Anyone else think that "4-channel DVR" actually meant a DVR to record television channels? Really poor product description, Amazon. Edit: Since this is apparently STILL an issue 5 months later, I was referring to the product title AT THE TIME, which...
1272559
not at all... This product is a DVR (as stated on the page). I cant see anywhere where it mentions recording TV programs..?? Even the name of the product "Swann Digital Video Recorder with Smartphone Viewing and PRO-550 Cameras" is rather clear that its not a cable/sat. DVR, unless they are now packaging those with security cameras now days?? I just reread the part under the "Product Description" and I didnt notice anything that would lead anyone to believe it was anything but a security system DVR. Could you point out what Im missing here??
421822
I had the same issues. And as soon as the warranty went out the DVR went out as well!! I had noted all of this on my review!!
156477
what kind the dvr should i use. do i need the hard drive to recorder or internet to do the recorder. thanks.
687828
I've been wondering the same thing, only I have Windows XP Media Center. I'd like to be able to DVR shows on the PC and watch them on my regular TV. I'm starting to think I should just have a dedicated PC for the TV.
393895
It's been a great unit for me. Your question is a bit unclear but here goes. I have Wide Open West as my cable provider. I have extended basic service(meaning that I have ~ 200 stations) I can record to VHS OR DVD directly from the cable as long as the channel does not have the hyphen/dot. Channels "2" through "39" can record on VHS but "59.45" only records to DVD due to restrictions built into the unit. The on-screen message actually says that "digital" channels can not be recorded to VHS, only to DVD. I take this to mean that once a channel number ceases to be a whole number it's DVD only. All of my channels are digital, including 2 through 39.. Hope this helps. It's been a great unit for me. Your question is a bit unclear but here goes. I have Wide Open West as my cable provider. I have extended basic service(meaning that I have ~ 200 stations) I can record to VHS OR DVD directly from the cable as long as the channel does not have the hyphen/dot. Channels "2" through "39" can record on VHS but "59.45" only records to DVD due to restrictions built into the unit. The on-screen message actually says that "digital" channels can not be recorded to VHS, only to DVD. I take this to mean that once a channel number... » Read More It's been a great unit for me. Your question is a bit unclear but here goes. I have Wide Open West as my cable provider. I have extended basic service(meaning that I have ~ 200 stations) I can record to VHS OR DVD directly from the cable as long as the channel does not have the hyphen/dot. Channels "2" through "39" can record on VHS but "59.45" only records to DVD due to restrictions built into the unit. The on-screen message actually says that "digital" channels can not be recorded to VHS, only to DVD. I take this to mean that once a channel number ceases to be a whole number it's DVD only. All of my channels are digital, including 2 through 39.. Hope this helps. « Show Less
1974384
No. I wasn't sure, so I just tried it. The DVR has one tuner, so it can be tuned to one channel to record while you watch another channel on your TV. I tried recording 2 shows at once, but it only recorded the first one that I programmed.
1948790
What do you have to hookup in to to record from DVR? Do you hook dvr to dvd player only? Does Cable have to run thru the DVD player and tv? I've tried a couple times and nothing is recording. Also, how do you finalize if you are choosing record without setting it up.
1919900
Thanks so much for the response! My husband suspected as much. The DirectV tech is coming back Sun. 1/1 to install the HD DVR receiver for the sum of $129 which includes running another cable (for $50). We question this extra cable thing and wonder if it will be necessary. I'll report the results. If the problem is not fixed, we will return the set as I refuse to watch a 'stretched out' picture!BTW, our 32' Sumsung (also new) in another room, already on the satellite DVR, does have that setting to enlarge and the picture is fine. HOWEVER, the blacks are too black (dark objects seem to run in together) even though I've tried all the adjustments. Any suggestions?Thanks again. Thanks so much for the response! My husband suspected as much. The DirectV tech is coming back Sun. 1/1 to install the HD DVR receiver for the sum of $129 which includes running another cable (for $50). We question this extra cable thing and wonder if it will be necessary. I'll report the results. If the problem is not fixed, we will return the set as I refuse to watch a 'stretched out' picture!BTW, our 32' Sumsung (also new) in another room, already on the satellite DVR, does have that setting to enlarge and the picture is fine. HOWEVER, the blacks are too black (dark objects... » Read More Thanks so much for the response! My husband suspected as much. The DirectV tech is coming back Sun. 1/1 to install the HD DVR receiver for the sum of $129 which includes running another cable (for $50). We question this extra cable thing and wonder if it will be necessary. I'll report the results. If the problem is not fixed, we will return the set as I refuse to watch a 'stretched out' picture!BTW, our 32' Sumsung (also new) in another room, already on the satellite DVR, does have that setting to enlarge and the picture is fine. HOWEVER, the blacks are too black (dark objects seem to run in together) even though I've tried all the adjustments. Any suggestions?Thanks again. « Show Less
1394699
No. However, my DirecTv HD-DVR allows for the recording of multiple programs while watching another channel. I would think yours does too.
