N and issue date : 90301 - 01/03/2009 Circulation : 500000 Page : 70 Frequency : Monthly Size : 90 % Which_90301_71_313.pdf 2056 cm2 Web Site: http://www.which.co.uk
We help you choose between DVD recorders and hard-disk-based PVRs-and reveal the Best Buys
ecording TV the digital quick easy and offers tricks and benefits that range

in is a , of

simply weren' possible with

t. ( )

the VCR DVD recorders and personal video recorders PVRs deliver excellent picture and sound quality and they often feature on-screen electronic programme guides EPGs that list whole weeks TV and let you select button your recordings the touch Digital recorders put you firmly control offering the ability rewind and pause live TV skip adverts start
, , ( ) a at. of a in to , or ,
watching programme before finished recording They can store lot shows-often hundreds hours -and they include innovations such as `series linking; which automatically
it' s a. a of of. in a or a a
with family and friends Each DVD

can store only two hours

good quality recordings though Combination recorders include
TV series records each episode The choice between PVR DVD recorder down your needs though you can' decide there are also combination models that can record both DVDs and built-in hard diskDVD recorders store TV shows on removable discs and are ideal you want archive share your recordings
is to t if , to a if to or

Recording TV

recording systems that offer the large storage capacities available on PVRs as well as the ability archive any shows

harddisk

the digital World quick

in is a

easy and offers range tricks and benefits
you wish keep DVD However they have only one digital tuner so time can record only one show Ifs also worth noting that DVD recorders are generally harder use

to. to , ,. at a to

even the best DVD recorders carat match

dedicated PVR for ease

operation

DVD recorders

Panasonic

DMREX768EB-K

. in if

RDRHXD890

it' s ,. ,

RDRHXD995

This combination model delivers great picture and sound quality The hard disk TV can record 35 hours highest quality and this doubles you use the next best quality which still very use good reasonably easy though the EPG cramped and you can' record TV direct DVD When we looked was cheapest Currys
of , is ,. It is to , is , t to. it at. ,
Picture and sound quality are good on this combination model and use The' pause live relatively easy TV' function works strangely recording the hard disk rather than using

to to a

traditional memory buffer which inconvenient Its on-screen menus are read logical and the display easy was cheapest Currys

is ,. to. is. It at

WORTH KNOWING Make sure you use the eco mode standby will use lot energy

in it or , a of.

WORTH KNOWING has USB input so you can transfer MP3s Jpegs the hard Bisk from an external device

a It to or.

Want more? For reviews more than 50 DVD recorders see
This combination model relatively use and offers good picture easy and sound quality though using the HDMI output produce an `upscaled' an HDTV picture when connected doesn' improve picture quality Like the the `pause live TV' function HXD890 strange on this model When we looked was cheapest John Lewis
to to. t 2 , ( ). is at. it ,
WE LIKE You can add an additional
card reader access Setanta Top-Up TV pay-TV services
Avallable Currys and Cornet Hard disk 160GB Analogue tuner No DVD-Ram recording Yes Freeview EPG No
Avallable Currys and Cornet Hard disk 160GB Analogue tuner Yes DVD-Ram recording No Freeview EPG Yes
www.which.co.uk dvdrecorders
Avallable John Lewis Currys and Cornet Hard disk 250GB Anabgue tuner Yes DV D.Ram recor ng No Freeview EPG Yes

70 March 2009

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N and issue date : 90301 - 01/03/2009 Circulation : 500000 Page : 71 Frequency : Monthly Size : 90 % Which_90301_71_313.pdf 2056 cm2 Web Site: http://www.which.co.uk

DVD RECORDERS

SPECIFICATION

WHICH? TEST PERFORMANCE

PANASONIC DMR-EX768EB-K

225 225

SONY RDR-HXD890
* * * * * * *; * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SONY RDR-HXD995 TOSHIBA D-R18DT-K-TB

D n / a

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

LG RHT397H

* * * *

r7k7k7k

* * * * * *

* *: * *

PANASONIC DMR-EX78EB-K

* * * * *

TOSHIBA RD-88DT-K-TB
SONY RDR-HXD790 SAMSUNG DVD-SR275M XEU
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
D n / a i * * * * * * * * * * *' * * * * 1 * * * * * * *
10 SAMSUNG DVD-SH871M XEU

* * * * * * * * *

PHILIPS DVDR552OH 05

*: * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
USING THE TABLE The more stars the better
models are guide For the latest prices go

a. , to

Test performance

www.whichcompare

=. D ,
Specification Price For Best Buys we give the cheapest widely available high street online price as we went press Prices for other

or to.

co.uk Type DVD recorder C= Combination DVD recorder and PVR Recording time Hard disk recording time

highest quality

Contacts
Freesat www.freesat.co.uk
r--- ----------------------------. ' l
Playback picture sound Picture sound quality for pre-recorded DVDs Recorded playback picture sound Picture sound quality for programmes the device has recorded Recorded

