It's been a while since I've been to the forum. Back when I was active, it was heavily Panny vs Pioneer. Now I see that Pioneer really makes only one model.

So... what are the current best recorders with HDD in the lower price range?

You know, it's funny that you mentioned that. I know there are several "Disc Only" (no HDD) DVD Recorders that are getting more inexpensive, Panasonic has a few models and there's that Magnavox that everyone talks about. But other than the slowly fading away Pioneer 640 (that has it's own thread about how it's disappearing), maybe a Toshiba model that might still be floating around, and Panasonic I don't really know what's out there.

I do remember a Polaroid DVD/HDD Recorder that someone posted about in here saying it was very easy to upgrade with a larger HDD and it "allowed" you to do that, as some units have to be factory reset if you tamper with them, but I can't even find a place online that still sells it.

I think with all this NTSC, ATSC, QAM, Digital, Analog, High Definition, Standard Definition stuff that is going on with cable companies (if yours hasn't yet, they soon will be) it's probably not all that bad of an idea to wait until newer units get released that can use their own tuners to tune in channels instead of recording only from a Line Input feed from the Cable Box.

There is so much going on these days, no wonder it seems like there has been a minimization of DVD/HDD Recorders lately. As it is I am changing from Cablevision (Optimum Online) to Verizon Fios shortly (they do the switch on 04/03/07), and I am wondering if I will be able to tune in channels with my Pioneer 640. I guess I will just have to wait and see.

I'm happy with my Sylvania

As it is I am changing from Cablevision (Optimum Online) to Verizon Fios shortly (they do the switch on 04/03/07), and I am wondering if I will be able to tune in channels with my Pioneer 640. .
Only the locals below ch 50.

This is about the hardest time to answer the original question - lots of unknowns.

Only the locals below ch 50.

This is about the hardest time to answer the original question - lots of unknowns.

Hey biker19:

There is something I am curious about. I definitely agree with you about how many unknowns there are today, but I was wondering about something.

Being that Verizon Fios is Fiber Optic and massive amounts of information can pass through a Fiber Optic line, I wonder if they will include an NTSC signal so that equipment with NTSC tuners will still function?

Even if what you said, about channels below #50, is all that works it will still be beneficial to me for shows I like on the basic...2-13 channels (like ABC, NBC, FOX, WB11, etc...) then I will have to go the Line Input route for other stuff.

A friend of mine has FIOS. He receives the local channels (below 50) in analog NTSC and clear QAM. For everything else he needs their STB. The FIOS channel has it's own wavelength and operates at 850 MHz which is enough bandwidth for 300-400 HD channels in full HD quality. Telephone, Internet and on-demand use a different wavelength.

This is how it works in DE. Other regions may be different depending on the regions negotiations with Verizon.

A friend of mine has FIOS. He receives the local channels (below 50) in analog NTSC and clear QAM. For everything else he needs their STB. The FIOS channel has it's own wavelength and operates at 850 MHz which is enough bandwidth for 300-400 HD channels in full HD quality. Telephone, Internet and on-demand use a different wavelength.

This is how it works in DE. Other regions may be different depending on the regions negotiations with Verizon.

Thanks Kelson.

I am in New Jersey and I will have to see what happens when they come do the switch. It is a big help however knowing that at least the first 50 channels will work through my NTSC Tuner...a BIG help.

there aren't any. lol unless you like rap.


Beatles all the way!

I do remember a Polaroid DVD/HDD Recorder that someone posted about in here saying it was very easy to upgrade with a larger HDD and it "allowed" you to do that, as some units have to be factory reset if you tamper with them, but I can't even find a place online that still sells it..



$160 shipped, Factory renewed, Buy It Now price, on ebay.

Thanks Kelson.

I am in New Jersey and I will have to see what happens when they come do the switch. It is a big help however knowing that at least the first 50 channels will work through my NTSC Tuner...a BIG help.I wish you God's speed with Verizon. Verizon came to my development and dug up the yards to run fiber around the neighborhood (cutting quite a few Comcast cales in the process) in December 2005. It is now April 2007 and they are still not offering to hook up our houses with even Internet access, let alone FIOS TV.

:(