AVS Forum banner

HDTV DVR Comparison - Consumer Owned Units

110K views 99 replies 42 participants last post by  videobruce 
#1 ·
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.

Tip: When viewing this table, widen your browser window and/or reduce your browser font size.

 Magnavox
H2160
TViX
6620N
DTVPal
DVR
TivoHD
DISCONTINUED
Tivo PremiereMoxiMoxi v2
TRIPLE TUNER
 SD RecorderHD RecorderHD RecorderHD RecorderHD RecorderHD RecorderHD Recorder
INTRO & PRICING       
Release dateDec 2008Nov 2009Dec 2008Jul 2007Apr 2010Apr 2009Nov 2009
Price online$227$369 + HDD$299$175
XL: $349
$229-299
XL: $399-499
$499$599
DVR subscription fees required?NoneNoneNone$12.99/mo
or $129/yr
$12.99/mo
or $129/yr
IncludedIncluded
One-time payment as alternative to fees?NoneNoneNone$299-399$299-399IncludedIncluded
Total upfront cost without any future fees$227$400+$300$575
XL: $750
$598-699
XL: $698-$898
$499$599
        
TUNERS1
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 channelsXXXXX 
Cable: Analog channels*X  (Unreliable)X($129 option)($129 option)
Cable: Unencrypted digital SD/HD localsX(Unreliable)XXXX
Cable: Encrypted digital cable channels with CableCard   XXXX
Cable: Switched Digital Video compatible (Issues)   (Requires TA )(Requires TA )(Requires TA )(Requires TA )*
Separate coax inputs for antenna and cable   XX  
        
BASIC FUNCTIONALITY       
Program guide  XXXXX
High-definition picture with Dolby Digital XXXXXX
Pause, instant replay, and rewind on liveTVXXXXXXX
Record X different channels simultaneously122222*3**
Recording time estimate (built-in)33 SD hours
(66 SD w/ SP)
 30 HD hours21 HD hours
XL: 157 HD hours
46 HD hours
XL: 156 HD hours
75 HD hours75 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 methodTimersTimersTimersName-basedName-basedName-basedName-based
Recorded programs are listed with program title  XXXXX
Watch one channel while you record another XXXXXX
Watch a previously recorded program while recordingX XXXXX
Watch a recording-in-progress from the beginningX XXXXX
Remembers where you left off in every recordingXXXXXXX
Pause, replay, 30sec skip, slo mo, multiple speeds of FF/RWX(All except slo)XXXXX
Skip 15+ minutes at a time X XXXX
Play recordings at 0.8 - 1.3x speed with audioX      
Progress bar (on trickplay) shows current position in videoXXXXXXX
Conflict management   XXXX
Record programs it thinks you will like using free space   XX  
Set default settings for single and series recordings    XXX
Correctly handles Daylight Savings Time (DST) changes(Manual)X(Unreliable)XXXX
Closed captions on recordingsX XXXXX
        
PROGRAM INFORMATION       
Method of guide data delivery antennaantennaInternet or phoneInternet or phoneInternetInternet
Days of informationNoneCurrent program
(when available)
8 days
in these markets
14 days14 days14 days14 days
Program titles on all channels  Most localsXXXX
Basic program descriptions  Most locals
in these markets
XXXX
Poster images for every program    X 
Detailed program descriptions, actors, original airdate, new or repeat   XXXX
Program information available 24/7/365   XXXX
Program information never goes out for a channel   XXXX
No CableCard needed for info on ClearQAM channels   (Requires CableCard )(Requires CableCard )XX
Source of program information PSIPTVGOS
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 onX(Only after pause)XXXXX
Buffer time for pause, replay, rewind on liveTV6 hours SDUnlimited
(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 buffers1112223
Swap between multiple tuners without losing buffer or pause position   XX(Loses position)(Loses position)
Pause, replay, etc available when recording in background XXXXX
Buffer is not reset when you change the channel on a tunerXX    
Save entire buffer to a recordingX X    
Save buffer for current program to recording   XXXX
        
