Are there digital TV recorders that do not require subscriptions?

Question

Since I doubt I'll be able to record one program on my VCR while watching another when television goes completely digital, I need to know if VCR-like recorders exist that don't require any fees other than what I pay up front. I'm not interested in satelite or digital cable right now; I just want to continue to be able to record shows while watching others when I have to use a digital signal. I'd even settle for a VCR with a built-in digital receiver.

Answer 1

I have a Panasonic DVD recorder that I use, it has a digital tuner in it and no subscription. It cost $150 at best buy.

Answer 2

To record one program while watching another using your VCR, you would need to get your VCR its own converter box.

The limitation is that you have to set the channel on the converter box so you  can't program channel changes. There is supposed to be a converter coming out in June that has a "VCR timer" (Echostar TR-40); hopefully this will change the situation.

You can buy recorders with digital tuners that you can program like a VCR:

DVD recorders

DVD/VCR recorders

DVD/hard drive recorders

You can also buy or modify computers to act like DVRs. Basically you put a digital TV tuner in the computer and use software like "Yahoo go for TV" to control it.

Answer 3

The only way I think it can be done is if you have a computer with a digital TV tuner card and a video card with coaxial or composite out, and DVR software (preferrably Windows Media Center on Windows XP MCE or Windows Vista Ultimate) then the computer would get it's reception from the TV tuner card and use the DVR software to save it to the hard drive, just like a DVR then allow you to select the video from a list when you are ready to watch it

Or you may be able to get a standalone DVD burner that works like a VCR that has a digital tuner, but since VCRs themselves (not bundled with DVD players) are discontinued, you would be lucky to find a VCR with a digital tuner

Answer 4

Looks like Yahoo has one.  From an article on cNET:

"The software, Yahoo Go for TV, is free to download. After the software is installed, people plug their computer into their television's video and audio input connections. The computer can then record and play back shows on the TV just like with a standalone DVR. Consumers can also play DVDs, music, photos or other downloaded content. "