DVRs

Bill Leff · Post by **Bill Leff** » 1 Nov 2005 9:14 am

I hope this isn't too off-topic.

I'm thinking about getting a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) device from my cable provider and don't know a lot about them.

Here's a question I have:

If you are watching a show that you've recorded, can you simultaneously be recording another show?

Thanks
Bill

Bill Leff · Post by **Bill Leff** » 1 Nov 2005 10:23 am

OK, I got my answer - yes, if you have a dual-tuner DVR:

"The dual tuner lets you do two things at once: watch a live program while recording another, record two programs that are on at the same time — or even watch a previously recorded program while recording another!"

Wiz Feinberg · Post by **Wiz Feinberg** » 1 Nov 2005 1:48 pm

Bill;
Thanks for Posting that information here! Yes, it is relevant to this forum because it deals with digital technology.

I am considering switching from cable to Dish Network and a DVR was mentioned in the current offer, but I didn't know much about them. You filled in the blanks.

Wiz

Bill Leff · Post by **Bill Leff** » 1 Nov 2005 1:53 pm

But wait, there's more!

With a DVR, you can be watching a TV show at the usual time and are able to rewind and pause. So if you want to get up and get a cold one, no problem, just hit pause. Or play back a scene when you need it.

Amazing.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 1 Nov 2005 2:59 pm

Some of the DVR's also have a firewire or USB interface if you wanted to interface it with a PC and made a DVD of what you've recorded. (this assumes you have the video software and a DVD burner).

Tony Palmer · Post by **Tony Palmer** » 1 Nov 2005 4:37 pm

Oh boy, this is a subject near and dear to my heart!
First of all, I LOVE MY DVR!
I "can't" watch tv without it...it's that good. It's one of those things you wonder how you ever got along without it...so definitely get one!
Second, TIVO invented the technology and if you want to keep it TOTALLY SIMPLE, just buy a Tivo unit and do not subscribe to the service!
I think they can be bought for $99 and worth every penny, especially if you just use it as a high tech VCR and the wonderful built in ability to "freeze" live tv.
That alone is worth it. Through your VCR away...you will never record that way again.
It has a nice intuitive remote , which will replace your regular cable remote (that is important).
If you subscribe to the service, you get the added feature of being able to scroll into live data based tv information and don't have to record by time and date...just by the name of the show.
The other option is to get (rent) a cable provided DVR for digital cable only, with the above features already built in..plus you use the remote that comes with the cable box.
Look into it some more, but just get one if you're an avid tv watcher!

Jeff Agnew · Post by **Jeff Agnew** » 2 Nov 2005 6:00 am

If your DVR has an RF input (TiVo does) you can also record a cable/satellite show while watching broadcast shows received over your antenna, just like a VCR.

TiVo has by far the best interface and features on the market but the monthly fee for the program guide puts it at a disadvantage to the free units from cable companies. I disagree with Tony on its usefulness without the program guide. There is very little you can do without it except record and pause live programs. After getting TiVo, we almost never watch live TV any more. The real value of TiVo is its ability to search for things it thinks you'll like (based on your viewing habits) and that you didn't even know were on at four in the morning on some obscure channel you hardly ever watch.