RECORD FEATURES       
Records HD video without quality loss(Records in SD)XXXXXX
Records Dolby Digital 5.1 surround soundXXXXXX
Timer-based recording (records using VCR-like timers)XXX(User option)(User option)  
Name-based recording (records and tracks programs by their name)   XXXX
Record only new episodes and ignore repeats option   XXXX
Custom series recordings to record by user-defined criteria   XX  
Series manager to prioritize what is recorded when 3+ programs conflict   XXXX
Adjusts schedule automatically when programs change their days, times, and/or lengths   XXXX
Programs missed due to conflicts are automatically recorded the next time they air   XXXX
Overlap protection to eliminate conflicts when programs overlap by up to 5 minutes   XX  
Keeps recorded history to prevent same program from recording twice   XXXX
Restrict series recordings to a single timeslot   (Req manual timer)(Req manual timer)XX
Start recordings early or end late(Schedule edit)(Schedule edit)XXXXX
Keep only the last X episodes of a show   XXXX
Keep each recording "until I delete" or "until space is needed"  XXXXX
Deletes oldest recording (not "keep until I delete") when space req'd for new recording  (Bugged)XXXX
Record from antenna and cable channels simultaneously   XX  
Record composite/s-video inputX      
Edit recorded videoX(Only after offload) (Only after offload)(Only after offload)  
        
GUIDE FEATURES       
Guide implementationNoneNoneGridGrid / TiVo-styleGrid / TiVo-styleGrid / Moxi-styleGrid / 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   XX(Based on usage)(Based on usage)
Picture window while browsing guide   (Overlay)XXX
Guide genre filters (show only movies, only sports, etc)   XXXX
Create recording from program guide selection XXXXX
View program guide without interrupting recorded playback  XXXX
Record indicators for future programs in guide  X (Not at release)XX
Permanently delete individual channels from box XXXXXX
Displays antenna and cable channels in a single guide  XX  
Displays digital and analog cable channels in a single guide  XX(With analog dongle)(With analog dongle)
Connects daily to an Internet time server to ensure accurate clock X XXXX
Navigate through guide 90+ minutes at a time XXXX
Navigate through guide 24 hours at a time  XXXXX
Guide data available for past timeslots   XX  
        
SEARCH FEATURES       
Search program titles and descriptions  XXXXX
Search results sorted by name or popularity  (Name only)XX(Name only)(Name only)
Search program titles, descriptions, actors, directors, and categories   XXXX
Search with multiple fields and boolean operators (AND/OR/NOT)   XX  
Save searches   XX  
Record all future matches of a saved search ( examples )   XX  
Search available VOD titles on Netflix, Amazon, and Blockbuster   XX  
        
DVR UI       
High-definition DVR interface (with screenshot) Some menusUpconverted
SD
SD on HD
background
XXX
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 screen676891010
Recorded list shows name and date of every recording (Only for OTA)(Name only)XXXX
Recorded list can be sorted by name or date(Date only)(Date only)XXX(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   XXXX
Play entire folder of recordings, back-to-back with one button press   XX  
Single-click delete with Recently Deleted folder and undelete   XX  
Record schedule shows names and dates of all upcoming programs (Locals only) XXXX
Recorded history shows why programs didn't record  (Limited)XXXX
Free disk space estimateXXX(Recently Deleted)XXX
No advertising of any kindXXXpause ,
main menu
 XX
        
CAPACITY EXPANSION       
External drive interface USB eSATAeSATAeSATAeSATA
Plug-and-play external drive expansion Up to 2 TB Up to 1 TBUp to 1TBUp to 6 TB w/ RAIDUp 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   XXXX
Contents of external drive are encrypted and inaccessible to a PC   XXXX
Allows unlimited number of interchangeable, plug-and-play drives     XX
Allows internal hard drive upgrades (voids warranty)Up to 500 GBUp to 2 TBUp to 1 TBUp 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   XXXX
Real-time conflict management for remote scheduling     XX
Edit and/or delete scheduled recordings online     XX
View list of recorded programs and upcoming recordings online   XXXX
        
