offer the next two reviews of equipment I've bought.
Last Christmas I gave (and set up) a "Polaroid DVD Recorder with 160GB Hard Drive and ATSC Tuner" Close to your needs, though its a single tuner (digital and analog) The user interface is a lot like a VCR, except you can record to the Hard Drive, or to a DVD. I'd still recommend a TiVo. If you're not willing to pay for program listings, you're inevitably going to have this sort of hassle. (OK, you can pay your cable company for a DVR rental, but you're paying someone)
The GoVideo dual DVD recorder / VCR is a decent machine. I bought one a few years ago (model 3845) I had one failed unit which CostCo took back, but otherwise it's pretty reliable. No DVR, one tuner, and it's old-school watch or record, not both. (TiVo always beats that.)
Good luck.
Jim W
ps - even htough I have a very good TV, I'm not in the camp of "high def is the only way to go" Most television is story based (comedy, drama) or not a lot of big visuals (performance-reality, talk) and I set my TiVo on low quality recording. Sports is different. Watch that live if you must. And sure, nature shows look great on HD. not "worth $1000", and I'll just wait for the DVD.
Consider a provider's PVR when using digital service.
by integrators - 3/7/08 8:57 PM In reply to: Advice needed for an all-in-one DVR that can burn DVDs by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
For broadcast reception, a PVR is basically just a better VCR; you have to manually program an interval to record. A basic PVR would be sufficient and would be a good low cost alternative to a VCR.
For digital reception there are many more considerations to keep in mind. Personally, if there is one thing I have learned ... Simple Works and usually quite well.
My suggestion; split this requirement into two ... the PVR to provide content/programing control and a DVD-RW (recorder) to provide external media recording. There are many benefits to doing this aside from just making it much simpler to come to a suitable choice.
So for the DVD recorder ... After a hard fought battle, the industry seems to have agreed on the Blu-ray format; however this type of volatility can be really hard on the pocket book let alone be the creator of practically new but obsolete equipment. Imagine laying down good money to get all the bells and whistles only to have one part of it become obsolete months later not to mention the issues and hassles that arise when one part of the "eggs all in one basket" PVR/DVD-RW breaks down.
There are many good low-cost DVD recorders on the market and many have VCR to DVD dubbing and digital tuner(s) built-in. You don't have to outlay a lot of cash, you get a device that supports the majority of standard formats allowing for further manipulation of the digital content (video editing,etc.), those with tuners provide a redundant/alternate viewing ability and when standards change it isn't a big hurdle to upgrade.
Now, a much simpler task ... and one that leads me to ask;
Have you considered your or another provider's PVR? The benefits are two-fold; you have the ability to access your providers onscreen schedule and program/record directly with the press of a button and secondly you can often get them to bundle it with one of their other services. The least of these is that you can often pay for it incrementally on your monthly bill or even just rent it for a few months to see if it is what you want.
Any PVR that doesn't work or interface with your digital broadcaster/provider's onscreen programming guide is relegated to basic manual recording functionality. What is the point of having the convenience to record dozens of hours of shows but having then to do that manually each time ... not to mention the other benefits that some providers provide (like TiVo's ability to track and suggest content) and continual upgrades to onscreen content and the user's ability to control it. I don't know about you, but if laying out money for a PVR I want it to do more that just be a glorified VCR.
Lastly, if I can impart some of the wisdom garnered during my two dozen years in technology it is this;
I strongly believe that if you are dealing with a reputable vendor and purchasing product from a reputable manufacturer/source then you will get what you paid for. Margins are very slim these days and competition is extremely fierce so instead of looking for that great deal, look towards getting more value for your money in other ways. One of the best ways to do this is by developing a relationship with your vendor/provider. You will usually get treated better and get more value for your money.
For example, my vendor/provider delivers digital cable TV, home and VoIP telephone, cellular telelphone, high-speed internet access and several other services. By bundling my cell phone and home phone, internet and cable TV I effectively decreased my monthly expeditures. However, the real benefit lay in the relationship built with them over the years and the leverage I now enjoy. They are very responsive to my issues; maybe they also realize that with a simple call I can pull everything away and migrate to their competitor.
