What's the best way to record tv shows?

Question

My vcr recently went bad, and I have since discovered that finding a vcr that records basic cable anymore is very difficult, most newer vcr's don't have a coaxial input on them.

So my question is what's the best way out there to record tv. I know there's DVD recorders and DVR's, I don't know much about either, my understanding is that DVR's require subscribtion to a service like Tivo which I'm not a big fan of but if it's the best option maybe I'll go with that.

So in short, I have a coaxial cable that I want to plug into a device to record basic cable, what's the best way?

Answer 1

DVRs are by far superior for every day recording needs.  Once I made the switch, I was hooked.  I now find that I will only watch shows that I have recorded on my DVR because i can fast forward through all the commercials and bs.  It is possible to buy a standalone DVR that does not require a subscription service, but there are benefits to subscribing to something like TiVO.  By integrating with their guide service, you can easily set up and record shows via a variety of methods.  All you have to do is bring up the guide and select the show you want to record a show.  Even better, you do things like set up a season pass whereby the DVR records all episodes of a given show.  All you have to do is type in the name or some key words and the DVR will find the shows and record them automatically.  No need to know when or on what channel the show comes on.  

Most Cable and Satellite providers offer DVR packages.  In my opinion, TiVo has the best user interface.  I use DirecTV and have both a TiVo based DVR and DirecTV's DVR.  The TiVo based one is much better.  Unfortunately, DirecTV doesn't offer a TiVo based DVR anymore.  With Cable, you can buy your own TiVo DVR.

The cheapest route is to get one from your Cable/Satellite provider.  It'll probably cost you no more than $5 per mos and you should be able to get the equipment for free.

Answer 2

Hi Parker,

We prefer 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.

With my series 2 and series 3 TiVo’s I can transfer recordings to my computer, edit them if desired then record them to a DVD.

You can also allow TiVo to share pictures and music from your computer. It will play the music and slide shows on your TV.

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

The TiVo Community Store often has good bargains for TiVo’s or accessories. Check them for current pricing along with your local Best Buy - http://store.tivocommunity.com/merchant....

You need either a phone line or internet connection for TiVo to download software updates and program information.

I hope this helps you make the best decision.

Norm