0205wv04 Thomson DTH8040

13/12/04

3:56 pm

Page 66

Thomson DTH8040

Thomsons new DVD recorder is a small, tidy deck but has it got the right connections to beat the competition? Lets power it up and find out
FEATURES Records: DVD+RW/+R; plays: DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RW (Video mode), DVD+RW, DVD+R, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, VCD, MP3, JPEG; Dolby Digital/DTS output; 6 record modes (8hrs max); SmartRecord setting; disc library system; still picture; Scene Again; chapter mark insert/delete/hide; title frame selection; split/erase title; image rotate (JPEG); playlist creation; SRS TruSurround; black-level adjust; display dimmer; manual timer; VideoPlus with PDC; programmable multi-function remote; dimensions: 360(w) x 65(h) x 280(d)mm SOCKETS Front: S-video input; composite video input; stereo audio input Rear: 2 Scart sockets (RGB out; S-video/composite video in); S-video input/output; composite video input/output; optical digital audio output; stereo analogue audio input/output; RF in/out CONTACT 920 www.thomson-europe.com TEST DATA DVD PLAYBACK Video jitter: 3ns (very good) Signal-to-noise ratio: -67.9dB (average) Chrominance AM/PM: -71.2dB/-67.3dB (excellent/very good) Chroma crosstalk: -57.2dB (good) Frequency response at 5.8MHz: (composite): -2.47dB (average) (S-video): -2.53dB (average) Audio jitter: 4853.1ps (poor) RECORDING Chrominance AM/PM: -60.9dB/-58.7dB (excellent/very good) Frequency response: Best (at 4MHz): -0.07dB (excellent); High (at 4MHz): -0.08dB (excellent); Good (at 4MHz): -0.08dB (excellent); Normal (at 2MHz): -2.51dB (below average); Basic (at 2MHz): -2.41dB (below average); Low (at 2MHz): -2.58dB (below average) For a full explanation of test data, see page 138
quick check of the spec sheet on this DVD recorder throws up some instant problems. There is no component video output or digital video input both things we like to see on a recorder. Far more important, however, is the lack of an RGB Scart input. We dont quite know why companies insist on leaving out what would appear to be an essential input option, but many of them keep on doing it. The result is that this Thomson deck is thrown into our uncompromising grouptest arena with one hand metaphorically tied behind its back.
pure S-video input and output sockets, composite support and an optical digital audio out. There is no electrical digital option. At the front, behind a discreet panel, lie in S-video, composite video and stereo audio camcorder inputs.

OPERATION

Thomson has stuck its flag in the DVD+R/+RW camp. This is increasingly looking like the wrong option, because editing facilities are so severely limited. With DVD-RAM, and DVD-RW discs in VR mode, you can get up to all sorts of antics that the plus camp can only dream of. On +R discs you can give the disc a title, choose a thumbnail image to represent each recording and thats it, really. DVD+RW discs manage a bit more, letting you insert and delete chapters, divide and erase a title. Erasing a title frees up the space on a +RW disc, but the space remains locked in place on the disc, if you see what we mean. Delete three scattered, five-minute titles from a DVD+RW disc and you have three scattered five-minute blank sections, not an accumulated 15-minute block. You also have the option of hiding chapters (which lets you designate an advert break to be skipped over but does not actually erase it). There are six recording modes available: Best, High, Good, Normal, Basic and Low. These fit 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8hrs, respectively, onto a single blank DVD. The SmartRecord

DESCRIPTION

Were rather used to DVD recorders being imposing. In fact, almost every one we look at has a width of 430mm, or thereabouts, so this new offering from Thomson instantly stands out by being considerably smaller. At just 360mm in width it has a much diddier footprint and it is also unusual in having the disc-loading tray mounted to one side, rather than centrally. The smoothed corners contribute to the distinctive look, but it will be a matter of taste whether you like it or not. The remote continues the slightly eccentric design, being very small and neat, with far fewer fiddly buttons to boggle you. These are merely cosmetic matters, of course. What is really important is the connectivity and features count. We have already mentioned the rather disappointing omissions as far as connections go. You do get an RGB Scart output, and the input Scart can be set for either S-video or composite. There are also

function automatically selects the best option depending on the length of programme to be recorded and the space available. Most of the other functions are standard (zoom, A-B repeat play, slow motion etc.) but there are a few notable inclusions. A disc library system retains information on up to 200 titles, including the name of the disc they are on and when they were recorded, making it far easier to keep track of a growing collection. Scene Again gives an instant replay, while Advance skips forward 30 seconds (useful for dodging commercials, perhaps?). Finally, SRS TruSurround is an option for people not using a multi-channel sound
The absence of an RGB Scart means it cant approach the highest quality
Funky, but also rather finicky

S-video, but no DV input

An off-centre disc tray is an unusual touch
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DVD recorder 350
system and creates a wider soundstage from a TVs stereo speakers.

