Free DVR Solution!

[Dilemma]

I was just wondering if there was a dvr(pvr) out there that I can purchase without having to pay a monthly fee. I know I can build one or just use a capture card, but I'm looking for a standalone solution. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

[Baldrick]

it would help if you told us where you live.

[Dilemma]

I'm sorry! I live in Hartford, CT USA

[lordsmurf]

DVD recorder with a hard drive and a timer... use it like a PVR.

[Dilemma]

I meant to add that I didn't want to use a dvd recorder

[lordsmurf]

Then use a VCR.

[CaptainVideo]

http://tinyurl.com/3ulgj

Just don't use the DVD burner part of it. No monthly fee and has a hard drive built in.

[mbellot]

If you just want VCR-like functionality with a DVR/PVR, buy a Standalone Tivo Series 1 (ie Philips HDR 112/212/312) from fleabay.

The Series 1 units do not require a subscription to Tivo service to be used as a "dumb" VCR. You will not get any guide information without a sub.

Even better, if you add an ethernet board (aka TurboNET) and some software you can extract the video from the hard drive as mpeg2 (a conversion is needed, but no transcoding).

[hsugawar]

Go to http://www.interact-tv.com.

hiro

[adamrpa]

You can buy the Toshiba SD-H400 for about $150.00 on Fleabay and it is a DVD PLAYER with FREE BASIC TIVO service. My brother has one and he loves it!!!

[MikeV]

If you are looking for just a DVR, then how about one normally used for security cameras. Check this link for one example http://www.smarthome.com/7768.html

[pchan]

If have a P4 or Athlon Xp 2500+ and plenty of hard disk space, then you may want to consider setting up a PVR rig.

1. TV Card - I use Compro VideoMate TV Gold Plus. This card let the PC to go on S3 standby mode. Believe me... not all tv card support S3 standby mode.
2. PVR software. I use Showshifter 3.01.2557 for schedule recording and playback. Showshifter 3.1 gave me tons of problem.
3. Remote Control. Can AIW remote or X10. I use X10 rf remote and Girder 3.2. Just 1 press, I can pause live TV or skip commercial.