Need Advice on stand alone DVR

inthezone · 08-15-2007, 05:32 PM

Hi,

I'd like to get a DVR, and getting one from my cable company is out, since they have a shortage and only offer it to premium package customers. I'm looking for a DVR that will record HD. I don't see a lot of models that are stand alone and HD. Has anyone tried the Sony DHG-HDD250? I really don't want to subscribe to a service--I don't mind looking up my programs and entering in the record sessions manually. Are there any others models besides Sony that fit the bill?

David Norman · 08-15-2007, 06:12 PM

There aren't a lot of options for a standalone no subscription HD DVR. The Sony 250/500 may be the only reasonable options out for now though they have been discontinued for over a year so finding one may be the hardest part of that option. Many folks have reported finding old models sitting on shelves of Tweeter, Fry's and some of the Big Box stores, but it seems to be luck more than skill to find any of these units at all.

By far and away the most info on these units is in this thread (all 10000+ posts now) if you've not already found this.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=537711

inthezone · 08-16-2007, 02:14 PM

Thanks David,

Looks like it is best to not pursue the HD DVR at this time. I'd want to buy something that is still current and supported. Seems logical that something should come out before too long.

David Norman · 08-16-2007, 06:17 PM

Many folks who are looking for that route these days are seriously looking into HTPC solutions since they can build their own and keep it current. Since most of these type units are basically miniPC's anyway, a full blown HTPC gives you the DVR part plus some added flexibility.

For me the new TIVO HDDVR holds some possibilities since I already have a lifetime enabled Series 2 -- the sub $300 price is interesting, but I'd be able to get the Multisubscription rate of $7/month so it would be quite a bit cheaper than building even a basic HTPC or renting a TWC box for more than a year since that would end up costing me an additional 30/month to upgrade my service that far.

Right now my best option is probably to upgrade my current DirecTV to the HR20 since that would only cost me an extra $5/month as an add-on unit. I think I could probably get at least one free unit since I've subscribed since Day 1. That will likely hinge on exactly how the rollout of the new HD channels goes next month.

inthezone · 08-17-2007, 03:23 PM

Wow, a hole new area to explore HTPC. I'm new to HT and will be getting my first system soon. I never considered the HTPC, but now it makes perfect sense. Thanks for putting the idea into my head. Looks like if you get a PC with Windows XP or Vista media center edition, you can use is as a DVR, as long as you have the right card to connect to your digital cable. For the time begin, I better focus on getting my core system up and running, then research the HTPC angle.

**HTF Ads**

David Norman · 08-17-2007, 04:18 PM

Definately worth looking into to either buying a premade PC or building your own which isn't much (if any) more difficult than building a regular PC though there are some unique problems (fan noise and cooling specifically). Definately plenty of info here and over on AVS Forums



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