PARENTAL CONTROL OPTIONS       
Separate, content filtered recorded list for children   X(Only in SD UI)  
Require 4-digit PIN to view blocked content  XXXXX
Block certain channels (i.e. require PIN to tune)  XXXXX
Block TV programs at or above certain rating (ex: TV PG)  (If info available)XXXX
Block movies at or above certain rating (ex: R, NC-17)  (If info available)XXXX
Block unrated movies and/or TV programs  XXXXX
Block all programs with specific content (sexual content, violence, etc)  (If info available)XX  
Parental controls temporarily disabled when PIN is entered, and then:  XXXXX
(a) Parental controls re-enable after channel change or recording exit  X   
(b) Parental controls re-enable after a preset time period     XX
(c) Parental controls re-enable after period of remote inactivity   XX(Uses preset timer)(Uses preset timer)
(d) Parental controls re-enable after DVR is set to off/standby   XX(Uses preset timer)(Uses preset timer)
Parental controls can be turned off completely (with PIN)  XXXXX
        
OFFLOAD RECORDINGS       
Offload implementation SAMBA, FTP HTTP
View 1 , 2
HTTP
View 1 , 2
  
Download all recorded files from OTA & unencrypted cable channels X XX  
Download all recorded files from encrypted cable channels flagged as CCI=0x00  XX  
Download all recorded files from encrypted cable channels flagged as CCI=0x02      
Software to automatically download episodes of favorite series after they record   XX  
All recordings downloaded as is, including full HD with DD5.1 X XX  
View and edit recorded files on a computer X XX  
Burn recorded files to Blu-ray disk or DVD X XX  
Transfer recordings to mobile device (iPod, ZuneHD, etc) (W/ other software) XX  
Transfer HD and SD recorded files from computer back to DVR X XX  
Format of recorded files TS MPGTS/MPG  
Network throughput for recorded file downloads 25Mbps 9 Mbps60Mbps  
        
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   16-24Mbps70-90Mbps??
Each DVR can send HD recordings to X rooms simultaneously   1112
Multi-room viewing works with copy protected recordings (ex: HBO)    (Not at release)XX
Pause a recording in one room and resume it in a another   XXXX
Completed recordings can be viewed in another room   XXXX
Recordings-in-progress can be viewed in another room    (Not at release)XX
FF/REW through entire recordings without waiting for transfer    (Not at release)XX
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)XX
Network throughput sufficient to skip all commercials without delay   SometimesAlwaysAlwaysAlways
Set-top extenders available to view recorded programs     XX
Set-top extenders can schedule, manage, and delete recordings       
Set-top extenders can view EPG and liveTV using DVR's tuners     XX
        
PC MEDIA       
DLNA compliant X  (Not at release)XX
DIVX support Up to 1080p (Requires PC )Up to 1080pUp to 480pUp to 480p
MPEG-4 AVC and VC-1 support X(Not enabled)XXXX
WMA Pro 7.1 audio support X  X  
Full 1080p output on PC video files X  XXX
Browse network shares without PC software X     
Transfer PC videos to DVR for viewing X XX  
Stream PC videos to DVR for viewing X (Limited)(Limited)XX
Play music stored on computer elsewhere in home(DVD only)X XXXX
View pictures stored on computer elsewhere in home(DVD only)X XXXX
Play videos, music, or view pictures while recording TV(DVD only)  XXXX
        
NETWORK CONNECTIVITY       
Wired network connection 100Mbps100Mbps100Mbps100Mbps100Mbps100Mbps
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 XXXX
Download software updates using network connection XXXXXX
Ticker bar to show headlines, stock ticker, sports scores on screen     XX
Subscribe to specific RSS video feeds and podcasts   XX  
Amazon OnDemand SD/HD with "TV Passes"   XX  
Blockbuster OnDemand SD/HD   XX  
Roxio CinemaNow    X  
Vudu OnDemand HD and HDX      
Netflix SD/HD streaming   XXSD only
(Requires PC)
SD only
(Requires PC)
Youtube X XX(Requires PC)(Requires PC)
        
