cheapest/decent DVD recorder with HD (Hard Drive) discussion

AWOL_2

Hi

Am after a DVD recorder with atleast 80GB Hard drive.
anyone have any ideas where i can get my hands on one and what should i look for?

Is this any good?

click here -CHEAP DVD RECORDER?

eg - DVD formats? will they play in other machines?
is 80GB large enough?
should i get one with freeview? already own freeview box!
Can i record my old VCR videos, do i need a combi?
Do they all have time slip?

People i need your help and guidance. Where can i get my hands on one! ideally for under £200 but can stretch upto £250!!

Thanks

lipidicman

One with freeview will allow you to do lots of clever PVR stuff and programming from the guide that could not be achieved with your existing box

AWOL_2

lipidicman wrote:

One with freeview will allow you to do lots of clever PVR stuff and programming from the guide that could not be achieved with your existing box

Whats PVR -- am all new to the world of DVD recording

lipidicman

PVR = Personal Video Recorder.

With a freeview box built in the machine COULD have the capibility to freeze TV and resume (permanent buffering to the HD). To record TV by selecting a programme in the broadcast Programme Guide. With dual tuners you can watch one, record one. Watch a recording and record two channels etc.

I think PVRs and DVD recorders will converge soon. I dont know how many PVR functions are in DVD recorders with freeview yet.

AWOL_2

Oh i think i know what you mean now!

HD recorders have timeslip - pause live tv function. but you cant pause watch something else etc can you as they only have the one tuner.

not really fussed about watching multi channels... just want to pause live tv. and resume when i get a chance.

lipidicman

The thing you really need is to be able to watch something on the HD whilst making a recording. Otherwise it can be hard to find viewing slots if like me, you get into the habit of recording everything rather than watching the broadcasts. The advantage of this is skipping adverts and being able to watch things after one another, rather than having a few good progs spread over an evening

carl_east

Richer Sounds have a couple well priced DVD-R's with hard drive.

The first is the king of them all which is reduced from £1300 to £600. The second is a well priced JVC model at £350.

http://ws3.richersounds.com/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=PANA-DMRE500HEBS

http://ws3.richersounds.com/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=JVC-DRMH30

I got one of the original Panasonic ones with a 40gb hard drive last year in an open box sale at Richers for £195. It's been one of the best buys I've ever had. It's amazing being able to just hit record without having to put a dvd or video in. Then if you want to keep stuff you can archive it to dvd later on.