Can I use a DVR with only an antenna television (no cable, dish, etc)?

Question

Can I use a DVR with only an antenna television (no cable, dish, etc)?

Answer 1

No you need to have private tv service (cable, dish, etc.) to use it

Answer 2

Hi Gerty,

Yes, you can use a DVR for over the air.

You can also choose a DVR that requires no subscription. It isn’t as sophisticated as a TiVo but there is no monthly fee.

You program it like an old VCR entering the start & stop time.

I think the best one on the market is the Phillips DVDR3575H/37. WalMart sells them. As an added bonus you can also record DVDs on the unit.

You can check out the machine here - http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.d...

There are advantages to TiVo because of simplicity of use. The schedule is always correct because it is updated every day. I can program TiVo to record from out of town over the Internet. TiVo learns what you like and recommends shows that you might like. Often times we never would have known they were on. You can program an entire season of a given series with a single click and TiVo never forgets. You can tell TiVo you like someone or something and it will locate shows for you. For example if you tell it you like John Wayne it will watch for and record anything he is on.

I could go on and on about TiVo. There is one downside and that is the monthly (you can pay yearly if you want) fee.

To learn all about TiVo check their web site here - https://www3.tivo.com

Check the TiVo user forum here - http://www.tivocommunity.com

I hope that helps you make the best decision.

Norm

Answer 3

no the DVR is through your cable box, so you'd need cable. just get the cheapest basic cable plan they have, then you can get the DVR too.