CONNECTIONS       
HDMIv1.1v1.3v1.1v1.1v1.3v1.3v1.3
Component / S-Video / CompositeX/X/X-/-/XX/-/XX/X/XX/-/XX/X/XX/X/X
Maximum native output resolution480p1080p1080i1080i1080p1080p1080p
High-definition output through HDMI and component? (HDMI only)XXXXX
Downconverts HD video to SD over s-video and compositeX(Composite only)(Composite only)X(Composite only)XX
Native output mode to output all video as is without conversion   XXXX
All HD and SD outputs active simultaneously  XXX  
Allows 16:9 anamorphic output through SD connectionsX?XXX  
Coax passthrough for TV tunerX (When off)    
Firewire (IEEE 1394)       
       
HARDWARE DETAILS       
System chip?Realtek
RTD1283
STMicro
STi7109
Broadcom
BCM7401
Broadcom
BCM7413
Broadcom
BCM7400
Broadcom
BCM7400
Processor DetailsSingle-core
133MHz(?)
Single-core
400MHz
Single-core
266MHz
Single-core
300MHz
Dual-core
400MHz
Dual-core
350MHz
Dual-core
350MHz
Graphics Details2D only2D only2D only2D only2D + 3D
(Supports OpenGL)
2D + 3D
(Supports OpenGL)
2D + 3D
(Supports OpenGL)
System memory32 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 GB160 GB
1000 GB on XL
320 GB
1000 GB on XL
500 GB500 GB
Power consumption33W (in use)20W (in use)22W38W26W32W32W
ENERGY STAR certified    X  
        
OTHER       
Multistream CableCard slot
A single "M-CARD" supports all tuners with digital cable
   XXXX
Supports wired and wireless USB keyboards    X  
Requires phone line? Requires Internet connection?NoNoNo(Req Internet or phone)(Req Internet or phone)(Req Internet)(Req Internet)
Supports cable company OnDemandNoNoN/ANoNoNoNo
Built-in DVD writerX      
        
WARRANTY       
Parts warrantyOne yearOne year90 daysOne yearOne yearOne yearOne 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 DVRN/AN/AN/AFree for three years
$199 after three years
Free for three years
$199 after three years
N/AN/A
        
SCREENSHOTS       
Recorded list ViewView 1 , 2 , 3View 1 , 2 , 3 , 4ViewView
Browse TV   View 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5  
Program guide ViewView 1 , 2View 1 , 2 View 1 , 2View 1 , 2
Program info ViewViewView 1 , 2ViewView
Record schedule  ViewView   
Search  ViewView 1 , 2View 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5View 1 , 2View 1 , 2
Main menu  ViewViewViewViewView
Progress bar  ViewView ViewView
Create recording  ViewViewViewViewView
Record options  ViewViewViewViewView
Manage/edit programs to record  ViewView  
Network video playback  View 1 , 2  
Multi-room viewing  View 1 , 2  
Offload recordings  View 1 , 2 , 3View 1 , 2 , 3  
        
VIDEO DEMOS  ViewView 1 , 2ViewView
        
DISCUSSION THREADSViewViewViewViewViewViewView


A more concise comparison of the DTVPal DVR, Moxi, TiVo Premiere, and DirecTV DVR is linked HERE . This is not a comprehensive feature breakdown; it only lists and compares those features that differ between the four products.


Another DVR sold online is the Channel Master CM-7000PAL. This is a rebadged DTVPal DVR with a longer warranty for an extra $100 MSRP.

Notes

* On most cable systems, installing a CableCard allows one to receive digital versions of all cable channels, thus eliminating the need for analog tuners.

* Third tuner is disabled and unusable when a Cisco STA1520 SDV tuning adapter is connected. Moxi does not exhibit this limitation with the Motorola MTR700 tuning adapter.

* Moxi allows recording of one analog channel when the $129 USB analog dongle is connected. The analog dongle is treated as a separate third or fourth tuner, all of which can be used at the same time.

* This capacity assumes use of 2TB external drive.
 
