DVR, HDTV, huh?

[VonErichLives]

Ok, so it occurs to me I don't watch much TV these days and would rather cut the bill and apply the money I spend on DTV to savings and take an extra vacation.

So, I have a nice 52" HDTV...

I just want to make sure I understand what I'll need to watch TV and still record shows once in awhile.

I'll need a HDTV Antenna (either indoor or out door)
&
a DVR w/ a built in tuner?

This will allow me when I'm not going to be home to program to record shows on different channels? (not at the same time)

am I missing anything?

[Requiem]

Are you going to be recording things on your basic channels only? I mean, there are several good shows still on non-pay channels, but I wouldn't think enough to really bother with a DVR.

[Vietnamese Crippler]

Like Req said, if you only plan on watching basic channels you might not want to get a DVR since almost all DVRs have to have a subscription and it might be a waste of money. But if you do want DVR capabilities, you can get away using others ones that don't have subscriptions, albeit they are more expensive/rudimentary.

Here's the non-subscription way: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/kimkomando/2009-10-22-dvrs_N.htm

[VonErichLives]

yeah, I was going to get a dvr with a HD that doesn't require a service... but there doesn't seem to be many of those for sale...

Then it occurs to me I'm still going to need to pay for modem service.. so the difference between modem service, buying an antenna, buying a dvr or a tivo fee when it comes down to it, is about the same as a bundle with modem, basic cable, HD channels and a DVR.... so that probably makes more sense. Plus I've read the HD Antennas can be hit/miss depending on location.

[Requiem]

I live out in the middle of bum fuck nowhere, and I have an outdoor HD Antenna. Ran me about $40, but I get crystal clear signal, and more channels than I did before. It's the indoor antennas I found were really hit and miss. The former poster DS lives inside the city and gets horrible signal with his indoor antenna. Always has to adjust it for different stations, and always loses signal randomly. We went through a couple before trying the outdoor one. It's not big either.. just a mount with an upright flat rectangular antenna sticking off the side.