1400628
It records to a DVR which is basically a computer, but an average persons personal computer wouldn't have the proper connections to plug this in to it. I am no expert so others please correct me if I'm mistaken.
1972709
I was JUST reading through some of the reviews and one of the folks seemed to list this exact problem - though they were using a Tivo. It seems too similar an issue to be an anomaly: sadly the reviewer determined that after unplugging the drive and starting his DVR back up again, all of the problems vanished, leading him to the conclusion that it was the drive and NOT the DVR. Your best bet is to do the same - remove the drive and see if the DVR functions normally. If so, then you know the drive is faulty. Good luck!
235949
I'm not at my dvr at the moment - but you can record audio on at least channels 1 and 2. I do not believe audio record is available on the other 14 channels. For channels 1 and 2 you can add a microphone to the cameras and connect to the dvr.
997964
Many wish we knew; it's more than likely the rumored 1tb expander that "will" be "blessed" by Tivo but who knows when? It's supposed to have a Tivo logo on the box so I'm guessing this will be the one. I've got it in my wish list for the second it's announced.
1907412
In my experience, you can record one channel on the DVR while watching another channel via the DVR, or record two channels on the DVR at once as long as you only are watching one of those two channels. However, when using this DMR,if you are recording from from a stored DVR recording over to this DMR, and then try to watch another channel on TV, this product will switch over and record whatever is playing on the TV screen. Maybe it depends on how you hook it up. In my case, I have RCA leads going from the DVR to the DMR (and an HDMI back from the DMR to the TV), and also an HDMI going from the DVR to the TV. In my experience, you can record one channel on the DVR while watching another channel via the DVR, or record two channels on the DVR at once as long as you only are watching one of those two channels. However, when using this DMR,if you are recording from from a stored DVR recording over to this DMR, and then try to watch another channel on TV, this product will switch over and record whatever is playing on the TV screen. Maybe it depends on how you hook it up. In my case, I have RCA leads going from the DVR to the DMR (and an HDMI back from the DMR to the TV), and also an HDMI... » Read More In my experience, you can record one channel on the DVR while watching another channel via the DVR, or record two channels on the DVR at once as long as you only are watching one of those two channels. However, when using this DMR,if you are recording from from a stored DVR recording over to this DMR, and then try to watch another channel on TV, this product will switch over and record whatever is playing on the TV screen. Maybe it depends on how you hook it up. In my case, I have RCA leads going from the DVR to the DMR (and an HDMI back from the DMR to the TV), and also an HDMI going from the DVR to the TV. « Show Less
2067423
Ripped off??? I was able to send my DVR back to time warner, stop paying for rental and useage fee that only really let's you record one show if you still want to watch something, and stop paying for a program guide (really? Pay to see whats on TV?). So my trade off is over $22 in fees for something MUCH better and only $15. Not to mention I do not need to buy a not so smart or easy to use smart tv. As now I can get all the programing I need including Pandora, youtube and amazon prime which we use the most.
653417
While watching from (or via) the Magnavox (output to my TV), I am only able to watch a program pre-recorded on the HDD/DVR at the same time that another program is being recorded. Cannot tune to more than one station at a time (to record one, while attempting to watch another). . .Not sure I quite understand J. Kavanaugh's answer, but sounds like something cool to learn to do!
2136589
From the other answers, my understanding is that this does NOT allow the use of a program guide (like many others) to record things in the next couple weeks or as a series. I rarely want to set a recording within 6 hours of the actual time. It sounds like most of my recordings would need to be set by time slot and channel like an old VCR. Is this right?