Recording OTA broadcasts

1492 wrote:
I use a combination of suggestions posted to record OTA TV programs. I basically split the antenna signal, one of which is connected to a recycled Channel Master DTV converter I picked up from Goodwill for $13. It has an s-video output to my old DVD recorder's input. Then output from the DVD via component to my HDTV LCD. So can still watch programs in HD, even a different channel, while recording to a standard rewritable DVD.

I also have a Hauppauge WinTV-HVR USB stick with remote, also found at Goodwill for $8, connected to my PC which will record pristine 1080p HD OTA programming. Can either transfer the HD file to a USB stick for playback on my BluRay player, or make a separate BluRay disc on a standard DVD ~ 1 hour using 1440 x 1080i HD resolution. Basically, to limit data rates to 8Mbps. The only issue is that the conversion time to a BluRay compatible DVD is about 2.5-3x real time on a quad-core PC.

Not criticizing your method but that is a lot of work to record and watch OTA HD programming on the TV. Isn't there a HD recorder that can record OTA in HD so you can watch directly back on the TV?
I was recording on the computer but that became more of a PITA to do than the quality of the shows were worth.:)

You can still use yor VCR with a digital converter "Front End" if you still have it. I use a pair of DVR's that date back to the analog days with my Digik-converters Am watching a time shifted show as I type in fact.

TiVo and most modern DVD recorders now have digital models.

For the lowest cost check out the Hauppauge Win-TV module for your computer. Some of them are based on the Replay TV that I have, but they do digital. Very nice system.

I use a combination of suggestions posted to record OTA TV programs. I basically split the antenna signal, one of which is connected to a recycled Channel Master DTV converter I picked up from Goodwill for $13. It has an s-video output to my old DVD recorder's input. Then output from the DVD via component to my HDTV LCD. So can still watch programs in HD, even a different channel, while recording to a standard rewritable DVD.

I also have a Hauppauge WinTV-HVR USB stick with remote, also found at Goodwill for $8, connected to my PC which will record pristine 1080p HD OTA programming. Can either transfer the HD file to a USB stick for playback on my BluRay player, or make a separate BluRay disc on a standard DVD ~ 1 hour using 1440 x 1080i HD resolution. Basically, to limit data rates to 8Mbps. The only issue is that the conversion time to a BluRay compatible DVD is about 2.5-3x real time on a quad-core PC.

Yep. A laptop with windows 7 and a USB tuner works well as a DVR. Well, as good as your antenna signal. You can schedule shows, entire series, You can buy a USB remote and have a full size remote, too.

Thanks, I pitched the digital converter last summer when I thought I would never need it again. Threw away the VCR too. Same reason. My Sansui television is "Supposed" to record to a USB memory stick, but it is unreliable at best.

If you still have your old VCR just use it with a digital converter.

Happauge 950 USB tuner comes w/ software to record any OTA stuff with a great web based EPG (elec program guide)

Turns a PC into TIVO for under $100

Thanks. It appears that about half of those listed have tuners, but they also have prices in excess of $250. I may have to get an external digital tuner for my old DVD burner, but that is not really convenient.

Looks like most all of these have TV tuners.
http://dvd-players.toptenreviews.com/dvd-recorder/