Where did all the Non Fee DVRs go???

Question

I am really looking to get a HD DVR that does not require any sort of subscription, but I have come up short. I really DO NOT want to use any cable, satellite or Tivo brand box, but short of building myself a media center PC, I have been unable to find anything.

---Do you know of a set top stand alone HD DVR that I can purchase and not have to pay a fee to use? I know there used to be lots of them, what happened???

Answer 1

I am not aware of a set top stand alone HD DVRs that does not have a fee to use.  This has not proven to be a product that can be sold for a profit.

Your options are:

1. Buy a HD TiVo with lifetime service.  (if you can wait 3 years, the price will come down, esp on the secondary market)

2. Buy an older TiVo on eBay with lifetime service and use it with an HD converter box.

3. Build a home media center set top box.  There is a good website for how to do this below. (Click on Homebrew DIY, then Top Content)

4. Find a cable provider with DVR fees low enough you can live with.  (or try to negotiate the fees)

5. Buy a one touch recorder such as the Toshiba D-VR610 or Samsung DVD-VR375 (not a true DVR)

6. Go on eBay and buy one of the older DVRs without subscriptions you saw in the past (like the Sony DHG-HDD250).

7. Convert your home computer into a TV recording device. (see Win-TV)

8. I found one product that appears to match your description but you might not like the price/functionality trade.  See Gefen EXT-HD-PVR