DVD Recorders

[sirrong]

1. Can I record from VHS tapes onto a PVR internal Hard Drive and then download them to a DVD Disc.
2.Can a DVD disc be played on a PVR (for viewing purposes).
3.PVR with Single Tuner - can I record Freeview Channel to Hard Drive and watch another Freeview channel or Channel 1 - 5.
4. Ditto question 3 - but instead of PVR - substitute DVD recorder (one which records to DVD Disc). or must one have a recorder with a twin tuner/alternatively Freeview Playback.

All advice/ suggestions appreciated. Sirrong.

[sirrong]

The VHS Tapes I refer to are those taken off a camcorder years ago of holidays etc.

Further, what are disadvantages/drawbacks, if any, of an Analogue DVD Recorder as against a Digital one.

Grateful for all contributions.
Sirrong.

[speardane]

2. yes (certainly works well for me using Myth)
3 &4. No - 1 tuner required for each signal (could buy a two tuner card - then it would work)

[streetster]

are you talking the PVR's that sit under your telly, or thinking about getting a TV-card for your PC?

If the former:

1. If you buy a HDD/DVD combi recorder then yes, you can stream the VHS onto the player and either record straight to DVD, or record to HDD and then 'archive' it onto DVD.

2. If the PVR has a DVD player, then yes of course.

3. nope, 1 tuner = 1 thing to watch OR record at a time. but you can always watch the TV channels without using the PVR

4. see Q3




e! had a phone call and looks like all the questions have been answered, d'oh!

[sirrong]

2. yes (certainly works well for me using Myth)
3 &4. No - 1 tuner required for each signal (could buy a two tuner card - then it would work)

Please excuse my ignorance - I assume I would have to get a two tuner card installed in the recorder? Any idea of cost?and where to get such.

[sirrong]

are you talking the PVR's that sit under your telly, or thinking about getting a TV-card for your PC?

If the former:

1. If you buy a HDD/DVD combi recorder then yes, you can stream the VHS onto the player and either record straight to DVD, or record to HDD and then 'archive' it onto DVD.

2. If the PVR has a DVD player, then yes of course.

3. nope, 1 tuner = 1 thing to watch OR record at a time. but you can always watch the TV channels without using the PVR

4. see Q3




e! had a phone call and looks like all the questions have been answered, d'oh!

...in the last line you say "but you can always watch the TV channels without using the PVR" - I'm now confused.
The PVR is being used to record a Freeview channel - what I wish to know is -can I simultaneously watch another Freeview channel or even channels 1-5.

[streetster]

lol after the phonecall i forgot to add the scenario for the 'if you are using a TV-card in your PC'.

If you have 1 tuner, you are only going to be able to EITHER :

watch something (live) OR record something (live).

but not both simultaneously. if you wish to do this you'll need a tv-card with two tuners.


My comment only stands if you are using a DVD/HDD PVR that sits under your TV and thus you can use the Tuner thats built into the tv to watch something

[sirrong]

lol after the phonecall i forgot to add the scenario for the 'if you are using a TV-card in your PC'.

If you have 1 tuner, you are only going to be able to EITHER :

watch something (live) OR record something (live).

but not both simultaneously. if you wish to do this you'll need a tv-card with two tuners.


My comment only stands if you are using a DVD/HDD PVR that sits under your TV and thus you can use the Tuner thats built into the tv to watch something

Argos has recorders with "FreeviewPlayback" - am I to assume that with this type you can record a Freeview channel and simultaneously watch any other? Many thanks for your input/advice - I'm on a learning curve in these matters and discussions like this can only help me get a better understanding of these issues.
sirrong.

[streetster]

are you planning on getting something like:



or something like:

[sirrong]

Like the top one - I have no idea what the bottom picture represents!!!! much too technical for me!!!

[streetster]

Ah, ok... I wasnt 100% sure.


If you buy a PVR which has a DVD recorder and a Harddrive (HDD) built in, then my comments above are correct.

If you but a PVR with a single tuner you will only be able to record OR watch freeview. Not both.


However, you will be able to receive channels 1 to 5 on your TV, and so you can watch these while your PVR is buzzing away recording something on freeview.

If you've got a shiny new tv that has freeview built in, then you will be able to watch freeview while your PVR records.


If you get a PVR with 2 tuners (i wish i had!) then you will be able to watch something on the PVR whilst simultaneously recording a different channel.


Alternatively, you could buy a single-tuner PVR and a £20 digibox from ASDA or similar, and then you can record/watch two different programs simultaneously

[sirrong]

Many thanks indeed. I think you have explained the position to my entire satisfaction - if anything else occurs to me that needs answering I will revert to you.
In the meantime I'm grateful for your time.
sirrong.

As an afterthought I would mention my TV is a Sony Trinitron Integrated Digital TV Model KD-28DL11U (ie with built in Freeview) and therefore I now assume from your advices that I can record a Freeview Channel whilst watching a different Freeview Channel using a PVR with a single tuner.

1.With the PVR only facility(not with combi DVD recorder) can I download from the hard drive to a DVD disc without having to connect to a separate DVD recorder.

2.Can I insert a DVD disc for play/watching purposes - does the single PVR set have a place for putting in a disc.?
or am I to assume that a PVR with hard drive only is simply that and has no capabilities for using DVD Discs. For clarification - I'm not referring to a combi set of PVR and DVD recorder by disc.
Apologies for being longwinded - but your help is most appreciated.

[speardane]

Please excuse my ignorance - I assume I would have to get a two tuner card installed in the recorder? Any idea of cost?and where to get such.

scan are doing a dual leadtek card for £32 & a quad Hauppuage for £110 - they normally stock Dual Huapuage for about £50.
- I've no opinion on Leadtek
- I'd advise staying clear of Windows MCE only badged items if you want to use Myth TV (or do your homework carefully!)

[streetster]

scan are doing a dual leadtek card for £32 & a quad Hauppuage for £110 - they normally stock Dual Huapuage for about £50.
- I've no opinion on Leadtek
- I'd advise staying clear of Windows MCE only badged items if you want to use Myth TV (or do your homework carefully!)

the guy wants a PVR to sit underneath his TV, not a tv-card to go in his PC!



...

1.With the PVR only facility(not with combi DVD recorder) can I download from the hard drive to a DVD disc without having to connect to a separate DVD recorder.

It depends on the PVR. if you buy one with a DVD recorder in then, yes, of course you can store any recordings made on the HDD onto DVD.

2.Can I insert a DVD disc for play/watching purposes - does the single PVR set have a place for putting in a disc.?

See the first answer, if you buy a PVR which has a DVD drive in, then naturally you can watch a DVD

or am I to assume that a PVR with hard drive only is simply that and has no capabilities for using DVD Discs. For clarification - I'm not referring to a combi set of PVR and DVD recorder by disc.

A PVR will only have a HDD in unless it specifically says it has a DVD drive.

Apologies for being longwinded - but your help is most appreciated.

No Problem, its best to get everything clear in your head before you spend any money

[sirrong]

Once again, many thanks. It seems I put you to a lot of trouble - but I now know what's what and feel I can make an "informed" decision.
Sirrong.