HDTV box vs HDPVR box

[Imported_Aussie]

Hey guys

just got a 37in samsung LCD, 1080p. looking at getting Shaw HD (mostly for TSN, TSN2, Sportsnet)
i have looked into the HDTV box and the HDPVR. Besides being able to record TV (something i dont really want to make a habit of), the PVR also is the only box to have an HDMI out. Both come standard with component cables, but i am wondering if the picture quality difference between Component and DVI and HDMI is worth the extra $200-300 for the HDPVR
for any Shaw HD users, do you notice a discernable difference between component cables/DVI/HDMI?

[cKy]

I dont use PVR @ all (I download everything) but everyone I talk to that has a PVR says its the greatest invention ever. I would assume you would probably make a habit of using it just because you can. as for the quality, HDMI should be higher then DVI. Im sure someone here who uses both can throw in their 2 cents.

[Prototype]

The PVR is, the picture is irrelivant. But the PVR is... and incase you haven't caught my point, the PVR totally is worth the extra.

Think of it this way, in a year, when you're looking to now get a PVR, you'll have to upgrade. If you can afford the PVR now, and not use it for a year, you'll have it when you need it.

But the PVR is worth it.

[GreenTeaFrapp]

Don't think of the PVR as to just record stuff. Think of it as a way to pause, rewind and fast forward stuff. Turn the game on late and fast forward through all the annoying commercials.

[MrMastodonFarm]

The PVR is worth it, trust me and everyone else in this thread.

There is no thing as "making a habit" of it, as you're just going to watch the same shows you do anyways, but in less time, without commercials, and without needing to worry to be at your TV when that show is on.

HDMI is better then components, but not a huge amount. The best thing about it, for me atleast, is that it's cleaner for all the cords. One cord is better then three component cords. Simpler set up.

Get the PVR though. You won't regret it.

[ken0042]

Get the PVR.

I don't know of a single person, geek or non-geek who doesn't love it. My g/f gave me all sorts of grief when we bought ours, now I can't pry the remote out of her hands. Popular uses:

- "What did he just say?"
- phone rings, you don't miss your show.
- I have mine set to auto tune at several points throughout the day. So if we get home at 9:45 we can still watch Law & Order.

Get the PVR.

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Get the PVR.

I don't know of a single person, geek or non-geek who doesn't love it. My g/f gave me all sorts of grief when we bought ours, now I can't pry the remote out of her hands. Popular uses:

- "What did he just say?"
- phone rings, you don't miss your show.
- I have mine set to auto tune at several points throughout the day. So if we get home at 9:45 we can still watch Law & Order.

Get the PVR.

Sorry, wtf is "auto tune"

I assume you mean auto record?

[MrMastodonFarm]

Series recording is the best thing ever.

9 time out of 10 I forget some of my favourite shows are on and watch them several days later when I realize they are on the PVR.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

Sorry, wtf is "auto tune"

Bell's PVRs allow the box to automatically change channels at a certain time. So I have a Mon-Fri timer set for Bravo at 9:00pm. So while it does buffer the 1 hour of programming, it doesn't technically record it.

It was a feature originally intended for non-PVR receivers so you could set a VCR to record on different channels, but was left in the PVR software.

One more thing I forgot to add in things I do- part way through a show I say "this is awesome, I should be recording this!" Then I rewind it and record the whole show. Oh, and if I have to leave and it's 10 minutes to the hour, I can just record the end of my show and watch it later.

[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Bell's PVRs allow the box to automatically change channels at a certain time. So I have a Mon-Fri timer set for Bravo at 9:00pm. So while it does buffer the 1 hour of programming, it doesn't technically record it.

It was a feature originally intended for non-PVR receivers so you could set a VCR to record on different channels, but was left in the PVR software.

One more thing I forgot to add in things I do- part way through a show I say "this is awesome, I should be recording this!" Then I rewind it and record the whole show. Oh, and if I have to leave and it's 10 minutes to the hour, I can just record the end of my show and watch it later.

the Shaw HDPVR box is set to automatically record from the beginning of a show, assuming you've been watching since the start to have it buffered so there's no need to rewind to the beginning. the Bell one doesn't work the same?

[@theCBE]

I will echo everyone's comments about getting the PVR. Even though you download everything.. I also download everything but I still use the PVR. I even have an upconverting DVD player with a USB input so its very easy for me to watch whatever I download on my TV (no cd's/dvd's to burn or wires to hook up) and I STILL use the PVR constantly. Once you get it your tv experience will never be the same. Shows look better in HD and its way easier to set your PVR to record a series than to go online and download a show.

As for your question about quality.. I was using component cables before my HDMI ones came in the mail.* Once I switched to HDMI I think the quality was slightly better.. but not so much that I'm convinced its not a figment of my imagination. Maybe if Shaw didn't compress their HD signal so much I would notice a considerable difference.

*if you are ordering cables from monoprice (you should) then order them a good two weeks before you get your box or you will have to wait. Unless you pay extra for express shipping.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda

the Shaw HDPVR box is set to automatically record from the beginning of a show, assuming you've been watching since the start to have it buffered so there's no need to rewind to the beginning. the Bell one doesn't work the same?

Yeah I was going to bring this up too. If I walk in, in the middle of the show and want to record it, all I have to do is hit the record button and it will record all of it. If the channel has been there long enough of course.

Happen a lot on National Geographic shows.

[Prototype]

Bell doesn't record past watched unrecorded whatever you want to call it. I've never rewinded to the begining of the 'buffered', watched progaming, but if you push REC, it records from that moment forward.

I know SHAW would add anything that was watched from that channel previous...

I don't know if any of that makes any sense...

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

Yeah I was going to bring this up too. If I walk in, in the middle of the show and want to record it, all I have to do is hit the record button and it will record all of it. If the channel has been there long enough of course.

Happen a lot on National Geographic shows.

I guess for me I prefer the way Bell's software works. It's easy enough for me to rewind the show (12 seconds at most @ 300X speed)- but it gives me the option of recording the entire show, or just recording the rest of the show.

So if I'm watching NG, I have to go but I am curious to see if they do get the bridge built in time, I can just use up a lot less of my hard drive.

[troutman]

What do people mean they "download everything"? How do you do this? How do you watch it? Is it legal?

[MrMastodonFarm]

Yeah that's fine Ken, it's probably a preference to what we are both familiar with. I'm never that worried about my HD will fill up, I keep it pretty tidy, and with Shaw's 5 minute skip button it would be better to just have all of the show, then some of it.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by troutman

What do people mean they "download everything"? How do you do this? How do you watch it? Is it legal?

Bit torrent sites, no it isn't legal.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Prototype

I know SHAW would add anything that was watched from that channel previous.....

No, it recognizes when a show has stopped and another started.

Let's say it's 7:15 and I walk in and The Office is on. I hit the record button and since it's been on that channel it will record the entire show, because it keeps a certain amount of show temporarily stored (for rewinding purposes) saved. It might be able to go all the way back to 6:30, but it will recognize I just hit record for the show that is on now, and do that.

[Imported_Aussie]

affordability is a slight issue, on the per month pricing it is only $5 more, but thats going to end up almost $200 in the long run ($180 i think)
mostly a matter of convincing the other half
it does make sense if we would potentially get it later
might leave it up to her, and tell her she can pay to upgrade later if she wants it

[OilKiller]

Must not live without PVR...couldn't...