Looking For A Cheap Option DVR. Iview or HomeWorX?

[afterlife2]

I've been looking for a while and found these yesterday. Not sure If I can use the QAM feature, since I only have OTA. Looking at these two because of the low price. All I want is to record certain shows and watch them later. Open to other options in the $25-60 range. Thanks guys.

Amazon.com : Multi-function Digital Converter Box: TV Recording/Media Function/QAM Function : Digital To Analog Converters : Electronics

Amazon.com: HomeWorx HW-150PVR ATSC Digital TV Converter Box w/ Media Player & Recording PVR Function / HDMI Out: Electronics

 

[Adam]

I'm glad that you reminded me of these. I first saw them back around August, and then forgot about them. I'm interested in what others have to say (although, I'm sure that a PC tuner will be top of the suggestions ).

No, you won't use the QAM tuner, as that doesn't apply to OTA.

 

[afterlife2]

I had a nice Magnovox that recorded on both VHS/DVD OTA with HDMI, but you know what what happened to that. Something small like these would be nice. I like the USB option for an external hard drive. Nah I don't want a PC tuner.

 

[Adam]

That Magnavox probably only recorded in 480, though, right? At least, all of the ones that I've ever seen do. Looks like these record 1080p, which is a big improvement, IMO.

 

[afterlife2]

Said 1080, but depended on the quality(SP/EP), which was low due to recording 2 to 4 shows on one 120min. 4.7gb DVD-RW. Still watchable as they were erased and used over. So yeah SD quality.

 

[Adam]

Huh? QAM is method digital TV is being transmitted here in US @ OTA
QAM (television) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Read the first sentence - it specific to digital cable channels.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Read the first sentence - it specific to digital cable channels.

Not sure who are quoting Adam I couldn't possibly said such silly thing (well, maybe on under-caffeinated Monday morning )

 

[afterlife2]

I guess no one has tried it. Maybe you can do a review Adam. I'm leaning towards the HomeworX.

 

[Adam]

Maybe you can do a review Adam. I'm leaning towards the HomeworX.

I'll gladly review whichever one(s) you send me.

 

[afterlife2]

I knew you'd say that.

 

[afterlife2]

HD Nation reviews the HW-150~ HDNation: his videos on Dailymotion

Starts @ 04:58 > 10:23.

 

[Adam]

I almost bought one earlier today. Good info in the video - thanks!

 

[fuzz092888]

I'm glad that you reminded me of these. I first saw them back around August, and then forgot about them. I'm interested in what others have to say (although, I'm sure that a PC tuner will be top of the suggestions ).

I've actually been looking into getting rid of my TWC DVR and replacing it with something more reliable and with a better interface. XBMC has an add on that allows you to use the XMBC UI with the addition of a PC card. I've also been looking at the Ceton cards and external devices. Not cheap though and won't do OTA. So I guess I haven't been much use to either of you

Although there is this thing.

Broadcast TV DVR - Unleash your HDTV with Tablo | Tablo

 

[Adam]

Broadcast TV DVR - Unleash your HDTV with Tablo | Tablo

Thanks, man. I saw that one earlier today during a search. No HDMI output, but it will stream to devices that can handle that.

 

[afterlife2]

I got it today. Been messing with it and so far it works great. Like he said no 5.1, but I'm sure they will update that. The USB works slow so don't even try it, but a HD with 500gb + works better. The pic quality is excellent on the recording. I'm blown away so far. $46 shipped with Newegg.

 

[Adam]

Can you use the coax digital output for the audio?

As for the USB being slow, isn't that where you connected your HD?

 

[afterlife2]

Most USB drive of 32GB are slow, well mine is. I don't have a coax cable, so I have not tried it. I'll have to look in my box I may have one. When watching it live through the box it is 5.1, but once recorded in stereo. Still sounds nice and full through my center speaker. I'm shocked how good the PQ is. I'm recording Dracula. Get one!

 

[Adam]

When you say, "USB drive," do you mean a flash drive? Your HD is connected by USB, right?

As for the coax, I just mean the one that takes an RCA cable. I'm guessing that you have one of those around. I just don't know if you can use it with your setup.

 

[afterlife2]

Yep Flash Drive(was skipping). Now I'm using a WD Hard Drive and now it works perfectly.

 

[afterlife2]

Well there is a work around at the AVS forum to get 5.1. Rename the extension to .ts and play it in the Movie section.
On sale at newegg + $10 off w/ promo code EMCPWWP38, ends 1/16