DVR/PVR Feature Request

[Jedk1]

Why can't they put a channel indicator on these PVRs.
I came home the other night, and wanted to record a show that was already in progress. I had to turn on the TV, turn on the PVR, and then find the channel, to start recording. Then turn the TV off.
It seems like a simple feature, to put a channel indecator, simular to VCRs, on the box. I also have seen the red record light on in the past, and I wondered what was being recorded. A channel indicator would be great for this also.

A better feature would be an LCD panel that gave some information on the shows, and the recordings. That would be real cool, and I bet not to hard to add.

Except for the program guide, recording is so much easier on my VCR, than on my PVR.

[batrad]

i have a cheap 2.5" LCD screen connected on RCA out to acheive the same purpose.

Really a usefull feature ....

[Jedk1]

Give me the details please.

What type of screen do you use?
What brand, and model?
Does it have a backlight?
Is it on all the time?
How much did it cost?
Any other useful information?

Sounds very interesting.

Thanks,
JedK

[dbronstein]

Maybe I'm missing something. I have a 721 so maybe it's different on other ones, but if I do what you did, when I press record, I get a box with record options. So even with an LCD channel indicator on the PVR, I still need to see the TV screen to start recording.

I don't understand what the LCD would give you since everything is driven by screen menus.

Dennis

[batrad]

Here's what I have.

A 5.0" monitor connected to the RCA out (no audio) as I use SVideo to the TV

When I press record, I can see the the info on the small LCD without turning the TV on (same display) and its crisp enough to read off all the info and does not consume too much power.
Used to be connected to my HTPC before I bought the DVR

http://store.autotoys.com/cgi-bin/wfp53024.filereader?401aab160083b46227454200c14806 1b+EN/catalogs/2252

Autotoys sells for under $100, i picked one up on clearance not to long ago for under $50

Hope it helps

[Jedk1]

Maybe I'm missing something. I have a 721 so maybe it's different on other ones, but if I do what you did, when I press record, I get a box with record options. So even with an LCD channel indicator on the PVR, I still need to see the TV screen to start recording.

I don't understand what the LCD would give you since everything is driven by screen menus.

Dennis

There are only a few record options when you press the record button on a running show. Not very detailed. I'm not talking about setting up an event. The LCD Screen would display those 3 or 4 options and the channel. Even with a VCR there are options. Like start, and stop time, day of week, and repeat. Just simple stuff like that would be nice. My VCR also has an on screen display for the more detailed recording options.

JedK

[jgoggan]

i have a cheap 2.5" LCD screen connected on RCA out to acheive the same purpose.

Really a usefull feature ....

So -- do you just leave this on all the time then? Isn't the screen distracting if the room is dark? Or do you have it tucked away where it isn't very visible unless you are right up there looking?

I think my cats would attack such a thing. heh.

- John...

[dbronstein]

There are only a few record options when you press the record button on a running show. Not very detailed. I'm not talking about setting up an event. The LCD Screen would display those 3 or 4 options and the channel. Even with a VCR there are options. Like start, and stop time, day of week, and repeat. Just simple stuff like that would be nice. My VCR also has an on screen display for the more detailed recording options.

JedK

Well if it's really that much trouble for you to hit the TV button on the remote :)

[DarrellP]

I use my old Commodore monitor in my Home Theater hooked up to a switch box so I can view any source I want. It's great for cueing up a DVHS tape or a DVD while watching HD on the 6000. Or I can switch the 6000 to SD and monitor it while watching a tape or a DVD. Since my PJ doesn't have PIP, this is the next best solution.

[Mark Holtz]

AFAIK, neither the Dish Network receivers nor the DirecTV receivers have a display to indicate the current channel. And, it would be real fun if you have a dual-tuner receiver.

Since my video card has a video input, I connected that to my DVR, so I can open up a window and set something quick.

[Jedk1]

Well if it's really that much trouble for you to hit the TV button on the remote :)

Yeah!!!

I have a MX-500 Universal remote, so it is a little easier, but come on, it's an obvious feature these new PVRs are missing. Why should I have to turn on my 57" TV just to set up a simple record on my PVR. Also I have a DVD player, a VCR, and I have cable too. So just turning on the TV isn't always enough. I have to turn it on, switch TV input to SAT, then switch my remote to control the Dish, and set up the record. It's actually a lot of steps. If I didn't have a universal remote, then it would involve two remote controls.

I like the 2.5" LCD screen that is always on the PVR. But the smallest one so far that I can find is 5".

JedK