Digital Video Recorders are all the rage now, and for goodreason. These nifty devices help you to make the most of your cable TVsubscription and all those channels you pay for. When you’re at work, or outshopping, there’s always something interesting on TV which you’re missing. So,it’s essential to have TV DVR.
If you look for the reviews of the best DVR options, you’llfind just a handful of models being promoted. Although in fairness they reallyare the top of the line devices for DVR recorders for TV, there are a myriad ofalternatives which are power packed themselves but largely unnoticed.
Here we are reviewing the DVR devices which are compatiblewith the major cable TV providers. It goes without saying that pretty much anyDVR will have basic features like pausing and rewinding live TV, parentalcontrols etc. so we are focusing on what’s different for each model. Read on tofind out about some workhorse devices which can fulfill all your recording andwatching needs.
Best Spectrum DVR Device. Spectrum encrypts the signals on its network which means you can’t use just any ol’ cable box. For users who are thinking about subscribing to the Spectrum cable TV or are already subscribers, the following is the best DVR device which works on Spectrum’s cable TV network. User manual instruction guide for Digital Cable Receiver SPECTRUM201-H Humax Co., Ltd. Setup instructions, pairing guide, and how to reset. TV and television manuals and free pdf instructions. Find the user manual you need for your TV and more at ManualsOnline. Page 28 of RGB Spectrum DVR 201 User Guide ManualsOnline.com.
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Best Spectrum DVR Device
Spectrum encrypts the signals onits network which means you can’t use just any ol’ cable box. For users who arethinking about subscribingto the Spectrum cable TV or are already subscribers, the following is thebest DVR device which works on Spectrum’s cable TV network.
Spectrum201
The Spectrum201 Advanced Cable DVR is manufactured by two different OEM brands, Technicolor and Humax. You could get any version, however there’s no actual difference between them in terms of performance and features. This model was previously known as “World Box DVR” or sometimes “World Box 2.0”.
The Spectrum201 TV DVR works for both SD and HD channels. TheTV guide of this cable box used to be so archaic that users complained aboutthe ancient look of the interface. However, recently most Spectrum HD receivershave had a guide update at no cost. You get full-screen HD guide with a blackbackground. The real geeks will recognize that it’s the iGuide software. Despitethe change in look, the navigation is still the same as long-time TWC/Spectrum usersare used to. An issue with resetting has also been fixed.
Now onto the most important specs of a DVR. Spectrum201 has 4 tuners, so you cansimultaneously record 4 channels. You’ll find other DVR reviewersmentioning models with as many as 16 tuners, but ask yourself, do you reallyneed that many? Most episodes are repeated on the same day so you have canrecord them in two different time frames. 4 tuners are more than enough formost of us.
In-built storage spaceon the Spectrum201 DVR is 1TB. That’s an impressive 300 hours of 720p HD videostorage. Here atLocal Cable Deals we are pretty avid consumers of TV shows ourselves. We leavesome shows to record on the Spectrum201 DVR while we’re working and in theevening catch up on them. We’re never short on storage space.
The maximum video output resolution is 1080p/60, 10-bits.There are two USB 2.0 master ports to connect to your home entertainmentsystem. We’re not going to delve into other details because the rest of thefeatures are pretty similar to other best DVR devices.
You’ll pay $11.99 monthly for the DVR. Besides this, the DVRservice fee is $12.99 – $19.99 depending on how many boxes you use.
Spectrum 201 T Manual
Best Cox DVR Device
It’s a bit silly to state the best DVR for Cox because theydon’t offer several options. You have the Contour Record 6 HD-DVR as your firstoption and Contour Record 2 HD-DVR.
The Record 6 has sixsimultaneous recordings feature whereas the Record 2 has…you guessed it, 2 simultaneousrecordings feature. Here at Local Cable Deals we think that Contour Record 6hits the sweet spot when it comes to recording. Not too little, not too much.The Goldilocks of DVRs if you will.
