A simple (stupid?) question.
Moderators: sgt.null, dANdeLION
A simple (stupid?) question.
Recently due to budget constraints I had to get rid of my DVR supplied by Fios. I can no longer record shows. Back in the 'day' ofVCR's I could record a show on tv. Is there any way, other that the corporate supplied dvr to record a show?
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Looks like most standalone DVRs want you to pay a monthly fee to have guide functions. You can get a TiVo without paying for the guide but you will have to manually enter recording times for your shows. I'm not sure if there is a workaround. Depending on the content you are wanting you might be able to either watch it on demand or use a service like Netflix or Hulu, or possibly download it (perhaps illegally) via torrent..

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Actually, you can use any Windows desktop or laptop as a DVR by adding a USB tuner to it. I have had a good experience with the Happauge brand (~$75), but there are reputable less-expensive brands out there. Your coax feed (from cable or antenna) attaches to that and decodes the signal. Windows Media Center is a very straightforward means of viewing and recording shows (either individual broadcasts or each episode of a series), including an onscreen guide to upcoming programming on all channels available on your feed.
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~ Tracie Mckinney-Hammon
Change is not a process for the impatient.
~ Barbara Reinhold
Courage!
~ Dan Rather
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That's very true, I have used a Windows Media Center PC as a DVR before also, and Windows does provide free guide information online.

The catholic church is the largest pro-pedophillia group in the world, and every member of it is guilty of supporting the rape of children, the ensuing protection of the rapists, and the continuing suffering of the victims.
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There are definitely DVR appliances. Adding a tuner and software to your computer is just simpler and less expensive.
The Hauppage WinTV-HVR 955Q I bought recently to replace the older TV card in Dam-sel's computer doesn't work with Mac, as far as I know, but I'm sure some Mac-using Watcher (or the genius bar at your Apple store) will know a compatible alternative.
The Hauppage WinTV-HVR 955Q I bought recently to replace the older TV card in Dam-sel's computer doesn't work with Mac, as far as I know, but I'm sure some Mac-using Watcher (or the genius bar at your Apple store) will know a compatible alternative.
Love prevails.
~ Tracie Mckinney-Hammon
Change is not a process for the impatient.
~ Barbara Reinhold
Courage!
~ Dan Rather
~ Tracie Mckinney-Hammon
Change is not a process for the impatient.
~ Barbara Reinhold
Courage!
~ Dan Rather
I used a TV tuner in my computer five years ago, but media center has been neutered in the meantime. I blame the cable companies.
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"It's the other way around, but yes."
Obaki, Too Much Information