![Tablo Dual LITE [TDNS2B-01-CN] Over-The-Air [OTA] Digital Video Recorder [DVR] for Cord Cutters - with WiFi, Live TV…](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/717osiPngPL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
I bought one 2 months ago and liked it so much I bought a second one, so I can record programs from 2 channels at the same time.
I don't like to pay a monthly fee for anything, so I have always just set VCR's to record off the antenna by timer. But that won't work after February. What nobody tells you is that the converter box will not let you do that, because the channel selection is in the converter, not in the VCR. So this DVR is the solution, and it's the only one out there, unless you pay a monthy fee for cable and something like TiVo.
For timer recording, it is even more convenient than a VCR. You can just set and delete events at will, and don't have to worry about what fits on a tape. By default it shows the date, time, and channel for each event. I keep a separate log on a piece of paper, and that saves the time to label each event on the disc. I usually delete an event after I watch it anyway.
I use it with a 52" Sony HDTV, so I can evaluate the picture quality. At EP speed it will record 132 hours on the hard drive, and the quality is similar to the VCR at EP speed. But it has the advantage of wide screen picture and surround sound. But it has the distinct disadvantage that it won't record closed captioning. That is a problem for us with TV programs made in the last 5 years or so, because the dialog is garbled and drowned out by unnecessary music. It wouldn't be a problem if the TV industry would clean up their act.
What is really notable is the picture quality as affected by the tuner and the connection to the TV. A picture that is tuned by this DVR and then sent to the TV by way of either the HDMI cable or component video cables is not as clear as the same picture tuned directly by the TV. What's even more interesting is that the HDMI cable makes a poorer picture than component video cables, even though HDMI is claimed to be the ultimate.
Some day we may have blu-ray recorders, but until that time comes, I think this is an excellent unit.
| Brand Name | PHILIPS |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 7.4 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 16.5 x 11.4 x 2.3 inches |
| Item model number | DVDR3576H/37 |
| Batteries | 2 A batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color Name | Black |
