A PVR which manages channels on a cable box?

March 5, 2009 9:27 AM

I'm looking for a DVD/HDD recorder which can control a cable box. Does anyone have such a combo up and running?

The aim is to record regular scheduled programmes from a PACE 4000 cable box. I don't really mind what kind of recorder I end up using, but I want to be able to archive selected programmes to DVD, and for the recorder to be able to switch channels on the cable box. Help!

posted by imperium to Technology (5 answers total)

Mythtv can change channels on a cable box using an IR blaster. It also can archive recordings to DVD. Be warned, setup can be troublesome if you are not familiar with linux.
posted by rabbitsnake at 9:34 AM on March 5, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks, but my hope is to find a standalone recorder, not an actual computer.
posted by imperium at 9:40 AM on March 5, 2009

Not sure if I'm fully understanding the question, but I still use a Tivo "series 2" (since I don't have an HDTV) and it changes the channel via my cable box. I have to use the infrared prongs that came with the Tivo, taped to the box so they're aimed at the IR receiver on the front of it.

I don't actually do this much but I'm aware that I can transfer recordings from the Tivo to my computer over my home network, and I'm pretty sure I could make DVDs from them once they're on the computer.
posted by dnash at 9:52 AM on March 5, 2009

I'm pretty sure the Humax Tivo/DVD recorders will fit the bill for you.
posted by Joh at 10:13 AM on March 5, 2009

Hmm, looks like they have stopped making the DVD recording combos, so that previous link is a bit useless, but you can still buy them from various places. Here's an amazon link for starters.
posted by Joh at 10:17 AM on March 5, 2009