TiVo-like recording without the TiVo
Q: Are there DVR-like recorders that one can buy to record TV from an antenna or cable without subscribing to a paid service? The best I can tell, TiVo requires a subscriptions to record TV signals from an antenna.
A: Just about any computer now can be constructed with a TV tuner card built-in. And if you already have a computer, these same tuner cards are available in almost any store.
As far as what they can record, they should be able to easily record over-the-air antenna signals providing you have good reception in your area. As for cable, it depends on whether or not the cable signal needs to be decrypted through a set-top box. If it does, you may not be able to record the signal. Otherwise, you should be good to go.
The good news is that most of these television tuners also record in high-definition. The bad news is you need to make sure your computer is always on and functioning properly to record your shows.
4 comments for this blog post so far...
November 02, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Jeremy
Patric, Do you know if this TV tuner card/software enables you to pause and rewind live tv while viewing or do you need to record it first before viewing?
November 02, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Patric Welch
@Jeremy - It really depends on the software. Something like Myth TV (an open source TiVo-like interface) would surely let you pause and rewind live tv.
November 02, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Jeremy
@Patric,
Thanks! So, I could use Myth TV software (free, I assume?) with any TV card?
November 04, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Patric Welch
@Jeremy - I’m not sure I could claim “any” TV card but yes, Myth TV probably works with most of them.
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