I want a Hi-def hard disk recorder with no monthly fee

[adagio]

I have a Pioneer HDD recorder that works great, but of course, I can't record the hi-def digital channels. I'd like to do that, but I don't want the monthly fee of a Tivo-like unit. I have cable, but just the basic service. There don't seem to be a lot of units out there unless you pay a monthly fee. Anyone know of one?

Thanks.

[edDV]

I have a Pioneer HDD recorder that works great, but of course, I can't record the hi-def digital channels. I'd like to do that, but I don't want the monthly fee of a Tivo-like unit. I have cable, but just the basic service. There don't seem to be a lot of units out there unless you pay a monthly fee. Anyone know of one?

Thanks.

How are you getting HD? From a QAM TV tuner or cable box?

If cable box, see here.
http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hdpvr.html
It doesn't have a tuner.

I just record off the cable box IEEE-1394port.

[adagio]

Thanks for the link. It looks interesting.

I don't have a cable box, just cable, so I think I need a tuner too.

[edDV]

Thanks for the link. It looks interesting.

I don't have a cable box, just cable, so I think I need a tuner too.

So you don't get HD then?

[adagio]

Yes, I get HD on my digital TV, but not on my recorder of course, which is what I want to replace. Basic cable has the digital channels, just no premium channels like HBO, etc.

[edDV]

Yes, I get HD on my digital TV, but not on my recorder of course, which is what I want to replace. Basic cable has the digital channels, just no premium channels like HBO, etc.

Then you need both a HD QAM tuner ~ Samsung DTB-H260F $149 plus the device above $225 plus a computer.

Or a QAM PCI tuner in a PC with PVR software.

Or you can rent the HD-PVR tuner from your cable provider. Most do this.

PS: In case you are wondering, QAM tuner HDTV sets can tune HD local channels but they can't output HD signals for recording.