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Posted by nugget01 on 15-Feb-2012 16:34 Report
Set Top Box - What to buy?
 Hi All,

I have been looking at buying a set top box for a while but am getting very confused at all the options.
I don't really need the set top box as my TV is already digital but wanted it so I can record my TV shows to watch later.
Can you please suggest what I should be looking for.
Also I already have a 1TB hard drive that I store my computer stuff on can I use this to store the TV shows on?

Don't really understand all these set top box things.

Thanks for reading and for your suggestions.
 
Replied by richbartim on 15-Feb-2012 16:58 (Ref 2332611) Report
It sounds like you need what I have.
1TB (or higher) PVR (Personal Video Recorder).
it plugs into your tv. via HDMI cable.
You then use the remote that comes with the PVR to select your tv programs. then hit the red record button.
If you get a twin program you can record one program while watches another.
I didn't realize this when I bought ours but I get around it by plugging into the PVR a USB stick or my external drive.
I then record the tv program I want then change PVR to the menu...go to USB enter...then select what you want to play that you have on either the USB stick or External Drive.
much better then using the type that you can only record onto a stick. I have one of those too. I do not recommend that type.
Go for one with a hard drive.
I hope I have explained it clearly for you. if not just contact me.
and I will tell you the best place I have found to buy one at a good price ...if you can't find one here on QS.
Replied by magnolia134 on 15-Feb-2012 18:03 (Ref 2332620) Report
Hi Nugget

IN addition to the advice already given, you need to know that if your current TV has a tuner. If it does, then you only need to buy a STB with a single tuner. If not, then go for one with a twin tuner (lots more expensive), which will allow you to record and watch 2 different programs through the STB. I'm not sure if you need a PVR as well (which will also have a single or twin tuner) if you already have a hard drive you can connect to your set-up. The PVR contains a tuner(s) and a hard drive, so what you buy will depend on whether your TV has a tuner already, and whether you can connect the present HD.

My set-up is very complicated, as my TV doesn't have an inbuilt tuner, and my PVR has only a sinlge tuner, so I had to also buy a STB, so I could receive digital TV and record and watch 2 different shows. The PVR I purchased has the facility to record to DVDs (as well as play them) which makes it easy to make permanent copiues of shows, or to lend to others.

But yes, it is complicated especially when trying to co-ordinate so many different devices.
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