The storage space onthe Contour Record 6 DVR is 2TB which Cox claims can hold up to 1000 hours of SD videocontent. Most of us watch at least 720p HD channels now, so cut the number downto a range of 500-600 hours storage forHD programs.
Besides this, the DVR offers show and movie recommendationsbased off your previous viewing activity, just like we’ve grown accustomed toon streaming services websites like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.
If you combine it with Contour Record 2 HD-DVR on the otherTV’s in your house, you can have Whole Home Connected DVR service.
People don’t have a whole lot to say about the Contour Record6 besides these features, which we think is a good thing. It means it’s simple,does its job, and most people are happy with it. To get the Contour Record 6 DVR the equipment charge is $8.50/mo. DVR service charge $19.99/mo.
Best DirecTV DVR
If you want to get the best DirecTV DVR based onfeatures then that’s the Genie DVR. This baby is 4k ready and has the abilityto connect up to 8 TV’s wirelessly with the DVR. Whoa! But, that’s not theDirecTV DVR we’ll talk about. Why? Like we said, there’s plenty of options outthere and we recommend the DIRECTV 500 Gigabyte 1080p HD DVR Satellite Receiverknown as HR24 in the market.
For about $200 the HR24 can get youthe DVR capabilities that you will need the most. The device is a few yearsold, but still highly relevant for DirecTV DVR purposes. It has the option to record 2 channels simultaneously. You can alsostream on-demand video, watch YouTube or dance to Pandora.
Since it’s a 500 GB DVR, you can store up to 100 hours of 1080 HDvideo and 400 hours of SD video.
The HR24 DirecTV DVR has modernfeatures like interactive TV apps, searching for content by title, actor name,or any keyword you choose, and it has subtitles feature as well.
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Final Word
Sometimes it feels like technology is running far ahead of us– of what we need – and it may be smarter to just stick with what we’reactually going to use. The three DVR models we mentioned here can do the jobfor the vast majority of us. We think that these devices can even compete with2019’s best DVR’s.
If you want to get a DVR without cable TV provider’ssubscription, you might have to pay the “Cable Card” fee to your TV providerwhich is minimal. But apart from the cost of buying the DVR, you might have topay a monthly fee to the DVR manufacturer such as in the case of TiVo.
Happy DVR-ing!
Let’s be honest. Spectrum has great service. You can have a professional come over to install the services for you. The technician will plug in all the boxes, wires, and help you understand how the product works. However, this service will cost you a one-time charge of $49.99. Many people find this charge logical because of the convenience and service they are getting. Conversely, others might find it difficult to pay. Charter Spectrum understands this concern. Therefore, they give customers a self-installation option. This way customers get a self-installation kit either through mail or store pick-up but they have to plug in the boxes and set-up everything themselves. The self-installation option costs $9.99. This offer is for Spectrum internet, Spectrum cable, and Spectrum voice services.
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How to program a new spectrum remote?
The easiest way of programming your new Spectrum remote is through the Spectrum Guide. It will automatically detect the brand of your TV. After detection, it will simply walk you through the steps to program your Spectrum remote.
Spectrum Remote Guide
If this does not work somehow, then you can set it up yourself.
Spectrum Remote setup through Auto-Search
Follow these simple steps to set up your Spectrum remote control through auto search:
- First of all, turn on the TV that you want to program.
- Now, find the MENU and OK button on your Spectrum remote. You need to press and hold them simultaneously until the INPUT button blinks twice.
- Just Press TV POWER and you will notice that the input button will light up solid.
- Aim your Spectrum remote at your TV.
- Find the UP arrow.
- Press and hold the UP arrow.
- Release the UP arrow once the device has been turned off. In the end, your remote should store the code.
Spectrum Remote setup for the most popular brands
We all have different kinds of TVs in our homes; however, Smart TVs have started to become a trend of the present day. No matter where you live, there are some popular companies commonly employed in our house. This is how you can setup Spectrum remote on these popular brands:
- Simply turn on the TV you want to program for the Spectrum remote.
- Find the MENU and OK keys on the remote.
