Jake_J_HT

what happened to the plain old DVRs

I know I remember seeing HDD VCR replacements years ago before the subscription services really took hold and then they disappeared.

I don't want a subscription service for an EPG, and I don't want satellite. I just want a digital recorder to replace my VCR. I'm perfectly capable of programming my weekly Enterprise or other occasional series. These new DVD recorder/DVR combos are too expensive and I don't need DVD-R capability either. I just want a big fat HDD recorder. Is there anything out there to satisfy my simple needs?

Jake

MickeS

There are a whole lot of graphics cards + software that can do this, if you don't mind doing it on the PC.

If you want to do it on a standalone unit, try and find an old Series 1 Tivo, I believe they worked without the subscription service. The PC would probably be a better alternative though.

If you feel like tinkering with a DIY solution, there's http://www.freevo.org, a Linux-based amateur project. No clue how good it is, but I've been thinking about trying it out.

I still think a regular Tivo is worth every penny though...

/Mike

/Mike

Bob McElfresh

There are a few things to search for:

ShowStopper
Replay

I dont know about their subscription service plans.

But I will say that one of my great love of PVR's comes from the search feature which needs the listings. I can search for my favorite shows/actors and one-button program to record.

When I look at my recorded shows, the title and descriptions are all available. Without the subscription you would just see:

Wed 4/9 channel 7, 7pm 60 minutes
Wed 4/9 channel 4, 8pm 30 minutes

The fatter the hard drive, the more of this you will see. And how will you know which listing is that favorite Letterman episode or the un-watched Firefly/Enterprise/ER shows? It will quickly become frustrating to use.

I think you would be disapointed if you got a PVR without listings service.

Brian Kleinke

I'm using an old Tivo with out the service to act like a HDD VCR and a time shifter.

So you can't do this on the new ones?? Ie they force you to have the stupid (IMO) service??

And Bob, I have that type of listing you describe... but it doesn't bother me one bit since I know the days and times of shows I care about.

Not to mention with my digital cable the TIVO can't change the channel so all that channel info the service provides is useless, since my digital cable (it's over DSL lines) provides it all

Parker Clack

Jake:

ReplayTV is selling a refurbed 5040 for $330 with lifetime activation. I understand they are selling so many of them that the are sending out new units to keep up with the demand. Go to ReplayTV and check it out.

Parker

Josh J

You could technically record on a Tivo box without the service but it would be a lot more of a pain in the ass.

Leroy

That's what's keeping me from getting a PVR. I don't record very often (usually if i'm gonna be out of town and don't want to miss something in particular)so paying for a subscription is worthless to me. I would have thought HDD recorders that work just like a regular VCR would be the logical step for VCR replacement rather than subscription based units.

I never have, nor ever will record much, I just hate having to dig up a tape for the occasional recording(the only reason I still have a VCR).

I rule all that I survey...and that ain\'t much.

Ken Chan

You may be overestimating the average person's ability to program a VCR (even with VCR-Plus) and set the clock.

//Ken

Stephen Tu

But that's the whole point of a PVR ... you don't record much on a VCR because it's a hassle. With a PVR, it's so easy, that you just record everything. 99% of the shows you watch, you set up a recording for it. Then everything is on your own schedule, you watch what you want when you feel like it; never have to arrange to be in front of the TV when a show comes on that you wanted to see. You set up the recording whether or not you think you'll be around, and don't think about it ever again, just pop up the list of recorded programs and watch it. Don't have to wait until the show's over to start watching either, another reason I bet you don't record often with VCRs.

You'd only not record often with a PVR if you just don't watch TV shows.

Rick Anderson

The RCA Scenium combines a 40GB DVR with a progressive scan DVD player for $4-500.