Last Updated: May 19, 2010
The following table compares the off-air and cable HDTV recorders available for purchase and ownership. These are the only standalone products still available that will record high-definition without a satellite subscription or cable STB/DVR rental fees.
There are satellite DVRs that can receive OTA signals, but those leased DVRs do not function without both a satellite subscription and DVR fee. Cable companies will not activate any other consumer-owned DVRs, aside from those below and the discontinued Sony DHD. The Cisco, Motorola, Pace, and Scientific Atlanta recorders sold on ebay/craigslist will not work on any U.S. cable system.
One SD recorder (Magnavox 2160) is included for comparison.
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The following table compares the off-air and cable HDTV recorders available for purchase and ownership. These are the only standalone products still available that will record high-definition without a satellite subscription or cable STB/DVR rental fees.
There are satellite DVRs that can receive OTA signals, but those leased DVRs do not function without both a satellite subscription and DVR fee. Cable companies will not activate any other consumer-owned DVRs, aside from those below and the discontinued Sony DHD. The Cisco, Motorola, Pace, and Scientific Atlanta recorders sold on ebay/craigslist will not work on any U.S. cable system.
One SD recorder (Magnavox 2160) is included for comparison.
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Magnavox H2160 | TViX 6620N | DTVPal DVR | TivoHD DISCONTINUED | Tivo Premiere | Moxi | Moxi v2 TRIPLE TUNER | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SD Recorder | HD Recorder | HD Recorder | HD Recorder | HD Recorder | HD Recorder | HD Recorder | |
INTRO & PRICING | |||||||
Release date | Dec 2008 | Nov 2009 | Dec 2008 | Jul 2007 | Apr 2010 | Apr 2009 | Nov 2009 |
Price online | $227 | $369 + HDD | $299 | $175 XL: $349 | $229-299 XL: $399-499 | $499 | $599 |
DVR subscription fees required? | None | None | None | $12.99/mo or $129/yr | $12.99/mo or $129/yr | Included | Included |
One-time payment as alternative to fees? | None | None | None | $299-399 | $299-399 | Included | Included |
Total upfront cost without any future fees | $227 | $400+ | $300 | $575 XL: $750 | $598-699 XL: $698-$898 | $499 | $599 |
TUNERS | 1 ATSC/QAM/NTSC | 2 ATSC/QAM | 2 ATSC | 2 ATSC/QAM/NTSC | 2 ATSC/QAM/NTSC | 2 QAM | 3 QAM |
SOURCES SUPPORTED | |||||||
Antenna: Off-air channels | X | X | X | X | X | ||
Cable: Analog channels* | X | (Unreliable) | X | ($129 option) | ($129 option) | ||
Cable: Unencrypted digital SD/HD locals | X | (Unreliable) | X | X | X | X | |
Cable: Encrypted digital cable channels with CableCard | X | X | X | X | |||
Cable: Switched Digital Video compatible (Issues) | (Requires TA ) | (Requires TA ) | (Requires TA ) | (Requires TA )* | |||
Separate coax inputs for antenna and cable | X | X | |||||
BASIC FUNCTIONALITY | |||||||
Program guide | X | X | X | X | X | ||
High-definition picture with Dolby Digital | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
Pause, instant replay, and rewind on liveTV | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Record X different channels simultaneously | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2* | 3** |
Recording time estimate (built-in) | 33 SD hours (66 SD w/ SP) | 30 HD hours | 21 HD hours XL: 157 HD hours | 46 HD hours XL: 156 HD hours | 75 HD hours | 75 HD hours | |
Recording time with plug-and-play external drive | 300 HD hours* | 165 HD hours XL: 300 HD hours | 190 HD hours XL: 300 HD hours | 375 HD hours* | 375 HD hours* | ||
Record scheduling method | Timers | Timers | Timers | Name-based | Name-based | Name-based | Name-based |
Recorded programs are listed with program title | X | X | X | X | X | ||
Watch one channel while you record another | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
Watch a previously recorded program while recording | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
Watch a recording-in-progress from the beginning | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
Remembers where you left off in every recording | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Pause, replay, 30sec skip, slo mo, multiple speeds of FF/RW | X | (All except slo) | X | X | X | X | X |
