HDD DVD Recorders

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vindaloo

57 posts

Master Geek

#17126 13-Nov-2007 17:30

Does anyone know of a HDD DVD recorder that can be connected to your PC?

I'm keen to get one irrespective, but if there's a model that I can connect to my PC and would allow me to access the hard drive directly, that would be a real bonus.

Any ideas anyone?

timbosan

2159 posts

Uber Geek

#95047 13-Nov-2007 18:33

There used to be some Panasonic HDD/DVD recorders around that had an ethernet port, not sure on the level of integration they offered. Otherwise I would go with something like a TIVO, but you would have to use you PC to do the DVD recording part. Or just buy a Media Center based PC..... has everything you need.

vindaloo

57 posts

Master Geek

#95050 13-Nov-2007 18:53

Yep I already have a Media Centre PC hooked up and I currently use that to record stuff. The problem is picture quality - my TV card only supports composite video so the quality is terrible.

I figure if I go with a DVD recorder instead, I can take advantage of the SCART/Component cable to plug the Sky decoder direct into the TV and get a much improved picture.

But if there's another solution to this problem, I'd love to hear from anyone

illicit

553 posts

Ultimate Geek

#95102 14-Nov-2007 08:19

Get a better TV Card.................?

BrettFoss

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#95127 14-Nov-2007 12:04

Pioneer are probably top end range and I know that some of their models come with USB interfaces

Nety

2584 posts

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#95146 14-Nov-2007 15:17

No disrespect but if you already have a media PC then you are mad to switch to a HDD recorder. Far more limiting and all you need to do is get a decent TV card for you existing box for a fraction of the cost.

Media centre PC - Case Silverstone LC16M with 2 X 80mm AcoustiFan DustPROOF, MOBO Gigabyte MA785GT-UD3H, CPU AMD X2 240 under volted, RAM 4 Gig DDR3 1033, HDD 120Gig System/512Gig data, Tuners 2 X Hauppauge HVR-3000, 1 X HVR-2200, Video Palit GT 220, Sound Realtek 886A HD (onboard), Optical LiteOn DH-401S Blue-ray using TotalMedia Theatre Power Corsair VX Series, 450W ATX PSU OS Windows 7 x64

vindaloo

57 posts

Master Geek

#95150 14-Nov-2007 15:53

Nety: No disrespect but if you already have a media PC then you are mad to switch to a HDD recorder. Far more limiting and all you need to do is get a decent TV card for you existing box for a fraction of the cost.

Fair comment, I'm always keen to look at other options, especially if its cheaper... lol

In terms of the TV card, my understanding is that the poor picture quality is primarily due to the composite video connection that I am limited to. Would that be accurate?

Thats one of the reasons I havent looked too much at this option as I havent been able to find a card that provide component inputs. If anyone has any suggestions on a suitable card, that would be great.

timbosan

2159 posts

Uber Geek

#95175 14-Nov-2007 17:30

You should easily be able to find a card that has a s-video input, which will make a big difference, I also had a look around and found a PCI component input card, so if you have/buy a RGB to component adapter, you can get even better quality.

Look here at dtvforum for info on the card, which is a LeadTek Winfact PVR300, available in NZ, just check the version available here can support component in!

Tradepub

Free professional, reference and technical white papers (affiliate link).

Nety

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#95323 15-Nov-2007 10:51

What video card do you currently have? A lot of video cards already support component. If you video card has a plug on the back that looks a bit like a PS2 port. If it does it may support component and just need an adapter.

vindaloo

57 posts

Master Geek

#95347 15-Nov-2007 13:43

Nety: What video card do you currently have? A lot of video cards already support component. If you video card has a plug on the back that looks a bit like a PS2 port. If it does it may support component and just need an adapter.

Its a generic Dell card that came bundled with the PC when I got it. I'll have a closer look and see what ports are available. Hopefully its got what you're referring to as I'm desperate to improve the picture quality. What kind of adapter are you referring to by the way?

Nety

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#95362 15-Nov-2007 14:50

http://www.bizrate.com/audiovideocables_adapters/oid487688937.html

Something like the above

vindaloo

57 posts

Master Geek

#95376 15-Nov-2007 16:52

Nety: http://www.bizrate.com/audiovideocables_adapters/oid487688937.html

Something like the above

Ah I seeeeee.... that looks to be the deal, I'm pretty sure I have that port on the TV card, but will confirm when I get home.

So could I expect the same picture quality via an adapter as I would get if I plugged my decoder direct into the component ports of my TV?