- Press and hold MENU and OK keys simultaneously. You will notice the INPUT key blinking twice.
- Now, locate the TV POWER key. Press and release it once.
- You have to look for the digit key corresponding to your TV brand. Find your TV brand from the list below. Note the digits relating to your TV’s brand and finally hold down the right digit key:
- Insignia/Dynex - 1
- LG/Zenith - 2
- Panasonic- 3
- TPhilips/Magnavox- 4
- RCA/TCL- 5
- Samsung - 6
- Sharp - 7
- Sony - 8
- Toshiba - 9
- Vizio - 0
- When your TV turns off, you can release the digit key.
Remote Setup Codes
Following are the remote setup codes for all the popular brands:
- Dynex: 12049, 11463
- Insignia: 12049, 11423, 11564, 10171, 10463, 11204, 11326, 11385, 11517, 11641, 11660, 11892, 11963, 12417, 12751
- JVC: 10650, 11774, 10463, 11923, 12321, 13393
- LG: 11423, 10178, 10017, 10442, 12864, 12867
- Magnavox: 11454, 12597, 10051, 10802, 11198, 11365, 11913, 11963, 11990, 13623
- Mitsubishi: 11250, 10178, 10150, 11797
- Philips: 11867, 11454, 12597, 11394, 10171, 12622, 13623
- Samsung: 12051, 10650, 10178, 10060, 10766, 10814, 11959, 13993
- Sharp: 12360, 12402, 13867
- Sony: 10810, 11685
- STCL: 12434, 11756
- Toshiba: 11524, 10156, 10650, 10060, 10154, 11343, 11369, 11704, 11935, 11959, 12684
- Vizio: 11758, 12707, 10864, 11756, 10885
- Westinghouse: 11712, 13470, 13579, 12397, 10451, 10885, 10890, 11282, 12293, 13094, 13382, 13908
- Zenith: 11423, 10178, 10017, 10463, 11661, 11365
Setup
You can also set up Spectrum’s TV remote through the above-mentioned Setup codes. Just find the TV brand from the above-listed codes and follow these simple instructions.
- Turn on the TV you want to program
- Find the MENU and OK keys on the remote. Press and hold these keys simultaneously. You will notice the INPUT key blinking twice.
- Just enter the first code of your brand listed above. The INPUT key blinks twice to give confirmation.
- Test the remote control. Try checking the volume and power functions. If the remote is responding as expected, your setup is complete.
- In case, the keys are not working, the setup is incomplete. Repeat the steps from 2 to 4 by using the second input code listed for your TV brand.
Pairing through Radio Frequency
Spectrum 201 Cable Box Manual
There are so many ways to pair your Spectrum remote to the receiver. If the above-mentioned steps sound complicated, you can pair it through radio frequency. This step allows you to use your remote even when the receiver is out of sight.Follow the steps to pair your receiver and remote through radio frequency:
- Locate the MENU button on your controller. Press the MENU button.
- After the window pops up on your TV, select SETTINGS & SUPPORT from the left menu.
- Select SUPPORT from this menu.
- Click on REMOTE CONTROL from the tiles that appear.
- Select RF PAIR NEW REMOTE from these tiles.
- Follow the instructions on-screen.
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Spectrum 201 T Dvr
FAQS
Where is the setup button on Spectrum remote?
You can click on the OPTIONS button to access the setup.
How to program new Spectrum remote?
Follow the instructions in the article to program your Spectrum remote.
How to use Spectrum remote for TV?
Follow the Spectrum remote instructional manual to understand its use.
How to use Spectrum remote to turn on TV?
Use the POWER button to turn on the TV.
How to use Spectrum remote as universal remote?
Only Universal CLIKR-5 can be used to control your TV, Blu-Ray player, media, and audio devices.
How to use Spectrum remote for DVR?
Spectrum 201-t User Manual Pdf
Use the REC button to record your favorite shows and click the DVR button to view all the listings.
How to use Spectrum remote with Samsung Smart TV?
Use the remote setup codes for Samsung TVs to program your Spectrum remote with TV.