Skip 15+ minutes at a time | X | X | X | X | X | ||
Play recordings at 0.8 - 1.3x speed with audio | X | ||||||
Progress bar (on trickplay) shows current position in video | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Conflict management | X | X | X | X | |||
Record programs it thinks you will like using free space | X | X | |||||
Set default settings for single and series recordings | X | X | X | ||||
Correctly handles Daylight Savings Time (DST) changes | (Manual) | X | (Unreliable) | X | X | X | X |
Closed captions on recordings | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
PROGRAM INFORMATION | |||||||
Method of guide data delivery | antenna | antenna | Internet or phone | Internet or phone | Internet | Internet | |
Days of information | None | Current program (when available) | 8 days in these markets | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
Program titles on all channels | Most locals | X | X | X | X | ||
Basic program descriptions | Most locals in these markets | X | X | X | X | ||
Poster images for every program | X | ||||||
Detailed program descriptions, actors, original airdate, new or repeat | X | X | X | X | |||
Program information available 24/7/365 | X | X | X | X | |||
Program information never goes out for a channel | X | X | X | X | |||
No CableCard needed for info on ClearQAM channels | (Requires CableCard ) | (Requires CableCard ) | X | X | |||
Source of program information | PSIP | TVGOS PSIP as backup | Tribune Media via TiVo servers | Tribune +Rovi via TiVo servers | Tribune Media via Moxi servers | Tribune Media via Moxi servers | |
LIVETV FEATURES | |||||||
Buffer always active when recorder is on | X | (Only after pause) | X | X | X | X | X |
Buffer time for pause, replay, rewind on liveTV | 6 hours SD | Unlimited (One tuner only) | 1 hour HD (One tuner only) | 1 hour HD (30 mins per tuner) | 1 hour HD (30 mins per tuner) | 3+ hours HD (1.5+ hrs per tuner) | 4.5+ hours HD (1.5+ hrs per tuner) |
Number of tuners with independent liveTV buffers | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Swap between multiple tuners without losing buffer or pause position | X | X | (Loses position) | (Loses position) | |||
Pause, replay, etc available when recording in background | X | X | X | X | X | ||
Buffer is not reset when you change the channel on a tuner | X | X | |||||
Save entire buffer to a recording | X | X | |||||
Save buffer for current program to recording | X | X | X | X | |||
RECORD FEATURES | |||||||
Records HD video without quality loss | (Records in SD) | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Records Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
Timer-based recording (records using VCR-like timers) | X | X | X | (User option) | (User option) | ||
Name-based recording (records and tracks programs by their name) | X | X | X | X | |||
Record only new episodes and ignore repeats option | X | X | X | X | |||
Custom series recordings to record by user-defined criteria | X | X | |||||
Series manager to prioritize what is recorded when 3+ programs conflict | X | X | X | X | |||
Adjusts schedule automatically when programs change their days, times, and/or lengths | X | X | X | X | |||
Programs missed due to conflicts are automatically recorded the next time they air | X | X | X | X | |||
Overlap protection to eliminate conflicts when programs overlap by up to 5 minutes | X | X | |||||
Keeps recorded history to prevent same program from recording twice | X | X | X | X | |||
Restrict series recordings to a single timeslot | (Req manual timer) | (Req manual timer) | X | X | |||
Start recordings early or end late | (Schedule edit) | (Schedule edit) | X | X | X | X | X |
Keep only the last X episodes of a show | X | X | X | X | |||
Keep each recording "until I delete" or "until space is needed" | X | X | X | X | X | ||
Deletes oldest recording (not "keep until I delete") when space req'd for new recording | (Bugged) | X | X | X | X | ||
Record from antenna and cable channels simultaneously | X | X | |||||
Record composite/s-video input | X | ||||||
Edit recorded video | X | (Only after offload) | (Only after offload) | (Only after offload) | |||
GUIDE FEATURES | |||||||
Guide implementation | None | None | Grid | Grid / TiVo-style | Grid / TiVo-style | Grid / Moxi-style | Grid / Moxi-style |
