Desktop PVR vs. Computer based PVR

[aristottle]

Just wondering if many of you have tried Desktop or non computer based PVRs? We don't have anything like TIVO in Atlantic Canada...so functionality is pretty much limited to traditional Vcr type menu systems where you tell the machine what time to start recording, what channel and when to stop.....that is what I LOVE about GBPVR....you highlight the show you want and boom its done. However......it seems to be a fair amount of work to get the show to DVD so it can watched on your friends big screen tv?

Any suggestions for a newbie.......I want to get the most enjoyment possible out of GBPVR.

[ArtificialIntel2]

I use a Digifusion pvr downstairs and gbpvr on the computer when I want to make a dvd or watch while I work.

The digifusion, humax, and topfield devices allow you to select a digital tv programme from the list and press record. My Digifusion needs padding added manually, the others don't, I believe. There are twin tuner versions of these devices so you can play back while recording two other programmes.

As far as I can tell, the topfield is the best for anoraks like me (sorry - that's a uk term meaning nerd). None of these have the capability to record to dvd but you can pay lots more for a box that can. I bought some time ago and have to say that the software and hardware was rough round the edges. Over the Air software upgrades and a couple of hardware (void the warranty) upgrades have made the box very reliable.

You'll find forums on the Digital Spy Forums. I won't paste the link as it's easy to find in google.

Regards

AI

[herbs]

I have used 2 humax pvrs and both are stable but are not as flexable as a pc pvr. If you want simply to record tv and delete the programme you just watched the standalone pvrs are best, also they are cheaper to run typically 25-30watts.

[stefan]

However......it seems to be a fair amount of work to get the show to DVD so it can watched on your friends big screen tv?

If you install MyVideo5, you'll get that... it's a fair bit of setting up to do, but once there it's a one button press to burn your show onto dvd... I think. I'm in the process of investigating this myself, but that's the way I understand it, at least.

[dvasco]

Just wondering if many of you have tried Desktop or non computer based PVRs? ....that is what I LOVE about GBPVR....you highlight the show you want and boom its done. However......it seems to be a fair amount of work to get the show to DVD so it can watched on your friends big screen tv?

Any suggestions for a newbie.......I want to get the most enjoyment possible out of GBPVR.

I am confused. A "non-computer" based PVR will not make it easier to record to DVD, unless you buy a standalone DVD player/burner that has guide info. I have a ReplayTV and software wise it is the best PVR out there. The downside is that it has a slow network adapter so making a DVD from a show is even longer since it takes forever to get the show to a computer. I don't know what the transfer time is for Tivo.

With a computer based PVR and a networked computer with a DVD burner, you can edit the show with comclean, Show?, or VideoRedo then burn it. Transfer time from the GBPVR to the networked computer takes very little time.

All PVRS are computer based. Not all are Windows based. If they aren't they most likely use Linux or something similar.