Recording TV
In the past the only way to record free-to-air tv or pay tv was by using a VCR and Video tape. A lot of folks found it difficult to master timer recording or just plain gave up on the idea. Today with a little training anybody can master timer recording. All you need is a dvd recorder with a hard disc drive (hdd). Why a hard disc drive? With a HDD you no longer have to load the device with storage material like tape or dvd recordable discs. dvd/r''s also have the capability to record to dvd and cd discs as well, allowing you to keep the shows you like or to share with others. You can also convert all your memories that are on video tape to dvd. So keep that old VCR at least until you have converted all your tapes. (Note that you can't record high definiton tv content because of copyright).
When you look for a dvd recorder check out whether there are enough inputs so you can connect a digital tv set top box to it and/or your pay tv box, VCR etc. Another type of connection to look out for is whether it has hdmi or component connectors for video and optical or coaxial connections for surround sound.
Another way to record free-to-air tv is by using a digital set top box that has a hdd or hard disc drive these are called pvr or personal video recorders. These devices usually have more than one tuner enabling you to watch a one show while recording another. Timer recording, as with a DVD/R, is a lot easier. The only draw back to this is that you will not be able to record to disc. In other words you can't keep and/or share your recordings with others unless you have a DVD recorder as well. There are a few dvd/r players that now have twin high definition tuners coupled with a large hard drive for extra storage capacity allowing you to record one TV channel while watching another and have the ability to record to Disc.
Used in combination with a good sound system like an amplfier reciever your DVD/R can play either straight from CD, dvd drive or from the Jukebox capability from your hard disc drive.
Some DVDR's with HDDs boast being able to hold up to 1000 or more music CD's .
DVD Players
These days dvd players are the norm. It is still a good idea to buy a dvd player that is dedicated for watching movies. There are fancy ones and expensive ones. The main things to look out for in a dvd player are:
Output eg: component video which gives you the best picture or hdmi which is the latest connection and also gives you the best picture possible, however being the latest you need to look out for a display like a, plasma tv or lcd tv that also has this type connection.
The latest dvd player to hit the market is the blue ray format player. This format along with the new high definition dvd format disc player are capable of holding a lot more information on the disc allowing for much higher definiton video. These blue ray and hd dvd players must be coupled with a display device capable of outputting such quality such as an LCD or Plasma capable of 1080p.
MEDIA CENTRE
Today a lot of display devices like LCD TV and Plasma TV's have PC inputs which allow you to use your TV as computer display. Your computer can now be part of your whole home theatre lounge room experience. Your computer can be an all in one solution. You can surf the net. Finish that work you brought home from the office....NAH! loads of possibilities. We at Maxtv have noticed a trend of late of people wanting to connect their PC and laptops at home and not just at the office.
These days your desktop PC can play and store