Grid-style guide details | 9 channels 3 hrs per channel | 8 channels 1.5 hrs per channel | ? | 6 channels 3 hrs per channel | 6 channels 3 hrs per channel | ||
Customizable favorites list | X | X | (Based on usage) | (Based on usage) | |||
Picture window while browsing guide | (Overlay) | X | X | X | |||
Guide genre filters (show only movies, only sports, etc) | X | X | X | X | |||
Create recording from program guide selection | X | X | X | X | X | ||
View program guide without interrupting recorded playback | X | X | X | X | |||
Record indicators for future programs in guide | X | (Not at release) | X | X | |||
Permanently delete individual channels from box | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
Displays antenna and cable channels in a single guide | X | X | |||||
Displays digital and analog cable channels in a single guide | X | X | (With analog dongle) | (With analog dongle) | |||
Connects daily to an Internet time server to ensure accurate clock | X | X | X | X | X | ||
Navigate through guide 90+ minutes at a time | X | X | X | X | |||
Navigate through guide 24 hours at a time | X | X | X | X | X | ||
Guide data available for past timeslots | X | X | |||||
SEARCH FEATURES | |||||||
Search program titles and descriptions | X | X | X | X | X | ||
Search results sorted by name or popularity | (Name only) | X | X | (Name only) | (Name only) | ||
Search program titles, descriptions, actors, directors, and categories | X | X | X | X | |||
Search with multiple fields and boolean operators (AND/OR/NOT) | X | X | |||||
Save searches | X | X | |||||
Record all future matches of a saved search ( examples ) | X | X | |||||
Search available VOD titles on Netflix, Amazon, and Blockbuster | X | X | |||||
DVR UI | |||||||
High-definition DVR interface (with screenshot) | Some menus | Upconverted SD | SD on HD background | X | X | X | |
Picture window in menus / Can it be hidden or turned off? | (Most) No, always on | X Yes, can be disabled | X No, always on | X No, always on | |||
Number of programs shown on recorded list screen | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 |
Recorded list shows name and date of every recording | (Only for OTA) | (Name only) | X | X | X | X | |
Recorded list can be sorted by name or date | (Date only) | (Date only) | X | X | X | (Name only) | (Name only) |
Recorded list distinguishes between watched and unwatched programs | X | ||||||
Multiple episodes of same program grouped into folders with episode names and dates | X | X | X | X | |||
Play entire folder of recordings, back-to-back with one button press | X | X | |||||
Single-click delete with Recently Deleted folder and undelete | X | X | |||||
Record schedule shows names and dates of all upcoming programs | (Locals only) | X | X | X | X | ||
Recorded history shows why programs didn't record | (Limited) | X | X | X | X | ||
Free disk space estimate | X | X | X | (Recently Deleted) | X | X | X |
No advertising of any kind | X | X | X | pause , main menu | X | X | |
CAPACITY EXPANSION | |||||||
External drive interface | USB | eSATA | eSATA | eSATA | eSATA | ||
Plug-and-play external drive expansion | Up to 2 TB | Up to 1 TB | Up to 1TB | Up to 6 TB w/ RAID | Up to 6 TB w/ RAID | ||
Maximum recording time with plug-and-play expansion | 300 HD hours | 165 HD hours 300 HD hours on XL | 190 HD hours 300 HD hours on XL | 375 HD hours (2TB) 1000 HD hours (RAID) | 375 HD hours (2TB) 1000 HD hours (RAID) | ||
Interface seamlessly integrates contents of internal and external drives | X | X | X | X | |||
Contents of external drive are encrypted and inaccessible to a PC | X | X | X | X | |||
Allows unlimited number of interchangeable, plug-and-play drives | X | X | |||||
Allows internal hard drive upgrades (voids warranty) | Up to 500 GB | Up to 2 TB | Up to 1 TB | Up to 1.26 TB Up to 2.1 TB on XL | Up to 2.2 TB | ? | ? |
REMOTE SCHEDULING | |||||||
Schedule recordings via web and mobile phone | X | X | X | X | |||
Real-time conflict management for remote scheduling | X | X | |||||
Edit and/or delete scheduled recordings online | X | X | |||||
View list of recorded programs and upcoming recordings online | X | X | X | X | |||
PARENTAL CONTROL OPTIONS | |||||||
Separate, content filtered recorded list for children | X | (Only in SD UI) | |||||
