[davidwatsonok]

I've finally decided that I want a DVD-R/HDD/FV unit and think the Sony [FONT=Arial]RDRHXD970S is the one for me. I particularly like the external USB HDD feature where I could fill it up using my Mac with pics and music before using it through my AV system as a media hub.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]My only concern is a friend who has an 860 says the multi-region hack doesn't always work. I would guess this is down to RCE, but is this correct (he's not the cleverest on these issues) and is there a work around, or should I forget Sony and get a Pioneer ??? If I go Pioneer, should I opt for the 545, 550 or DVR-LX60D ???[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]What are peoples opinions on these and where can I find some reviews (Googled to no avail) ?[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]It will be used with a Pana TH50PX60 via HDMI.[/FONT]

[JH4]

Hi David. The multi region mod mentioned elsewhere on these forums does work for the Sony 970. I have played R1, 2 and R3 discs on it OK.
As for the machine itself - it does everything I want it to. It's fine. No complaints. Let me know if you need more info. See my post for 'Sony DVDR newbies' earlier, for some details.

[davidwatsonok]

Thanks for that. one thing that's got me is that I want a silver one, and on Sony's website they only show black, and that seems the case with most suppliers across the web. I found a multiregion one in silver at Digital Point but they are now showing it as out of stock, and I can only access the page for it from a bookmark I had stored now as their website listing of DVD recorders no longer shows the silver.

Are my assumptions correct regarding connecting an external HDD via the USB port ? I figured I'd be able to fill the external up with pics and images from my Apple Mac and access them through my AV set-up using the 970. Which video file formats would the unit see, if any, from a computer ?

[SaladFingers]

I can't believe that with the 970, when you're recording tv, you cant watch another channel. Just seems rediculous considering a humax model allows you to record two channels and watch a third at the same time. What's the good points about this Sony? I can't find any reviews on the internet.

[davidwatsonok]

The unit has a digital and an analogue tuner, surely you can be recording on one whilst watching the other ? I suppose the TV tuner would still allow this, but it is a poor show when other PVR's will even allow 2 different recordings whilst viewing a third through two digital tuners.

Feedback from owners of the unit would be appreciated !

[davidwatsonok]

Well, went to have a look at one yesterday. Firstly, the USB connection is "IN" only, so you cannot record or export to it. It also will not see any format of video files (according to the sales geek) so I can't fill an external from my Mac and playback through the Sony. Audio (MP3/WMA) and images (jpeg) only Also, the USB port is on the front, so if I want to leave the external connected I would have to put up with an unsightly cable and open flap Looks the same story with the Pioneer model too. Was also irritated by the 500gb model being £200 dearer, when you can buy a 500gb drive for about £20 more than a 250gb these days

Well, looks like I'll be looking into the Apple Mac Mini as a media server again. I hate restricted technology and corporate drip-feeding to encourage upgrading. When I splash the cash, whatever I buy has to do everything I want or is currently possible, without compromise. The Sony is too compromised IMHO. Might also look into a Topfield and run a USB diect to my Mac as an option