[karrank%]

First, I apologize if this is the wrong area, or has been covered before/elsewhere.

We're a family of two in a small house, watching less tv as we age (sounds almost perverse, doesn't it?)

Consequently the monthly dish charge, reasonable though it may be, is becoming increasingly unnecessary.

We've experimented with OTA reception, and locally, we can get two english-language channels dependably with a little antenna and little effort.

We will miss the dvr functionality offered by our ehd connected to our vip211k when we depart dish.

Is there any inexpensive alternative to acquiring some dvr functionality for the little tv watching we will be doing?

Thanks for looking.

 

[garys]

You can look into this or other Echostar products here:

http://www.myechostar.com/Products/ConnectedDevices/HDT-610R/

 

[boba]

You can look into this or other Echostar products here:

http://www.myechostar.com/Products/ConnectedDevices/HDT-610R/

How about something in the United States not Echostar Europe?

 

[garys]

I went in through US, how'd I end up in Europe? I just tried it again and couldn't get back to same page. Weird.

 

[tampa8]

If you didn't see the suggestions in your post elsewhere, just get the Welcome Pack.

 

[karrank%]

Yes, thanks folks, Welcome Pack sounds about our speed right now, one of the main reasons being OTA local reception requiring a lot more jiggery-pokery than we're interested in, (we're out in the sticks here, let's face it) and of course the simple dvr functionality we've become accustomed to with the 211k

 

[SayWhat?]

A PC running Windows 7 with Windows Media Center and an OTA tuner card. They can be had relatively cheap ie. under $500, maybe less if you want to go Refurb. Add as big a second HDD as you choose (Mine is 1TB). Mine also has a full function remote control. And I have a 2TB external HDD. No encryption, so easy to transfer to another device!!

You'll have full DVR type functions as far as scheduled recordings. Playback at will with Pause, FF, Rev, etc.

With a DVD/BR drive, you can play your discs, etc.

Drives are nearly loaded up with recordings right now as I'm planning on dropping Dish after this annual renewal since they will be dropping the DVR fee credit.

 

[Davenlr]

A PC running Windows 7 with Windows Media Center and an OTA tuner card. .

Add to that...you can also use a XBox360 with the above as a media extender for the above, should you need a second room tv, or just not want a computer sitting under your tv.

I have the above setup in a media closet with two OTA tuners, and one FTA satellite tuner. Have PlayOn installed for access to internet content. I am using SageTv which is no longer available, but it works exactly the same way as SayWhat's suggestion. Its very workable.

For tuners, check HDHOMERUN or Hauppauge.

 

[sregener]

Most of the Tivo boxes have 2 built-in OTA tuners. You still have a fee associated with the box, though. On the used market, you might be able to pick up a DTVPal.

As for OTA reception, it's actually not difficult for most people in most locations. A quality rooftop antenna with a preamplifier will do wonders for many locations. Check your particular location on TVFool, and if your signal strength for all your locals is better than -100dB, you should have no significant issues with a rooftop antenna.

 

[dishrich]

Most of the Tivo boxes have 2 built-in OTA tuners. You still have a fee associated with the box, though. On the used market, you might be able to pick up a DTVPal.

As for OTA reception, it's actually not difficult for most people in most locations. A quality rooftop antenna with a preamplifier will do wonders for many locations. Check your particular location on TVFool, and if your signal strength for all your locals is better than -100dB, you should have no significant issues with a rooftop antenna.

Again, the Welcome Pak makes THE most sense with their existing DISH equipment. The (monthly) Tivo fee is the SAME price as the Welcome Pak; plus the WP gives them about 20 national channels - on TOP of all their local channels.

You then still have all the upfront costs of the antenna, pre-amp, Tivo itself, etc. Their existing DISH receiver/HDD (DVR) has NO other monthly costs. If they wanted to add a 2nd 211k, it would only add another $7/month to their bill, & they could also add a HDD to it for another DVR receiver for no added costs from DISH. (the $40 EHD enabling fee they already paid, is good for ALL receivers on one account)

 

[garys]

And, you are already set up and will only take a phone call, chat or DIRT member to make it happen now.

 

[ubankit]

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1204433/hdtv-dvr-comparison-consumer-owned-units

Here's a link to ota hd-dvr's; I subscribe to Direct and I also have a Dish DTV Pal Dvr for my ota option. I figger that if money gets too tight I can drop Direct and use the ota option supplemented with Netflix streaming for $7 a month.

 

[DoyleS]

Drives are nearly loaded up with recordings right now as I'm planning on dropping Dish after this annual renewal since they will be dropping the DVR fee credit.

I haven't heard about the DVR fee issue. Is there a link to an article?

 

[HDlover]

I assume the $6 DVR fee. Can you use a 211 as a dvr with the Welcome pack?

 

[dishrich]

Yes (again)...

 

[garys]

I assume the $6 DVR fee. Can you use a 211 as a dvr with the Welcome pack?

Yes, $40 EHD activation fee, no dvr fee.

 

[SayWhat?]

OP stated 'post Dish', not 'reduced Dish bill'.

 

[jimmie57]

How about this one ? It says it works off an antenna and no monthly fees. Records 2 shows at a time.

http://www.channelmasterstore.com/HD_DVR_receiver_for_antenna_p/cm-7000pal.htm

 

[garys]

OP stated 'post Dish', not 'reduced Dish bill'.

Check post #6.

 

[harsh]

Are two OTA channels going to satisfy the need?

There are surprisingly few OTA recording options but you really need to decide if you're going to have anything worth recording before you get too deep into hardware.