HDD recorders

[badkuk]

If you have an existing PC, why not just install either a TV tuner card or a USB TV tuner device and use it's software to record your shows?

my parents will be using it most of the time.

come to think of it, i never really thought about teaching them to use the remote; nasanay kasi ako sa pag navigate using the mouse, kaya ganyan din turo ko sa kanila...ayan nalito siguro.

still, there's the issue of playback: malamang they'll still need me to navigate thru windows/linux para iplay ung recordings nila.

[ghosthunter]

my parents will be using it most of the time.

come to think of it, i never really thought about teaching them to use the remote; nasanay kasi ako sa pag navigate using the mouse, kaya ganyan din turo ko sa kanila...ayan nalito siguro.

still, there's the issue of playback: malamang they'll still need me to navigate thru windows/linux para iplay ung recordings nila.

If your parents will be the one using it, I see your point.

Maybe you can check Windows XP Media Center edition if it would answer your needs? There might be similar solutions from 3rd party softwares as well?

Or maybe just create a few shortcuts to the folders where the videos are saved would make it easier for them to use it?

[Jun aka Pekto]

Just build an HTPC with a tv tuner and Windows 7 Home Premium. Windows Media Center is included and include functions pertaining to recording, saving, and playback.

From my use of it, there seems to be a good amount of hand-holding for newbies built-in.

Frankly if the parents are tech-challenged, it's better to get them a dvd-recorder. Using RW discs, it functions just like a vcr with up to 8 hours recording time. The RW discs are erasable and reusable many times.