Hi,


I am considering buying either a Philips DVDR3576H/37 or a Magnavox H2160MW9. I have a couple of questions.

1). When I do a search of the Magnavox site for H2160MW9, it cannot be found. It this unit being discontinued?

2). I have read a few posts and I see these units are very similar. I have an older Sony DVR which has an on screen TV Guide. Do either of these units have this feature?

Please note. I do not have either cable or satellite service. I just have a deep fringe antenna mounted on the roof and that is enough TV for me.


Thanks for your response.

Ken M
:)

Neither have TVGOS. If you can do without the DVD burner Echostar will be coming out with a HD HDD recorder next month. It will use TVGOS and it's thread is in the HDTV recorders forum.
Otherwise no current DVDR has TVGOS.

If you click on #1 in my signature, you'll see a page with lots of organized info on both models, and some specific links to Mag 2160 sales and support... it's "exclusive" to Walmart, while the Philips 3576 used to be found at some Sams Club stores as well as Walmart and many other sellers in Google Checkout (see link on that page).

Neither have TVGOS. If you can do without the DVD burner Echostar will be coming out with a HD HDD recorder next month. It will use TVGOS and it's thread is in the HDTV recorders forum.
Otherwise no current DVDR has TVGOS.
Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the info.

Do any HDTV's have TVGOS?

Ken M
:)

If you click on #1 in my signature, you'll see a page with lots of organized info on both models, and some specific links to Mag 2160 sales and support... it's "exclusive" to Walmart, while the Philips 3576 used to be found at some Sams Club stores as well as Walmart and many other sellers in Google Checkout (see link on that page).
Hi Wajo,

Thanks for the link to all the info.

It is a great help.
:)

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the info.

Do any HDTV's have TVGOS?

Ken M
:)

Yes my new Sony W4100 does. I believe the V-series and above Sony LCDs have the digital TVGOS. Not last years models though, it was just added this year. It works great BUT it's only a 24 hour guide, not the 8 day that you might be used to. Other than the 24 hour thing it looks exactly like the analog TVGOS and includes all it's search options.

You can also pick up a coupon eligible converter box (CECB) that has an EPG and hook it up to any device. I got a GE unit from Target for $40.00 (i.e. free with the coupon) and it has a great EPG.

I only got the CECB for the EPG and it works great! Couldn't beat the price either!
Hi SonicLogic,

Thanks for the suggestion. I already have a convertor box and will probably do as you suggest.

I can't figure out how to use the convertor box with my old Sony DVR if I want to program the DVR to record shows on different stations at different times. Am I missing something on the convertor box?

Ken M
:)

You would need a DVDR with a IR blaster(somewhat rare) or a CECB like the Zinwell that has timers that you need to program to automatically change the channel at any given time.

All old Sony HDD/DVD recorders with TVGOS should have IR blasters.

It's much less hassle recording and setting only the one timer on the Sony than having to set timers on both units.

If you have a TV larger than 20" - 27", you are more likely to notice the inferior picture quality of the DTVPal.

The CM-7000 works with all old HDD/DVD recorders with IR blasters, and the PQ is great over s-video. It's usually rated the best for PQ. That's really the better solution as long as you have IR blaster capabilities, IMO. Hopefully you still have the IR blaster that came with it still lying around, otherwise you'll have to order one.

The only thing good about the Pal is the guide - but the CM's isn't too bad, either. The Zinwell has no guide to speak of. If you have to buy a new DVR in the future, you probably won't have any need for the Zinwell's timers anyway, because you'll be using the recorder's tuner (unless maybe if you're getting that false copy protection from OTA signals that people are starting to complain about).

I would choose between the CM or the Zinwell, depending on whether you want to set two timers for every recording or one. Forget about the buggy Pal with the mediocre PQ.