TV with ability to record multiple channels

hamcaster

Hi,

An elderly relative has asked me to help get a new TV. Currently they use a Humax box to record programmes but I was hoping to find a TV which will record so that they don't need a separate box.

I know most smart TVs have a USB recording function, but my relative needs to be able to record multiple channels at once (or at least watch one while recording another) which doesn't seem to be possible on the TVs I've looked at. 

Does anyone know if there are any budget TVs which can record one channel while watching another, or can record two channels at once? I see that more expensive Samsung TVs (£1k+) advertise "twin tuners" which I think would let me do this, but realistically I'm looking for something more in the <£300 range. 

Before anyone mentions catch-up TV services - trust me, I've spent many infuriating hours trying to get them to use that, and it's not happening. Apparently they've spent their whole lives taping programmes and won't change now!

Neil_Jones

Very unlikely on a budget TV basis because you need a second tuner..  And most TVs have only ever had one (or in more modern times, one of each tuner which is often shared or only available in one mode at a time).  The USB recording ties the recording to that TV so don't expect to be able to take it in the kitchen and watch it there.

Even back in the days when you had video players hooked in they had to have their own tuner that you could use to record something while the aerial input was passed through to the TV to use its tuner.

The easiest solution is a third party box.  There are Freeview recorders available but most of these will let you record two channels at a time.  Some may do more.

Satellite might be an option. a wideband LNB on the dish will let you record four programmes at once on a Freesat recorder, otherwise its two.  Note that you wouldn't be able to watch at third/fifth programme while recording four/two others as the tuners are in use.

Subscription wise,Sky Q 2Tb boxes you can record up to six at a time (three on the 1Tb) (or five if you watch something live), and the Virgin V6 boxes can do six while you watch a seventh

wumph

Possibly not exactly helpful but,  I bought a usb external hard drive to use on my computer,  years ago which is why I cannot give details,  but when my PVR died (again old,  like me) I could not afford a new one so got the usb drive out (you can use little usb sticks but they do not hold enough) and tried it out.  Not sure if it records 2 at same time or when watching something because its in my bedroom but I record Pointless and Richard Osmond every weekday and then can watch when cannot sleep.(old person talking) x Does not use a remote,  have to set recording on TV.

JSmithy45AD

wumph said:

Possibly not exactly helpful but,  I bought a usb external hard drive to use on my computer,  years ago which is why I cannot give details,  but when my PVR died (again old,  like me) I could not afford a new one so got the usb drive out (you can use little usb sticks but they do not hold enough) and tried it out.  Not sure if it records 2 at same time or when watching something because its in my bedroom but I record Pointless and Richard Osmond every weekday and then can watch when cannot sleep.(old person talking) x Does not use a remote,  have to set recording on TV.

It's the number of tuners that determine whether you can record more than one channel and they're dependant on your TV or STB, not the external hard drive,

wumph

Well I am 80 yr lady so what do I know,  but I did test yesterday and can record 1 whilst watching another. good luck.

JSmithy45AD

wumph said:

Well I am 80 yr lady so what do I know,  but I did test yesterday and can record 1 whilst watching another. good luck.

Then you must have a TV with twin tuners if you're plugging the USB drive directly into the TV. They do still do them if you Google it.

400ixl

OP, if this elderly relative already has and uses the Humax box successfully and you have successfully frustrated them on trying to get them to use catch up, why are you trying to change something that is not broken again?

Get them a new TV and let them continue with what they are used to if it is working for them.

wumph

No idea what twin tuners are,  I just plug into TV usb socket same as I would plug into computer.  Then I go to a screen which lets me go onto a sky page  if I had sky in there or onto the usb  page.  You can look at photos on your usb if you have any but I dont.  Mine is a Samsung small smart TV 2017 so not new.  Have now put Roku on it so I can watch other stuff but seldom use that,  its just if I am confined to bed after operations ( had quite a few).