Is D-VHS (D-Theater) The best way to record over-the-air HDTV?
Question:
I would like to be able to record shows in HD and was looking into some of those D-VHS machines by JVC. Maybe some other companies make them, I'm not sure.
Would I be able to program a D-VHS machine like a regular VCR? The tuner is in my TV, so would I have to leave the TV on if I were to record the show when I was away? Or would I have to buy a D-VHS machine with a tuner in it?
Unfortunately, my local cable company doesn't offer any sort of HD-DVR, so D-VHS seems like my only option.
I also saw a high-end VCR that plays that D-VHS tapes, but I don't think it'll record HDTV.
I know the technology will change in a few years, but I want to record my HD now!
Answer:
In my opinion, the BEST way to record over-the-air HDTV broadcasts will be the new TiVo Series 3 HD DVR that is coming out later this year (probably the fall).
The advantage with this is new TiVo is that it will work with your cable analog, digital, and future HD channels as well as recording HD over-the-air (ATSC) programs.
So, if you can hold out that long, I think this will be the best option.
I currently have a 6-year old TiVo Series 1 and the Comcast HD DVR but the Comcast HD doesn't offer all OTA channels in my locale. As soon as the TiVo Series 3 comes out, the Comcast HD DVR (which is noisy, slow, clunky, unreliable, with limited storage) is going back to Comcast and WILL be replaced by the new TiVo.
You could go with DirecTV and either the TiVo or DirecTV branded DVR as they record both satellite and OTA ATSC channels.
I cannot imagine ever going back to tape after having used a DVR for this many years.
As far as I know, a Digital VHS is the only way to record HD...
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