Help with decision about DVR, DVD Recorder or TiVo

[stefanla]

I currently do not have a DVD Recorder or a DVR or MySky[which is the New Zealand version of TiVo], I'm trying to decide which of these would best meet my needs. I would like to be able to record TV and timeshift it and to possibly store it on my computer. The main problem is I don't know the differences between each of these "devices", and therefore cannot make an informed decision. Any help would be much appreciated.

[zzyzzx]

I'm waiting for the day that they make a Tivo that's essentially a VCR without the tape. Currently in the US such a thing only exists if you are willing to connect it to a phone line and pay a monthly fee. Both of which I find objectionable. Or maybe a programmable DVD recorder with a built in tuner. But again, such a thing doesn't exist yet.

[stryker]

Toshiba makes a DVD recorder (RS-TX20) that has a 120GB hard drive built-in plus free TiVo basic.

[Guest]

I hate my tivo. you might see if your cable provider rents dvr boxes.i miss my comcast dvr. I sent Charter's back cuz it sucked

[Guest]

I'm waiting for the day that they make a Tivo that's essentially a VCR without the tape. Currently in the US such a thing only exists if you are willing to connect it to a phone line and pay a monthly fee. Both of which I find objectionable. Or maybe a programmable DVD recorder with a built in tuner. But again, such a thing doesn't exist yet.

well, the tivo can connect to a wifi network for updates(i hated the phone thing,i had no jack near the tv).

Monthly fee? kiss my ass. I had it down to $6/month. I didnt cancel during a move. They cancelled me cuz it didnt dial up and update. For this, i would have to go back to $13/month. Thats when it went into the closet.

I think they do make programable dvrs.I'm pretty sure.

[Conquest10]

Currently in the US such a thing only exists if you are willing to connect it to a phone line and pay a monthly fee.

Nope. You only choose not to acknowledge its existence.

[yoda313]

I like my tivo. It does want I want it to do - especially since I disabled those idiotic tivo suggestions - I only want it to record what I tell it to.

Reasons to get one of the following - I have both a dvd recorder settop and a tivo:

1 - dvd recorder - quick results to final product - actually getting a usable disc immediately after recording. Actually you have to finalize a - or +r disc to use in another player about 4 minutes to 10 minutes depending on maufacterer. You can have auto chapter cuts inserted also.

2 - tivo - great for recordings you don't intend to save. You can save them to a pc/mac using tivo desktop - you can send it wifi or via lan and then you can convert the file to dvd. BUT its not exactly dvd quality.

3 - a tivo with a dvd burner - they do make them so you can have both options - but you have to pay for the tivo service obviously.

bottom line - if you plan to archive a lot of stuff get a dvd recorder.

If you only want to save them occosaiionally by manually recording live to a vcr or doing the wifi/lan transfer than getting a tivo is great. You just plan your recordings and you don't have to ever remember to pop in a disc or a tape.

Those are basically the guidelines you need to decide between the two units.

Also consider an option from your local cable/satellite company as you can probably get a dvr thats cheaper but may not carry the official tivo name (ie knockoff brand).

feel free to ask me questions as I have experience with both as I'm sure many many readers here have as well.

[zzyzzx]

I'm still waiting for a DVD recorder that has a built in ATSC SDTV tuner. Preforably with a built in VCR also.

[lumis]

I'm waiting for a CD burner that has a built in HD Radio tuner, preferably with a built in casette player/recorder.

[zzyzzx]

I'm waiting for a CD burner that has a built in HD Radio tuner, preferably with a built in casette player/recorder.

At least what I'm asking for actually does exist, except they all have crappy analog tuners.

[lumis]

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12760_7-9675202-5.html

Not all of them.

I found yours, now you find mine.

At least what I'm asking for actually does exist, except they all have crappy analog tuners.

[Dr. DOS]

I've been playing with the Dlink DSM520 media receiver. So, I use my computer as the recording machine and then stream the newly captured clip to the Dlink which then plays back the vid on the TV. Kinda a poor mans PVR.

[teegee420]

I use this recorder when my cable box's DVR is occupied. It works just like a VCR. There's no electronic program guide, though.

[SquirrelDip]

DVR's are getting pretty cheap and now having one for about 6 months (maybe a year) I don't know how I survived with only a VCR. I've got a fairly cheap one, Zenith (made by LG), with pretty basic features - one plus is it plays DIVX/XVID.

Electronic Program Guide would be nice but I haven't found it a necessity. I originally thought computer access would be a must but have found that I haven't missed it - being able to burn a DIXV to a CD and play it has been more important. You can find most anything you miss...

As for getting programs on the computer, I added a Hauppauge 250 card and have the cable running to it.

[zzyzzx]

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12760_7-9675202-5.html

At least what I'm asking for actually does exist, except they all have crappy analog tuners.

But I still have to wait until May.
It's not like I'm going to buy a crappy analog VCR to tie me over until then. Already did that with the TV.

[clogman]

Go to a forum that will help you choose, plus give you masses of information on upgrading, tweaking and personalising your PVR:
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=90