dvd recorder or dvr?

Much depends upon how one receives television programming and what sort of recording one wants to do.

If one receives broadcast stations through an antenna one will most likely want a DVD recorder or HDD/DVD recorder with an ATSC tuner. That will allow "time-shift" recording of programming in order to view the programming at a more convenient time and/or archiving recordings to removable media (DVDs).

If one receives cable or satellite services through a cable converter box or satellite receiver and one only wishes to "time-shift" record programming in order to view at a more convenient time those service providers offer DVRs for that purpose.

If one wants to archive cable or satellite service recordings to removable media (DVDs) then one will want a DVD recorder or HDD/DVD recorder. Most DVD recorders will record from "converter box" or satellite receiver composite video outputs (a yellow RCA press-on connection) or S-Video outputs (a round cable with several pins) plus the white and red audio connections (RCA press-on connections). Some of these recorders have clear QAM tuners that allow direct recording of currently non-scrambled cable services. As most cable providers are transitioning to scrambled services, a time is coming where most cable customers will need cable company provided converter boxes, Digital Transport Adapters (DTAs) or CableCards in order to receive most cable services.

Copy protection has been implemented in various ways. Some programming may not be recorded, some programming may be recorded once and other programming allows unrestricted recording.

Currently, the Magnavox H2160MW9A HDD/DVD recorder is the best recorder available in the US marketplace. The 2160 has an ATSC tuner for antenna reception and recording, a clear QAM tuner for reception and recording of non-scrambled cable programming, the usual line inputs for recording from converter box outputs, the usual line outputs for connection to a variety of modern TVs, a decent sized hard drive for recording material, editing/dividing features and high-speed dubbing recorded material to DVDs.

The first post in Wajo's sticky thread is the gateway to a wealth of information concerning the Magnavox 2160 and similar (earlier) models:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940657

DVRs do not record to removable media (DVDs).

DVRs, whether rented/leased from cable/satellite providers, or purchased on the consumer market, are discussed in these sub-forums:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=42

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=25

1. Do you need to record PPV/VOD from cable or satellite? Only DVD recorders can do that.
   
   
2. Do you need to record directly to a DVD, without involving a computer? Only DVD recorders can do that.
   
   
3. Are you looking for a sub-$200 device? That limits you to DVD recorders.
   
   
4. Do you want a program guide? Only DVRs offer that now.
   
   
5. Do you want all recordings labeled with program titles and descriptions? Only DVRs offer that now.
   
   
6. Do you want to tune or record encrypted digital cable channels without paying for a cable box? Only DVRs offer that.
   
   
7. Do you want to record two or three different channels simultaneously? Only DVRs offer that.
   
   
8. Do you want to record all your favorite programs without worrying about timers or schedules? Only DVRs offer that.
   
   
9. Do you want to record or view actual HD? Only DVRs offer that.
   
   
10. Do you want to record the Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound on HD channels? Only DVRs offer that.
    
    
11. Do you want to view audio/video files stored on a networked computer? Only DVRs and media streamers offer that.
    
    
12. Do you want it to support YouTube, Netflix, and/or other Internet services? Only DVRs and media streamers offer that.
    
    
13. Do you want to download recorded files directly to your networked computer? Only DVRs offer that.
    
    
14. Do you want to create high-definition disks that play in Blu-ray players? Only DVRs and computers make that possible.

DVD recorders use SD-only chipsets and implement only the most basic record functionality to keep costs low. That makes DVD recorders the most economical solution for off-air and clearqam timeshifting, but it comes at the expense of usability, functionality, and A/V quality. Modern DVRs (standalone, cable/sat/uverse, PC-based) offer superior picture and sound quality, as well as superior record functionality, but without direct archival to removable media.

Which do you have?

Dish Network and DirecTV offer their own DVRs. If you aren't under contract, or your contract expired, you should be able to get a new DVR for $0-$99. With DirecTV, you would call and ask for the HR23; with Dish Network, you would call and ask for the ViP722K. Both should include free installation.

DirecTV and Dish Network satellite DVRs don't provide offload capability, so you would need to connect the DVD recorder to the composite or s-video output from the DVR.

What you want is NOT a "DVR." What you want IS a DVD recorder or, more precisely, the Magnavox 2160 HDD/DVD recorder:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940657

Are you THE UFC's Chuck Liddell...just had to ask!

Unless you find a Pioneer (check out CitiBear posts concerning the Canadian Pioneer models) the Magnavox 2160 is the one to purchase. (CitiBear also recommends the 2160.) When J&R.com has the "factory refurbished" 2160 in stock they do ship to Canada. The 2160 is priced at $159.99 USD through J&R.com.

Have you visited Wajo's sticky thread? If not, you must:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940657

The Sony RDRHX780 is popular up here in Canada. It's based on a couple of the Pioneer units. I think citibear stated that the Sony RDRHX780 shares common parts with a Pio DVR-640HS and a DVR-550HS but citbear will have to confirm this.

I own the Sony RDRHX780 since last September and to date I am totally satisfied with it. Most of the big electronic stores sell this unit. Around Boxing Day the unit was going for around $250. The HDD is 160GB. No QAM or ATSC but the unit has a cable ready NTSC analog tuner along with three inputs for digital cable box and VCR hook ups. The 3 inputs are composite or S-Video with L/R audio and each input can be individually tweaked. The famous Pioneer MN rec settings and HSD features are included with this unit.

Not to mention the "Disc Backup," bit-for-bit HS disc copying.