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How to Record TV Shows?

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How to Record TV Shows without a DVR

Ever missed a TV show you wanted to watch? Maybe you want to save an episode for a family movie night or keep a documentary to enjoy later. Or perhaps you're trying to relive the storyline of a mini-series. But how can you record them? A quick Google search might suggest you need a specific technical device called DVR. Quite a hassle... So, in this article, we’ll show you how to record TV without DVR and keep your favorite programs ready to watch anytime!

Watching a show recorded before
Enjoy your show later, whenever you want

Disclaimer: Recording TV shows, including when you record movies from TV or record from streaming services, is strictly for personal use. Using recordings for commercial purposes or distributing them for profit is illegal. Always respect copyright laws and the rights of content creators.

A number of DVR alternatives can help you save TV shows without investing in complex setups. Instead, you’ll discover methods to tackle this using your computer, including programs for Windows PC, MacBook, or online solutions — so you won’t need a DVR player. You’ll also find answers to frequently asked questions and recommendations for choosing the most suitable way to record your favorite TV shows. Let’s dive in!

Recording TV Shows without Cable: 6 Simple Ways

Now, let’s learn how to record shows on TV using some simple, but effective options for various devices and operating systems. Explore all of them and choose the one that suits you best.

1. How to Record TV Screen with USB

To get started, you’ll need both a USB stick and a PVR. A personal video recorder is a device to record TV shows, offering digital recording capabilities. Unlike outdated VCRs, PVRs allow you to easily record from TV and manage your recordings efficiently. This solution is simple, especially if your TV has a built-in PVR feature or if you use a standalone device. However, if neither is available, this approach won’t work. Here’s you can use one:

  1. Ensure your television has a built-in PVR feature (most modern TV sets do). Otherwise, you still can connect a standalone PVR unit to your TV using the appropriate cables, such as HDMI. If you're using a standalone PVR, make sure it supports your TV model.
  2. Most PVRs require an external USB drive or hard disk to save recordings. Insert a compatible device into the USB port of your PVR or TV to enable recording.
  3. Open the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) on your TV or PVR, locate the desired broadcast TV program, and select the "Record" option. For ongoing series, you can choose to record every episode automatically.
  4. Access the "Recordings" menu on your device to view, play, or delete saved programs. This menu helps you stay organized and ensures easy access to your favorite shows.
Recording with a USB stick
Find the PVR in your TV’s interface

2. How to Record a Program on TV using MediaPortal

Being a free, open-source program for Windows, MediaPortal helps you record TV to a computer without additional hardware. Designed to work with TV tuner cards, MediaPortal allows you to watch live TV, schedule recordings, and manage your media library all in one place. While the setup process may take some time and require a bit of patience, MediaPortal offers a user-friendly interface and a wealth of customization options. To record TV shows using this program, do as follows.

  1. Download and install MediaPortal from the official website. During setup, ensure your TV tuner card is correctly configured — this is essential.
  2. Open the TV Server Configuration tool to scan channels and set up your TV guide.
  3. Launch MediaPortal, navigate to the TV section, and select the program you want to record. Use the "Record" option to schedule or start the recording
  4. Access your recorded shows in the designated media folder on your computer to watch and enjoy them anytime.
Recording with MediaPortal
MediaPortal: a solution for those who have TV tuner cards
Looking for a digital video recorder for TV?
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3. How to Record Streaming TV Shows with a Built-in
Cloud Recorder

Streaming services often offer a built-in cloud recorder, commonly referred to as a "Cloud DVR," allowing users to record TV without DVR hardware. This feature lets you save your favorite shows directly to your account, making them accessible anytime, anywhere. The process is straightforward and doesn’t require additional equipment. This is how you can do it, provided your service offers this option:

  1. Sign in to your streaming service account and navigate to the TV show, movie, or channel you want to record.
  2. Find the recording option, often marked as a "Record," "Save," or a similar term, near the show listing or live broadcast.
  3. Confirm your recording preferences, such as whether to save a single episode or automatically record new episodes in the series.
  4. Access your recordings through the "Library," "Recordings," or "DVR" section of the app or website whenever you’re ready to watch.
  5. Manage your recordings, including deleting shows to free up space if your service imposes storage limits, which is common for Cloud DVR systems.
Recording with a Cloud DVR
Explore the recording options of your streaming service

4. How to Record Streaming TV on PC with Third-Party Software

Recording streaming TV shows on your PC can be efficiently accomplished using third-party software like Clipify. This user-friendly video editor can serve as an effective TV show recorder. It allows you to record both video and audio while also supporting simultaneous webcam capture. This makes it ideal for vloggers who want to present shows to their audience or create reaction videos. Here’s how to record streaming TV shows on your PC using Clipify:

  1. Download and install Clipify from its official website.
  2. Open Clipify, start a new project, and select "Capture screen video." Choose the area to record (full screen, a custom area, or a specific window). Tag "Record computer audio," "Record microphone," and “Record webcam video” if needed.
  3. Click "Start Recording" to capture the streaming show and any additional inputs, like webcam footage for reactions or commentary.
  4. Press "Stop Recording" when done.
  5. Edit the video and export it in your desired format and quality to save streaming shows on PC for later viewing or sharing.
Recording TV shows with Clipify
Capture any input with Clipify!