/ /. / /

playback picture Long play For programmes the device has recorded long-play mode Ease

( ) in of

Ignores price and based on Picture and sound quality both recorded and playback 60%%

is : ,

use How easy the recorder set up and use Power use How much power the recorder uses standby and when recording

is to in

10%% 10%%

Features Power use

recorder

Typical

Which should you choose?
Freeview www.freeview.co.uk
Humax 8800 www.humaxdigital.co.uk

recording time

Have large hard disks that can typically store 100-200 hours programming

5454; www.Ige.co.uk

Panasonic 7357 www.panasonic.co.uk Philips 0845 6010354; www.philips.co.uk Sagem 900; www.sagem.com Samsung 864 www.samsung.com uk
Standalone recorders can only record two hours on disc highest quality Combination models have capacities similar PVR5

at a. to.

use Best Buys typically Generally harder rate three stars but many score lower
use Best Buys are Generally easy use usually rated four stars for ease

to. of

Versatile

recording Archiving

Have only one digital tuner so can record time only one programme
Sharp 277; www.sharp.co.uk Sony 0870 5111999; www.sony.co.uk
Toshiba 4424 www.toshiba.co.uk
Twin-tuner PVRs can record two programmes and let you watch recorded show all the same time

a at , t

sharing
Are suitable for archiving programmes you want keep Discs can be lent and friends you want share recordings

to. to if to

family-you'
Aren' suitable for long-term archiving need transfer recordings VCR DVD for archiving sharing

to ll to or or

TVonics 30 551; www.tvonics.com
Wharfedale 0011 www.wharfedale.co.uk

Analogue

reception-good for those who can'
May have both analogue and digital tuners receive digital TV
Have only digital tuners so are no gond for those who can' get digital TV

www.whichcompare.co.uk

March 2009 171
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Personal video recorders

Twin-tuner PVRs allow you record two TV programmes once while

to at ,

simultaneously playing back an earlier recording Some PVRs can record two programmes while you watch third show live PVRs are only suitable for digital TV viewers We've tested PVRs for Freeview and the Humax FoxsatHDR-the first PVR for
episodes- before its hard disk full There' no deterioration picture and sound quality when you

is. s in

record shows-the quality the same as you were watching TV live PVRs aren' suitable for long-term

is if. t

Foxsat-HDR

, It of of

Humax PVR9300T 194

a to of. is to

Freesat Sky satellite subscribers have the option
the Sky and Sky HD PVRs and Virgin Media cable viewers can sign

of + ,

box up fora PVRs have large hard disks that offer lots storage -the largest model we've tested can record 250 hours TV equivalent two

V +. of of to ,

you archive programmes you can transfer PVR DVD VCR recordings AH PVRs can record and playback digital subtitles and the Humax Foxsat-HDR the first PVR available that supports digital audio description-it can record and playback the additional soundtrack audio

if , ,

storage though so
commentary provided for those with impaired vision

of to ,

work with the The first PVR designed Freesat satellite TV service this model 143 hours standard can record up 35 hours definition TV HD TV Standard definition and HD recordings can be made the same time has two USB ports that can be used for you can archive archiving recordings DVD recorder VCR using the Scart output This model very easy set up and use and the EPG well laid out Power consumption reasonable and there' low-standby-power mode When we looked was cheapest John Lewis and Comet

or. at It or a or to. is is ,. is ,. s a it at ,.
This Humax PVR has large hard disk 200 hours TV that can record up set up and very straightforward use though some advanced features understand The EPG are tricky well laid out but loses the guide when switched standby and takes sluggish 13 minutes repopulate The remote control easy find your way around but functions you won' need every day are accessed via small badly labelled buttons This model has recently had software upgrade which has reduced the fan noise When we looked was cheapest John Lewis
, to. is it , to a to. is to t , ,. a ,. at. it ,

WORTH KNOWING This

To read reviews ail the PVRs we've tested go
the first PVR with digital audio description
WORTH KNOWING add possible card reader for accessing pay-TV channels from Setanta Top-Up TV

It' s to a or.

