If I purchase a DVD Recorder, will I be able to record Pay-Per-View and On Demand programming? The reason I ask is because to my understanding, PPV works differently from normal cable. Also, is it legal to record PPV programming? Thanks.
I don't know how PPV works but I imagine you should be able to record from it if you can record from the television. Which one are you looking to buy? I've been researching them out, but they are so expensive. I found a Phillips one that records both formats (DVD+R and DVD-R) for $150. It is "factory renewed" so I don't if that is something to shy away from or not but this is fairly cheap for one that has both a vcr and dvd recorder so you don't have to hook up to a vcr to put old VHS videos onto DVDs. Here is the link if you are interested, I don't have the $ at the moment to get it but hoping to soon: DVDR600VR/37B
I haven't looked at a particular one. However, you might want to investigate further prior to purchasing the Philips DVD Recorder that you linked. I have heard that "factory renewed" stuff from Philips is nowhere near the quality of purchasing a new unit. That is why Philips offers a very shady warranty for their factory renewed stuff, unlike most manufacturers who offer a warranty equal to the warranty of a new product.
If you have analog cable... You will be able to record PPV shows onto your DVD Recorder, assuming one of the following is true: a) If your DVD Recorder won't record input that contains Macrovision Copyguard and the cable company doesn't put macrovision into their broadcast (I don't think they do). OR a) If your DVD Recorder will record input that contains Macrovision Copyguard. Different models of DVD recorders vary. Some will ignore Macrovision, while others will see the MAcrovision and refuse to copy. Your DVD recorder will NOT record a digital broadcast from any encrypted source, such as digital cable, digital PPV, or digital directTV. Some DVD recorders have a usb or firewire input for you to feed it a digital signal. This is designed to record from an unencrypted digital source (like converting your digital camcorder footage to DVD). The legality of recording it is questionable. In the past, it has been legal to tape shows for you to watch later, and it has been legal for you use a black-box Macrovision disabler to copy tapes that you own to make backups. But recent laws seem to be changing things. I don't think it's illegal, and they certainly aren't busing people for this.
If I purchase a DVD recorder with USB or FireWire input, then will I be able to record from digital cable or digital PPV (I have digital cable)?