Recently upon moving to a new home, I realized that the coax cable plant had been terminated in a serial/ring fashion and had to be replaced. I was looking at over $600 to fish new coax throughout the house and upon hearing my dismay, the representative I was speaking with asked me to hold while she spoke to her manager to source other options. After two minutes listing to some great music I might add, I was surprised by the even sweeter music of my vendor's rep saying that because I was a "valued customer" and because my "continued business was very important" they would provide this cabling to me at NO CHARGE and would like to schedule one of their installation consultants for a onsite survey!
Now that is getting value and all I had to do is be a good customer; and never ever forget this ... when you are a good customer don't forget to remind them of it and don't forget to ask for more value(ie. "I would like to review your PVR service but am hesitant. Can you offer me any incentives such as programming credits or a discounted price?)
DVD Recorder & VHS Combo Player with HD Tuner
by NicksNotes - 3/7/08 9:04 PM In reply to: Advice needed for an all-in-one DVR that can burn DVDs by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Jim,
Try Sony's model RDR-VXD655 DVD Recorder & VHS Combo Player with HD Tuner. You can find it at Sony Style online, or even eBay sellers.
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665186462
tuners
by cesareDH - 3/7/08 9:20 PM In reply to: Advice needed for an all-in-one DVR that can burn DVDs by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
They make DVR's with 4 tuners and 500 hours recording ability. AT&T offers one with their bundle. Sorry I don't know the brand, but am sure you can find them without too much effort.
DVD or DVR - a world of difference - what you want or need ?
by peter4012 - 3/7/08 9:42 PM In reply to: Advice needed for an all-in-one DVR that can burn DVDs by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You don't need a DVR to coppy your VHSs to DVDs - a plain simple DVD-VCR combo will do that, and the bad news is that though they may have a tuner in them - I don't know of a single one that copies while letting the tuner operate ---
Now your DVR - there are some non-TIVO / DirectTV units out there, I think most have record 1/ watch 2 ability but understand one slight issue - the open market - add on DVR's can't tune in your satelite system or your cable chanels other than the basics (on cable) - those are company controlled digital channels not readily available openly - thats how TIVO got it's nitch and why it charges what it does - not just the programming - but the service contracts with the cable co's for their chanel decoding
Next the Bad news - I havn't seen a DVR - DVD - VHS unit, and with HD it's highly unlikely one will ever show up on the market - but most DVR's will let you record to an outside source while allowing you to watch another program --
Strong suggestion - get a TV with multiple inputs - so less need for the other tuners for watching - just for recording
To Paraphrase Rain Man: DVRs Suck!
by Dr. Sparky - 3/7/08 9:43 PM In reply to: Advice needed for an all-in-one DVR that can burn DVDs by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
DVRs are to TV what VCR+ was to VCRs.
Don't waste your time or money. The fact is that you can get a good DVD Recorder for less and it does more. So what, you saw Dexter when you wanted to. I have seasons 1 and 2 on disc because I copied them with my DVD Recorder when they first aired. I can watch my discs on any DVD player and even lend them to my friends. Just like VHS but with Digital quality.
Really... Are you going to lend your DVR to a friend??? Recordable media is always on sale, I recommend chosing a brand that records in both DVD-R and DVD+R formats (the Cheapest). LG and Panasonic are both great brands, I use them both.
Considering the cost of DVDs and worse yet Blue Rays, I have satellite service with the movie networks. Whenever I want a DVD I wait for it, tape it and watch it whenever.
So what was the appeal to a DVR?
A DVR with a tuner
by temugen - 3/7/08 11:05 PM In reply to: Advice needed for an all-in-one DVR that can burn DVDs by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The Panasonic DMR-EZ47V Up-Converting 1080p DVD-Recorder/VCR Combo with Built In Tuner is available for about $160 as a refurb and has everything you want including as built-in tape player with noise reduction. It lacks only a built-in hard drive but you may want to consider an external drive/computer or just record TV programs to DVD media. At 50 cents a piece you can buy a virtual lifetime supply for the price of a TiVo.
