Which hd recorder

[U722403]

I am looking for a device that:
- is able to record tv programs and play these later on TV. So a hard disk recorder
- plays divx/mpeg4/avi files stored on the hard disk on the TV
- may communicate with a computer.
A media center PC is too expensive for this application.

[Frobozz]

The only ones with an Ethernet connection to computers that I'm aware of are the Toshiba RD-XS55 and RD-XS54. They are spendy. The Pioneer DVR-640H supports DivX playback. But it is nearly unavailable.

Right now you should get any HDD DVD recorder you can find. They are disappearing quickly.

[RabidDog]

KISS me quick. or Xapture card on pc, linked to a networked device netgear nva700, pinnacle showcentre, xoros ???

[NiteLite]

The only ones with an Ethernet connection to computers that I'm aware of are the Toshiba RD-XS55 and RD-XS54. They are spendy. The Pioneer DVR-640H supports DivX playback. But it is nearly unavailable.

Right now you should get any HDD DVD recorder you can find. They are disappearing quickly.

Why is that???
Pioneer emailed me that I could buy one from their site for a short time . But not sure if I want to pay the full retail plus shipping and whatever else they may charge.
I got my 1st 640-Hs for under $300. but cant find one now anywhere.
Some shady places claim to have them but they are really in a back order status and doubt they get more.
I didnt know this was going on with all the HDD Recorders...what's going on?
Anyone know?
Thanks.
NL

[handyguy]

There were some posts about Pioneer getting out of the dvd recorder market. Our dvd recorder list is:
https://www.videohelp.com/dvdrecorders

[NiteLite]

There were some posts about Pioneer getting out of the dvd recorder market.

Yes I saw that some time back but it didnt read as an absolute to me.(?)
My real question was directed about Frobozz's post that "all" Recorders with Hard Drives seem to be disappearing.
I still am wondering what is going on?
I really like my Pioneer 640 and would like to buy another (at a fair price) but would be up for another brand if the 640 is absolutly gone for good and no replacement.
Typical...Pioneer finally gets it right with the 640 then discontinues the line..
That's just sad.
NL

[Frobozz]

I don't know why it is happening. I suspect part of it is due to the mandatory ATSC tuner switchover. But it also is likely due to low profitability and to hassles from the entertainment moguls regarding copy protection and licensing. A couple years ago these recorders were priced at $700+ but the price fell to half that when the cheap DVD recorders without hard drives came into the market. Pioneer wanted out of the U.S. market because it wasn't profitable. They still sell DVD recorders in other countries.

I have no inside knowledge about this. It's just my speculation.

[handyguy]

Also people are renting them from the cable company instead.

[NiteLite]

Frobozz & handyguy...
Thanks for the info. It makes sense, still sad, but I see where you could be hitting the mark on some of the main reasons as to why.
Thanks again for the insight.

U722403...
I hope you have found a device that serves your purpose. From the thread it appears it might not be easy but if you do find something let us know.
Thanks for the thread. It's provided some useful info.
Regards,
NL

[U722403]

After surfing for one week, I found only one device: the kiss DP-558. But there are too much problems with that device.
So I decided to switch to digital television and to buy the hard disk recorder from that company.
And I will go on to connect my laptop to the television when I want to play divx movies. So I play these from the external hard disk connected to my laptop.
Thanks for the comments.