Eastenders

www.which.co.uk pvrs

Available cornet John Lewis Hard drive 320GB HD Yen Record two channels watch third Yes
Available Argos Cornet John Lewis Hard drive 320GB HD No Record two channels watch third Yes

, , a ,

Which? online TV power use
the least the home appliances The average 32-inch TV uses around 100 watts but you can cut that by 20%% more by following the simple tips our video guide cutting your TV' power

TVs are one

energyefficient

of in. , or in to s

good option for PS3 users
The Sony PlayTV an add-on box PS3 that for the Sony PlayStation has two built-in Freeview tuners and turns the PS3 Into PVR its wireless PlayTV' appeal lies capabilities and remote-viewing features Armed with Sony PSP handheld games console access PlayTV and possible control over the internet can also be set up remotely you already own PS3 and are considering PVR for recording digital TV the cost-effec PIayTV add-on tive choice-at save you more than 120 on the average Best Buy price To read our full review PlayTV
is 3 ( ) a. in s a. it' s , to it.
consumption Go www.which co.uk cuttvpoweruse see Which? technology expert Mike Briggs make your TV less explain how drain on our energy resources

. to. / to to. of a

Recordings

MEMBER BENEFIT

Which? members can make great savings with Hughes Direct
Hughes Direct giving Which? members some exclusive discounts offering the Best Buy PVR Humax PVR9300T for 164 and Best Buy DVD recorders the Panasonic DMR-EX768EB-K and Sony RDR-HXD890 for 194 each for delivery Offers plus are subject stock availability

is , , 5. ( ) to

call AII goods are guaranteed 10%% below be minimum

. or to of a

and prices are valid until 30 April 2009 To find out more details about this offer and
other member-only discounts from Hughes Direct log on www.hughesdirect.co.uk which

to , /

high-street prices published Which? product reports you find the same product cheaper elsewhere including delivery within seven days purchase Hughes Direct promises refund 110%% the difference

in. If ( ) of , to of.

www.which.co.uk playtv

March 2009

N and issue date : 90301 - 01/03/2009 Circulation : 500000 Page : 73 Frequency : Monthly Size : 90 % Which_90301_71_313.pdf 2056 cm2 Web Site: http://www.which.co.uk

Humax PVR9150T 127

a it , to of

Which'

The PVR9150T has 160GB BUY hard disk which means can record up 100 hours television very easy set up and use though difficult understand some the advanced features The EPG well laid out and easy find your way around as the decent-sized remote control Like the PVR9300T however less common functions are accessed via small poorly labelled buttons located under flap The instruction manual well laid out and the on-screen menus are intuitive and easy navigate was cheapest Comet
. It' s to , it' s to of. is to , is. , , , a. is to. It at.

TVonics DTR-Z250 176

5 Is , ( ) is , it ,

TVonics DTR-Z500 194

of a it a
Like the DTR-Z500 this model very small but its hard disk smaller 250GB records around 125 hours television Its twin tuners allow you record one live programme while record two watching another programmes once while playing back third you' ve recorded previously The EPG well laid out and allows you view programme schedules up seven days advance The guide lost when the PVR switched standby but repopulates only four minutes when switched back on When we looked was cheapest John Lewis
at of. to to or , at a. is to to in. is is to , it in. it at. ,

PVRs have

hard disks Chat offer lots

WE LIKE

low-standbypower
mode which reduces power 1.9 watts consumption
WORTH KNOWING This the same as the TVonics DTR-Z500 but with smaller hard disk
Available Argos Cornet Hard drive 160GB HD No Record two channels watch third Yes
Available Currys John Lewis Hard drive 250GB HD No Record two channels watch third No
storage the largest model we' ve tested cati record 250 hours TV
This TVonics PVR may be small about the size paperback book -but has massive 500GB hard disk that can record around 250 hours television However you can' add card reader for accessing pay-TV channels from Setanta Top-Up TV reasonably easy PVR set up and use with versatile and well-presented EPG and straightforward recording and playback The remote control sensibly laid out with useful' Timer' and Library' buttons Digital subtitles can be recorded and turned on off as required but audio description not supported was cheapest John Lewis

of. t , a or. It' to s a a ,. is , '. / is. It at.
WORTH KNOWING This PVR has the date Iargest hard disk we've seen
Available Currys John Lewis Hard drive 500GB HD No Record two channels watch third No

SD: 143 HD: 35

HUMAX Foxsat-HDR
HUMAX PVR-9300T HUMAX PVR-9150T
TVONICS DTR-Z250 TVONICS DTR-Z500 SHARP TU-R252H SHARP TU-R162H DIGIHOME DTR160 SONY PIayTV

127 176

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Freesat

Yes Yes Yes

200.100

Freeview Freeview Freeview Freeview Freeview Freeview Freeview Freeview Freeview Freeview Freeview

194 166

Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes

Yes Yes

80 Depends on PS3 capacity 240

10 WHARFEDALE TU-500DTR

SAGEM DTR67250T

12 SAGEM DTR64160T

definition Sertes Iink
Records an entre series with the touch button
Specification Price See p71 Max recording SD standard definition HD high

. = = ,

Digital service Whether the PVR receives Freeview Freesat Playback white recording Whether
you can record two the same programmes time while watching third previously recorded programme View TV while recording Whether you can record two
programmes and watch third live channel the same time
Power use Energy efficiency the PVR
Test performance Features Versatility and features each box

Score Features

30%% 60%%

Power use