No cable, no D*. I want to record HD programming OTA

[GGalewski]

What is the best way to record over-the-air programming in HD quality?  I have a Samsung SIR-T451 tuner and a 20 inch LCD monitor (either 1080i or 720p) that I use to view the locally available HD broadcasts.  

I am looking for something that will let me record in HD.  I do not want to have any subscription or other monthly cost.

What I am looking for, I think, is a device that will have it's own HD tuner that can take a coax lead in from my antenna, and then record programming to either a hard drive or a DVD.  Then I will want to play the content back, either directly to my monitor or through the SIR-T451 tuner.

Any suggestions?

[SRW1000]

Unfortunately, there aren't a whole lot of options for you right now.  There aren't enough manufacturers convinced that there is a viable market for this kind of product right now.  I guess they figure that between cable and satellite boxes, there's not much demand for an OTA version only.

One option is to record and play back through your PC.  Sorry, but I can't help much with that option.

There were a few players that were made, but none of them are current.  At the beginning of this year, I bought a Sony DGH-HDD500 for only $250, and I've been very happy with it.  It does exactly what you want to do, with two built in 250GB hard drives.

You may be able to find some B-stock or refurbished units at the Sony outlet store, near Kenosha.  Some people on the AVS forum have gotten lucky at different outlets around the country, but prices vary.

You can read more about it here:  Sony DGH-HDD250/500 Resource Guide.

One thing to keep in mind is that it relies on the TV Guide schedule in order to set up recordings.  Since analog is set to disappear in Feb. 2009, it might end up as useful as a doorstop after that date.

Here's a very thorough synopsis from the AVS forum:  The Official AVS HDTV Recording Synopsis - Winter 2006!

You might have some luck on eBay with the older units, but there are risks associated with that.

Sorry, but there's no easy or inexpensive way to do what you're looking for.

Scott

[AndrewP]

Dvico Fusion USB HD tuner works fine for me.
Then connect PC to TV (with appropriate video card with HD output).
It was $150 when I got it in February.

[waterhead]

You can record OTA HDTV with just about any PC with a ATSC capture card in it. Playing it back is a whole 'nother ball game.

You need a fairly beefy CPU. I use Pentium 4 3.06GHz in my PCs. A video card that you can unload some of the graphics processing to is also a must.

On any system, several large hard drives are also a must.

Look at my signature for a list of my systems. Yes, I have THREE, I'm nuts. Glug2
Now if there were only shows on that I feel are good enough to record :bang:

Paul

[dj1111]

Now if there were only shows on that I feel are good enough to record :bang:

Paul

Ain't that the truth.

[tazman]

This might be something to take a look at.  It won't be out for several months though.
http://www.lyngbox.com/about_lyngbox.html

[Doug Mohr]

This might be something to take a look at.  It won't be out for several months though.
http://www.lyngbox.com/about_lyngbox.html

Are they making an ATSC version or will it be limited to European broadcasts?

I also use PCs to do my recording. Its not a plug and play solution like a vcr but it isn't rocket science either.

It just depends on how you want to go about recording OTA.

Doug

[tazman]

Sorry to get anyones hopes up, mine included.  I just got an email back from them.  My questions to them was as follows.

I am interested in this product as an end user.  I currently have a Twinhan
1020a DVB tuner card as well as an Integra it912s set top box.  
My question to you is.  Does the terrestrial tuner part of the Lyngbox
support the American ATSC digital signals?  If not.  Can a ATSC HD tuner
card be added to the Lyngbox?

There reply to me  is as follows

Hi,

I'm afraid we only support terrestrial television for DVB-T in the LyngBox.

America is not one of the first target markets, but it is possible that the
LyngBox might be adapted for ATSC and released in America later.

We currently don't have any plans for releasing a separate add-on card for
ATSC.

It still makes me wonder though since that box is running LINUX and I know there is an HD tuner card for LINUX.  Just maybe???  I don't know.  All depends if it's an embeded LINUX system or if it's like the TIVO boxes and is booted from the hard drive.  The later being more desireable.

[jimbop99]

Free software if you want to go the PC route.

http://www.frys.com/product/5057895

[jofficer]

What is the best way to record over-the-air programming in HD quality?  I have a Samsung SIR-T451 tuner and a 20 inch LCD monitor (either 1080i or 720p) that I use to view the locally available HD broadcasts.  

I am looking for something that will let me record in HD.  I do not want to have any subscription or other monthly cost.

What I am looking for, I think, is a device that will have it's own HD tuner that can take a coax lead in from my antenna, and then record programming to either a hard drive or a DVD.  Then I will want to play the content back, either directly to my monitor or through the SIR-T451 tuner.

Any suggestions?

I just thought I'd share a bit.  I'm currently using a pcHDTV 5500 which is an OTA HD card designed with linux in mind.  I'm successfully recording all local stations.

The card retails for about $130, add some shipping in there I think.  But its a very solid card.  I'm out here in Pewaukee, using an in-door antennae.

I'm running MythTV as the actual PVR, and if anyone is interested, let me know I'd be glad to help them get setup...