We have Swisscom TV (formerly known as Bluewin). We have the basic package, but would like to record some TV shows to watch at another time (time-shifting I believe is the latest fancy word for this).

I realize that we can spend an extra 10 CHF per month to get the Plus service, and then have a set-top box / tuner with an integrated recorder. You would also normally be upgraded to the high definition signal with the Plus version and if that was the case then the extra 10 CHF would seem worthwhile. Unfortunately, the HD signal is not available in our location, but the Plus service still costs 10 CHF more per month.

Therefore, I'm wondering whether I can just buy a recorder that I hook up between the set-top box and our TV? I imagine an old VCR would do this job perfectly, so what is the digital version of a VCR?

As you can tell, this is all a bit new to me. I did some research about DVRs online, and they all seem to incorporate the tuner, and are not standalone, dedicated recording devices. Is there some reason why I have not been able to find what I need? And, is anyone out there successfully using a set-up like I described (Swissom TV Basic with the simple tuner, a standalone DVR, and a TV).

If this is an incredibly stupid question with a very basic answer, then I'll be very happy for everyone to laugh at me if that gives me a solution. However, I haven't been able to glean this basic knowledge from any of the information that I found, none of which seems targeted at solving my particular problem.

EDIT: I guess this info might be useful: The Swisscom basic tuner has two SCART cable outputs, one labeled TV and one labeled VCR, and also an HDMI output. We're currently using the SCART TV output, but our TV could accept an HDMI input instead of the SCART.

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With my limited technical knowledge and sometimes simplistic way of looking at things, wouldn't something like a DVD Recorder with built in Hard Drive, fit the bill?
You can record direct to DVD (similar to VHS recording) for keeping or to hard drive to watch later but not keep (although you can still transfer to disk, later if required).
The following link, maybe helpful:

http://www.cnet.com.au/seven-tips-on...-240004024.htm

The HDMI output/input is only required for viewing HD channels (plus "normal"), and is instead of the scart cable. As your provider is unable to offer HD channels, using a HDMI isn't necessary/required, unless this situation changes.

Thanks TiMow. It appears that a DVD recorder with HDD is the device I'm looking for. I can just connect it up with SCART leads between the Swisscom box and the TV, and I can also ditch our basic DVD player, so I end up with the same number of devices

If anyone knows of any compatibility problems with any specific models and Swisscom TV then I'm all ears, thanks.