DVRs

Ed Fenwick · Sep 26, 2011

Aloha Y'all,

Do any of you know if there is a DVR that doesn't require a monthly contract? I just want to hook it up and record, much as I did with a VCR.

Thanks and God bless Ed

Brandon Poorman · Sep 26, 2011

I believe you can actually do this with your computer. I'm not sure of all the details, but I'm pretty sure there is some way you can.

Thomas Rogers · Sep 26, 2011

Ed,

Yes, there are. Rather than called DVRs (which I guess would be too convenient) the consumer device you are looking for is more often called an "HDD Recorder."

Many models also have an integrated DVD recorder so that you can record programs to either the HDD (hard disk drive) or to a recordable DVD.

These devices come with and without OTA (over the air) tuners. Those with OTA HD tuners would get my vote if wanting your programming on the cheap.

Just one such device is linked below... but there are no doubt dozens if not hundreds of others:

Doctor CAD · Sep 27, 2011

Also depends on your source.

If it is cable or satellite, you are out of luck, as the devices they use are proprietary and not allowed to be used without contract.

Some DVR's will allow you to record QAM if your cable company sends it unencrypted through your cable, and a TIVO (and maybe a few other brands) will allow a cable card, but that also requires a contract.

The one TJR listed will work, but it is not HD.

Thomas Rogers · Sep 27, 2011

DoctorCad, Ed,

Yes, the hi-def (HD) versions are out there but much more expensive.

There are HD recorders out there that support CableCard and therefore would work with all your cable channels. However, as DoctorCad said, your cable company leases you the card, and it is typically around $10/month. Also, it is a nightmare to try to get and have provisioned these CableCards from most cable companies. I haven't personally tried it, but I understand the support models and various structures in place at most cable companies and recognize they simply aren't set up for, nor incented to provide these devices.

One device that comes up again and again is the pricey Moxi box, which supports HD and CableCard (see link below).

TJR

Bill V · Sep 27, 2011

Ed, I don't think this is what you meant, but just in case I'm wrong about that--with TiVo, for some of their devices you have the option of paying a one-time lifetime subscription, rather than month-to-month.

Roger Batts · Sep 27, 2011

Put a tuner card (like Hauppauge) in your computer that has Windows Vista or Windows 7 in it. The tuner will integrate with Windows Media Player and allow you to record directly to your hard drive. If the card doesn't come with one, you would also need to get a Media Center compatible remote. I have been running a Hauppauge 1250 hybrid card in my Dell for four years with both Vista and 7 without any problems.

Andy Chase · Sep 27, 2011

I used a DVD recorder before we got cable. I bought it at Target, we would have to record to disks. My dad won one that had an internal hardrive, but would also record on to disks if you wanted to keep something