"Does recording a high def program require that large amt of disk space on computers? "

Yes, assuming you record it in high def. The size of the file on the disk is determined by the resolution you use to record it (and things like which format you use), not by the resolution it's broadcast in. If you record something that is sent in high def, but use something low for the recording, it won't take up as much space, but it also won't look as nice when you watch.

I haven't recorded anything in high def, so I don't know how large the files would be.

I cannot answer in specifics, but I have a HD Satellite reciever that is a DVR. The HD programing takes a HUGE amount of space. It will fill up quickly with HD recorded shows.

In researching something else I have found that 1 hour of HD recording takes up 5-6 GB of hard drive space.

HTH

I don't understand all this. If you buy a computer with a tuner, does that mean you can watch TV on it without a TV? I'm looking for a computer for a gift and notice some computers advertised having a tuner.

Jane

"If you buy a computer with a tuner, does that mean you can watch TV on it without a TV?"

Yes, as long as the computer is someplace that can get a signal or is connected to a cable. I've got a tuner that doesn't do me much good because my computer is in the basement and I can't get a signal.

Just make sure it's a digital tuner. I would hope that anything new being sold would be, but it's a good idea to be on the safe side.

Well that solves it. It was between a computer or tv. Son said he'd rather have a computer. Now I guess he can have both.

Thanks,
Jane

"Well that solves it. It was between a computer or tv. Son said he'd rather have a computer. Now I guess he can have both."

Most of the TV tuners will not only let you watch TV, but will also let you record so you can watch later (PVR). Depending on the software, he might also be able to transfer recordings to an ipod, zune, etc. Some of them include remote controls, so you can really use them as TV replacements (if the monitor is large enough or the room is small enough).

bpgreen, I have been eyeing the HP HDX Series but have checked out others so let me tell you what I have found so far.

The HDX 18t has true 1080p resolution and 18.4 diagonal resolution and has won kudos from many entities (PC Mag and Energy Star).

A competitor PC from Toshiba seemed like a nice alternative until I read an article that said it does not offer 1080p yet. I liked the amount of time that the battery lasted though.

Acer also makes a similar1 18.4 unit but many persons who bought their were upset that Acer advertised certain specs in their website (Bluetooth, I think) but the PC was shipped without them and the company said it was not available. The Bluetoother customers seemed upset, the company sounded like it was misleading and it just turned me off.

Sony has some models but VAIO PCs tend to be very expensive so I did not look around too much. Sony also likes to add propritary software for software that is already available free in some places. Kind of wasting money to reinvent the wheel.

The HDX 18t is not perfect either. The prices start cheap but get expensive when you add the bells and whistles though. Over $2k easy. Some people complained that the holder piece of DVDs was flimsy looking plastic that gave the impression it could come off (their prior HPs did not use plastic), gamers would prefer a better Nvidia unit (I don't care), there were some ghostly issues with the volume buttons altering the volume levels without human assistance (only one person complained and the PC was fixed) and -a pain for many- the units look great but have to be cleaned of finger smears often.

I guess the bottom line is nothing is perfect, hu? I am still interested in the HDX (am considering a smaller/cheaper one called 16t with a 16.4 screen) but with the recession/depression that is out there, I may just wait until prices drop.

Luis