Here's what I'm looking for, logically it should exist. What I want is a digital recorder for TV that works like my old VCR did - set a time, and record to DVD, or hard drive if I must. The only DVRs I've found so far are things like Tivo, which require a monthly subscription, and I'm not sure if they record to DVD or any sort of portable output. Even rentals from my cable company just look like Tivo clones. Am I searching under the wrong terms, or can anyone recommend something simple?

There's always Windows Media Center.

Other than that, MythTV (http://www.mythtv.org/modules.php?name=MythFeatures) is the only DVR I know of that doesn't require a subscription. That's no small undertaking though.

None allow recording to a portable output that I know of because of legal issues with copyright and so forth. You can get around that with the video out into the video in of a dvd recorder IF the signals are the same (SD to SD, HD to HD, etc.)

You may need an Aja card to convert signals if you want to record HD to SD and so forth.

Any DVR has the set time feature that I've seen. Can on TIVO or the one that comes with DirectTV or Cox Cable.

Are you looking for a computer-based solution, or a standalone box?

Do you intend to use the PVR with over-the-air, cable, or satellite TV? If cable, do you intend to record digital cable channels, or is analog cable sufficient?

I would prefer stand alone, and would prefer at least cable quality. I'm not looking to go into business, I just want to catch shows that are on at a bad time for me (SciFi channel, I'm lookin' at YOU!), and I don't want to pay a monthly service fee. The ability to copy to a portable media is just an issue of convenience as to where I want to watch a show.

Pretend I'm stupid. Um, how would I go about it via my computer?

As far as I know my DirecTV HD DVR doesn't require a monthly subscription other than the standard montly DirecTV + HD subscription cost. Works like a charm, but only records to the hard drive as far as I know. I think my DVR does everything a Tivo does if not better.

Your package on DirecTV is $5/mo more than the same one without DVR.

Your package on DirecTV is $5/mo more than the same one without DVR.

Oh all right (shows how observant I am). In any case $5/mo is way better than $14/mo for the same thing. DVRs really are handy devices and I would recommend the DirecTV one without reserve.

If you want it on your computer, you would need a TV tuner card. If the shows you want to watch are on analog cable, just about any card should do. For digital cable channels you'll need one of the newer cards with a QAM tuner, and for any encrypted cable content I think you'll need a card that supports CableCard (this is a rare feature, only found on a few expensive TV tuner cards).

For scheduling, you might be able to use TitanTV:
http://www.titantv.com
Here's a list of programs that will integrate with TitanTV. (Some of them are bundled with a specific TV tuner card, and might only work with that card, but others are generic and should work with a variety of cards.)
http://www.titantv.com/ttv/grid/aboutpvrwatchfull.aspx

A few of the programs listed have the ability to burn recorded video to DVD. If you can find DVD burning software that works from the command line, you could probably automate it yourself.

If you want it on your computer, you would need a TV tuner card. If the shows you want to watch are on analog cable, just about any card should do. For digital cable channels you'll need one of the newer cards with a QAM tuner, and for any encrypted cable content I think you'll need a card that supports CableCard (this is a rare feature, only found on a few expensive TV tuner cards).

For scheduling, you might be able to use TitanTV:
http://www.titantv.com
Here's a list of programs that will integrate with TitanTV. (Some of them are bundled with a specific TV tuner card, and might only work with that card, but others are generic and should work with a variety of cards.)
http://www.titantv.com/ttv/grid/aboutpvrwatchfull.aspx

A few of the programs listed have the ability to burn recorded video to DVD. If you can find DVD burning software that works from the command line, you could probably automate it yourself.

In short, its easier/cheaper to just get the digital box with DVR from your cable company - plus you then have access to the On Demand options (free movies, etc.) and the built in schedule that shows you whats on when. Then if you want to dump it out take video out from your DVR to video in of your DVD burner and away you go.

Getting a DVD recorder with a built-in tuner might also be a good option:
http://www.amazon.com/Philips-DVDR3575H-37-Upscaling-Built/dp/B000P76KXY
It's basically a PVR with the ability to copy to DVD, all in one unit.

Some units claim to have some kind of program guide, though I'm not sure where the information comes from. I use my cable company's PVR so I haven't looked too closely at other options.

Thanks for all the info.

You keep saying PVR, what's that short for?

Personal Video Recorder.

"PVR" and "DVR" can be used interchangeably (unless there's some subtle difference that I'm unaware of).

I use Vista Home Premium's media center. I like it. Lets you record to HD and then you can record stuff to DVD (but if it has to compress the video it takes a LONG time).

I have a hauppage analog / HD tuner card. I only pick up a couple HD channels with the antenna on top of my house... need to get a HD antenna I suppose. I have my cable hooked up to the analog and it works fine. Had some issues getting drivers for Vista 64 bit, but got it all going in the long run.

That might work, if I can find an external card of some sort to work with my laptop.

I feel hell bent to do anything I can to achieve my goals, without paying Cox Communications anything else. Bastards.

Unless you want HD cable video you would do fins with a hauppage Tuner like this one:

http://www.hauppage.com/site/products/data_usb2.html

you just hook up the RCA jacks to the box and set it up with vista media center and blammo, get some cheasy video editing software and you can edit out the commercials

I agree with Kelraz, DVR's are getting so common place Verizon FioS doesnt charge for the first DVR box, which may i add the content can be viewed in two different rooms. DIRECTv (iikkkky satelite!), Brighthouse, Comcast are all similar in the $5-$8 increase cost per month which 5x12months=$60 TV tuner card going to cost a little more than that.

Another USB solution:

http://www.gearlog.com/2006/09/pinnacles_miniature_usb_hd_tun.php

My brother had one on his laptop and it honestly blew me away.

Ah ha! Tons of useful (cool gadgety) USB tools on Newegg, including that Pinnacle device. Thanks - knew there must be something I was missing.

This site is interesting if you are interested in the do-it-yourself route.

http://www.byopvr.com/

Zorn

I'm lazy and slow, but finally bought a USB Avermedia stick off of Newegg, and love it. Thank you for all of the advice and ideas.

Just a tip for anyone buying one of these - I didn't think to check to see if it was compatible with Windows Media Center. WMC won't recognize it, so I have to use the crappy manufacturer's software.