Okay, I am purchasing the panasonic TH-42PX60B for my lounge to go alongside my denon 1905 AV receiver and wharfdale diamond 9.1 surround package. My final decision is the dvd player and i am thinking about getting the sony hxd 710 as it integrates digital tuner with hard disc recording facility (I like the minimal look - So does my wife!). I have decided on component connection over the hdmi/ upscaling route as I am satisfied that i will get decent pq and i feel i will get more for my money. Therefore the big question is will I get decent pq off a machine that isn't dedicated to solely that function? for £500 am I getting a machine that will give me pq akin to a £200 or £300 model, taking into consideration that i am happy to stick with component connections?

[Timbo21]

I've got a Sony RDRHX900 DVD recorder, which was the models before the 710 & 910. The playback on my 28" CRT is just as satisfying as my Arcam DV29, which is £1600 new. However, the difference is huge when I compare them on my 88" diagonal screen with my projector.

I think the Sony's have pretty good DVD playback for a DVD recorder. My HX900 had much better playback than an £85 stand alone Sony DVD player I had. I would imagine that you would probably have to spend in the region of £300-£350 on a stand alone player to get a marked improvement. There probably wouldn't be much difference to a £200 player. Also, upscaling players around the £200 mark are rubbish. It is a wise choice by you to go with component & use your displays scaler.

T.

[PedroRN]

HI. I have a rdr-hx710, which is the same dvd recorder, but without the dvb-t tuner (I'm from Italy). At present it's also the only dvd player I connected to my Hitachi 42pd7200 and I have to say it's quite good. Obviously, you'd better connect it through component. Its 12 bit, 108Mhz DA converters do a very good job. The image is stable and clear. If it only had an HDMI output it would be simply great! But in component i can advice it without reserve.

Thanks alot for your thoughts. I won't be going any bigger than a 42" any time soon. I hope that this machine will give the picture performance I am this screen size. I think i'm waiting for a few weeks at least until more stock of this the 710 comes into stock so if ahyone has any further thoughts then that would be great

[MartinH32]

Have a look at 121electricals.co.uk I think they have them in stock.

The player is on it's way. 121 elec were out of stock, but after 2 months delay amazon have sent the goods. ACE. It's great getting new kit. Makes me feel all fuzzy! Thanks everyone