What DVD recorders w/hard drives, if any, will record everything off DISH Network? I realize I will probably have to get one used/refurbished.

You only have 3 US models with hard drives to choose from. The Philips DVDR3575H is easily the best of the lot. There is plenty of information here on it.

If there are things it won't record, you'll need a "video enhancer" like the Video Filter, DP5000 or ATX500.

Thanks. I'm looking for older, discontinued models that don't have the copy protect system.

Panasonics and Pioneers are usually a good bet.

If they don't work for ~$100+ you can get a video filter which will take care of any protections on the Dish. I personally wouldn't be without one. Even with older DVDR's they are still sometimes needed.

Unfortunately, the Toshiba XS models are sensitive to copy protection signals, so they won't record every Dish channel. I can record all non-premium package channels except for the Encore channels (mystery, western, etc.) and PPV stuff.

My Polaroid DRM2001 (80GB) and DRA-0601A (160GB) have had no problem with copy protected channels.

Since I prefer using my Toshiba XS54, I run my Dish composite output through the Polaroid and into the XS54's other input for copy protected channels. Works fine. And I have an extra HDD recorder for the same price as just a filter. A filter/enchancer is probably a safer bet in the long run, though. I don't know if variations in the CPRM signals may eventually affect the Polaroids.

I used to do the same thing with a Sony:eek:Betamax, if you can believe that, Sony:D
I would feed my VHS player through the line input/output of the Betamax to another VHS recorder and wala! it would remove the VHS CP. Note this did not work for DVD's, so I ended up getting a Sima CT-2, which works wonders.
I recently saw the Polaroid 160 for $149 at Microcenter, you're right for that price if it does indeed remove the CP it's not much more than a filter only.

I infrequently record anything on a copy protected channel, and I don't get HBO/Showtime, so I can't be 100% certain that the Polaroids work in every single case, but I've never had a problem. Maybe another Dish/Polaroid user can chime in.

Some of us were lucky to get a new Polaroid DRA-01601A from woot for $100 (a big thank you to the member who posted about it!!!). I'm still kicking myself for not getting a new Sima when they were cheap and readily available. When I eventually get a DP-5000 for stabilizing transfers of my old VHS tapes, I'll compare its PQ to using the Polaroid as a filter.

Yeah, from recent reports, Sony really has changed.