Why is this DVD Recorder so hard to get hold of? Is it really the best ever??

lancslass2008

Hi all

I am looking for a once in a lifetime purchase of a DVD recorder. I am expecting to pay a fair whack of a price for what I want, but I want the right machine. My friend has got the SONY RDR-HXD870. He tells me it is fantastic, and the best purchase he ever made. I looked on the web and indeed it has great reviews. However, getting hold of one is a different thing. I went on SONY’S website to see it listed as a ‘previous model’. Anyhow, it is impossible to buy! OK, I thought, I will buy a present model (as listed on SONY’S site). Therefore, I looked at the following models:
RDR-HXD995
RDR-HXD1095
These models seem to have an almost identical Spec’, so, first I tried to buy the HXD995. There are none available anywhere, and the website that is offering it for sale, shows it as discontinued (www.rgbdirect.co.uk), which is strange, considering it is listed by SONY at the moment. OK, I thought again, I’ll buy the next model up (RDR-HXD1095). Again, rgrdirect are showing these as discontinued too. So, I rang SONY in the Trafford Centre, Manchester. They told me “Sorry, we are waiting for stock”. So, how can these 2 models (HXD995 & HXD1095) be discontinued as listed by rgbdirect and SONY say they are waiting for stock??. I am baffled now, because these machines don’t seem to be available anywhere.
Is it because they are so good they are like Gold Dust and they sell out quickly?
Is it because they are discontinued?
You may ask why I keep plumping for SONY models. Well, there is no reason why, and I would buy a machine from another manufacturer, but machines from other Manufacturers need to have AT LEAST as many connections as my mates SONY RDR-HXD870 and have AT LEAST as many features. I have spent hours comparing & trying to research these products, only to find out that when I’ve selected one it lacks a certain feature. This is made clear in some reviews that say things like ‘We are disappointed that there is only one tuner’ etc, etc. Can anybody answer my questions here and even better point me in the direction of a similar machine with the same or better specs? All I ask is that it has AT THE LEAST, EVERY feature these SONY’s have.

Thanks

fwor

Firstly, don't expect to make a "once in a lifetime" purchase of any item of consumer electronics. DVD recorders have internal moving parts which will inevitably degrade and fail, irrespective of make.

There's probably nothing unusual about the fact that the model you are looking at is temporarily unavailable. Sony change their models on a very regular basis, and if they fail to predict exactly what the demand will be, there is likely to be a gap in availability just before they bring out a new model.

I'm quite a fan of Sony products, but I wouldn't get too hung up on just choosing that as a make. The optical drives in all of the leading makes are probably all made in a small number of factories in the Far East, and there probably won't be much to choose between them in terms of reliability. That said, I would avoid the cheap no-name brands like the plague, as they can be incredibly unreliable.

When looking at features, I'd recommend ~not~ going by sheer quantity. Decide which features you need now, and which you are likely to need to be relatively future-proof (HDMI, for example) and consider the rest just as non-essential to your decision.

lancslass2008

Thank you for taking the time to write a reply. Maybe I worded it wrong with 'Once in a lifetime'. I meant for a considerable time. My problem is.... I don't know which features I need.

All I know is that:

My friends Sony is excellent and does everything that I would need. However, like I said, if there was another model from another Manufacturer which had the same features, I would probably buy that.

Thanks for your help

robt_2

Why don't you start by telling us what you need it to do then maybe people can offer suggestions of other models for you to research?

talk2alex

I agree with Fwor. One thing to make sure of is that your recorded discs are easily compatible with other players. I had a Panasonic one, which when used with DVD-RWs, only worked on other Panasonics (unless you used standard DVD-Rs). Immensely rubbish. Now I've got a Humax PVR as I was spending so much on DVD-Rs and 99% of the time I never took them anywhere, so there was no point...

Also, be aware that recordable Blu-Ray is next on the agenda as being the next affordable alternative to DVDs....

ukcarper

What about the newer models such as the RDR-DC100 they seem to be available.

lancslass2008

Ok,

Thanks for offering to search for other models for me. There are far too many things that I don't know wether I want it to do it or not, so I have copied and pasted some stuff here.