Clipify’s additional features are perfect for refining your recorded TV shows. For instance, you can remove black bars from a video to give it a cleaner, more professional look. If the audio is too quiet or inconsistent, simply increase the volume of a video for better clarity. You can even remove a logo from a video — such as a TV channel’s emblem — if you find it distracting. These tools ensure your TV show recordings are polished and ready to enjoy.

5. How to Screen Record TV on Schedule with NextPVR

Whenever you want to record over-the-air TV, NextPVR is a reliable solution. It lets you save broadcasts directly from your antenna — though you’ll need a TV tuner for that. The program takes some time to set up with your tuner and isn’t as sleek as premium software. However, it’s still a great option if you’re comfortable with a bit of technical effort. Here’s how to schedule TV recordings with NextPVR:

  1. Launch the NextPVR application on your computer.
  2. Click the 'TV Guide' button in the main menu to view available channels and schedules.
  3. Navigate through the guide to find the TV show you want to record. Click on the program to open its details.
  4. In the program details, click "Record." You can choose to record the current episode, all episodes of the series, or only new episodes. Select your preferred option.
  5. After setting your preferences, click "OK" to finalize the schedule.
How to record shows with NextPVR
Recording with NextPVR is simple once you’ve completed the setup

6. How to Record Live TV Without Cable Using Streaming
& Recording Software

Packed with features for recording and streaming videos — including TV shows — OBS Studio is a great tool. Its functionality makes it highly useful, but it can be tricky for beginners to learn. Additionally, the program can experience performance issues, particularly on older or less powerful systems. Still, it remains a popular choice for those who want to record TV programs with flexibility and customizability. Here’s how to record TV shows using OBS Studio:

  1. Download OBS Studio from the official website, install it, and open the program.
  2. In the "Scenes" box at the bottom-left corner, click the "+" icon to create a new scene.
  3. In the "Sources" box, click the "+" icon and select "Display Capture" (or "Browser", if you are watching TV online). Choose the monitor or specific screen area where the TV show will be played and click OK.
  4. Ensure your audio input is properly configured. Go to the "Audio Mixer" section and check that system sound (e.g., Desktop Audio) is enabled and capturing audio from your TV show.
  5. Click the "Start Recording" button on the bottom-right corner of the interface to begin capturing the show.
  6. Once the show is over, click "Stop Recording" in the same location. The recorded file will be saved automatically to the directory specified in "Settings" > "Output" > "Recording Path."
Recording with OBS Studio
OBS Studio will record your favorite program effortlessly
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FAQ on Recording TV Programs

  • Can streaming TV be recorded?

    Yes, recording streaming TV is possible using tools like OBS Studio, Clipify, or built-in features on platforms that offer Cloud DVR. These options let you save your favorite shows for later viewing, but always ensure compliance with copyright laws.

  • What is the best device to record TV shows?

    The best TV recording device depends on your needs. Options include standalone DVRs for cable and satellite, USB TV tuners paired with software like NextPVR for over-the-air broadcasts, or built-in recorders available on some streaming services

  • How to record shows on YouTube TV?

    YouTube TV makes it easy to record shows with its built-in Cloud DVR feature. Simply find the show you want, click the "+" icon to add it to your library, and it will automatically save all episodes for you to watch later.

  • How to record shows on Smart TV?

    To record the TV screen on a Smart TV, check if your model has a built-in recording function (often called PVR or Timeshift). You may need to connect an external USB drive to store the recordings. Alternatively, use a compatible DVR device for added flexibility.

The Best Way to Record TV Shows: Conclusion

Recording TV shows is possible with a variety of tools. You can capture live broadcasts using programs like NextPVR or save streaming content with software such as Clipify and OBS Studio. These options cater to every need and level of technical expertise, offering flexibility for those who want to record TV shows to watch later. Even built-in features, such as YouTube TV’s Cloud DVR, provide simple, user-friendly solutions for archiving your favorite programs.

For vloggers who want to add reactions or viewers looking to archive their favorite shows, the best way to record streaming TV depends on personal preferences and the devices available. Dedicated software provides flexibility for editing and saving recordings, while Smart TVs and standalone DVR devices bring convenience for traditional TV setups. With a wide range of tools and methods, there’s a solution for every style and budget.

So, pick your favorite method today and start building your library of shows!

About the author: Brought to you by the Clipify team, movie making enthusiasts. We aim to provide you with the most comprehensive tutorials and most useful tips on video editing.
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