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General discussion

DVR & Wireless USB Adaptor

by joanneca Aug 1, 2009 11:53AM PDT

I am considering getting TIVO (or another DVR if there is a better choice available) since I can't use my VCR to record anymore. I still use a TV that does not have a digital tuner & use a converter box & antenna. I have 2 main questions: Should I also purchase TIVO's wireless G USB network adaptor? I understand that it would let me set up recording online, but more importantly, would it let me download movies from Netflix to my TV? (I already subscribe to Netflix). My other question is whether TIVO would still be the best option, or if there is another DVR or some other divice that would serve my needs at a lower cost. I just want to record shows that I will watch within a day or so.

Thank you,
Joanne

Discussion is locked

7 Posts
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yes
by gabereyes Aug 2, 2009 1:07PM PDT

you should buy a wireless adapter if you have netflicks.

it will give you a huge amount of movies you can watch instantly.

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DVR
by joanneca Aug 3, 2009 2:05AM PDT

Thank you. And are you also saying that TIVO is the best option, given my current TV & type of reception? I was hoping to spend a few hundred dollars less. I know that TIVO is easy to use, but I could deal with something a bit less user friendly if it saves enough money.

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the only other option
by gabereyes Aug 3, 2009 12:54PM PDT

is a dvd recorder with a tuner built in, this well cost around 200 to buy with no monthly fee.

but its a pain to use, you will have to buy disc and setup recordings like a vcr would date, channel, time, etc. plus you will not be able to stream netflicks.

Tivo is a great option for people who dont have cable or sat, I wish more people would get it, and some older or none tech people really just need it.

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Other Options
by joanneca Aug 3, 2009 1:41PM PDT

I had looked into DVD recorders, but rejected them mainly because they only record for 2 hours on re-recordable discs, from my understanding, & that isn't long enough. I was wondering if there was another DVR option that cost less & worked well, but there doesn't seem to be.

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My old APEX for 45 bucks did 8 hours on DVDRW media.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Aug 3, 2009 11:40PM PDT

Albeit in some non-standard encoding. Are you sure that name brands don't do this?

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Recording Length
by joanneca Aug 4, 2009 2:01AM PDT

My understanding was that it had to do with the discs. I was told that re-recordable ones only record for 2 hours. It seemed to have to do with high def. But my TV isn't high def & I use an antenna, so I'm trying to figure out if there is a way to record longer without having to keep buying & throwing out discs, or spending the extra bucks for Tivo & subscription fees.

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Define High Def please.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Aug 4, 2009 2:04AM PDT

Almost all if not all recorders record in at most 480p. (see google please.)

I'm left to wonder if people are not opening the manuals to the products today.
Bob

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