Can I record my FIOS on a regular DVR?

Question

I need to buy a new video recorder, but I have Verizon FIOS and didn't get the DVR they offer.

Can I buy a standard DVR and hook it up to my TV and/or FIOS set-top-box to record television programs? What kind of input and output plugs would I need?

I'm looking at the Toshiba D-VR610. Will this work?

I have a Panasonic widescreen HDTV (TCC 26LX60) that is about 18 months old that accepts HDMI, COAX, and component video. My TV also outputs component video.

Answer 1

Yes. You can record from your FIOS box to a standard DVR with no problem. All a standard DVR does is digitize an analog video signal and records it to a hard drive.

The types of hookups you'll need are dependent on the type of DVR you get, you'll have to look at what it's got. The standard connections for SD content have been composite and S-Video. Most HD DVR's I've seen are integrated into a reciever and don't accept any kind of analog HD signal...i also don't own an HDTV so I haven't bothered keeping up with it. But, if your FiOs box outputs component video, then if the DVR accepts it, you're good to go.