I want to get a DVD Recorder for my parents to replace there VCR, but I can't find what I want or at least the information that I need.

What I need to know is if I can plug their cable tv into and be able to record that way. Everything I read has to do with recording OTA. Also if recording cable is possible, what model would be best for them. They have a ED 42" plasma with component inputs that I'll hook it up to, and I would also like to be able to use DVD+/-RW discs. Some that I read about required DVD RAM discs.

Thanks,
Joe

I want to get a DVD Recorder for my parents to replace there VCR, but I can't find what I want or at least the information that I need.

What I need to know is if I can plug their cable tv into and be able to record that way. Everything I read has to do with recording OTA. Also if recording cable is possible, what model would be best for them. They have a ED 42" plasma with component inputs that I'll hook it up to, and I would also like to be able to use DVD+/-RW discs. Some that I read about required DVD RAM discs.

Thanks,
Joe

That's not too hard, any recorder really will record from cable. Depending on how they get their cable you'll have to decide on a model with or without a tuner. If they have a cable box, then a tuner is not absolutely necessary, if they don't, then you definitely want to avoid those. Now the thing is that many cable providers put heavy copy protection on certain channels, which will prevent you from recording them. Thos are usually premium channels, but I am having problems recording stuff from Oxygen for instance on my LG recorder. It's kind of hard to say what will and what will not work it varies greatly.

No recorder that I am aware of "requires" RAM discs, some are compatible with them, but they definitely accept other formats as well.

You might want to consider something with a hard drive, your parents will love you for it.

Most recorders these days accept both +/-WR discs, but there are a few (Samsung, Toshiba, Panasonic I think), that are more likely to only accept the -WR format.

Hope this helps.

That's not too hard, any recorder really will record from cable. Depending on how they get their cable you'll have to decide on a model with or without a tuner. If they have a cable box, then a tuner is not absolutely necessary, if they don't, then you definitely want to avoid those. Now the thing is that many cable providers put heavy copy protection on certain channels, which will prevent you from recording them. Thos are usually premium channels, but I am having problems recording stuff from Oxygen for instance on my LG recorder. It's kind of hard to say what will and what will not work it varies greatly.

No recorder that I am aware of "requires" RAM discs, some are compatible with them, but they definitely accept other formats as well.

You might want to consider something with a hard drive, your parents will love you for it.

Most recorders these days accept both +/-WR discs, but there are a few (Samsung, Toshiba, Panasonic I think), that are more likely to only accept the -WR format.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the quick reply!

They don't have a cable box, just standard cable. I checked out a few units that don't have tuners, like the Toshiba D-R400, but I don't see a coax in on any of them. Am I missing something?

Thanks for the quick reply!

They don't have a cable box, just standard cable. I checked out a few units that don't have tuners, like the Toshiba D-R400, but I don't see a coax in on any of them. Am I missing something?
No, not missing anything. Since the unit doesn't have a tuner, no need for a coax connector. This type of unit needs a cable box, sat receiver, or standalone tuner to record shows from an antenna or cable/sat feed. You'd connect the separate box (which does have a tuner) to the tunerless recorder via a line input (composite or S-Video).

No, not missing anything. Since the unit doesn't have a tuner, no need for a coax connector. This type of unit needs a cable box, sat receiver, or standalone tuner to record shows from an antenna or cable/sat feed. You'd connect the separate box (which does have a tuner) to the tunerless recorder via a line input (composite or S-Video).

Ok, I must have misunderstood bobbyslav's reply then. I thought I was being told that if they didn't have a cable box then to get a unit that didn't have a tuner, but it sounds like I will need one with a tuner.

Thanks for the help guys!