Disposable TV Recording
While I had valiantly tried to rid the house of analog media, I now willingly will admit defeat. After going both feet into DVD recording, I have realized that a VCR is simply the better technology for general time shifting. After looking up and down the ‘net, I can conclude that the DVD recorder will simply never be as trouble free as a VCR. And no, save your comments about the $799 TiVO with the $13 monthly fee as that’s simply too much cash for what I’m trying to do.Anyway, I was in Wal-Mart and I found what has to be the cheapest solution to my current time shifting woes. They had a DVD/VCR combo deck for the amazingly low price of $49.86. The brand: SV2000. “Who exactly is that?” we’re all thinking to be sure. Well, it’s made by the Funai Corporation. These are those industrious Chinese folks that love to reverse engineer others cheap products, and dump them even cheaper on our shores. If you’ve ever owned a Sylvania or Emerson product, chances are it was made by these folks (my last DVD/VCR was).
I looked at the Magnavox combo deck next to it on the shelf. Back in the early ‘90’s, I remember that Magnavox VCR’s were very highly rated for reliability. When I checked on the back of it, the “Manufactured by Funai Corporation” sticker was there as well. In fact, the combo deck units are very similar, and the remote controls appear quite identical. I couldn’t justify paying $15 more for a name brand that is essentially the same thing.
To get anything better, I was up to $80 with a Phillips combo deck. While $30 is not that much money to any of us, when I realized that it was more than 50% more and didn’t do anything else in terms of features, I was rolling my shopping cart back to the shelf of SV2000 boxes. Besides, I figure if my bargain turns out to be a piece of junk, at least I have 90 days to get my green returned to me and buy anything else.
I’ll write up a review after I put the SV2000 through the paces and can come to a conclusion. In the meantime, as the analog TV signal will only be around for a little over two years more (March 2009), I’m hoping the SV2000 can go the distance. At least at this bargain price, I won’t be too dismayed when it doesn’t.
--Jonas
There are some more SV2000 electronics here.
posted by digitaldoc at 10:55 AM
2 Comments:
Jonas you obviously haven't jumped on the high-def bandwagon yet. You decision was the right one if all you want is analog standard-def fare. Hard to beat VHS, it's cheap and it works.
I can't believe there isn't a moderately priced box out there for consumers that doesn't require a monthly fee. The satellite boys have had PVR's built into their receivers for years. The technology is there and obviously someone is building them.
Having now converted over to a PVR type of system and away from VHS, I would find it tough to go back. But not everyone wants a computer in their living room! Bottom line, however, is that your solution is a lot cheaper than mine!!
You're right, there is no high definition at the house, yet. I'm hoping to upgrade soon.
I had some initial success with the Hauppaugue WinTV card, but the Shuttle that it was in died an untimely and premature death (totally unrelated to the tuner card).
I had tried the Polaroid DVR, but it was a piece of junk.
I'm really waiting for a hard drive based recorder with a digital tuner to become affordable, probably a year or two away. In the meantime, the SV200 is definitely a cheap interim solution.
--J
Post a Comment
<< Home