09-12-2017, 04:52 AM
TomK:
Many of you OTA guys may not be aware of the Channel Master DVR:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J05QJPG/?tag=209443220-20
It's about the size of an iPad, and works just like a cable box-style DVR for budget OTA TV watchers like me. The digital OTA signal comes with a pretty good "guide" as you're probably aware. The version of the Channel Master DVR I bought with the larger capacity solid-state hard drive has worked consistently for me for several months, one-click recording on the program as it's displayed on the guide, two simultaneous recordings max. You can also program a series to automatically record all episodes. Has the familiar FF/rewind, skip back or forward capability, and you can pause or re-watch live TV if you miss something or need a break. I'm rarely over 50% capacity on my HD, your mileage may vary depending on your household size. I think I paid something over $300 for mine. Caveat: you may find commercial-skipping capability and watching Colbert in the morning makes your TV more compelling—remember to get off your butt and exercise.
Custom recordings with 5-minute segments are also simple to program, also, there's an audio output from the Channel Master receiver which permits an audio signal out to my stereo (my Samsung TV lacks an audio output) so you can listen to Austin City Limits with great sound. I think your TV must have an HDMI input to be compatible with the Channel Master.
It's not quite the same as most pay-service DVR's, the free guide info lacks details like vintage of movies, cast etc. But I've been really pleased with mine. I've had to reboot it twice I think when it got a little bit glitchy, this cured the issues, and I lost no archived recordings. I generally try to watch commercial-free PBS live, and record other network programming like news and Colbert to enable commercial-skipping. If you set up back-to-back recordings on different channels with another program accompanying the later recording, be aware that there will likely be a conflict requiring attention at the hour or half-hour intersection of the changeover. I find that ending the earlier recording when the option is automatically presented will generally resolve the conflict with no loss of relevant content—the Channel Master will automatically post a query with options at the time of the new program initiation (cancel KHON 2 news? cancel PBS Newshour?)
quote:
I did want to watch Endeavour but also wanted to watch The Orville and they conflicted. I made the wrong choice. I like sci-fi spoofs (e.g., Galaxy Quest) but The Orville was awful. Anyway, I'll be able to watch the Endeavour serious on DVD. My collection of UK detective series is becoming quite large. I even have some US series I enjoy as well! Columbo was on at the same time but think I already have that episode here, but this was a tough choice...
Many of you OTA guys may not be aware of the Channel Master DVR:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J05QJPG/?tag=209443220-20
It's about the size of an iPad, and works just like a cable box-style DVR for budget OTA TV watchers like me. The digital OTA signal comes with a pretty good "guide" as you're probably aware. The version of the Channel Master DVR I bought with the larger capacity solid-state hard drive has worked consistently for me for several months, one-click recording on the program as it's displayed on the guide, two simultaneous recordings max. You can also program a series to automatically record all episodes. Has the familiar FF/rewind, skip back or forward capability, and you can pause or re-watch live TV if you miss something or need a break. I'm rarely over 50% capacity on my HD, your mileage may vary depending on your household size. I think I paid something over $300 for mine. Caveat: you may find commercial-skipping capability and watching Colbert in the morning makes your TV more compelling—remember to get off your butt and exercise.
Custom recordings with 5-minute segments are also simple to program, also, there's an audio output from the Channel Master receiver which permits an audio signal out to my stereo (my Samsung TV lacks an audio output) so you can listen to Austin City Limits with great sound. I think your TV must have an HDMI input to be compatible with the Channel Master.
It's not quite the same as most pay-service DVR's, the free guide info lacks details like vintage of movies, cast etc. But I've been really pleased with mine. I've had to reboot it twice I think when it got a little bit glitchy, this cured the issues, and I lost no archived recordings. I generally try to watch commercial-free PBS live, and record other network programming like news and Colbert to enable commercial-skipping. If you set up back-to-back recordings on different channels with another program accompanying the later recording, be aware that there will likely be a conflict requiring attention at the hour or half-hour intersection of the changeover. I find that ending the earlier recording when the option is automatically presented will generally resolve the conflict with no loss of relevant content—the Channel Master will automatically post a query with options at the time of the new program initiation (cancel KHON 2 news? cancel PBS Newshour?)