DVD Recorders: Getting Started
IMO, these sd work 'like a VCR' as far as recording and playback. There are models w/ harddrives, VHS players, etc. built in, but to me that's overboard.Bells and WhistlesThe VHS option is not bad, but you most likely already have one you can plug into the inputs of the DVD recorder.I have a DVD recorder for archiving TiVo shows as opposed to accessing my TiVo from my PC. This is nice because it means I can also archive VHS tapes, camcorder tapes, etc. w/no extra work.I do have a TV card in my PC so I can do this, but using the DVD recorder is easier.My motto is: buy what you WILL use and not what you CAN use.I've bought lots of things that CAN do a lot, but in reality I don't use all the extra features.
Not in all cases, but in this case, I say pass on the bells and whistles.Again, there are models w/ all types of features, but if you buy one that is a DVR, DVD recorder, VCR, TV tuner all in one and one part breaks, it's all broke.Realize Something About TechnologyRemember - this is new technology and will only get better and cheaper. If you buy the top of the line today, it's going to be out of date and/or cheap tomorrow. Test the waters w/ a 'good' model and upgrade when the time is right.Editing Your RecordingsChances are - you won't. It's a pain for the most part and usually requires DVD-RAM or DVD-RW discs to do it and they're more expensive. If you have a lot of free time for this, you're a rare person.I was looking for this type of solution in getting ready for having a baby and I knew I wasn't going to be sifting through and editing hours of video.If you're really interested in editing, look in to PC options.
Pinnacle, ArcSoft, Adobe, etc. - they have good solutions for that.DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-RWDVD+R and DVD-R are like VHS and Beta: they're both ok right now, but eventually we'll probably land on one or the other. It seems to be leaning towards DVD-R which tend to be less expensive also.Many recorders and players do both, but cost more. I say save some money, pick one (probably DVD-R) and move on. If you pick the wrong one, chances are in a couple years you'll be buying a new one anyway.
Moreover, you'll probably be able to get a cheap one w/ a built in converter or two trays to duplicate one to the other.DVD-RAM and DVD-RW are the rewritable types. They're more expensive and for my purposes aren't worth worrying about.My RecommendationI got the Panasonic DMR-E55K:It records to DVD-R like a VCR. I don't use it to record live TV so I don't use VCR+, but it has it. Also, it has TimeSlip which lets you watch something while it's recording (start recording "24" at 8pm and start watching it from the begining at 8:20 to speed thru commercials like a TiVo). Again, I don't use this, but it has it.Plain and simple, it records my TiVo, camcorder, digital camera (RCA cable output), VCR, etc.
to DVD - that's what I want it to do and that's what it does. It's easy, creates a good menu w/ thumbnails and my chosen titles, it's a name brand w/ good reviews and was fairly cheap (there was a rebate at the time).Also, it plays CDs and mp3 CDs w/ a good interface so not only does it replace a CD player, but since you can put so many songs on one CD, it replaces a CD changer.An interesting trick: If you have a digital camera w/ RCA cable output, you can hook it directly into the dvd recorder and create a quick slide-show dvd. Many cameras even have a slide show function built in! You can use the sound from a music channel, CD, etc.SummaryIf you're going gung-ho into all the nitty gritty about DVD recorders, you're either just starting here or haven't bothered to read this far. If you're looking for a good, relatively cheap solution to digitize your tapes, archive TiVo, etc., I recommend the Panasonic DMR-E55K..
Bear Cahill is a software engineer in the Dallas, TX area and runs a few websites: The Armchair Geek (www.thearmchairgeek.com), Webpage Hosting Info (www.webpagehostinginfo.com), Go To College Online (www.gotocollegeonline.com) and The Video Exchange Community (www.videoexchange.org)TiVo Facing Identity Crisis
Dallas, TX (ContentDesk via ContentDesk Direct) July 6, 2005 -- A new report from The Diffusion Group, a leading digital consumer and new media research consultancy, suggests that as DirecTV phases out shipments of TiVo DVRs ? a relationship that accounted for 70% of TiVo units sold in 2004 but will account for less than 5% of unit shipments by 2007 ? TiVo will be forced to come to terms with an increasingly competitive market flooded by free DVRs from video service providers.
"Can TiVo Survive? A Case Study in the Perils of First-to-Market Innovations" argues that though TiVo will look to new cable and satellite relationships to fill the gap, these dealings will generate far too little revenue to sustain the company for the long-term."TiVo's new president and CEO, Tom Rogers, will face many challenges as he leads TiVo into its post-DirecTV chapter," said Scott Kipp, author of the report and a contributing analyst with The Diffusion...
Dvr > TiVo Facing Identity Crisis
SnapStream Media Announces Launch of Beyond TV 4 DVR Software Featuring Support for Recording HDTV, DivX, Browse by Category, and FM Radio
(ContentDesk) November 10, 2005 -- SnapStream Media, Inc., a leader in digital home entertainment products, announced today the launch of Beyond TV 4, a completely new version of its award-winning DVR software that supports DivX, FM Radio, recording of over-the-air (OTA) digital and HDTV content, and a new browse by category feature, as well as numerous stability and performance improvements.Added HDTV SupportWith the broadcast flag being struck down this summer, consumers will continue to be able to capture HDTV content on their DVR PCs.