See less See more
#27 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by bfdtv /forum/post/18360011


Yes.


Of the DVRs in the table, only the Moxi and the discontinued TiVo Series3 (and maybe the TiVo Premiere) have the hardware necessary to support PIP. Neither has demonstrated PIP support in software.


Decoding a second HD channel requires a substantial amount of memory and memory bandwidth. Both tend to be in short supply on DVRs, and most manufacturers would rather use their resources to support enhanced multi-room functionality.

Cox will soon(?) deploy the Explorer 86xx HD DVR, which supports both PiP and multi-room use. Other than that, I have few specifics.
 
#29 ·
#30 ·
Hi,


I am looking for Multi media that has a combination of both Tivx 6620 and DTVPal.


Is there a Multi media with dual tuner that combines both Tivx 6620 N and DTVPal since Tivx it does not have playback capability while recording and it doesn't have program listing either. While the DTVPal doesn't unable to download and play avi, mpeg, etc ...


Thanks
 
#32 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by tonngo0 /forum/post/18556358


Hi,


I am looking for Multi media that has a combination of both Tivx 6620 and DTVPal.


Is there a Multi media with dual tuner that combines both Tivx 6620 N and DTVPal since Tivx it does not have playback capability while recording and it doesn't have program listing either. While the DTVPal doesn't unable to download and play avi, mpeg, etc ...


Thanks

Look into a HTPC, it can do all of it.
 
#33 ·
It was announced last December for a "2010" release, but it isn't available yet.

BUT, it is on their website;
http://www.epvision.com/HDTVSTB/phdez1pre.htm

Quote:
Key Technical Features:

432 MHz MIPS CPU

HD 720p/1080i

Best-in-class video quality: Video scaling and enhancements

ATSC/QAM Tuner

Multimedia from USB: a) JPEG View b) MP3 Player

DTV Programs Transport Stream (TS) data contents recording and playing back from USB.


Inputs;

ATSC/QAM RF Input


Outputs;

1x HDMI (up to 720p/1080i/1080p) output

1x Digital Optical (SPDIF) output


Controls;

1x USB port for recording/playing TS files.

Front Panel key controls

IR Remote Control

Only one RF input (still)??

Will this have separate memories for OTA and CATV?

This only lists a HDMI output. No component, composite or S-video?

Nothing on HDD size/time capacity.
Quote:
Contact Information:

Gary Lee

ePVision.com

714 630-6899
 
#34 ·
The table is wrong because it mentions a list price of $129 in regards to an option that is not required to receive analog channels, due to the fact that its dependant on your cable provider, and not a limitation of the hardware.
 
#36 ·
AZBox makes several receiver models that have ATSC/QAM and DVB-S2 record capability.


I've been testing an AZBox HD Premium receiver.


Tuner 1 = DVB-S2 (standard)

Tuner 2 = ATSC / QAM (user installed)

Hard drive = 1TB (user installed)


The box has HDMI, and component video outputs. 4:2:2 video is supported.


I can make High Definition recordings from C/KU "Free To Air" (FTA) satellite channels, ATSC "Off The Air" (OTA), and unencrypted QAM digital cable channels.


The recordings are .TS (Transport Stream) format. The receiver is fully networked. NFS and SMB (Samba) and FTP file transfer protocols are supported. The recorded files are fully accessible from any device connected to my local area network.


The ATSC firmware is in a beta state, but it's usable. The FTA firmware is a little better. (The developers are in Portugal and don't have ready access to ATSC signals).


I own the box and it's fully operational. I don't have to pay monthly rental fees to TIVO, Cable, or Satellite companies to make recordings. I use the box just like a VCR.


The AZBox also functions as a Networked Media Player and will play back virtually any file format as well as streaming Internet Video feeds.


Internet Cost $325 (includes shipping)


Additional Information: http://azbox.com/
 
#39 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Wolf /forum/post/19214808


The table is wrong because it mentions a list price of $129 in regards to an option that is not required to receive analog channels, due to the fact that its dependant on your cable provider, and not a limitation of the hardware.

