What is the best video recorder for the LZD81?

eric141131 · 13-03-2009, 8:30 PM

Hi, I have recently bought a Panasonic LZD81 LCD TV with in-built Freesat and Freeview. It is convenient to watch HDTV without a monthy subsciption but I like to be able to record both standard and HD TV (onto HDD). Can anyone please tell me what recorder is best suited for this TV that will work with the decoders that are already available. I don't know much about the limitations of recorders but I am hoping I can get a cheaper one to provide me with better functionality when combined with the LZD81. I have considered Sky+ HD but it kind of defeats the purpose of having a IDTV in the first place. Thanks,

Wendolene · 14-03-2009, 1:46 PM

Apart from Sky+HD and V+ from Virgin Media, I think the only option you have if you want to record HD content is the Humax HD PVR which is FreeSat and AFAIK, like most PVR's, can only record from their built-in tuner.

I am not too well up on this so I stand by to be corrected.

eric141131 · 15-03-2009, 2:59 PM

Thanks I will take a look at the Humax. Do you know if it has a single or twin Freesat decoder? I am not sure if having Freesat built into the TV helps in any way when I want to record HD.

I assume if I want to record Freeview I will need a separate PVR for that aswell.

Wendolene · 15-03-2009, 3:32 PM

The best thing for you to do, I think, is to check out this link: http://************/7x8noz.

It does appear to have a twin tuner.

HTH.

grahamlthompson · 15-03-2009, 3:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric141131

Thanks I will take a look at the Humax. Do you know if it has a single or twin Freesat decoder? I am not sure if having Freesat built into the TV helps in any way when I want to record HD.

I assume if I want to record Freeview I will need a separate PVR for that aswell.

The foxsat-hdr is a twin tuner HD pvr (for full function it needs two feeds from a dish, giving a total of 3 required including your TV - One spare on a quad lnb) and yes if you want to record Freeview you will need a seperate pvr. Having freesat built into the TV does not help in any way in recording HD (There are no HD outputs from the TV only very low quality SD composite from the TV scart connectors).

eric141131 · 15-03-2009, 7:50 PM

Thanks, I am beginning to get it. So I am getting benefit from the TV now as I can watch inexpensive HD, but if I want to record it there is no benefit in having an IDTV. Therefore the Humax, Sky+HD or V+HD seem the most suitable options.

There is also the new Blu Ray recorder from Panasonic (DMR-BW500) with twin HD decoder but I am sure that will be expensive.

I have got a PS3 also. Can this be used to record TV through a HDMI cable? I know there is PlayTV but I think that it is internet based.