ATSC/NTSC DVD recorder from RCA

It's not every day that a DVD recorder makes it onto Engadget HD's front page but sure 'nough, this boy has an ATSC tuner built in and can even record from it. Props needs to go out to the techs at RCA for recognizing that the digital transition is only a short two years and two months away and some people will not be able to use their current ATSC-lacking DVD recorders. The DRC8335 should be available in April at a MSRP of $249.99 and features all the standard VCR to DVD functions, plus that ATSC tuner that will pick up local digital broadcasts and even records those digital programs to a DVD. There is no word if you would be able to record 720p/1080i broadcasts onto a DVD but we would have to guess that you can't. But even still, this should be a great digital solution for those folks that still don't understand that a digital video recorder is still the best option.

[Big Sam @ Jan 9th 2007 11:42AM]

Not that I'll ever use a DVD recorder, but:
* Can it record onto dual-layer dvds?
* does it support clear QAM?
* Does it downconvert the HD to record to tape? I'd assume it would have to.
* Can it be used as an ATSC tuner for an analog TV? If it can, that would make it more useful.

[Larry @ Jan 9th 2007 11:55AM]

Will there be any available with a hard drive?

[BRYAN @ Jan 9th 2007 12:17PM]

While we are at it. Why not

D-VHS 1080i VHS recorder/player
HDMI output for DVD upconversion
Divx
component video inputs for recording digital cable or video games
digital and analog audio recording inputs /w the option to record straight to CD
a more reputable brand (not that RCA can't make a good product, they just don't very often)

[Derrick @ Jan 9th 2007 12:46PM]

Pls keep in mind this isn't going to be marketed to those that read Engadget, this is aimed at J6P in need of a cheap solution for those analog sets.

[cckrobinson @ Jan 9th 2007 3:22PM]

Will someone at CES please do a post about the HDHomeRun offering at CES? Booth #70049. This box is interesting, but I would rather stream live OTA\QAM HD to my HTPC and record it there.

[keith @ Jan 9th 2007 8:53PM]

All recorders with NTSC tuners will be required to also have an ATSC tuner by March 1, 2007.
http://www.twice.com/article/CA6405217.html?industryid=23099