Copy old video-tapes on DVD
by yenaro - 3/8/08 1:31 AM In reply to: Advice needed for an all-in-one DVR that can burn DVDs by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Requirements:
For your purpose, you need a sound-card, a tv-card and an DVD-burner (from the same label, for example Terratec). Don't hesitate to invest in a very good tv-card going with your tv-connection (cable, antenna, HD, ...) and going with your DVD-burner as well.
How to proceed:
First:
connect your video-recorder with a scratch cable to the tv-card. For this, plug in the cable with the scratch connector end in the scratch **** of your video recorder.
Secondly:
plug in the other cable end in the tv-card,
if the tv-card doens't have a scratch ****, use a cable with three connectors instead of the scratch connector:
- the yellow connector goes to video-in jack,
- the white connector goes to the left audio-in jack,
- the red connector goes to the right audio-in jack.
The tv-card allows you to register the video tape in a video file of your hard drive. From the hard drive you can burn it the on DVD.
A L W A Y S
R E A D
T H E
U S E R
G U I D E
The setup on a windows XP goes with a few clicks, the system is able to search all what to need itself. Otherwise, you have to look at compability between the different file formats. For this, you can download free or share ware converters from the internet.
PVR with DVD Writer?
by Marjud - 3/8/08 2:04 AM In reply to: Advice needed for an all-in-one DVR that can burn DVDs by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I too have been looking to upgrade my aging DVD recorder to (what is called in the UK at last) a PVR, such as a Topfield or Humax, with twin digital tuners and a decent-sized hard-drive, but I want one with a built-in DVD writer so I can archive stuff I want to keep or give to friends. Such a beastie doesn't seem to exist yet in the UK so I'm hanging off until it does.
I'm not worried about VHS tapes as I long ago transferred all my videos to DVD using a Macrovision-stripping cable I bought from Maplins until I discovered a hack for my LiteOn DVD recorder to make it "Macrovision-free".
TWO MACHINES REQ'D
by gary-edgar - 3/8/08 2:50 AM In reply to: Advice needed for an all-in-one DVR that can burn DVDs by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
THERE ARE TWO MACHINES YOU REQUIRE :
ONE TO TRANSFER YOUR VHS TO DVD - THERE ARE MANY OUT THERE - QUESTION IS CONNECTION TO YOUR TV - IF YOU HAVE A HIGH DEFINITION TV GET A "HDMI" VHS TO DVD RECORDER - IF NOT A RECORDER WITH A
"SCART" CONNECTION (SOME GOOD RELATIVELY CHEAP ONES AROUND)
FOOD FOR THOUGHT = THE MORE EXPENSIVE NOT ALWAYS BEST SO LOOK AT CHEAPER ONES - SOMETIMES OFFER MORE OPTIONS
THE SECOND MACHINE IS SIMPLY "TOPFIELD" ALSO CALLED A "TOPPY"
THE TOPFIELD 5800 IF YOU HAVE A SCART CONNECTION ON YOUR TV : COPY AND PASTE THIS LINK INTO YOUR WEB BROWSER ON YOUR COMPUTER :
http://www.topfield.co.uk/TF5800PVR.html
THE TOPFIELD 5810 IF YOU HAVE A "HDMI" CONNECTION ON YOUR TV : COPY AND PASTE THIS LINK INTO YOUR WEB BROWSER ON YOUR COMPUTER :
http://www.topfield.co.uk/TF5810PVR.html
PS : THIS IS THE ONE I AM GOING TO GET WHEN IT RELEASED IN UK - THIS IS THE ONE I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR.
Topfield TF5810PVR
by Marjud - 3/8/08 3:38 AM In reply to: TWO MACHINES REQ'D by gary-edgarWould it have killed them to include a 20-quid DVD-writer?
No DVR/PVRs with DVDs
by davewhite5 - 3/8/08 7:17 AM In reply to: Topfield TF5810PVR by MarjudYes because it would be illegal. The movie studios don't want people making digital copies of their copyrighted work directly onto DVDs from cable.
cable to DVD
by anna3333 - 3/20/08 4:12 PM In reply to: No DVR/PVRs with DVDs by davewhite5That's right, the movie companies don't want cable to DVD because if they have to go thru VHS first, the image quality is dumbed-down (on purpose).
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