I have yet to replace my old VHS recorder. I now want to record the occasional program or movie from my cable TV service to HD and/or to DVDs. What basic stand-alone machine can I buy?
I am computer literate and have used an external TV tuner box for my PC so I know how to view and record (and burn) via my PC, but it’s fiddly and I want something simple that stays connected to my Panasonic TV with RCA connectors, and RF coax to cable.
It would be nice to be able to watch one channel while recording another.
Do these recording machines come with internal HD storage only, or do some also have a DVD/VCD writer built in? Is there a big difference in cost? I have a limited budget for this.
Can Hard Drive only machines be output to a PC for later disk burning?
Note that the country I’m in uses the PAL broadcast system (not NTSC).
Thanks for any specific or general advice on this topic.
Thanks so far. I don’t have further need for the VHS, or transfer tapes etc. so that can be ignored.
I have a ‘spare’ laptop which I could connect up to the TV tuner, but with all the cables, power supply, external hard disk etc. it takes up a lot of space; it also needs booting up and program selection etc.
I want a Tivo-type machine, but I don’t know which variant to buy, with or without CD writer. I’ve never even seen one working. Hence my question…
