Question:
Can you still buy just a plain hard disk drive recorder that doesn't require some kind of subscription with your TV provider?
I don't currently use any kind of DVR/PVR for myself but I set up a couple for my elderly mother.
Several years ago (4 or 5) I bought her a cheap recorder from Walmart. It's a simple hard drive unit that is basically used like a VCR. It still functions. About a year and a half ago, I wanted to get her a similar unit but couldn't find one. I actually ended up buying her a Sony DVD recorder that has a built in hard drive. I works just fine because it can be used by simply recording to the the hard drive (I'm sure she has no idea how to even use the DVD recorder section).
I would like to get a similar unit for myself but I do not want anything that requires a subscription or activation. The aforementioned units that I got for my mother seem no longer available. I'm attempting to limit the amount and cost of services that I subscribe to. While I appreciate the convenience, the various service subscriptions can nickel and dime you to death (cell phone, internet, netflix, satellite radio, HD tv stations etc).
Can I just buy a DVR/PVR that I can plug in an use like an old VCR without renting or subscribing to something?