dvr hdd usage

[crazythunder]

i saw some tivo reviews that state you can turn on your tv and rewind 30 min into a program. ?? does this mean that if your tv is turned off at channel 60 etc.. it is constantly recording to the hdd, even though you never programmed it to? if so, isn't this excessive wear on the hdd? the review was from circuit city, so probably a newb, could've been wrong. os there a way to stop this, ie. turn the tivo box off? do dvr\s without tivo do this as well? can you turn it off there as well?

[sync]

Tivo is always on and always recording. My Tivo has been running non-stop for four years. I just replaced my drive as a preventative act. With the current cost of drives I wouldn't be concerned about it.

[crazythunder]

i realize hdd prices are low. it just seems a little excessive to me. regardless, if i get a set top without tivo, can i simply power it down. i guess that was a stupid question, but , i guess i mean, will the power button stop it from recording 24/7? thanks for your reply.

[sync]

Tivo doesn't even have a power button.

[Frobozz]

if i get a set top without tivo, can i simply power it down.

Using the Pioneer DVR-520 as an example, it has a power button. Nothing is recorded until you turn it on and press the record button.

One of the conveniences of hard drive recorders such as TIVO, ReplayTV and the Motorola DVR I have with my Concast service is they automatically record whatever you're watching. This allows you to pause or replay live TV. In order to do that with the Pioneer 520 you need to press the record button before you can pause or replay a live program.