Sony DVD recorder RDR-HXD870, compatibility with digital receivers

10_66

I'm in the process of getting prepared for digital switchover and have been told by Digitaluk that I will not be able to receive Freeview and will need Freesat instead. I have a Sony HD Ready TV (model number KDL-32V2000) and a Sony DVD Recorder (model number RDR-HXD870).

As I understand it, I will need a Freesat HD box and am considering either a Humax FOXSAT freesat HD digital receiver or Sagemcom DS186HD freesat HD digital receiver, but that I need to check that my existing DVD recorder is compatible with whichever I buy to ensure that I will be able to record one channel whilst watching another. As I understand it, if my current DVD recorder is not compatible with the freesat HD digital receivers, then I would need to buy a freesat digital recorder instead.

I just wondered whether anyone knew the answer to my question before I tried contacting either Humax, Sagemcom or Sony.

macman

Your best route would be to buy a Humax Freesat PVR then (the Foxsat HDR). Much more easy to use for recording than a DVD recorder, which is better for archiving.

10_66

macman wrote: »

Your best route would be to buy a Humax Freesat PVR then (the Foxsat HDR). Much more easy to use for recording than a DVD recorder, which is better for archiving.

What's a PVR?

Do you mean in addition to the Humax FOXSAT freesat HD digital receiver or instead of?

macman

Personal Video Recorder, i.e. a digital receiver with twin tuners and a hard drive. Sometimes referred to as Freesat+ in an attempt to attract ex-Sky+ subscribers.
You don't need both, the HDR version just adds the hard drive and all the PVR functions such as record, chase play, etc.
If you want to archive programmes long term, a DVD recorder is fine. but a total faff just for the PVR functions and short term retention.

Heinz

IIRC, the RDR-HXD870 is a HDD/DVD recorder with analogue and digital terrestrial receivers (I have the 890 which, I think, is just a newer version).

Nice piece of kit and very good for transferring programmes I want to keep from my Sky+ (using a scart lead) and then deleting all the adverts and other dross before archiving onto DVD.

10_66

Heinz wrote: »

IIRC, the RDR-HXD870 is a HDD/DVD recorder with analogue and digital terrestrial receivers (I have the 890 which, I think, is just a newer version).

Nice piece of kit and very good for transferring programmes I want to keep from my Sky+ (using a scart lead) and then deleting all the adverts and other dross before archiving onto DVD.

Heinz, if my DVD RDR-HXD870 is compatible with the Humax receiver, do you think it would still be better getting the Humax recorder instead of the Humax receiver or would this just be duplicating what my existing DVD recorder can do. I don't mind getting the Humax recorder if you think it's worth it. I do occasionally watch some DVD's I have, and occasionally record onto them.

Heinz

I can only answer that with what I do. I have Sky+ which is great for recording but useless for retaining anything (you just fill up the hard drive). That's why I use my Sony's hard drive to record from my Sky+ (I set that going just before I go to bed) before spending a few minutes deleting the ad breaks and then (high speed) saving onto DVD.

My preference would therefore be for the freesat recorder so that you could watch programmes on that and make up your mind whether to delete or archive.

10_66

I don't know what the difference is between SCART cables and HDMI cables.

As present, with my analogue signal, I have a SCART cable connecting the TV to my DVD. When I have the satellite dish fitted and with the Humax FOXSAT-HDR (and keeping my DVD recorder too), will I need SCART cables or HDMI cables?

macman

To view HD via the Foxsat you need to use the supplied HDMI cable.

10_66

macman wrote: »

To view HD via the Foxsat you need to use the supplied HDMI cable.

Do I need any SCART cables or all HDMI? What's the difference between them? As mentioned I'll be keeping my DVD recorder.

macman

Does your DVD recorder have an HDMI socket?
HDMI is a much better quality signal, you can't receive HD TV through a SCART connection.