Can you use a DVR/Tivo to record without digital cable/satellite service?
I have a HDTV with built in tuner. We currently have Digital Cable with all the works, DVR, HD programming, etc. I have been talking to my wife about potentially just installing a good old fashioned antenna and go back to receiving over the air HD like we used to with a simple set of bunny ears, and then just keeping High Speed Internet and MAYBE Basic Cable.
One of her biggest concerns was losing the DVR capabilities. But, with the increased channels we would get in HD using a traditional antenna (my brother tested it with the antenna he still had attatched on his house, and we live nearby) I feel like we might even be able to do without cable at all, or as I said, with just basic.
So my question is could I purchase my own DVR/Tivo and 1. and most importantly use it to record my over the air HD programming and/or 2. could I use it to record my basic cable programming if we went that route?
If nothing else, I am most likely going to be buying a TV Tuner Capture Card in order to permanently back up some of our DVR programs on my hard drive, then DVD, to clear up space and what not. I think I could possibly use that to record basic cable programming, I'm not certain about the over the air HD, I know if nothing else it would most likely not be in HD as it could potentially be with a DVR/Tivo. Any thoughts on that?
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Tagged with: Antenna • Basic Cable • Basic Programming • brother • bunny ears • buying a tv • Cable One • Cable Programming • Cable Satellite • Capabilities • Digital Cable • Digital Satellite • Dvr • Hard Drive • Hd Programming • Hdtv • High Speed Internet • Satellite Service • Tivo • Tv Tuner
Filed under: Satellite DVR
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Hi BJ_1985,
Sure you can record off the air. You will want to go to the TiVo setup menu and set it up for over the air so it will know what channels are available.
You will have to purchase a subscription for your TiVo.
Norm