Support for capturing HDTV shows broadcast on digital channels offers Beyond TV 4 users six times the picture quality of standard definition television, along with impressive Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.
The combined sharper picture and sound now brings the highest quality picture to Beyond TVs already intuitive and feature-rich DVR experience.
Additionally, Beyond TV 4s electronic program guide creates customized,...
Dvr > SnapStream Media Announces Launch of Beyond TV 4 DVR Software Featuring Support for Recording HDTV, DivX, Browse by Category, and FM Radio
DISH Network Satellite TV Dealers - Which One Has the Best Deal?
DISH Network Satellite TV Dealers
Satellite TV is one of the hottest online products on the market today, and because of that a number of DISH Network dealers have set up shop on the Internet to sell satellite TV services.
But how do you know which dealers are reputable, and which dealer will give you the best price and the best service? I spent a number of hours researching DISH Network satellite TV dealers for The Satellite TV Guide and found three that stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Here's my review of the top three DISH Network satellite TV dealers so you can compare dealers and decide for yourself.
Allsat (Highly Recommended)
Allsat was established in 1995, when DISH Network first started broadcasting it's satellite TV programming. It began as a brick and mortar satellite TV store, then went online in 1997.
Independently owned and operated, Allsat is one of the oldest...
Dvr > DISH Network Satellite TV Dealers - Which One Has the Best Deal?
DVD Recorders: Getting Started
IMO, these sd work 'like a VCR' as far as recording and playback. There are models w/ harddrives, VHS players, etc. built in, but to me that's overboard.Bells and WhistlesThe VHS option is not bad, but you most likely already have one you can plug into the inputs of the DVD recorder.I have a DVD recorder for archiving TiVo shows as opposed to accessing my TiVo from my PC. This is nice because it means I can also archive VHS tapes, camcorder tapes, etc. w/no extra work.I do have a TV card in my PC so I can do this, but using the DVD recorder is easier.My motto is: buy what you WILL use and not what you CAN use.I've bought lots of things that CAN do a lot, but in reality I don't use all the extra features.
Not in all cases, but in this case, I say pass on the bells and whistles.Again, there are models w/ all types of features, but if you buy one that is a DVR, DVD recorder, VCR, TV tuner all in one and one part breaks, it's all broke.Realize Something About TechnologyRemember -...
DVD Recorders: Getting Started
Dvr > DVD Recorders: Getting Started
Mobile Phones, Digital Cameras, and DVD Players Lead the List of ?Most Wanted? Digital Electronics
Dallas, TX (ContentDesk) August 24, 2004 -- According to a new report from research consultancy The Diffusion Group, Internet households are more interested in purchasing mobile phones, digital still cameras, and DVD players than any other digital electronic device.
By contrast, game consoles, PDAs and MP3 players are the least likely to be purchased by Internet households."Each of these three DE platforms enjoys significant penetration among U.S. Internet households ? mobile phones at 82%, digital still cameras at 65%, and DVD players at 80%," said Michael Greeson, President and Principal Analyst of The Diffusion Group.
"Although these markets are no doubt mature, replacement and secondary purchases continue to drive demand for these devices."
"DE devices such as PDAs and MP3 players rank lower on the "most wanted" list but for different reasons.
Both of these platforms are reaching market saturation, but while PDAs are finding new outlets as smart...
Dvr > Mobile Phones, Digital Cameras, and DVD Players Lead the List of ?Most Wanted? Digital Electronics
How to Choose the Right Webcam Surveillance Software?
Many people want to have some kind of spy equipment for better home security. However, besides wireless spy cameras, VCR or DVR systems, there is also special software used to control those surveillance gadgets.
Large companies use professional security systems along with already built in (embedded digital video recorder or PC based DVR soft) spy camera control software. But what about smaller guys? Do you also have to spend thousands of dollars for professional spy security system and software to feel safe and secure in your house? And the answer is not necessarily.
Webcam for Spying Purposes
You have the ability to use your webcam (connected to your PC) as a surveillance tool. And to control it, all you need is inexpensive webcam surveillance software.
As a matter of fact, such software allows you to connect more than one camera. It can display as much as 16 webcam views on your computer screen.
Moreover, webcam...
Dvr > How to Choose the Right Webcam Surveillance Software?
Mobile Phones, Digital Cameras, and DVD Players Lead the List of ?Most Wanted? Digital Electronics
Dallas, TX (ContentDesk) August 24, 2004 -- According to a new report from research consultancy The Diffusion Group, Internet households are more interested in purchasing mobile phones, digital still cameras, and DVD players than any other digital electronic device.
By contrast, game consoles, PDAs and MP3 players are the least likely to be purchased by Internet households."Each of these three DE platforms enjoys significant penetration among U.S. Internet households ? mobile phones at 82%, digital still cameras at 65%, and DVD players at 80%," said Michael Greeson, President and Principal Analyst of The Diffusion Group.
"Although these markets are no doubt mature, replacement and secondary purchases continue to drive demand for these devices."
"DE devices such as PDAs and MP3 players rank lower on the "most wanted" list but for different reasons.
Both of these platforms are reaching market saturation, but while PDAs are finding new outlets as smart...
Dvr > Mobile Phones, Digital Cameras, and DVD Players Lead the List of ?Most Wanted? Digital Electronics
used cars DVD Recorders: Getting Started Dvr