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General discussion

Future of DVR?

Jan 16, 2005 11:59PM PST

Folks,

I'm not a multimedia person but need to get into DVDs for 2 televisions that are both supplied via Cablevision. I want to be able to 1)watch an occasional TV show at a later, convenient time, 2) perhaps make a DVD of something on TV to save, 3) probably save family scenes from a digital Camcorder (not yet purchased), and 4) some unforseen uses! As for a current purchase, should I be getting a DVR with a hard drive now, a DVR without a hard drive (and just store stuff on DVDs or should i wait for Tivo like devices from Cablevision (which i prefer to deal with as little as possible) or other companies?

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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TVRs are increasingly moving in the direction of
Jan 17, 2005 1:38AM PST

preventing you from permanently recording programs ala DVDs. I don't think they provide the ability to capture and record camcorder data. You probably need to look at a device which will connect to your computer. It will need to be able to access the broadcast schedule unless you set it up like a VCR. There are devices like this. I am aware of some that include a TV tuner and software to schedule recording. Check Huapage (sp?) or ATI.

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WinTV-PVR-350
Jan 17, 2005 11:13AM PST
http://www.hauppauge.com/pages/products/data_pvr350.html

Has cable in. The hardware encoder is the clincher here. Takes all the work away from your cpu and the card does the job.
Since you wish to make dvd movies, this card comes with ulead dvdmovie factory and video studio 7.
Also nero express. Files will already be on your pc so no need to consider transfer needs. You will need harddrive space. 120 gigs at least.

No DRM.
Has analog in and out.
The Ulead software detects USB cams.
The card can schedule a program to record in your choice of quality. Makes awsome dvds at 8000kbits video, 1141 bits audio. Will record and burn svcd with a couple of clicks.

One small step to installing this card is to use the hardware wizard manually to install just the driver.
Then all the software after reboot.
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Future of DVR?
Jan 18, 2005 5:04AM PST