Re: Recommanded OTA tuner boxes

Maybe I was not clear in my post, but there is the Sony HD-DVR which is/was available in 2 versions: the 250 GB DHG-HDD250 and the 500 GB DHG-HDD500 models. List prices were high at $799 and $999 respectively. Sony has officially discontinued it (I don't know if there is a new model in the works), but it is still available at some on-line dealers and on EBay. My local Best Buy had a stack of boxes of the 250 GB models several weeks ago for $449 each. I have been wondering if I should have gotten one when I had a %10 off coupon for Memorial Day weekend back then. Don't really need it as I have an Adelphia HD-DVR, but then again I could record the local HD channels that Adelphia does not yet carry and not be reliant on cable or sat if I ever want cut back on the monthly charges for a while.

The Sony HDD models are single tuner only but have a NTSC, ATSC, and QAM tuner with cablecard.

Alan F


Richard Minami wrote:
The problem I'm having is that I'm looking for a DVR, to record in HD. I also don't get cable or satellite. I still use our good old roof top antenna. I must be like one of 50 people in the WORLD doing this, because almost NO ONE makes an HDTV ATSC receiver, with DVR, that doesn't have to have a connection to satellite or cable. The only one I can find is the LG LST-3410A. Any one else know of a DVR that records in HD that doesn't need some activation card or what not from a company, or require $5 a month to receive signals that are supposed to be FREE over the air?
Thanks!
Richard Minami
Toshiba 34HF85, HDTV with no receiver...


"Alan Figgatt" <afiggatt@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:yoCdnVIrdqErUhfZnZ2dnUVZ_qCdnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Stephen Wenzler wrote:

Okay, what brand and model do you think which are considered a very good OTA tuner box?


To get a list of all ATSC OTA tuner boxes, go to http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=179095 and scroll down to the Over The Air DTV/HDTV list.

The problem is that stand-alone ATSC set top boxes can be hard to find at local electronic stores. The most is the Samsung SIR-T451 which came out in mid-2004, still retails for $249. It is overdue for a replacement model, but it has composite (yellow RCA plug), S-Video, component, DVI and 15 pin VGA output ports. The VGA port does support output of 720p and 1080i signals. Keep in mind that composite and S-Video is only capable of 480i SD signals only.

I have the Samsung SIR-T451. I also have an Accurian HTS6000 ATSC tuner which I picked up last September when Radio Shack had a blow-out clearance sale at around $80 (list price was $250). After comparing them, I decided to stick with the Samsung as they both got the same digital & HD stations. The Accurian remote control is a weak point. But the Accurian has some pros in terms of the menu interface.

If you are interested in a OTA HD-DVR, the Sony DHG-HDD250 is being discontinued. The Song has a NTSC, ATSC, and QAM tuner with a cablecard slot, but only 1 tuner at a time can be used. There are 2 models: HDD250 with a 250 GB hard drive, HDD500 with a 500 GB HD. I have seen the HDD250 at a local Best Buy at a clearance sale price of $449. I think the original price was $800, so these are not inexpensive. Reports are that the Sony's are somewhat buggy.

Hope this helps.
Alan F
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Recommanded OTA tuner boxes
    ... I can't seem to find my notes, but I remember e-mailing Sony, and they said ... The Sony HDD models are single tuner only but have a NTSC, ATSC, and QAM ... The Accurian remote control is a weak point. ...
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