FACT FILE

PERFORMANCE
Operation is made awkward by the remote control, which is not the most responsive weve seen. It is easy to inadvertently select a different operating mode and be left pointing and pressing frantically, trying to make a DVD play with no success. It is also cumbersome to change the recording mode. You have to go into the onscreen display (which is very nicely laid out, by the way), when a button on the remote would be far easier. Having mastered this, recorded images are fairly good, although the absence of an RGB Scart means it cannot approach the highest quality. If you have a set-top box with an S-video output, you will still be able to enjoy high-quality images (although not the highest), but otherwise
G DVD+R/+RW recording G Six recording modes G RGB output/S-video
input G Disc library system G VideoPlus G Zoom
you are stuck with composite video, which is little short of a joke for a DVD recorder. Image quality is retained at the highest setting and is still very good in the 2hr mode. Things start to deteriorate noticeably on the 3hr mode and are quite unpleasant by the time you hit the normal 4hr setting. The basic and low settings live up their names. Interestingly, the loopthrough picture remains at normal broadcast quality, whatever recording mode you have accessed, but switches to preview record quality when you start a recording. This is helpful in warning you what sort of image you will get on your recordings. Pre-recorded DVD playback is better, thanks in large part to the RGB Scart output. Compared to recordings, there is far more crispness to the image and colours seem much more involving. Movie soundtracks are very good through this deck, at least when connected to a good speaker and amplifier system.

WHATS GOOD

Sound; playback picture quality

WHATS BAD

Picture quality on recordings
PICTURE (RECORDED) PICTURE (PLAYBACK) SOUND FEATURES EASE OF USE VALUE ALSO CONSIDER.
%%%%% %%%%% %%%%% %%%%% %%%%% %%%%%
HUMAX DRP-560 A decent +RW deck for about 30, but still no RGB input Reviewed: Aug 04 PANASONIC DMR-E65 An extra 50 gets you component video, an RGB input and five star performance Reviewed: Oct 04

OVERALL VERDICT

Our patience is at an end with DVD recorders that do not offer an RGB input

CONCLUSION

This recorder hasnt really been given a chance by its creators. The omission of an RGB input is too much to overcome, given the fierce competition between DVD recorders. The component video and DV omissions can be overlooked to some extent, and there are enough good things about this deck to make you wish a couple of loose ends had been tidied up. Still, this market is a case of survival of the fittest, and in this demanding environment the DTH8040 cannot compete
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Two Scarts, but no RGB input. Very annoying

DTH 8040 E

DVD Recorder +RW / +R

FEATURES

Digital Video Recorder +RW / +R* (* Recorded +RW/+R discs play on most DVD-Video players) Up to 8 hours recording time on a 4.7 GB disc

BENEFITS

Record from TV, camcorder, or other video device in digital quality on Write once / ReWritable DVDs (DVD+R / DVD+RW) 6 record modes ranging from the 1 hour top quality mode to the extra long 8-hours For easy timer-programming recordings using ShowView code from TV magazines To store & view instantaneously the contents of your recorded DVD+R / +RW discs (up to 400 titles) Controls TV, DVD, SAT of all brands Automatic adjustment of recording quality to fit contents on the available disc space. Highest picture quality to copy VHS tape to disc (stabilize Sync & color sub-carrier) For easy installation with other AV equipment & best playback picture quality from analog sources Allows mp3 playback during J-PEG photo slideshow, playback of DVD discs, CD audio, Video CDs, S-VCDs, most CD-R / CD-RW*

ShowView

Disc library Universal-multibrand TV-SAT / cable-DVD remote control Smart Record Time Base Picture Corrector 2 x SCART in by-pass with RGB output
Digital Photo View with simultaneous JPEG & mp3 playback

Technical data :

