Social Feed

Main Feed My Feed
DJ Rob
DJ Rob
Last reply · posted in General Home Theater Equipment

Recommend a good DVR or DVD Recorder for Over The Air TV?

My grandparents who are in their 90s need to replace their VCR with something simpler that will record and play their favorite shows from off the air digital broadcasts to watch on their old 25" console TV. Any recommendations? I was thinking a DVR or DVD recorder with a ATSC tuner would probably work but I'm not sure what is the best to buy them.
Read more
12 Replies · 11664 views
Load Replies (12) Reply Legacy View
bicker
bicker
To understand why the answer to your question is as it is, it is important to understand some background: VHS recorders were introduced in 1977. Back then, they used to cost upwards of $400 each, back when $400 was much more so a lot of money than it is today. Then, the technology became, literally, cheaper and cheaper (i.e., both in terms of lower price and lower relative quality). There were still high quality VHS recorders, but they were providing neat-o features and higher levels of picture quality that the average person didn't really care about.

We are still at the very beginning of the technology curve for digital video recorders. For example, the Sony DHG-HDD500 was introduced in 2002. So, we have not yet reached the point where digital video recorders are getting "cheaper and cheaper" in any dimension. So what you can expect with regard to purchasing a digital video recorder is roughly the same as what we had available to us eight years after the introduction of JVC's first VHS recorder -- so basically put yourself back to the mindset you had purchasing a VHS recorder in 1985.

Okay so so much for background info... the short answer to your question is that you can expect to pay between $250 and $600 to get a digital video recorder, and to get one that is relatively trouble-free then you're looking at that $600 number, not the $250 number.

The $250 number reflects a device like the DTVPal DVR. It is a basic device, originally put out by Echostar, and now put out by Channel Master. I do not recommend it at all. It has been plagued with problems, most of which have been resolved, but some haven't, and the various turnovers of ownership, and where the product line has ended up, leads me to distrust further support for the device. From some of the messages I've read this week, I fear that if you go with the DTVPal DVR, you may end up having to deal with problems that actually won't have resolutions.

The $600 number reflects a device like the TiVo Premiere DVR with lifetime service. To get that $600 price, though, you'll need a friend with a TiVo. Otherwise, you'll pay $100 more. The TiVo is an excellent device, with excellent ATSC tuners, and is useful for a lot more than you need it for, but you may find a use for those features regardless.

Let me know if you want more information on either of these options.
Read more
Reply
bicker
bicker
The problem with that idea is that VCRs with ATSC tuners are rare. Panasonic made a bunch of DVD-Recorder/VCR Combos, like the DMR-EZ47V, which runs used at about $200 these days, but I don't think that that will be really any easier than a DVR. There is also the JVC HM-DT100U, but I couldn't find any for sale anywhere. And all other VCRs with ATSC tuners that I could find is even more expensive than that. Do you know of any others, and where they can be purchased today?

With regard to older VCRs without ATSC tuners; they are exceedingly difficult to use if your source is ATSC, as the OP indicated. I recommend a DVR instead of suggesting that an older person learning to wrestle with having program what channel they want to watch on one device and then program the VCR to record off Channel 3 on another device.
Read more
Reply
navychop
navychop
bicker has made some good posts. However, I would point out that I (& many others) are very happy with my/our DTVPal DVRs. I've had no significant issues with mine. But today's Channel Master version costs way more than the $200 or $250 I paid.

Tivo presents a risk. They may or may not be in business in a year or two. You would then (probably) lose the EPG. Tivo expects about $12 a month for that EPG service (a poor, & losing, business model). Yes, there are some "lifetime" options. Just make your decision with open eyes.