Hard Disk Drive DVD Recorder


HAVE AT LEAST 250GB HDD
BE ABLE TO RECORD TO DVD'S
CONNECT MY CAMCORDER
VIEW PICTURES/JPEGS ETC
2 TUNERS SO I CAN WATCH ONE CHANNEL WHILE RECORDING
HDMI OUTPUT WITH 1080 UPSCALING ???
HDMI output with 1080p upscaling
USB Port for Digital Camera
i.LINK (DV) input for Camcorder
Electronic Programme Guide offering simple, 3-step on-screen timer programming and TV Guide
Digital Music Jukebox – store and enjoy your favourite songs

Recording Formats
DVD-RAM
NO
- R (Video)
YES
- R (VR)
YES
+ R
YES
- RW
YES
+ RW
YES
- R (Video) Dual Layer
YES
- R (VR) Dual Layer
YES
+ R Double Layer
YES
- RW Dual Layer
NO
+ RW Double Layer
NO
VHS
NO


Playback Formats
DVD-RAM
YES
- R (Video)
YES
- R (VR)
YES
+ R
YES
- RW
YES
+ RW
YES
- R (Video) Dual Layer
YES
- R (VR) Dual Layer
YES
+ R Double Layer
YES
- RW Dual Layer
NO
+ RW Double Layer
NO
VHS
NO
CD-R
YES
CD-RW
YES
CD-DA
YES
VCD
YES
Super VCD
YES
JPEG
YES
SACD
NO
mp3
DVD+R/+RW/-R/-RW, DVD-RAM, CD-R/-RW,USB, HDD
DIVX
DVD+R/+RW/-R/-RW, DVD-RAM, CD-R/-RW


Manual recording mode


One touch timer
YES
Recovery recording - DVD to HDD
YES
Intelligent Scene Chaptering
YES
Pause Live TV
YES
Series recording
YES
Analogue Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)
YES
Digital Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)
YES
Max. Recording Reservation Events
32 per month
Synchro Recording
NO
High Speed Dubbing (HDD to DVD)
YES
High Speed Dubbing (DVD to HDD)
YES
Playback and Convenience
Repeat
YES
Fast Playback
YES
Chasing Playback
YES
Simultaneous Recording and Playback
YES
BRAVIA Sync
YES


Editing and Content Hub
Automatic Chaptering from DV/D8 Camcorder
YES
Playlist Edit - VR
YES
Playlist Edit HDD
NO
JPEG Viewing
DVD-R/-RW, CD-R/-RW, USB, HDD
JPEG storage on HDD
YES
JPEG Slide Show
YES
JPEG Slide Show (with Jukebox Music)
YES
x-Pict Story
YES
JPEG copy on DVD
YES
mp3 Jukebox
YES
Printer Connection (PictBridge™ Compatible)
YES


Picture and Audio Quality
Video D/A Converter
10bit/108MHz
YNR
YES
CNR
YES
Block Noise Reduction
YES
Mosquito Noise Reduction
YES
Progressive Output
YES
1080p Up Scaling
YES


Inputs
Composite Video
1 x front
S-Video
1 x front
Audio Input (L/R)
1 x front
i.LINK(DV) Input
1 x front


Outputs
Composite Video (CVBS)
1 x rear
S-Video
1 x rear
Audio Output (L/R)
1 x rear
Digital Audio Output (Coaxial)
1 x rear
Component Video Output
1 x rear
G-Link (STB Control)
1 x rear
HDMI™ (with CEC)
1 x rear


In / Out
Common Interface Slot
YES
LINE1 SCART
IN/OUT (Decoder IN)
LINE3 SCART
OUT (TV OUT/ SmartLink)
RGB Input Rec. (LINE1 SCART)
YES
USB TYPE A (2.0)
YES
USB TYPE B (2.0) - PictBridge™ compatible
YES


Additional Features
DVD Menu Wall Paper
9 wallpaper options
Tray Lock
YES


Power supply
Power Voltage
220-240V
Power Frequency
50/60 Hz


Accessories
RF Cable
1 included
HDMI™ Cable
Not included
Remote
RMT-D251P
Battery
AAx2
Set-top Box Controler (IR Blaster)
YES

talk2alex

In that case, if you are looking at these features and are sure it's what you want the Sony RDR-HXD995 you mentioned is currently the best on the market.

It's got a superb review on techradar.com and is well regarded in most areas

talk2alex

Sorry, I'll try and find somewhere you can buy it first!

talk2alex

The model is in stock at my local Sony Centre. I'd persevere with ordering one in as RGB are clearly talking rubbish. One reason for the lack of availability may be due the small market for high-end players (since the invention of Sky+ and Virgin+ etc)

ukcarper

I think the RDR-HXD995 has only got 1 digital and 1 analogue tuner so to be honest it might as well have just 1. I dont think there is a DVD recorder with 2 digital tuners. But you can use the tuner in your tele while using the DVD tuner to record.

What about RDR-DC205