Which PVR

secret_tramp

I am just moving into the digital age and updating my tv etc for the first time in almost 20 years so please be gentle.

I am thinking of buying a Humax PVR, but cannot work out the difference in practical terms between the 9300T ( [FONT=&quot]£[/FONT]158.95 @ Richer Sounds) or the Foxsat HDR ([FONT=&quot]£[/FONT]238.95).

Not sure if this is relevant, but the tv I buy will be 'Full HD'

Many thanks for answers in layman's terms.

Kurtis_Blue

Foxsat PVR = Satellite feed = needs dish = Freesat

9300T = Terrestrial feed = needs aerial = Freeview

scotsbob

A comparison site that you may find useful.

http://www.pvrjunction.co.uk/compare/

secret_tramp

Kurtis_Blue wrote: »

Foxsat PVR = Satellite feed = needs dish = Freesat

9300T = Terrestrial feed = needs aerial = Freeview

Thanks for the reply.

So if the 9300 is cheaper and doesn't require a dish, then I am presuming there are less channels? If so what channels are available on Foxsat that aren't available on Freeview?

NB I have never had Sky.

jem16

secret_tramp wrote: »

Thanks for the reply.

So if the 9300 is cheaper and doesn't require a dish, then I am presuming there are less channels? If so what channels are available on Foxsat that aren't available on Freeview?

NB I have never had Sky.

Freeview has about 50 TV channels and 24 radio channels. Freesat has about 140 TV and radio channels. At the moment Freesat has HD channels and Freeview does not although that is supposed to be coming soon - might be worth holding out on a Freeview PVR till the new versions come out with HD tuners.

Which one is best is down to preference and which channels appeal to you as there are some available on one and not the other.

http://www.freesat.co.uk/index.php?page=whatson.Main

http://www.freeview.co.uk/freeview/Channels

secret_tramp

jem16 wrote: »

Freeview has about 50 TV channels and 24 radio channels. Freesat has about 140 TV and radio channels. At the moment Freesat has HD channels and Freeview does not although that is supposed to be coming soon - might be worth holding out on a Freeview PVR till the new versions come out with HD tuners.

Which one is best is down to preference and which channels appeal to you as there are some available on one and not the other.

http://www.freesat.co.uk/index.php?page=whatson.Main

http://www.freeview.co.uk/freeview/Channels

Thank you for the reply. When do you think Freeview PVRs with HD tuners will be on sale?

jem16

secret_tramp wrote: »

Thank you for the reply. When do you think Freeview PVRs with HD tuners will be on sale?

I would imagine in the next couple of months (reportedly in time for the World Cup) - Humax already do an HD Freeview set top box.

http://www.humaxdigital.com/uk/products/product_stb_terrestrial.asp

http://hcc.techradar.com/blogs/team+hcc/humax+unwraps+first+freeview+hd+boxes+500gb+pvr+due+launch+time+2010+world+cup+10+12+

mikegahan

One capable of recording Freeview HD is tentatively on the market for pre-order, it is on Play.com but ther will be a lot more out soon in time for the world cup. But they are going to be expensive, probably at least £300 and much more. And there will only be 3 or 4 channels in HD initially, although the machines should also give you the standard Freeview channels in uprated HDMI format Also at least half of the country cannot get Freeview HD yet, so you may wish to go to the freeview website and check if you are covered. By the time coverage does come to your area, technology, prices & reliablility for these machines may have improved.

If u go directly to the humax uk website there are often managers specials on end of range machines that may save you money

macman

OP, sorry to ask the obvious, but are you in an area where you can get any terrestial digital reception at all? I'm presuming your existing TV is analogue only via an aerial?
If you aren't, then the decision is made for you, as Freesat is the only way you will get digital (or HD) without a subscription, unless you wait until your region is switched over.

secret_tramp

Hi, yes my area can receive freeview channels.

At the moment I am using an old tv (via an aerial) and video (remember those?) and thinking of getting a bit more up to date.

This whole digital business is a real minefield to me and I don't want to invest in devices that will be out of date in 6-12 months time.

macman

If you don't want to fit a dish, and if you don't need a PVR, wait for TV's with built in Freeview HD in a few month's time. If you do need a PVR, then either go the Freesat route with a dish and and a Foxsat, or wait for the Humax Freeview HD PVR in a couple of months.
And even then it'll still be out of date by the end of the year as 3D TV comes onto the mainstream market.