Don't get the Sonys. Good devices, for cable today, but they only got the analog version of the TVG EPG. I have one, and for OTA it's of little use now.
Read more
Reply
bicker
bicker
navychop said:
Tivo presents a risk. They may or may not be in business in a year or two. You would then (probably) lose the EPG.
Click to expand...
No, sorry; none of that is indicated by any reasonable interpretation of the situation. TiVo's finances are not stellar, but worst-case-scenario (and to be clear, a lot of TiVo's strongest fans consider this a bad thing) could indeed be acquired by some larger company. However, that larger company would be obligated to continue providing TiVo service. Beyond that, even if somehow your Armageddon situation happens, and they aren't acquired by anyone, and there is a fire sale, there is as good as chance as any that they'll open up the door to EPG provided through other means. Regardless, that scenario is so far from probable as to be laughable. Despite TiVo's poor profitability, they have incredibly rich assets that many companies would be very happy to acquire, and would compete for the privilege to do so. Providing EPG to TiVo's current subscribers would be a very small consideration to most of these companies.

In a nutshell, TiVo is a risk, but it isn't the kind of risk you're projecting -- not even a little.
Read more
Reply
dreddick
dreddick
In the price range you are talking about I would say go with a DVD Recorder except that you mentioned that you wanted something simple...a DVD recorder may not fit that criteria. I have a tunerless Panasonic DVDR and I'm very happy with it. You might look at the version with the tuner or others like the Toshiba.
Read more
Reply
M
Mrgrip
bicker said:
The problem with that idea is that VCRs with ATSC tuners are rare. Panasonic made a bunch of DVD-Recorder/VCR Combos, like the DMR-EZ47V, which runs used at about $200 these days, but I don't think that that will be really any easier than a DVR. There is also the JVC HM-DT100U, but I couldn't find any for sale anywhere. And all other VCRs with ATSC tuners that I could find is even more expensive than that. Do you know of any others, and where they can be purchased today?

With regard to older VCRs without ATSC tuners; they are exceedingly difficult to use if your source is ATSC, as the OP indicated. I recommend a DVR instead of suggesting that an older person learning to wrestle with having program what channel they want to watch on one device and then program the VCR to record off Channel 3 on another device.
Click to expand...

If you belong to Costco, they have the Panasonic DMR-EZ485V in the $270 range. (price varies lower sometimes) I have one & it has the built in ATSC tuner. Mine works well, & is pretty easy to use. It is a VCR/DVD recorder combo. Do a search for the technical data.

Hope this helps.
Read more
Reply
raoul5788
raoul5788
bicker said:
To understand why the answer to your question is as it is, it is important to understand some background: VHS recorders were introduced in 1977. Back then, they used to cost upwards of $400 each, back when $400 was much more so a lot of money than it is today.
Click to expand...

$400? Try more like $1000!
Read more
Reply
View all replies (12)
Scott Greczkowski
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in SiriusXM Satellite Radio

SiriusXM announces 25 Holiday Channels for 2026

Some of the channels start next week.

investor.siriusxm.com

SiriusXM Delivers the Soundtrack to the Holidays with Its Festive Lineup of 25 Handcrafted Seasonal Music Channels

Lineup features channels produced and presented by celebrated personalities and iconic brands, including Jimmy Fallon, Hallmark,…...
investor.siriusxm.com investor.siriusxm.com
Read more
3 Replies · 11 views
Load Replies (3) Reply Legacy View
  • Like
Reactions: comfortably_numb
comfortably_numb
comfortably_numb
My favorite is probably Holiday Pops.
Read more
Reply
TRG
TRG
It's not even Halloween yet.
Read more
Reply
Scott Greczkowski
Scott Greczkowski
I like the Jimmy Fallon channel. This will be its third year. I like that it's all fresh each year. Also fun when he pops on live from time to time.
Read more
Reply
dishstaller
dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club

At least 64 dead in Spanish passenger train collision

Terrible tragedy. You would think that they would have safe guards in place that would prevent something like this from happening. I guess if you are going to ride in a passenger train it might be best to get a car near the rear.

At Least 64 Dead After Two High-Speed Trains Collide In Spain<!-- --> | ZeroHedge

ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
www.zerohedge.com www.zerohedge.com
Read more
1 Replies · 12 views
Load Replies (1) Reply Legacy View
  • Sad
Reactions: Jimbo
Jimbo
Jimbo
dishstaller said:
Terrible tragedy. You would think that they would have safe guards in place that would prevent something like this from happening. I guess if you are going to ride in a passenger train it might be best to get a car near the rear.

