501 Question

[Kenster]

On the 501, or any other PVR that can record two shows at once AND allow you to watch one recorded show while recording another one) how long do you have to wait before you can begin viewing a show that is being recorded? If you start recording "Friends" at 7:00pm and at the same time record "Survivor" on the other network, can you start watching the recorded section of "Friends" at 7:05?(while still recording "Survivor") In effect, this would be recording two shows while watching a recorded show. This would be almost as good as watching it live.

[Scott Greczkowski]

You can start watching anytime you want, its on the fly. But remember the 501 is only a single tuner thus you could only record or watch one live show at a time.

The 721 will let you record 2 shows at the same time.

[Kenster]

Scott, Then I assume UTV would allow me to do this without the need for a second receiver, since UTV is dual receiver,right? I don't know if I want to wait for the 721. Also, the 501 and 721 will only be good on Dish, right? I'm leaning toward DirecTV, which would leave me with UTV or Tivo. Is there another DVR that will work with D*TV, even if it requires an extra receiver? But I'm still trying to figure out something for my dad-in-law who just got the basic Dish setup. If we use his existing receiver, but add a 501, then he'll be able to record while watching a live show on another channel. OR we can just get a second receiver to run the VCR, right?

[scooper]

The 501 is a SINGLE TUNER - i.e. it can record OR display live TV (and not both at once), or you can record one show, and watch a previously recorded show at the same time.

Getting a 2nd receiver (possibly hooked to the VCR) would allow your Dad to watch one show live (from the 2nd receiver) while recording another show on the 501 at the same time.

Ultimate TV and DTivo would allow you to watch one show live while recording another show, since they are 2 TUNER receivers.

[Mark Holtz]

Yes, but if I recall correctly, on the 721, Ultimate TV, and DirecTivo, you have to run two cables, not one, from the switch.

[Neil Derryberry]

Correct, Z'loth.