[JudithS]

Hello, I am planning to buy a DVD recorder with built-in Freeview.

Currently we have:
Analogue TV set connected to Freeview box.
Roof aerial connected to that Freeview box.
VCR!

So we can only tape the Freeview channel we are watching.
Now our VCR has finally expired after decades of sterling service, may it Rest In Peace. Hence I want to get a DVD recorder.

To record one Freeview channel on the DVD-recorder-with-built-in Freeview, while watching another on the analogue-TV-with-attached-Freeview box, do I need a coaxial splitter so there's one aerial signal going to the DVD recorder and another signal to the TV's Freeview box?

Anything else I have not thought of? Many thanks! - Judith

[Nigel Goodwin]

No need for a splitter, the aerial loops through the DVD recorder just as a VCR does.

However, are you wanting to archive programmes on DVD?, otherwise a PVR would be a far better bet - bear in mind a DVD recorder only has a very short recording time.

[JudithS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

No need for a splitter, the aerial loops through the DVD recorder just as a VCR does.

OK, thanks -- I thought as I would be having two Freeview receivers (one for TV, one for recorder) I would need two aerial connections if I wanted to watch one Freeview channel but record another.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

However, are you wanting to archive programmes on DVD?, otherwise a PVR would be a far better bet - bear in mind a DVD recorder only has a very short recording time.

I have thought of it but I am rather a Luddite and thought a PVR sounded a bit high-tech for me.

[Nigel Goodwin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JudithS

I have thought of it but I am rather a Luddite and thought a PVR sounded a bit high-tech for me.

Quite the opposite, a PVR is easier than a DVD recorder or a VCR, DVD recorders are considerably harder to use than VCR's.

If you buy a twin tuner PVR you can record one channel while you watch another, or record two at once, and it's VERY easy to use.

[bobcar]

Just seconding what Nigel said. Unless you want to keep the recordings long term you are better with a PVR, they are much more convenient and easy to use than a DVD recorder which frankly can be a real pain in the bum especially for the less technically aware.

[Scorpio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobcar

Just seconding what Nigel said. Unless you want to keep the recordings long term you are better with a PVR, they are much more convenient and easy to use than a DVD recorder which frankly can be a real pain in the bum especially for the less technically aware.

And thirding it!!!

A PVR will do you fine!

Rgds,
Scorp

[Stunty]

There is always another option of getting a DVD recorder with built in Hard Disc Drive - HDD, acts similar to a PVR but have the disc drive if you want to record straight to DVD.

Don't know if the HDD/DVD drives models have the facility to record on programme and watch another though .... but if you still have the freeview connected to your tv then it may not matter to you.

DVD discs can record up to 8 hours on each or if you get a cartridge they can record double that amount.

[John Currie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stunty

Don't know if the HDD/DVD drives models have the facility to record on programme and watch another though

They don't...PVRs do.

[Nigel Goodwin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stunty

There is always another option of getting a DVD recorder with built in Hard Disc Drive - HDD, acts similar to a PVR but have the disc drive if you want to record straight to DVD.

But are even more complicated than a DVD recorder.

Quote:

DVD discs can record up to 8 hours on each.

But only at fairly poor quality, a PVR can record for MUCH longer (depending on HDD size) and gives quality identical to the original.