At Least 64 Dead After Two High-Speed Trains Collide In Spain<!-- --> | ZeroHedge

ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
www.zerohedge.com www.zerohedge.com
Click to expand...
They will have to look at the switching sections to determine WHY 2 trains were on the same track ... at the same time.
Read more
Reply
Scott Greczkowski
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne


Get it?


An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
Read more
68644 Replies · 2679520 views
Load Replies (68644) Reply Legacy View
  • Like
Reactions: c-spand
gms49ers
gms49ers
Show Don't Tell - Rush
Read more
Reply
harshness
harshness
Show and Tell - Al Wilson
Read more
Reply
sdfntx
sdfntx
On with the Show - The Rolling Stones
Read more
Reply
gms49ers
gms49ers
The Show Must Go On - Pink Floyd
Read more
Reply
  • Love
Reactions: dishstaller
Bobby
Bobby
If Love Must Go - Dobie Gray
Read more
Reply
View all replies (68644)
osu1991
osu1991
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of 'Kate & Allie' and 'McMillan & Wife,' Dies at 80

variety.com

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of ‘Kate & Allie’ and ‘McMillan & Wife,’ Dies at 80

Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress who starred in "Kate & Allie," died Monday after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was 80.
variety.com variety.com
Read more
4 Replies · 68 views
Load Replies (4) Reply Legacy View
Bobby
Bobby
Rest in peace.
Read more
Reply
sdfntx
sdfntx
Sorry to hear this. R.I.P.
Read more
Reply
FTA4PA
FTA4PA
R.I.P.
Read more
Reply
dishstaller
dishstaller
My Mom was a huge McMillan & Wife fan.

RIP
Read more
Reply
TRG
TRG
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in Local Radio Discussion

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

wabcradio.com

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

(Washington, DC) - The U.S. House has passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, marking a major step forward for broadcasters and listeners who have pushed to keep AM radio available in new cars and
wabcradio.com wabcradio.com
Read more
22 Replies · 692 views
Load Replies (22) Reply Legacy View
  • Like
Reactions: FTA4PA, Mr Tony, Howard Simmons and 2 others
dishdude
dishdude
It's probably been 2 decades since I've listened to an AM radio station. Very rarely listen to FM any more.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: reubenray and Jimbo
dishstaller
dishstaller
dishdude said:
Very rarely listen to FM any more
Click to expand...
That goes for a lot of people. I've been advertising on radio for more than a decade now and am very familiar with this subject. While it is still a valuable tool, it has far less impact than it did just a few years ago. The best reaction I get is from a local Country music station....they play a mix of older and newer music and have a very big footprint.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Mr Tony
Jimbo
Jimbo
dishstaller said:
That goes for a lot of people. I've been advertising on radio for more than a decade now and am very familiar with this subject. While it is still a valuable tool, it has far less impact than it did just a few years ago. The best reaction I get is from a local Country music station....they play a mix of older and newer music and have a very big footprint.
Click to expand...
Do you do any Ad's on Satellite ?

If Not, why not, because it's not Local ?
Read more
Reply
dishstaller
dishstaller
Jimbo said:
Do you do any Ad's on Satellite ?

If Not, why not, because it's not Local ?
Click to expand...
No, just regular FM stations. One is the country station I mentioned and the other is a Talk Radio station which used to get fantastic results but honestly, since the death of Rush Limbaugh, talk radio just doesn't do as well. There were two guys who had an early morning show which was hugely popular here in the southeast but one of them retired a couple years ago and the show just doesn't garner the same numbers as it used to.
Read more
Reply
S
slow_poke_pete
Haven't listened AM or FM in years
Read more
Reply
harshness
harshness
Jimbo said:
If Not, why not, because it's not Local ?
Click to expand...
You knew the answer before you asked it.

