DVD recorder vs Replay/Tivo

[zakman]

I want to record from standard VHF/UHF antenna and VHS tapes. In the end, I want an mpeg file which I can edit with Womble MVW on my PC. I am trying to decide if I should buy a Replay/Tivo DVR or buy a DVD recorder. If I buy a Replay (or Tivo), I would use the ethernet connection to transfer to my computer. If I buy a DVD recorder, I would physically carry the DVD from the recorder to my PC. I also know you can get DVD recorders with hard disks, but that seems like too much money for me.

I already have an old Replay (Showstopper) but I have two problems with it: the recordings seem grainy to me (even on highest quality setting) and it does not have an ethernet connection (because it is an older model). Does anyone have any experience with comparing picture quality of a hard disk recorder vs a DVD recorder? I know that technically, the differences really have to do with the MPEG compression algorithms, but maybe practically, one is better than the other.

One other consideration: what about Macrovision copy protection of VHS tapes? Is one better than the other?

[RMaddog]

I would go with the DVD Recorder, That's what I use and love it. With Tivo and replay you have to deal with the files and extracting them from their orginal format, then author the DVD. With the DVD Recorder all you have to do is copy edit and burn. Just my 2 cents.

[handyguy]

Why don't you get a dvd recorder WITH Tivo?

https://www.videohelp.com/dvdrecorders

[zakman]

Why don't you get a dvd recorder WITH Tivo?

I am considering this, but it costs more and I am not sure if it is worth it.

Thanks RMaddog. I agree that the DVD recorder might be a little simpler, but wasn't sure about video quality. Anyone else want to chime in on the advantages disadvantages?

[handyguy]

You can also get a dvd recorder with a HD & Guide Plus, which is like Tivo. Those are under $400, the new panasonics that is.

[cd090580]

I also use a DVD Recorder and then I edit (cut commercials and/or beginning/end of the recording) the mpeg2 files and author on my computer. It's a lot faster than capturing and encoding files.

[sync]

My DVD recorder (pioneer 420) has better quality than my Tivo for digital satellite. I don't know if you would notice the difference on your sources. The DVD recorder is much better for creating DVDs. But I wouldn't want to give up the Tivo for regular tv viewing.

[zakman]

I also use a DVD Recorder and then I edit (cut commercials and/or beginning/end of the recording) the mpeg2 files and author on my computer. It's a lot faster than capturing and encoding files.

cd090580,

So do you use the DVD Recorder to do your edits or some software on your computer?

[nelson133]

Just a dvdrecorder will not help with commercial tapes with Macrovision . You will need a separate Macrovision remover. I use a Canopus AVDC 100 box to convert the tapes to DV and pass them on to the computer or recorder. A separate tbc may also work if placed between the recorder and the vcr. While some recorders may say they have a tbc on board, it won't solve your Macrovision problem. Nyah Levi

[sync]

Just a dvdrecorder will not help with commercial tapes with Macrovision . You will need a separate Macrovision remover. I use a Canopus AVDC 100 box to convert the tapes to DV and pass them on to the computer or recorder. A separate tbc may also work if placed between the recorder and the vcr. While some recorders may say they have a tbc on board, it won't solve your Macrovision problem. Nyah Levi

The Canopus doesn't remove Macrovision and therefore would not be useful with a recorder.

[zleepy]

Just a dvdrecorder will not help with commercial tapes with Macrovision

FALSE !!!

Both Liteon and iLO record MV tapes & dvd's, after hacked firmware is installed

[TwoBells]

If you plan to record satellite channels and are in the UK please read this first:

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=269029


TB

[bugster]

If you plan to record satellite channels and are in the UK please read this first:

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=269029


TB

And THIS POST by the same poster on the same day.

[pepegot1]

You can get a video stabilizer, to remove Macrovision, cheaply here:

http://www.checkhere22.com/stabilizer.html

Use A Video recorder

[tac7]

"You can get a video stabilizer, to remove Macrovision, cheaply here:
http://www.checkhere22.com/stabilizer.html"

This particular unit works with some, but not all types of copyrighted video sources, which would require a full-frame TBC. -tac7

[zakman]

This particular unit works with some, but not all types of copyrighted video sources, which would require a full-frame TBC. -tac7

Do you have a suggestion for a full-frame TBC?

[lordsmurf]

TIVO files are voodoo. Forget that complex mess. Get a DVD recorder, JVC is best. Pioneer and LiteOn/ILO come in second.

[zakman]

Thanks all. I just bought a Pioneer DVR-225 from BestBuy. It was their floor model so I got a good deal ($129, included remote, batteries, manual, cables, sample media, but limited warrany). I figured that for that price, I couldn't go wrong. Once again, I really appreciate all your help!

[painkiller]

Zakman,

LordSmurf's answer is 100% correct. Short, sweet and to the point.

But, for your sake and others - you should know that the format of the Tivo files is essentially proprietary and not easily transferred to dvd by and of themselves.

The current methods for collecting tivo files from a Series 2 Tivo machine into a PC requires the use of a free software tool called TyTool. But you have to be fairly knowledgeable of the terms and computerese to work through the process. (I'm not there yet, myself.)

There is a commercial answer if you don't go with the one above - but I don't like it at all (now).
Once you have a Series 2 Tivo and hook it up, you have to request the Tivo to Go upgrade. After that, the only current software on the market at this time to take these files, edit them and burn to dvd is a product called MyDVD 6.1 by Sonic. Short answer? It takes forever. I have come to the conclusion this isn't what I want. For a 2 hr movie, it took around 3 to 4 hours to transfer a copy from Tivo to my PC, 30 minutes to import into MyDVD, 15 to 30 minutes to edit, 2 to 4 hours to compile and burn the finished product.

I am not impressed with that setup. Although I have come to love the Tivo very much, I think more can be done to make things better for us - not more difficult.

Hopefully there will be a better solution in the (near?) future.

[rkr1958]

I transfer files from my TIVO series 2 unit to my PC and to DVD all the time ... no problem ... the trick is that my TIVO unit includes a DVD-R(W) drive. I record a program to the harddrive and then write it to a DVD-RW. I then rip the program from the DVD-RW to my PC harddrive, use TMPGEnc DVDAuthor to cut out commericals, put in menus and I reauthor. I then burn with Nero and now I've got the recorded program, commerical free and on DVD.