Pvr

Kido

I'm looking into buying a PVR for my parents as their old VHS recorder is getting unreliable. I just have a few questions though. We have a Virgin cable box (one of the very old ones from when it was NYNEX) and was wondering if I could hook that up the same way as we do with the VHS recorder. Also if we can would we be able to record from the Virgin box onto the Hard-drive whilst watching another freeview programme.
Also can anyone recommend any. We don't need HDMI or anything as it's quite an old TV they have.

Hope this makes sense.

General_Hogwart

Hi Kido,

I am unfamilar with the old style Virgin media box but would be suprised if you could get any channels for free.

Talking PVR's, I have a Topfield and it is absolutely brilliant.

Its £218 for a 160GB or £228 for a 250GB. I'm not sure how much you wanted to spend but this bit of kit is well worth it, I got mine here from SVP.



The Topfield TF5800PVR (or "Toppy" as it is affectionately known) is a uniquely specified Freeview PVR (Personal Video Recorder). Twin Freeview tuners enable you to watch and record two channels at once and it will output two different programmes (including recordings and live transmissions) simultaneously via its RF outputs and SCART socket. You can record/pause/rewind/fast-forward live television and edit recordings on the hard disk for later playback or output to your PC.
Further, the TF5800 allows user-developed application programmes (TAPs) to be added via USB2.0, increasing features and functionality beyond the already impressive array on offer, enabling limitless software control possibilities. Yet, with all that functionality, it is a sprightly performer - channels change in under a second, bringing an end to frustratingly slow Freeview surfing.
Features:
- Twin Freeview tuners with independent view and record channel controls
- Connect to your home computer via USB2.0 and transfer your MP3 collection on to the built-in hard drive
- Record entire series - not just one episode - using the easy-programme timers
- Top-Up TV compatible, allowing you to watch even more
- Customise the receiver with your own personal settings using downloadable or home-brewed software
- Throw away your old VCR and watch what you want, when you want
Specifications:
- MPEG-2 digital and fully DVB compliant
- MHEG5 supported
- 2 common interfaces for CONAX, CRYPTOWORKS, IRDETO, NAGRAVISION, SECA & VIACCESS
- 2 tuners
- 2000 services (TV and Radio) programmable
- Multilingual audio support
- Multilingual menu text support
- Service switching time less than 1 second
- Favourite service list editing
- True-color On-Screen Display (OSD)
- Full Picture In Graphic (PIG) function
- 7-day Electronic Program Guide (EPG) for on screen service information
- Subtitle supported
- Teletext supported by VBI insertion and software emulation
- Parental lock facility by service and program event
- Firmware and Data transfer from receiver to receiver
- Exciting games embedded
- S/PDIF for digital audio or Dolby AC-3 bitstream output
- Powerful trick mode supported
- Dual Decoding (PIP)
- Dual Recording and Playback simultaneously
- Dual Recording and Time-shifting simultaneously
- USB 2.0 supported for fast PC interface
- MP3 (MPEG-1 Layer 3) decoding
- Dimensions: 340 x 60 x 265mm
- Weight: 4.2kg
Included Accessories:
- Remote control, batteries, RF loop-through cable, SCART cable
For more information, enthusiasts' comments and downloadable TAPs, see toppy.org.uk

penrhyn

The other choice would be the Humax 9200, also a twin tuner.
These devices will only record freeview and have no external inputs.

Blacksheep1979

could go for a virgin v+ box that will sort yout virgin connection out for you and work as a pvr.

Reluctant_spender

Another vote for the HUmax 9200. In laws have just bought one and they are well chuffed with it, they got t from John Lewis as it came with a 2 year warrenty.

cloud_dog

If the OP wouldn't mind me slightly hijacking the thread..........

Am still looking to buy a PVR for 'me ol mum'. Prime directive is for it to be easy to use / operate. Have tried other (cheap) ones which went back and have come to the conclusion that the Humax 9200 or Topfiled TF5800 it has to be.

The Toppy is more expensive and is more customisable but for a basic user, record / watch / set EPG which is better / easier???

Thanks cloud_dog
(apologies to OP)

Reluctant_spender

As mentioned above the in laws have the Humax, they are both in their 70's and not the most techie of people. They have set up theirs and have no problems cannot comment on the the other

HoofeHearted

According to the person on the forum below, the Aldi DVD Recorder has 1 analogue tuner and 1 digital tuner.

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=655094&page=2

Entry #25 near the bottom of the page