Best PVR?

**fats** · 10-05-2009 02:05 PM

Hey guys,

I was wondering whats the best OTA HDTV compatible PVR with an electronic programing guide. DVB and multimedia playback would also be a plus? Does the Pansat 9200 or azbox have an epg for OTA channels?

**QCK** · 10-05-2009 04:18 PM

DTVPal DVR: HD, dual tuners, 7 day guide & 30 hours of HD space. Great OTA HD PVR receiver!

DTVPAL.COM

DTVPAL DVR

**CowboyDren** · 10-05-2009 04:23 PM

Downside: Acts more like a VCR than a current-gen DVR, in that you have to manually program time and channel for each event (you can't just create a timer for any event called "name"). This means that if ABC or Fox or whomever decides to re-slot your favorite TV show, or cancel it, the DTVPal will not correct the timer, and record whatever comes on in the old slot.

**QCK** · 10-05-2009 04:43 PM

CowboyDren, please let us know what better HD OTA PVR is available.

**CowboyDren** · 10-05-2009 04:52 PM

That's easy: TiVo HD. Two onboard ATSC tuners, very good search and timer systems. Downside to it is that you have either a monthly, yearly, or lifetime (of the box, not your account) subscription fee. Something like $13/mo or $130/yr or $400/lifetime (of the box, not your account). The other downside is that it requires access to a phone line or broadband internet. If there's a broadband connection, it also enables Netflix Watch Instantly and Amazon VOD streaming services, with more to come. The TiVo HD also has the excellent Recommendations system, which the DTVPal does not.

**QCK** · 10-05-2009 05:05 PM

Thanks CoyboyDren, great info.

You have two really good options fats.

**CowboyDren** · 10-05-2009 05:13 PM

Of note, each unit MSRP's for about $300, but can be had for about $260. Walmart.com will sell you a TiVo HD for $258, and DigitalStar.com has the DTVPal DVR for $259.95. Should be a bunch on eBay, too...

**riffjim4069** · 10-05-2009 05:32 PM

I have to agree with Cowboy...the TivoHD is your best bet for fully functional DVR with all the bells and whistles. However, I would also suggest getting your mits on an old Sony DHG-HDD250/500 with free TVGuide On Screen (TVGOS) if the price is right. Pros: one time purchase price and the TVGOS digital guide data is freely supplied by the local CBS/PBS affiliate. Cons: TVGuide can try your patience, little support for the old Sony boxes, and the Sony while also digital cable ready (i.e, supports cable card) is only a single-tuner box. Although I've never used a DTV Pal, I can tell by the general comments that I would place it behind the TivoHD and Sony HD DVR.

**bicker** · 10-05-2009 06:10 PM

It really is between the DTVPal DVR ($250) and the TiVo HD (about $700 with lifetime service). Each is worth just about what they cost -- you get what you pay for. $700 is a lot of money. But you may not be happy with a device that is worth only a little more than a third.

**CowboyDren** · 10-05-2009 06:21 PM

Personally, I'm hesitant to spend $400 on a subscription for a $300 device, nor would I pay $700 for a Moxi (even if it had OTA capability). I'm usually bored with a given toy or appliance in three years, and I expect that in three years, TiVo will have a better device than the one that's on the market now. If you can handle $130 at a whack, a TiVo with annual subscription is the way to go. Then again, how long has the Series 2 been on the market? It doesn't do ATSC, let alone HD, so it doesn't matter, but TiVo is pretty good about getting their mileage (development costs) out of a given platform. What could be better than a TiVo HD? A TiVo HD with four tuners and DLNA/UPnP media server. Wish in one hand, want in the other, see which fills up first.

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