-
OTA DVR Anyone?
Has anyone found a good, non-subscription DVR to use with a Rayzar OTA antenna to record OTA broadcasts? I really just need a basic unit that will load local guide date over the air and not depend on internet.
I have DirecTV with an HR24 DVR to record off satellite, but due to ATT’s recent changes it looks like I’m going to have to give up DNS locals. The alternative seems to set up another separate DirecTV account for the bus, and to get the same package we get at home, it looks like it would be another $200+/month. No thanks!
So I’m thinking one of the automatic Rayzars and a simple DVR will do the trick for locals. Anybody crossed this bridge already?
-
5 Replies
-
I installed a Tivo OTA in my Marathon and it’s one of the best mods I’ve done. There’s no subscription fee and while changing local channels requires an internet connection, it only needs to be online for ten to 15 minutes while it gathers local programming information. Otherwise, no internet connection is required…unless you’re in the same spot for a couple of weeks and additional grid guide information may be needed.
It allows for the recording of up to six local channels simultaneously and includes a skip function that allows for commercial blocks to be skipped with a press of a single button. (Note: A new Tivo feature allows for commercials to be skipped automatically). Also, the built in tuner is top tier and does a good job with the signals.
My bus had two Blu-Ray players in the rack and I simply removed one and inserted the Tivo in its place. Then, I just needed to split the antenna connection, plug it in and it was up and running. Since the bus has a Crestron system, I was able to control the input and volume, but instead of using the Crestron controller to change channels, I used the included RF Tivo remote. In other words, I added the Tivo OTA to the system without generating Crestron programming charges.
Bottom Line: Highly recommended for motorhome use.
-
If you need 2 accounts for locals and another with DNS, you can suspend each account when not being used up to 4 times per year. It must be for at least 30 days.
-
I don’t know about Direct, but Dish has an add-on module that integrates OTA with all the normal Dish functions. OTA channels appear in the guide. After arriving at a new location we just deploy the dish antenna, do the normal OTA scan with the Razor, and proceed with the setup.
You might want to check with Direct and see if they offer a similar module for OTA integration.
(By the way, we use the Dish Hopper and Joey in the bus and move them from the house to the bus as we travel)
1999 XLV X-6872, liberty #440 -
If you have Amazon Prime then you can do this for free after you have the hardware. Get Amazon Firestick to watch movies in your coach. Get an Amazon Recast DVR and install in your coach. The Recast picks up OTA channels and records them. You view these recordings thru the Firestick. You can record 2 or 4 OTA channels at the same time depending on what hardware Recast product you purchase. It works great.
-
If you have Amazon Prime then you can do this for free after you have the hardware. Get Amazon Firestick to watch movies in your coach. Get an Amazon Recast DVR and install in your coach. The Recast picks up OTA channels and records them. You view these recordings thru the Firestick. You can record 2 or 4 OTA channels at the same time depending on what hardware Recast product you purchase. It works great.
Doesn’t this unit require an internet connection to populate the grid guide?
Jeff and Lindsay
91 Marathon XL
Log in to reply.