BRAND BRAND DESIGN Color PLAYABLE DISK TYPE Video Audio Regional code Disk sizes VIDEO Output signal Digital to analog converter Progressive video processor MPEG 4 Decoder AUDIO Digital to analog converter Signal to Noise ratio Dolby Digital 5.1 DTS MPEG 2 audio DVD- audio MP3 decoder built in / WMA Virtual surround OSD speaker configuration Voice enhancing effect RECORD FEATURES Hard Disk capacity (GB) Recording Quality Levels Selection Bit Rate Recording Based on Time One Touch Record from Front Panel or Rem SOS Record (Europe only) Play HDD and Record to Disc Play Disc and Record on HDD Record to HDD and Play HDD Data Move from HDD to Disc Data Move from Disc to HDD Live Pause ("Timeshift") 16/9 identification record / playback PAL Recording from PAL/SECAM signal NTSC Recording from NTSC signal Audio Record Level Adjustment Disc library Optimum Recording Level PLAYBACK FEATURES Still picture Frame advance X 2 audio during scan Bookmark function Repeat function DVD Repeat function CD Repeat MP3 Program play Random play Dealers mode Parental lock Zoom Jog & Shuttle Variable search speed Resume memory Introscan Scene again jpeg photos playback Kodak Picture CD Playback jpeg & music combinations palyback EDIT FEATURES Title and Chapter creation Chapter hide / unhide Title Labelling (Text, thumbnail) Titles Write Protected by Default (user Simultaneous Audio / Video Record JPEG manipulation : Rotate / Zoom / Pan& Title split / Partial overwrite RECEPTION Tuning system Standard PLL LL', BG, I, DKK' - / Yes Yes / Yes Yes Yes Yes / Yes / Yes Yes / No Yes Yes Disk / Title / A -B Disk/Track/A-B/Program Song / Folder Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes (DVD / jpeg) Yes 1 disc Yes (CD) Yes Yes (Slideshow) Yes (mp3 during slideshow) NA 6 levels (8h/6h/4h/3h/2h/1h) 1.26/1.69/2.52/3.32/5.02/9.5Mbps Yes NA NA NA NA NA NA Yes Yes More than 400 titles Yes 94 kHz / 24 bits (2 ch.) 100 dB (Playback) Passthrough Passthrough Passthrough Yes / No Yes PAL / PAL 60 Hz / NTSC 10 Bit / 27 MHz No DVD-RW/-R/+R/+RW+S-VCD/VCD Multisession CD+CD-R/-RW + 12 cm Silver THOMSON
Programme Number NICAM / FM Stereo Sound Auto installation Auto sorting CLOCK System Clock setting Power back-up (min) TIMER Timer capacity Daily / weekly repeat Power back-up VPS decoder PDC decoder Easy programming Satellite commander Program guide Sat timer link Instant recording NextView Link DISPLAY Graphical user interface Menu langages Front display technology FRONT CONNECTORS RCA Audio IN RCA video IN Y/C IN (HOSIDEN) Headphone Microphone Pause USB DV-input (4 pin) REAR CONNECTORS Number of scart sockets of which Y/C input of which RGB input Scart AV2 with RGB loop RCA video in RCA video out Y/C in (Hosiden) Y/C out (Hosiden) RCA Audio IN RCA Audio OUT 6 discrete 5.1 Ch out Digital audio out YPrPb (component) RCA outputs IR Blaster Link for Sat Box REMOTE CONTROL Model Type SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES RCU battery Power cable / Plug Scart cable RCA A/V cable Other IB languages (1) IB languages (2) GENERAL DATA Product size (W x H x D in mm) Packaging size (W x H x D in mm) Weight : Net / Gross (Kg) EAN code Power supply Power consumption Standby Power Consumption Quantity by container (20"/40") NOTE* Most (CD-R/RW)&( DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW)

99 L, BG, DK / BG, DK Yes Yes Quartz Auto(TXT/UTC)+manual Product life with auto reset 8 events / 1 year Mo-Fr/Yes Product life Yes Yes ShowView No No No Yes Yes (No TV timer download) Yes 6 (F/GB/D/E/I/S) Fluorescent 1 No 2 Optical No RCT311DBMin 1 multibrand TV/SAT/DVD 2 x AAA CEE RF Antenna Cable F/GB/D/E/I
360 x 60 x x 170 x 465 4.0 / 6.230 V - 50 Hz 36 W 5W / Eco 4W 910 pcs / 1950 pcs Total compatibility not guaranteed
Recordable disc type : DVD+R (2.4x / 4x) - DVD+RW (2.4x)