I want a dvd/vcr recorder,so many of them say "no tuner included" what is this tuner? can one be added?

Question

I want a dvd/vcr recorder,so many of them say "no tuner included" what is this tuner? can one be added?

Answer 1

The tuner is actually the channel selector.  Today's TVs are being sold with 2 different tuners, one that works with analog TV and another that works with digital TV.  But while every TV needs a tuner to bring in the channels to watch, most DVD or VHS recorders have much less need.  So to reduce costs, they leave out the tuner.  It still works for playback.  And can still record, but audio-video only, no TV channels.  So if you want to record a TV program while you're away, you either need an external tuner hooked to your recorder, or you need to use your TV output, if it has one, to send to the recorder.  You then set the TV channel on the one you want to record.  (It also means leaving your TV on while you're gone.)  Or you can use the output of your cable/satellite receiver if you have one.

You can see, it's a big pain.  It means you can't record one channel while watching another.  It means you can't record a different channel after recording another channel.  Personally, I think it's kind of a dirty trick to sell useless units by offering a lower price, but also selling you a limited product.  But it's legitimate.  If you plan on recording TV programs, then get a recorder with a tuner.

Answer 2

They are talking about the TV tuner.  You would have to buy one so that you can record TV shows.