There is this disclaimer:
Quote:
* On most cable systems, installing a CableCard allows one to receive digital versions of all cable channels, thus eliminating the need for analog tuners.
 
#40 ·
ok, so I guess I am missing something, but I am not sure what. I thought an HD signal can be transmitted from an A/V source device to a recorder over either a HDMI cable or a set of component cables. I just dont know what the other way is. There are also various compressed formats used around the word for HD broadcasts (ATSC/QAM in the USA, for example) for which a unit may have a tuner for, but not a feature most people would use as I assume most get their HD from either cable or satellite.


Now, since this thread is for stand alone units, wouldn't the most important feature to be listed in the matrix is whether the unit has HDMI or component INPUTS? This is NOT on the matrix. I at first thought it was just a given that all units could record HD through either HDMI or component inputs, but when I went to one of the manufactuers sites, the unit had NEITHER input, and was just a broadcast recorder. I came to this thread looking for an alternative to a Gefen unit, but I can't even figure out if any of the units can even record in HD by looking at this matrix. And the Gefen unit is not even listed, which makes me think I am just in the wrong place.


So, either this tread does not make any sense (unlikely), or I am missing something (almost certainly). No need for a long explanation, but if someone could just point me in the right direction, it would be appreciated.
 
#41 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by portbarton /forum/post/19340450


Now, since this thread is for stand alone units, wouldn't the most important feature to be listed in the matrix is whether the unit has HDMI or component INPUTS?

Because there aren't any. None of the units listed in the product matrix in the first post has any. These devices all capture the multiplexed, encoded video/audio streams to disk. Devices that could capture from component would require additional expensive components to capture the analog video, convert it back into the digital domain, encode video (and potentially audio) with decent compression ratios and quality *in real time*, etc. Also, they engender copy protection concerns. There are devices for the PC that can do this sort of capture, but they cost half as much to nearly as much as some DVRs themselves. Also, HDMI capture isn't really an option, due to HDCP concerns; unencrypted HD could be captured, but encoding would still be a serious issue.

Quote:
Originally Posted by portbarton /forum/post/19340450


So, either this tread does not make any sense (unlikely), or I am missing something (almost certainly). No need for a long explanation, but if someone could just point me in the right direction, it would be appreciated.

The thread makes perfect sense. It's for DVRs that record encoded digital video from OTA and cable sources. I think perhaps you've got some mistaken expectations though.
 
#42 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by demonfoo /forum/post/19343545




The thread makes perfect sense. It's for DVRs that record encoded digital video from OTA and cable sources. I think perhaps you've got some mistaken expectations though.

Upon further research, you are pretty much correct. However, since this a thread for the HD recorders matrix, I think that listing only OTA and cable source recorders in the matrix is a limitation that is confusing (at first) and caused me to spend considerable time in finding HD recorders that suited my requirements, as they were not listed


Since this is the first thread that someone would probably review when looking for an HD recorder, I think it should be updated to include units from Gefen, Cypress and maybe others which have both HDMI and component inputs.
 
#43 ·
Hello,


Please forgive me for my lack of TV terminology knowledge, but I think I've come to the right place in my search here.


I receive the basic network channels in HD (NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, PBS, as well as a few other HD channels like CW, ion, My9TV and TBS - atho My9TV & TBS is usually in 480i or 720p) thru a physical cable hooked to the back of my TV. I believe this is called QAM.


So looking at the Matrix, it looks like only the Moxi and the Moxi v2 will work with my setup - am I correct?


If so, is there anything else I should be aware of with my type of setup?


Also, where can I look for possibly a second hand Moxi or any retailers you recommend for a cheaper price?


Thank you!
 
#44 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by mbnzgrl /forum/post/19372076


Hello,


Please forgive me for my lack of TV terminology knowledge, but I think I've come to the right place in my search here.


I receive the basic network channels in HD (NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, PBS, as well as a few other HD channels like CW, ion, My9TV and TBS - atho My9TV & TBS is usually in 480i or 720p) thru a physical cable hooked to the back of my TV. I believe this is called QAM.