Require 4-digit PIN to view blocked content | X | X | X | X | X | ||
Block certain channels (i.e. require PIN to tune) | X | X | X | X | X | ||
Block TV programs at or above certain rating (ex: TV PG) | (If info available) | X | X | X | X | ||
Block movies at or above certain rating (ex: R, NC-17) | (If info available) | X | X | X | X | ||
Block unrated movies and/or TV programs | X | X | X | X | X | ||
Block all programs with specific content (sexual content, violence, etc) | (If info available) | X | X | ||||
Parental controls temporarily disabled when PIN is entered, and then: | X | X | X | X | X | ||
(a) Parental controls re-enable after channel change or recording exit | X | ||||||
(b) Parental controls re-enable after a preset time period | X | X | |||||
(c) Parental controls re-enable after period of remote inactivity | X | X | (Uses preset timer) | (Uses preset timer) | |||
(d) Parental controls re-enable after DVR is set to off/standby | X | X | (Uses preset timer) | (Uses preset timer) | |||
Parental controls can be turned off completely (with PIN) | X | X | X | X | X | ||
OFFLOAD RECORDINGS | |||||||
Offload implementation | SAMBA, FTP | HTTP View 1 , 2 | HTTP View 1 , 2 | ||||
Download all recorded files from OTA & unencrypted cable channels | X | X | X | ||||
Download all recorded files from encrypted cable channels flagged as CCI=0x00 | X | X | |||||
Download all recorded files from encrypted cable channels flagged as CCI=0x02 | |||||||
Software to automatically download episodes of favorite series after they record | X | X | |||||
All recordings downloaded as is, including full HD with DD5.1 | X | X | X | ||||
View and edit recorded files on a computer | X | X | X | ||||
Burn recorded files to Blu-ray disk or DVD | X | X | X | ||||
Transfer recordings to mobile device (iPod, ZuneHD, etc) | (W/ other software) | X | X | ||||
Transfer HD and SD recorded files from computer back to DVR | X | X | X | ||||
Format of recorded files | TS | MPG | TS/MPG | ||||
Network throughput for recorded file downloads | 25Mbps | 9 Mbps | 60Mbps | ||||
MULTI-ROOM FUNCTIONALITY | |||||||
Multi-room implementation | Transfers to other DVRs | Transfers to other DVRs | Streams to DVRs or extenders | Streams to DVRs or extenders | |||
Network throughput for multi-room | 16-24Mbps | 70-90Mbps | ? | ? | |||
Each DVR can send HD recordings to X rooms simultaneously | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||
Multi-room viewing works with copy protected recordings (ex: HBO) | (Not at release) | X | X | ||||
Pause a recording in one room and resume it in a another | X | X | X | X | |||
Completed recordings can be viewed in another room | X | X | X | X | |||
Recordings-in-progress can be viewed in another room | (Not at release) | X | X | ||||
FF/REW through entire recordings without waiting for transfer | (Not at release) | X | X | ||||
All DVRs in home can share a single series manager | |||||||
Recorded programs on multiple DVRs are all combined into a single list | (Sub menu) | (Sub menu) | X | X | |||
Network throughput sufficient to skip all commercials without delay | Sometimes | Always | Always | Always | |||
Set-top extenders available to view recorded programs | X | X | |||||
Set-top extenders can schedule, manage, and delete recordings | |||||||
Set-top extenders can view EPG and liveTV using DVR's tuners | X | X | |||||
PC MEDIA | |||||||
DLNA compliant | X | (Not at release) | X | X | |||
DIVX support | Up to 1080p | (Requires PC ) | Up to 1080p | Up to 480p | Up to 480p | ||
MPEG-4 AVC and VC-1 support | X | (Not enabled) | X | X | X | X | |
WMA Pro 7.1 audio support | X | X | |||||
Full 1080p output on PC video files | X | X | X | X | |||
Browse network shares without PC software | X | ||||||
Transfer PC videos to DVR for viewing | X | X | X | ||||
Stream PC videos to DVR for viewing | X | (Limited) | (Limited) | X | X | ||
Play music stored on computer elsewhere in home | (DVD only) | X | X | X | X | X | |
View pictures stored on computer elsewhere in home | (DVD only) | X | X | X | X | X | |
Play videos, music, or view pictures while recording TV | (DVD only) | X | X | X | X | ||
NETWORK CONNECTIVITY | |||||||
Wired network connection | 100Mbps | 100Mbps | 100Mbps | 100Mbps | 100Mbps | 100Mbps | |
Wireless network connection | 802.11n | (Requires bridge) | ($39 option) | ($39 option) | (Requires bridge) | (Requires bridge) | |
