What are some non-subscription DVR's?

Are there any FREE (non-subscription) DVR's on the market? (TiVo)?

• Are there any Digital Video Recorders on the market that do not charge a subscription fee? I'm looking for a Christmas gift for my mother. We don't need anything fancy like a TiVo, she just wants something to tape her soap operas each day (and she has had extremely bad luck with DVD and VHS recorders). I would just like to get her something that can be taped onto a harddrive, but not to be used on a computer. So in other words...I am looking for a TiVo device that does not charge an extra fee just to record stuff.

• Answer:

  I'd suggest looking at one of the DVD recorders with built-in harddrives. For example the Philips DVDR3576H DVD Recorder with 160GB Hard Disc and Built-In Tuner. I believe Panasonic also makes something similar. Just make sure whatever you buy has the type of tuner you need. For over-the-air in the USA you'll need an ATSC tuner as the digital switchover is coming very soon. Likewise you may need a QAM tuner if you are on digital cable.