Novice HDD/DVD choices

[r.cordrey]

Like so many others, I am a mere domestic user of a VCR who wants to update to a DVD recorder. I have read james lancaster's 'Which DVD Recorder' webpage and believe I want to buy a DVD recorder with HDD. However, I also want to be able to watch one channel whilst recording another - apparently I need a device with at least two tuners. I am not looking for esoteric or extensive facilities - simply a VCR replacement with which I can record (and easily edit out adverts etc.) digital TV programs and write out video and audio to a DVD disk.

Can anyone offer recommendations for an appropriate unit at reasonable price (say, up to £300)?

[maldonian]

That's a bit more than 'simply a VCR replacement'!

If you want to stay under £300, you need to compromise somewhere - either (1) a Freeview DVD recorder with no HDD, or (2) a DVD/HDD recorder without an internal Freeview tuner, or (3) a Freeview PVR with two tuners.

I also want to be able to watch one channel whilst recording another - apparently I need a device with at least two tuners

You only need one tuner in the recorder for this. You can watch another channel while recording using the tuner in the TV, or using an STB connected to the TV. In any case, there are no DVD recorders available with two tuners that can be used simultaneously. Some PVRs (hard disk recorders with no DVD drives) have two tuners.

[r.cordrey]

Thanks for your advice: I thought it was just a VCR replacement, but with simple editing facilities! If I can do what I do with a VCR (watch one channel whilst recording another) that will be fine. I will be receiving from either a Freeview box or a Free to Air satellite receiver and from what you say should be able to achieve what I want with a Freeview DVD recorder without HDD - but will I be able to edit out adverts?

I have found HDD/DVD recorders such as the Panasonic DMR-EH50 on offer for around £255. Would this meet my needs?

Excuse my ignorance, but what's an STB?

[JayCee]

Originally Posted by r.cordrey

Thanks for your advice: I thought it was just a VCR replacement, but with simple editing facilities! If I can do what I do with a VCR (watch one channel whilst recording another) that will be fine. I will be receiving from either a Freeview box or a Free to Air satellite receiver and from what you say should be able to achieve what I want with a Freeview DVD recorder without HDD - but will I be able to edit out adverts?

I have found HDD/DVD recorders such as the Panasonic DMR-EH50 on offer for around £255. Would this meet my needs?

Yes, that would do nicely.

Originally Posted by r.cordrey

Excuse my ignorance, but what's an STB?

Set Top Box...generic name given to a Freeview or Satellite box.

[r.cordrey]

Many thanks. STB - like so many other things, obvious (if you know the answer)!

[maldonian]

Sorry, the way I read your first post I thought you wanted it all in one device, i.e. a DVD/HDD recorder with two Freeview tuners, and for no more than £300. Hence my comments.

If you're just referring to a DVD/HDD recorder for up to £300 and you're going to get the digital receiver(s) separately, then yes, the recorder would be a good VCR replacement, and the HDD is essential if you want to edit recordings before writing them to DVD. The EH50 would be a good choice.

Mind you, if Freeview is going to be your principal viewing platform it might be worth considering paying more for a recorder with a built-in Freeview tuner, because making timer recordings will be much simpler. Panasonic and Sony have Freeview DVD/HDD recorders available. The Panasonic EH60D in particular has two tuners, one analogue and one Freeview, integrated so they appear to be a single tuner to the user.

If you can wait, prices and availability might be better after Christmas.