Is there such a thing as buying a DVR that can record over-the-air like we used to do with VHS?

Directly, you can get a DVD recorder, but you still need to deal with moving around physical objects.

Better is an HDD based DVR, which uses an HDD to record TV to.

You can make one with a PC and tuner card, can get standalone DVRs such as TiVo, some which have digital OTA tuners.

a great form of catch hardware is fiendishly crippled to sidestep this. you will get a black exhibit screen. circulate forward and take a inspect nevertheless, you may get fortunate. Oh wait you're conversing approximately recording that streamed stuff are not you. No theory what is going to ensue. test away.

Believe me, I wish there were a good answer to your question. Our company, Solid Signal. has looked through all the alternatives and there isn't a good one. DIRECTV and DISH both have the ability to record off-air but you must have their service. Older TiVos also have the ability but not the newer ones, We're out there looking for good alternatives, since the strongest one, Windows Media Center, is going away with Windows 8.

You can use a Tivo to record over the air broadcast media. Buy a Series 3 or above to not have to have a converter box. If you buy one with lifetime service you don't have to pay a monthly fee.

Yes.

you can buy hard disk recorders everywhere , make sure it is digital if you buy one for DTB