Which to buy...DVD recorder or box that records onto hard drive?

apples1

We have ditched our video recorder and want to get either a DVD recorder or one of the those boxes (Humax?) that records onto its hard drive.

We currently have a freeview box so would like to remove that so this new item can replace it rather than stack another box. We want to do this as cheaply as possible. The tech side of this is out of my comfort zone and hubby always just wants to buy the most expensive gadget so I have to rein him in without knowing much about what I'm talking about - which is where you guys come in. Suggestions/recommendations/tips please....

cledor

Humax Twin Digital Tuner HDD recorder
or
Panasonic DVD recorder (but make sure it has an integral Freeview receiver, many DVD recorders only have analogue receivers)

apples1

cledor wrote: »

Humax Twin Digital Tuner HDD recorder
or
Panasonic DVD recorder (but make sure it has an integral Freeview receiver, many DVD recorders only have analogue receivers)

But which one? The DVD recorder or the digital recorder?

Also the Humax you metion is over £100. Hubby said we could get one for approx £60 - I ssume its a different one. Do we need to spend that much or would the £60 one be fine.

albertross_2

It depends on whether you want to record stuff to DVD or not really.

cledor

HDD advantages:- Simultaneous Record & Play.
HDD disadvantages:- HDD will fill up eventually HDD may crash.

DVD Advantages:- Cheaper & more in common usage, ability to play media on other players, long term reliability slightly higher than HDD.

Only problem is the current shortage of quality Freeview DVD recorders on the market.

You can also have a combi DVD/HDD (at a price), or wait for Blu-Ray or HD-DVD to become affordable.

Mobeer

I would recommend either a hard disk recorder, or better still a dvd recorder with hard disk.

I have a Sony DVD+HDD recorder that I now can't imagine whatching TV without. I can't stand endless adverts, or the endless repitition of material. for example, documentaries on Sky:

• opening credits..discuss theory A..adverts
• repeat theory A..debunk theory A..adverts
• repeat A..theory B..debunk B..adverts
• repeat A..repeat B.. theory C..adverts
• why theory C is correct.. ending credits

To see all the original content I only have to watch half the show. So I record from the start of the show (to HD), then start playing 20 minutes later, skip the boring bits and finish watching as the live programme finishes.

Having a combined HD+DVD lets me archive some of the more interesting stuff for later (e.g., Open Univeristy stuff that lasts 6 hours at a time). It also means that by spending a bit more I get a good DVD player that can share the same SCART socket as the HD recorder (being the same thing).

A DVD only recorder is likely to be cheap to buy, but needs more effort to load disks (plus disks to buy).

A HDD recorder is tempting, but I would need a separate VHS or DVD recorder for anything I want to keep.


Personally I would get your husband to do the shopping; let him buy the most expensive gadget. Go on. You know you want to. Gagdets are cool.:D

wakandem

Get one that does both dvd & hdd. Far more versitile It must also have freeview built in. Expect to pay 140 - 200 pounds

cledor

apples1 wrote: »

But which one? The DVD recorder or the digital recorder?

Also the Humax you metion is over £100. Hubby said we could get one for approx £60 - I ssume its a different one. Do we need to spend that much or would the £60 one be fine.

The Humax PVR9200T Twin Digital PVR with 160GB costs around £180.

If you only wish to spend £60 then a cheap DVD Recorder from Argos will be your answer, this may well be your safest bet in view of the impending format wars and the latest rumour is that DVD will be dead in 3 years!

ben500

I picked up a Thompson 80gb DVR for 99.99 with built in freeview, works a dream and 80gb is plenty for me, although I have a liteon dvd recorder downstairs on the main tv for the missus to record enless hours of drivel on.

apples1

It seems the general feel is that one that does it all is best, which is exactly what my husband wants. It's obvioulsy what i want too in ideal world it's just the money!

What is the best value (not necessarily cheapest but good value for money) DVD+HDD with Freeview built in?

Thanks

cledor

Had a look on Amazon.co.uk for HDD+DVD+Freeview recorders, found this Toshiba unit at £245

or

this larger (older style) Sony at £250 (or from Amazon resellers at £220 +P&P)

Check them out and read all the reviews.