I can't recall having encountered a local ad on Sirius, and I don't imagine it is any different on XM.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: dishstaller
View all replies (22)
Gary Toma
Gary Toma
Staff member Pub Member / Supporter Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in DIRECTV Technical Resources Forum

DIRECTV Transponder Map ~ Data 10/21/2026

The TPN Map Excel Presents all DIRECTV Channels:
​
National (50-States or wide/NAT+PR beams)
Local (Local-Into-Local or narrow/Spot beams)
​
Additional tabs provide:​
OTA the (Over-The-Air) Database
VOD (Video On_Demand) Records
Offline Records
Engr Records
Net Decoder a graphic presentation of all satellites and transponders
​
Domestic Satellites
@99W...... D11, D14
@101W.... D16
@103W.... D12, D15
@110W.... D5
@119W.... D8​

Understanding the TPN Map

Making Sense of the TPN Map Display Conventions
Read more
DIRECTV_TPN_Map_261021.xlsx 1,876 KB
2168 Replies · 943772 views
Load Replies (2168) Reply Legacy View
  • Like
Reactions: Zakdj, Mr Tony, Tom Speer and 3 others
dtv757
dtv757
For those dazn nba channels are they sat only or sat & streaming
Read more
Reply
K
KyL416
Both, and they just made it official with a multiyear deal that also includes TV Everywhere authentication for the DAZN app, and commercial distribution.

DIRECTV, the premier provider of digital television entertainment in the United States, and DAZN, the world's leading sports entertainment platform, today announced a new multi-year distribution agreement for local telecasts of Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs games for DIRECTV streaming, satellite, and U-verse customers in each team's respective NBA-designated home territories.

These DAZN telecasts will be available to DIRECTV customers who subscribe to the Choice or higher packages and to U-verse TV customers who subscribe to the U200 or higher package. Each of DAZN's team services provides live pregame, postgame, and in-game coverage for the respective team.

In the coming weeks, customers who receive access to these teams via DIRECTV will also be able to login to the DAZN platform at no additional cost using their DIRECTV login credentials.

This agreement also provides distribution rights to each of the five NBA teams to all of DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS' thousands of sports bars, restaurants, fitness clubs, and other commercial venues located within each team's respective region.
Click to expand...
Read more
Reply
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: dtv757 and Mr Tony
D
doctor J
DirecTV Satellite Transponder Updates for Oct 28 2026

Comparison of Transponder Data for Oct 28 2026 vs Oct 21 2026:


No changes in system tables for any transponder tuning parameters.

Changes to the use of defined transponders:

1 Transponder cleared of all Streams::
Net 15 TID 12 Beam NAT is a National Transponder on D12@103ca, TPN 13

2 Previously unused Transponders with current APG records::
Net 0 TID 28 Beam NAT + PR is a National Transponder on D16@101, TPN 29
Net 10 TID 126 Beam NAT is a National Transponder on D11@99cb, TPN 3

Stream (PID) counts:

LIVE Streams​
National​
Spot Beams​
Count​
Change​
Count​
Change​
4K​
4​
​
​
​
HD​
264​
​
1449​
​
SD mpeg4​
144​
-1​
194​
​
SD mpeg2​
434​
1​
​
​
RB​
​
​
​
​
Audio​
89​
​
​
​
Push​
26​
​
​
​
Slate​
19​
​
1​
​
​
TEST Streams​
National​
Spot Beams​
Count​
Change​
Count​
Change​
4K​
​
​
​
​
HD​
​
​
1​
​
SD mpeg4​
​
​
​
​
SD mpeg2​
​
​
​
​
RB​
​
​
​
​
Engr Work​
38​
​
​
​
​


The PID count Excel workbook provides much more count detail.

Newly updated tables of Streams on each transponder are available in the DataDigesters TPN Grids

More details of changes in individual channels will follow in the Weekly Analysis
and Gary Toma's Domestic TPN Map Excel files
A few remaps
Weekly Analysis soon
Enjoy
DataDigesters
Read more
Reply
D
doctor J
Weekly Analysis for 10/28/2026:
Read more
Weekly_Analysis_261028.xlsx 16 KB
Reply
K
KyL416
ElectionHQ mixes testing with BBC News, CNBC, CNN, FBN, FNC, MSNOW, NewsMax and NewsNation

Some more reshuffles

Updating the TMSIDs for KSBI and KQCW to use the cable feeds with Thunder games instead of the OTA feeds

An additional commercial PPV channel is now on 9530
Read more
Reply
View all replies (2168)
Booredatwork.com
· posted in BooredAtWork.COM

Amazon Echo Show 16: Now this is it!

