I want to buy a DVD recorder. The main thing that I want to be able to do is to record one show while simultaneously watch a different channel. Is this possible. I don't have a cable box, just a the outside cable directly to the TV. What kind of DVD recorder would i need to get and what extras are needed.
You can record one channel and watch another with any recorder. Set the recorder on what you want to record and the TV on what you want to watch. You can get a Toshiba D-R4, excellent picture quality, on ebay right now for about $20 from 2ndturn. They don't come with a remote, you need one, but I operate mine with a One For All 8910, which you can get at Amazon for $20 new, $9 refurb. You'll have to get the remote upgraded over the phone and have them e-mail advanced functions, but then it will do everything you need.