Can I use this with Verizon FiOS? So can I use this product, or something similar, to time-shift, or am I stuck renting a DVR from Verizon for $16 a month?
2088673
Not familiar with FiOS, but we use the Philips DVD as our primary cable tuner. We can tune all the old channels as well as many digital channels which are showing up on cable as well. These digital channels are not part of the "digital cable" package being offered by the cable company, and I do not know if the Philips can replace the digital tuner provided by the cable company if you subscribe to digital cable. We also use a simple old-fashioned antenna to watch & record over-the-air HDTV programming. For the most impressive HDTV we still use the 1080 tuner in the HDTV rather than the 480 tuner in the Philips, though at first glance the two look pretty similar when compared to the old TV standard. The Philips DVD works just like our old VHS recorder in that we set our individual or day-of-the-week selections, and then turn off the machine. I do miss VCR+ which the Philips does not have.
2194312
Here is a FREE option is you don't want to pay Tivo the $15 a month ripoff charge. >>> http://www.channelmaster.com/ http://www.cnet.com/products/channel-master-dvr-plus/ We love our Channel Master DVR+ . The upfront cost is a bit high ($250) but when you figure in saving the $15 a month that Tivo rips off their customers , it pays for itself in the long run.
145184
LOLOL I hear you. My GUESS is that if Verizon gives you an Ethernet feed from their Fios run, then absolutely YES. My guess is they will try to sell you or "word" you into thinking you have to have their router. Ask them clearly if you will get an Ethernet feed without their router. As part of their service, from some of the FIOS installs I have seen, their "smartjack" has an Ethernet output so you might be lucky. hope that helps.
1639723
I wish the monthly fee were more like $10, but keep in mind Tivo's business model means selling the hardware at a loss and making it back on the subscription. Also, a DVR from a cable company will cost you just as much if not more -- and this is a MUCH better DVR than any cable company model. There are other DVRs that require little or no monthly fee but they are not anything like Tivo in functionality or ease of use.
1147028
You may have to pay to rent a "cable card" to use it on the system (I have verizon and have to rent a card) Also, you might lose other features. For me, I can't get "on demand" movies. I don't pay a few for using the box other than the card. Also, I got a WI-FI router "free" because I did not need their box. I do have to pay TiVo. $15/month
1671750
Tivo, like any DVR, requires a subscription fee to make it work. You can pay one fee that's good for the lifetime of the unit (not your lifetime), or a yearly fee, or a monthly. I've had Tivos for 10 years and it is SO much better than the DVR available from the cable company - very sophisticated, very easy to use, and in my opinion, very much worth it.
725645
My first DVR from Security Man worked great for about 3 months. Then, nothing. Would not playback, erase, nothing. I purchased anouther one due to the price, it has been working great for about 2 months. I'm selling the house now, I hope it lasts til closing.
1594670
The Channel Master DVR+ is designed for use as an OTA (over the air) antenna based DVR. It is an excellent product, it's only limitation is it receives and records channels that can be received with an antenna. The channels in question are subscription cable channels and as such, are not received by a normal TV antenna set up. You will be amazed at what you can get with a quality antenna. We are well pleased with the over 55 channels we receive, many in HD. No compressed signals or sound, EXCELLENT PICTURE. This DVR records HD and SD TV, and also has the ability to pause, rewind, and fast forward TV. I have a 1TB Seagate USB drive plugged into it, which provides over 100 hours of HD recording capability. Now the best part, No monthly rental fees !!!!!!!!!!! Hope this helps.
424700
Do you happen to know whether the same holds true for Verizon's FIOS service? Or would I need their HD box?
482107
They might charge you a small fee to rent a cablecard so you can access all the digital channels. With this device you can't use ondemand services. I use windows media center to record tv, this is not a standalone device as it requires a computer.
962121
Mine arrived on Tuesday (11/27) and I'm having mixed results. I mainly want it as a portable DVR (I bought it with the docking station) and sometimes it works and other times I can't even see the recording tab to select it. It was great watching Monday night's Heros while I was riding the train yesterday (it was saved to my Comcast DVR on Monday and I transferred it to the 705 on Tuesday evening), and I was able to hook up a card reader to transfer photos from my camera flash cards (after updating the firmware), so I've had some success. The overall problem is poor documentation, and I'm hoping to resolve my problems by playing with it this weekend. Mine arrived on Tuesday (11/27) and I'm having mixed results. I mainly want it as a portable DVR (I bought it with the docking station) and sometimes it works and other times I can't even see the recording tab to select it. It was great watching Monday night's Heros while I was riding the train yesterday (it was saved to my Comcast DVR on Monday and I transferred it to the 705 on Tuesday evening), and I was able to hook up a card reader to transfer photos from my camera flash cards (after updating the firmware), so I've had some success. The overall problem is poor documentation, and I'm... » Read More Mine arrived on Tuesday (11/27) and I'm having mixed results. I mainly want it as a portable DVR (I bought it with the docking station) and sometimes it works and other times I can't even see the recording tab to select it. It was great watching Monday night's Heros while I was riding the train yesterday (it was saved to my Comcast DVR on Monday and I transferred it to the 705 on Tuesday evening), and I was able to hook up a card reader to transfer photos from my camera flash cards (after updating the firmware), so I've had some success. The overall problem is poor documentation, and I'm hoping to resolve my problems by playing with it this weekend. « Show Less
546001
That's a very interesting thought. We are always looking into what we can do to provide DVR service options that can appeal to everyone. Would you mind suggesting this as an idea for us by clicking on 'Suggest an Idea' on this page: http://support.dropcam.com/forums/20768048-feature-requests ? It would also be great to know why you would like recording for just one day.Thanks!David Corea
886390
A lot of misinformation below. This DOES work with cable (in my case FIOS) assuming the digital stations are not encrypted by your provider. Almost all stations are encrypted outside of local networks like ABC, NBC, PBS, etc. So don't purchase this thinking you can bypass your providers set top box for things like HGTV, USA, TBS, ESPN, etc even if they are part of your plan. If all you need is local stations (like me) and stream everything else with Netflix and the like, this should work great (just clarify with your provider that your local stations are QAM-compatible and unencrypted).
1489754
So how's the FIOS? Do you notice a big improvement in HD picture quality? I'm getting FIOS installed at the end of March and can't wait!
1462469
No, you cannot. To use this, you first need cable/Fios/Uverse service. You also need to "rent" a cablecard from your cable provider. You then need to purchase this unit. Then you need to either purchase a lifetime (for this specific unit - not your life) service contract or you will pay monthly service fees (either of those are to Tivo). You will only avoid paying monthly DVR rental/lease fees to your cable provider.
533956
Yes I've had this product since March and have no complaints. The channels come in clear...and I think you can DVR stuff but I haven't used that feature.
1272559
not at all... This product is a DVR (as stated on the page). I cant see anywhere where it mentions recording TV programs..?? Even the name of the product "Swann Digital Video Recorder with Smartphone Viewing and PRO-550 Cameras" is rather clear that its not a cable/sat. DVR, unless they are now packaging those with security cameras now days?? I just reread the part under the "Product Description" and I didnt notice anything that would lead anyone to believe it was anything but a security system DVR. Could you point out what Im missing here??