So looking at the Matrix, it looks like only the Moxi and the Moxi v2 will work with my setup - am I correct?


If so, is there anything else I should be aware of with my type of setup?


Also, where can I look for possibly a second hand Moxi or any retailers you recommend for a cheaper price?


Thank you!

Anyone?
 
#45 ·
A Tivo would work, but without a Cable Card(CC) you'd only be able to make manual recordings and you'd be losing a big benefit of the Tivo.

I'm not very familiar with the Moxi but since they are relatively new, I don't know how much luck you'll have finding one refurbished or discounted.

Personally I'd think your best bet would be a refurbished Tivo HD but I'm not sure how much a CC would cost you per month. I think CCs are only a couple bucks but you may need to subscribe to a more expensive package that could cost much more.
 
#46 ·
Since we got Netflix I realized that we hardly ever watch cable TV anymore except for some PBS stuff and maybe the odd football game, special or series. The OTA HD reception with my old attic antenna (~35 miles form Boston) is excellent, however, and covers >75% of the stuff we usually watch, so we decided to drop the TV service from Comcast along with my HD DVR. That saved me around $50 per month (even with an internet upgrade), but I do miss the program guide and pause / live replay capabilities. The DTVpal seems to be the best thing out there for OTA recording, but also has a few quirks and seems a bit dated. Any idea whether we can expect to see anything new in this arena?
 
#47 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by jjeff /forum/post/19376197


A Tivo would work, but without a Cable Card(CC) you'd only be able to make manual recordings and you'd be losing a big benefit of the Tivo.

I'm not very familiar with the Moxi but since they are relatively new, I don't know how much luck you'll have finding one refurbished or discounted.

Personally I'd think your best bet would be a refurbished Tivo HD but I'm not sure how much a CC would cost you per month. I think CCs are only a couple bucks but you may need to subscribe to a more expensive package that could cost much more.

I'm not interested in TiVo because of having to pay their fee; as well as having to pay the cablecard fee. That is the reason I am interested in the Moxi as my understanding is that it works w/ QAM channels.


I'm already paying for Netflix streaming, so I don't want to add any more cost. Unfortunately, Netflix doesn't have a lot of the TV shows I like for streaming. In addition, I'm happy w/ my basic QAM channels; I was just hoping I could record as as it would be nice to watch some of the day time shows when I get home from work.


So if anyone has set up their Moxi w/ QAM channels (or if this is possible - it seems like it is from the Matrix chart), please post your feedback. Thanks.
 
#49 ·
Hi everyone,

I'm a newbie on the Forum and need help deciding which way to go, do I pay$995 for the JVC 1250 Blu-Ray/HDD Recorder, or go HD downconverted to 480i with the Magnavox 515 DVD/HDD recorder, From what I've read, the JVC has no tuner, but I'd be using the component hook up from my Charter Cable box anyway. From what I understand no Blu-Ray/DVD?HDD recorders have HDMI inputs, which makes it hard to get the best PQ on the recordings. Any help would be appriciated....Thanks!
 
#50 ·
That JVC will only record from select camcorders or S-video/composite inputs(no component inputs).

Coming from a STB you'd have to use S-video which will just be SD anyway so the Magnavox would be just as good.

If you wanted to build a HTPC you could record HD from Component using a Hauppauge card and you'd also need a BR burner in the PC.

If you were OK with SD but didn't want a Magnavox then something like a international Panasonic would also record from S-video outputs but unlike the Magnavox the international Panasonics don't have a US tuner. Click my signature for info on the international Panasonics.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._ray_Disc.html
 
#51 ·
Hi,

Yes, your post makes sense. Even if I use the red green blue component hook up, I'd also have to use the analog RCA Left Right audio inputs, so the resulting recording, even using a BR blank would be still SD, right?

I'll think I'll go with the Magnavox, for now. If they ever put out a BR recorder with HDMI inputs, I might get that...but I'm not holding my breath for THAT!

I think the MPAA will prevent any consumer electronics company from offerring that.

Thanks!,

John
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top