basic dvr for OTA signal

[f1sh3r]

ive got some friends looking for something to replace their vcr. he sent me an email, this line just about sums it up...

"Is it possible to buy something fairly cheap (~$100) that would just tape whatever the rabbit ears pick up?"

ive got a htpc, and thats basically the only thing i know of for what they want. are there any cheap dvr devices out that you can put in the channel and time and it records. i dont think an epg would be necessary, just basic capture and playback.

 

[PurdueRy]

By OTA do you mean OTA HD? At this point it is pretty much pointless to get one without a ATSC tuner as in just about a year you would have to use an external tuner box WITH the DVR if it didnt' have one.

Hard disk DVRs have become increasingly rare. This is likely due to the increase in people using cable/satellite and those companies typically have their own offerings. However, there are a few models left. However, I have yet to see one of these with a ATSC tuner.

DVD DVRs are very prevalent but obviously lack space. These can be more of a hassle, especially with DVD-R discs.

If they have a TV with a ATSC tuner in it and a video out they can get a hard disk DVR without a ATSC tuner and still use it into the future.

 

[Shadowknight]

Sony makes an OTA DVR, but it's between $500 and $800, I think. Like TIVO they do include a programming guide for the thing for recording particular shows, but it's free as opposed to TIVO's monthly fee.