Connects daily to an Internet time server to ensure accurate clock | X | X | X | X | X | ||
Download software updates using network connection | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
Ticker bar to show headlines, stock ticker, sports scores on screen | X | X | |||||
Subscribe to specific RSS video feeds and podcasts | X | X | |||||
Amazon OnDemand SD/HD with "TV Passes" | X | X | |||||
Blockbuster OnDemand SD/HD | X | X | |||||
Roxio CinemaNow | X | ||||||
Vudu OnDemand HD and HDX | |||||||
Netflix SD/HD streaming | X | X | SD only (Requires PC) | SD only (Requires PC) | |||
Youtube | X | X | X | (Requires PC) | (Requires PC) | ||
CONNECTIONS | |||||||
HDMI | v1.1 | v1.3 | v1.1 | v1.1 | v1.3 | v1.3 | v1.3 |
Component / S-Video / Composite | X/X/X | -/-/X | X/-/X | X/X/X | X/-/X | X/X/X | X/X/X |
Maximum native output resolution | 480p | 1080p | 1080i | 1080i | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p |
High-definition output through HDMI and component? | (HDMI only) | X | X | X | X | X | |
Downconverts HD video to SD over s-video and composite | X | (Composite only) | (Composite only) | X | (Composite only) | X | X |
Native output mode to output all video as is without conversion | X | X | X | X | |||
All HD and SD outputs active simultaneously | X | X | X | ||||
Allows 16:9 anamorphic output through SD connections | X | ? | X | X | X | ||
Coax passthrough for TV tuner | X | (When off) | |||||
Firewire (IEEE 1394) | |||||||
HARDWARE DETAILS | |||||||
System chip | ? | Realtek RTD1283 | STMicro STi7109 | Broadcom BCM7401 | Broadcom BCM7413 | Broadcom BCM7400 | Broadcom BCM7400 |
Processor Details | Single-core 133MHz(?) | Single-core 400MHz | Single-core 266MHz | Single-core 300MHz | Dual-core 400MHz | Dual-core 350MHz | Dual-core 350MHz |
Graphics Details | 2D only | 2D only | 2D only | 2D only | 2D + 3D (Supports OpenGL) | 2D + 3D (Supports OpenGL) | 2D + 3D (Supports OpenGL) |
System memory | 32 MB (?) SDRAM | 256 MB DDR400 | 160 MB DDR400 | 256 MB DDR400 | 512 MB DDR2-800 | 256 MB DDR2-800 | 512 MB DDR2-800 |
Hard drive (internal) | 160 GB | (Sold separately) | 250 GB | 160 GB 1000 GB on XL | 320 GB 1000 GB on XL | 500 GB | 500 GB |
Power consumption | 33W (in use) | 20W (in use) | 22W | 38W | 26W | 32W | 32W |
ENERGY STAR certified | X | ||||||
OTHER | |||||||
Multistream CableCard slot A single "M-CARD" supports all tuners with digital cable | X | X | X | X | |||
Supports wired and wireless USB keyboards | X | ||||||
Requires phone line? Requires Internet connection? | No | No | No | (Req Internet or phone) | (Req Internet or phone) | (Req Internet) | (Req Internet) |
Supports cable company OnDemand | No | No | N/A | No | No | No | No |
Built-in DVD writer | X | ||||||
WARRANTY | |||||||
Parts warranty | One year | One year | 90 days | One year | One year | One year | One year |
Extended warranty available? | Walmart.com 2 years for $20 3 years for $29 | Sears.com 2yr for $45 | TiVo.com 2 years for $30 3 years for $40 | TiVo.com 2 years for $30 3 years for $40 | |||
Cost to repair/replace after warranty expires | ? | $369 | $300 | $150 | $150 | $75 + parts cost | $75 + parts cost |
Cost to transfer lifetime service to a replacement DVR | N/A | N/A | N/A | Free for three years $199 after three years | Free for three years $199 after three years | N/A | N/A |
SCREENSHOTS | |||||||
Recorded list | View | View 1 , 2 , 3 | View 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 | View | View | ||
Browse TV | View 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 | ||||||
Program guide | View | View 1 , 2 | View 1 , 2 | View 1 , 2 | View 1 , 2 | ||
Program info | View | View | View 1 , 2 | View | View | ||
Record schedule | View | View | |||||
Search | View | View 1 , 2 | View 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 | View 1 , 2 | View 1 , 2 | ||
Main menu | View | View | View | View | View | ||
Progress bar | View | View | View | View | |||
Create recording | View | View | View | View | View | ||
Record options | View | View | View | View | View | ||
Manage/edit programs to record | View | View | |||||
Network video playback | View 1 , 2 | ||||||
Multi-room viewing | View 1 , 2 | ||||||
Offload recordings | View 1 , 2 , 3 | View 1 , 2 , 3 | |||||
VIDEO DEMOS | View | View 1 , 2 | View | View |