Can't a DVD Recorder just use a Digital TV's Tuner?

[Frederico]

I live in a desert area here in Cal. We don't have cable nor Direc TV Dish Network TV. Hence, I get my TV over the air, through an antenna. I don't mind

Question: I'd love to buy a DVD Recorder. Most models out there are "tuner-less". They say that they connect to your cable or satellite tuner box. As I said, I have neither.

Can't you connect the DVD Recorder to your Digital TV set and to use the TV's digital tuner?

Or will these tuner-less DVD Recorders only work with the aforementioned Cable or Satellite tuner boxes??

Please help!

[jagabo]

Tunerless DVD recorders typically have s-video and composite inputs. Some (not many) TVs have a "Monitor Out" feature where whatever you are watching is output via an s-video or composite output (this also means the TV has to be on and tuned to the channel you want to record anything). If you're TV has a monitor out port you can use one of those DVD recorders. Otherwise you'll need a DVD recorder with an ATSC tuner built in. Or an external ATSC tuner box. For example:

http://www.amazon.com/Coby-DTV102-Standard-Definition-Converter-Black/dp/B001HB4PXE/

[handyguy]

Magnavox ones have OTA digital tuners. Great machines, from WM.

[usually_quiet]

External ATSC tuners/converter boxes can be used with a DVD recorder (I have done it), but they are not as useful as a DVD recorder with its own ATSC tuner. Converter boxes nearly always have a timer that turns them off after a period of inactivity, usually 4 hours, and most will not change channels according to a pre-programmed schedule. The inactivity timer feature can be a problem if you want to record TV while asleep or away from home, and unless the converter box can change channels according to a schedule, you are restricted to recording a single channel.

If your budget allows, the Magnavox DVD recorders with a hard drive sold byWalmart offer more conveniences than a tunerless DVD recorder that only records to DVDs. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Magnavox-HDD-and-DVD-Recorder-with-Digital-Tuner-320GB/20710260

[Frederico]

Thanks all for the replies. And thank you usually quiet for recommending the Magnavox DVR/DVD Machine!

Yes, my budget does allow for this machine and yes, I have a Wal-Mart about 23-24 miles from me!

Again, thank you all for your help!

[usually_quiet]

Thanks all for the replies. And thank you usually quiet for recommending the Magnavox DVR/DVD Machine!

Yes, my budget does allow for this machine and yes, I have a Wal-Mart about 23-24 miles from me!

Again, thank you all for your help!

The Magnavox DVD recorders Walmart sells need to be purchased online in most cases. Brick-and-mortar Walmart stores hardly ever carry them. Home delivery is available, but you can also have your order delivered to a Walmart store for pickup if home delivery poses a problem, or if it saves enough money on delivery charges.