[TyD]

I recently bought my 85 yr old Mum a Samsung LE32A457C1DX and as we're in Digital Wales I need to buy a Digital Freeview DVD Recorder. I'd like it to be as easy to use as possible (driven from the TV if poss) with a reasonable 100G+ Hard Drive. Any recomendations welcomed.

Thanks
Ty

[grahamlthompson]

Originally Posted by TyD

I recently bought my 85 yr old Mum a Samsung LE32A457C1DX and as we're in Digital Wales I need to buy a Digital Freeview DVD Recorder. I'd like it to be as easy to use as possible (driven from the TV if poss) with a reasonable 100G+ Hard Drive. Any recomendations welcomed.

Thanks
Ty

Any particular reason to want a dvd recorder. A twin tuner pvr will offer more flexibility and is likely to be less complex to use.

[TyD]

Any particular reason to want a dvd recorder. A twin tuner pvr will offer more flexibility and is likely to be less complex to use.

What is a pvr? I just want to replace the Video Recorder that doesn't accept digital signals.

Ty

[grahamlthompson]

Originally Posted by TyD

What is a pvr? I just want to replace the Video Recorder that doesn't accept digital signals.

Ty

A pvr (personal video recorder) records the digital TV transmission direct to a hard disc drive. Most have two tuners and can record two different channels at the same time. Some (notably Topfield and Humax models) allow you to view a limited choice of 3rd channels. Newer ones support freeview+ which allows you to record every episode in a series by simply clicking on the programme in the electronic programme guide (EPG) and selecting the series option. You can also view an existing recording while recording two new programmes.

Because the original programme data is copied to hard disc there is no quality loss in the recording.

Because the channel data is buffered to a disc you can do clever things like pause live Tv and skip over adverts. Some allow the recorded programmes to be transferred to a computer and these can then be burnt to DVD

You can connect a freeview set top box to your existing recorder to record digital TV if you wish.

[TyD]

Graham thanks a PVR is exactly what I'm looking for.

You can connect a freeview set top box to your existing recorder to record digital TV if you wish

I have a Panasonic 160Gb recorder but despite my best attempts I have been unable to get it to pick up a set top box (I'm pretty sure I covered all the set up menus and AV selections) and my MUM finds the menu navigation of the Panasonic 'cumbersome'. Now I know what to look for I'll search for a Samsung PVR. Meanwhile any suggestions would be welcome.

[grahamlthompson]

Originally Posted by TyD

Graham thanks a PVR is exactly what I'm looking for.


I have a Panasonic 160Gb recorder but despite my best attempts I have been unable to get it to pick up a set top box (I'm pretty sure I covered all the set up menus and AV selections) and my MUM finds the menu navigation of the Panasonic 'cumbersome'. Now I know what to look for I'll search for a Samsung PVR. Meanwhile any suggestions would be welcome.

Normally all you need to do is connect a scart cable from the freeview box vcr scart to the recorder vcr scart. With the dvd recorder picture showing on the screen look for a button the dvd recorder marked source or may be a tv screen with an arrow pointing in. If you press this with a bit of luck you will see the freeview box output on the screen. You should now be able to record it's output. Pvrs are are rather specialised products so mainstream makers like Sony and Samsung don't make them (Panasonic did make a freeview one and it was an absolute dog. Companies like Humax, Topfield and Vestel make these. I have experience of Toppies and Hummies but not the cheaper Vestels but they do seem to have an enthusiastic following.