Record two channels at once?

[paddyb]

I know that some PVR's (Personal Video Recorder - sorry doesn't appear to be a separete forum for them on here) have duel digital tuners, possibly some DVD recorders do as well. So i'm wondering if its possbile to record two channels at at same time? Seems feasable. On a DVR maybe one challel to disc and another to HDD. On a PVR both to HDD.

Any info on this?

[BobK]

It's possible. My sister rents a digital recorder from the cable company and it will record 2 channels at once. It doesn't burn disks so both record to the HD.

[paddyb]

Thanks. Do you know what make it is?

Anybody: do most HDD recorders allow this? they don't seem to advistise this reature much if they do, which is a suprise as i think it's a real plus (l own two VCR's at the mo and often have to set both of them to record didfferent channels at same time).

[Capmaster]

I haven't seen that feature on a DVD recorder yet. Handy to have .... 8)

[bdgriff]

With time warner, the Scientific Atlanta 8000 series (8000 or 8300 HD) have dual tuners. Your not making yourself very clear though. Do you want this on a DVD recorder or from a DVR??? I rent my DVR from TW for about 9 $ a month...

[anzimike]

I have Phillips DSR6000R purchased from directtv, can simultaneosly record 2 channels to hdd, (you must be watching 1 of the recording channels). It requires 2 independent satellite inputs. You cannot use a splitter. You must have satellite dish with multiple feeds or use multiplexer($100 to $200). Standard round satellite dish has 2 feeds, larger elliptical dish has 4. I am aware of only pioneer dvr57h and dvr810h and toshiba rs-tx60 and rs-tx20 to be dvr and dvd recorers with tivo support and all 4 only have 1 satellite input so I doubt you can record two simultaneously on either.

[edDV]

Each cable or sat service will have something to offer for dual channel recording with DVR.

BeyondTV's Medusa will run 6 PVR's if you want.
http://www.byopvr.com/displayarticle168.html

[Racer2x]

Yup. I just got my Dish 522 a month or so ago. Nice features. Now, if only they can work on reliability......

[paddyb]

thanks for your advise. the systems you are recomending all sound like satalite & cable, but at least it shows the concept works. i'm looking forsomething that will record two channels simultaniously on terrestrial or freeview in the uk, preferably with HDD and DVD Recorder. I am sure something will come on the market soon if not already.

[Duchess]

There is another, albeit expensive option. Build yourself a PC with two tuners and Microsoft Media center 2005 software installed. It'll record two TV progs at the same time onto your HDD and do a whole raft of other things too.

Take a look at the current Personal Computer World magazine, they've been writing up how to install and set up such a system.

[oldfart13]

Check out specs on new Dishnetwork receiver, last comment on this page:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=511168

[picrthis]

thanks for your advise. the systems you are recomending all sound like satalite & cable, but at least it shows the concept works. i'm looking forsomething that will record two channels simultaniously on terrestrial or freeview in the uk, preferably with HDD and DVD Recorder. I am sure something will come on the market soon if not already.

I wouldn't count on anything 'soon' as the new models for the year have already been announced and none of them have what you are lookinh for. So it will probably be years before we see anything like that beyond cable or sat systems.

[RMaddog]

Duchess: Build yourself a PC with two tuners.

I agree, it's eazy to do and with the price to build your own system at an all time low, it is a very ecconomical way to do it also. You can put in the HDD size of your liking and the burner of your choice. The only hard part is the software that works best for you.