New recording device for my Sony TV, Advice please.

[Deleted User]

I have a 32" Sony smart TV and my Sony KDL HDD Freeview DVD recorder will soon need to be replaced.

I have tried to Google but the problem is I do not know exactly what kind of recording device I need - a nice up to date one. I would prefer Sony - although I am not sure what to look for. I would like to be able to record TV programmes with subtitles and maybe record two programmes at once when watching another programme - if this is possible.

I am not in a rush as my KDL HDD recorder is still working for now. I would really appreciate any advice on what to look for, please.

Crimson

RumRat

If you want the best, IMO, go for the Humax 500T will do all you want. Records 3 programmes simultaneously and gives you the full suite of smart features for your TV.

[Deleted User]

RumRat wrote: »

If you want the best, IMO, go for the Humax 500T will do all you want. Records 3 programmes simultaneously and gives you the full suite of smart features for your TV.

Thanks very much RumRat. That looks ideal - hopefully to buy in the next month or so.

If I hope to keep it as long as possible would the 1 TB be better? It is out of stock in John Lewis but Richer Sounds have both 500 GB and 1 TB ones.

I am inclined to get a bit muddled with technology (still don't know as much as I should about my TV functions) and I wonder if this Humax model would be easy enough for me to set up myself - if there are paper instructions/leaflet to follow? When I bought my Sony Smart TV I paid for Richer Sounds to come and set it up for me. I can use my present Sony recorder all right although it is old and almost on its last legs - the reason for wanting an up to date one. I use the subtitles nearly all the time.

Thank you very much for the much appreciated information.

Crimson

Davesnave

My wife set up her 1TB Humax recently by herself and she isn't very techie. She had a previous model as experience, but says this one and the new TV (also from Richer Sounds) is like 'being on another planet.'


If you are like her; busy in summer and storing stuff for winter, the 1TB may be a better choice.


I think J Lewis are losing their touch. The 1TB was out of stock when we bought, as was the sound bar we wanted. The helpful Samsung rep advised us it would be OK to buy the sound bar 'somewhere else' and the TV from them.

No, it wouldn't have been 'OK'......that would have disqualified us from Samsung's £200 cash back offer, which we achieved in Richer Sounds + a £200 cheaper TV (not the same model of course, but better for our purposes, which the staff troubled themselves to discover.)

[Deleted User]

Davesnave wrote: »

My wife set up her 1TB Humax recently by herself and she isn't very techie. She had a previous model as experience, but says this one and the new TV (also from Richer Sounds) is like 'being on another planet.'


If you are like her; busy in summer and storing stuff for winter, the 1TB may be a better choice.


I think J Lewis are losing their touch. The 1TB was out of stock when we bought, as was the sound bar we wanted. The helpful Samsung rep advised us it would be OK to buy the sound bar 'somewhere else' and the TV from them.

No, it wouldn't have been 'OK'......that would have disqualified us from Samsung's £200 cash back offer, which we achieved in Richer Sounds + a £200 cheaper TV (not the same model of course, but better for our purposes, which the staff troubled themselves to discover.)

That is really good to know, thanks very much Davesnave. Yes - I'm like your wife in that I like to save programmes to enjoy when I am in more for winter evenings. (My difference is that I have a hearing problem and, when at all possible, I use subtitles - as well as sound.)


It sounds as if Richer Sounds will be best for me and it is where I bought my 32" Sony Smart TV. I could try to set the Humax recorder up myself and, if I get totally stuck, maybe I could ask Richer Sounds to come out and set it up for me. Although it cost more, there were very good and patient when my smart TV was set up by them. I am still learning, albeit it at a snail's pace!


I can't find any paperwork but I think I signed up to Richer Sounds ? VIP Club when I bought my TV there so I may be eligible for a reduction in the price.


It may not be for a month or so but I will post again once I have bought my Humax Recorder.


Thank you again for your reply and helpful information.


Crimson

[Deleted User]

Thank you both RumRat and Davesnave.



I was going to buy next month but, following your helpful reply I, today, telephoned Richer Sounds and they were very helpful. I have ordered the 1TB one and can collect it tomorrow. Another learning curve for me and thank you to both of you for helpful replies.


Deleted_User

[Deleted User]

Thank you again, RumRat and Davesnave.

I collected my Humax Freeview Play HD Recorder FVP-5000T on Friday from Richer Sounds. I was very pleased to manage to set it up - mostly from the helpful instructions. When I got stuck getting the WI-Fi connected I telephoned the Humax Customer support number on the brochure (0344 318 8800) and they were excellent.

The person talked me through the Wi-Fi set up process and was very patient. I have not had much time this weekend but look forward to getting to know how to use this Recorder.

Thank you for your much appreciated replies and really helpful advice.


Crimson

Davesnave

Setting up the Humax is one thing, but we had trouble with the wireless sound bar connection, so 3 phone calls to Samsung (in the Philippines!) to solve those.


Samsung v helpful though. Must get this all the time.

bob_a_builder

Too late for the OP ...

But Humax do sell refurbished units
Condition and warranty like new in my experience

https://www.humaxdirect.co.uk/refurbished.html

Frozen_up_north

We have a Humax Freeview recorder that is about 5 years old. It came from Richersounds and has been great.

We paid £29 for their extended warranty (something I wouldn't normally consider), as having a hard disk drive that runs whenever it's used seemed likely to fail... however the only issues have been the remote control - the buttons became intermittent and we've had two replacements under the extended warranty.

As the remotes cost twenty odd quid a time, the extended warranty paid for itself. Remotes maybe excluded in the new extended warranty by R/S, check the small print.

Davesnave

Humax remotes used to do that and can be fixed by simple disassembly and cleaning. Did it with ours. Can't remember exact details, but Googled it and it took all of 5 minutes.