WHV305.14_sagem.pvr2680t

7/2/06

3:37 pm

Page 070

On test

Freeview PVR G Approx price: 155

Sagem PVR6280T

Fact file
I 80GB HDD (40hr recording) I Twin Freeview tuners I Seven-day EPG I Simultaneous play and record I Pause live TV for up to 30min

Details

FEATURES
Hard-disk capacity: 80GB Recording modes: 1 Max recording time: 40hr approx Non-linear editing: Merge only TV tuner: 2x digital terrestrial Dimensions: 315(w) x 225(h) x 45(d)mm Weight: 1.7kg Other features: 7-day EPG; manual timer option; pause live TV; simultaneous play and record; up to x600 search speed; favourites list; parental lock; digital text and subtitles; level & quality indicators for antenna positioning; subtitle recording

SOCKETS

RF aerial in/loop out; 2 Scarts (1 RGB/ S-video/composite out, 1 S-video/ composite out/RGB loop in); optical digital audio output; analogue stereo audio output (minijack)

CONTACT

www.sagem.co.uk
ard drive-based Freeview recorders are coming thick and fast now. In the last issue we looked at Sagems new PVR7280T.The 6280T is the cheaper version, which misses out Top Up TV compatibility, so if youre getting into Freeview purely to avoid subscriptions then the PVR7280T fulfils that need. With FilmFour rumoured to be dropping fees and reappearing on digital terrestrial in 2006, the non-subscription line-up on Freeview is destined to keep getting better.With all those channels to record from youre going to need a easy system to receive and store programmes, which is where personal video recorders (PVRs) come in.They are based around hard drives rather than DVDs or videocassettes. Sagems PVR6280T has an 80GB drive, which is fair for a starter package such as this and enables you to keep up to 40hrs of TV recordings. Like the forerunners in this French manufacturers range, its slimmer than many bog-standard Freeview receivers, so full marks to Sagem for cramming recording technology in too.When its on, the hard drive will constantly buffer the current TV channel so you can review anything in the last half an hour, though you cant capture this as a permanent HDD recording. Despite its miniature dimensions, theres room for two Scarts (one with RGB) and an aux Scart that can be switched to S-video for S-VHS VCRs or more basic DVD recorders.The RF output is only a loop-through so it wont include the PVRs own channels or playback along your aerial lead. Digital and analogue audio outputs are included for listening to digital radio stations or feeding TV sound via your hi-fi. There are two digital tuners, so
you can continue watching one Freeview channel while recording another one (however, the on-screen message this prompts looks more like a vague warning about imminent failure, even though its not). Critically, unlike most other twin-tuner PVRs, you cannot make two simultaneous recordings, so cant store overlapping programmes. Another annoying limitation is the sizeable amount of padding added after each recording.This is to stop programmes being cut-off prematurely, which is understandable, but this system is not clever enough to let you record another programme starting immediately afterwards. Its also wasteful of disc space record the half-hour Little Britain and it can occupy 50min of time, making it as bloated as Bubbles Devere after a cake binge. Thankfully there are alternative manual time/date options (with daily/weekly repeat settings) but resorting to these is a backward step when theres a full seven-day EPG for instant timer settings.Also, If your signal is weak and some channels disappear, you may find bizarre gaps in the listings for the stations you do receive. The colourful but clear on-screen menu is generally fine to use, and recorded programmes look identical to the original broadcast. You can play recordings at any time, including a current recording (although you have to manually search back to the start). Luckily the tuner is especially robust. For those moments when the signal dips, theres less breakup on screen and a lack of big stuttering gaps in sound. Its best to adjust the contrast of the recorders RGB output to Low in the user menu to avoid it looking bleached out.The overall picture

Also Consider >>

HUMAX PVR-9200T 160GB HDD and records up to two channels while you watch another genius. Reviewed: Issue 302 TOPFIELD TF5800 Excellent picture and loads of features but at around 300 its relatively dear. Reviewed: Issue 298 quality has improved since the older PVR6240T model, but if you have a huge screen wed still recommend trading up to the Topfield TF5800 for its superior performance. With a bit more thought for the design and operation, the Sagem range could be superb value for money. For the moment though, its second-tier compared to the likes of Humax,Topfield and Panasonics best Ian Calcutt

Ratings

WHATS GOOD
Compact size; picture quality; top search speed of x600

WHATS BAD

Back-to-back recording limited; not Top Up TV ready
Picture Sound Features Ease of use Value
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OVERALL VERDICT

Better than its predecessor for picture but it still under uses its two digital tuners
070 I What Video and Widescreen TV I Issue 305