Time for another AWESOME video from BoredAtWork!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wVSqE_URJIo


Direct YouTube Link - Amazon Echo Show 16: Now this is it!
Booredatwork.com Website
Booredatwork on Facebook
Read more
0 Replies · 14 views
Replies Reply Legacy View
TFLEV
· posted in TFLEV

Can You ACTUALLY Use the Mazda CX-90 PHEV As an Electric Commuter? | Baseline Challenge

Time for another AWESOME video from TFL Electric Vehicles!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-HYgO5Lpa8


Direct YouTube Link - Can You ACTUALLY Use the Mazda CX-90 PHEV As an Electric Commuter? | Baseline Challenge
Read more
0 Replies · 17 views
Replies Reply Legacy View
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Apple's All-New iPad mini

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtLJGwEtyT0


Direct YouTube Link - Apple's All-New iPad mini
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
Read more
0 Replies · 22 views
Replies Reply Legacy View
JSheridan
JSheridan
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

All DMA's now Western Arc

I know HipKat said that they were working on conversions but we got the official news yesterday right from Dish that starting next month all DMA's will be on the western arc, and all customers will be assigned to that. That's gonna mean a lot of customers around here aren't gonna get Dish unless there are exceptions. Too many mountains and trees.
Read more
175 Replies · 5139 views
Load Replies (175) Reply Legacy View
  • Like
  • Sad
Reactions: That American Girl, MikeD-C05, AkaDoubleG and 6 others
S
Strega
Even if you are broadcasting old SD-only shows, I would think advertisers would still want their commercials to look good.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell
Jimbo
Jimbo
Strega said:
Even if you are broadcasting old SD-only shows, I would think advertisers would still want their commercials to look good.
Click to expand...
Advertisers on SD channels are probably Far and Few, very hard to find, they have very few viewers to watch them.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell
Mister B
Mister B
Jimbo said:
Advertisers on SD channels are probably Far and Few, very hard to find, they have very few viewers to watch them.
Click to expand...
I watch mostly SD channels (H&I, Start and ION, etc.). There are plenty of advertisers, this time of the year it is mostly Medicare Advantage plans, auto extended warranties and the occasional walk-in-tub. They know who is watching.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: gasman882001, Almighty1, savarese04 and 1 other person
S
slow_poke_pete
Mister B said:
I watch mostly SD channels (H&I, Start and ION, etc.). There are plenty of advertisers, this time of the year it is mostly Medicare Advantage plans, auto extended warranties and the occasional walk-in-tub. They know who is watching.
Click to expand...
can't forget the little blue m&m's
Read more
Reply
  • Haha
  • Like
Reactions: Almighty1, charlesrshell and telstar_1
charlesrshell
charlesrshell
slow_poke_pete said:
can't forget the little blue m&m's
Click to expand...
That's what my wife calls my Viagra!!
Read more
Reply
  • Haha
Reactions: Almighty1, slow_poke_pete, MikeD-C05 and 2 others
T
telstar_1
Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell
S
slow_poke_pete
charlesrshell said:
That's what my wife calls my Viagra!!
Click to expand...
My gf is 29 years younger than me :shh
Read more
Reply
  • Haha
  • Wow
Reactions: MikeD-C05, charlesrshell and HipKat
Almighty1
Almighty1
telstar_1 said:
Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink
Click to expand...
He does not have the resources aka $$$ compared to Elon Musk as in reality, Elon can eat Charlie for lunch or even mop the floor with Charlie if he wanted to.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell
S
slow_poke_pete
ment to 20 yrs dam phone
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell
BradleyD
BradleyD
Dish should use both satellite and internet like they do now for all channels. Use either or or both.... like now but subscribers could choose something like internet only, or sat only, or both.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell
S
slow_poke_pete
BradleyD said:
Dish should use both satellite and internet like they do now for all channels. Use either or or both.... like now but subscribers could choose something like internet only, or sat only, or both.
Click to expand...
They have sling tv wich sucks ass it needs a major upgrade
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell
View all replies (175)
Load More
Top
Back