Rasczak
Outstanding Member
I don't normally post reviews - and I am not going to break the trend here - but as there is quite alot of interest in the Sony GXD500 (as the first Freeview DVD recorder) I thought I would make a couple of observations.
Recorded Picture Quality
Recordings, under 2hrs in length, from the internal (DVB) tuner are very good. Compared to equivalent recordings on the Panasonic E95, Sony RX1000 and Pioneer 720 (all connected to a Sony V800 digibox via QED AV21 Scart fed with an RGB signal) the PQ was noticeably better - the benefit of avoiding the analogue domain is obvious.
Over 2hrs in length though is a let-down. Even with an all-digital process the recorded picture quality from the GXD500 was nowhere near as good as the analogue recordings on the Panasonic when 3hr mode recordings were compared. Whilst this is hardly a surprise, given the Sony is recording at reduced resolution with modes below SP quality, it was disappointing.
EPG Recording
This is a disappointment. The EPG itself is very plain and lacks the programme information box that appears on the Sony V800 Digibox. It also lacks +/- 24hrs scrolling options (not a major point but one that is inconvienant).
The real problem though is setting Timer recordings via the EPG. The process itself it simple: select the programme, modify your recording mode and set repeat options - it's that quick. What it doesn't allow is for you to set a buffer period before and after the programme. This effectively means that every programme is either missing a few seconds from the start or end. That sort of thing drives me The only option for programmes you want to archive in their entirety then is to set a manual timer - much like any other DVD recorder!
General Points
Generally speaking the performance of the unit itself is equivalent to the Sony GX3 - the model on which it has clearly been based.
DVD playback: Haven't really got much to say on this. Performance is identical to the GX3, i.e. it is good, but not exceptional. The unit has above average build quality though for a budget unit.
Editting: As you'd expect DVD-RW VR offers all the editting we have come to expect from DVD recorders. The DVD-RW editting isn't as slick as that on a Panasonic or Toshiba unit - there is an annoying, intrusive pause on the edit point - but is sufficient for most.
In conclusion then the GXD500 is not for everyone - but for sub-2hr recordings it currently offers the best recording PQ for Freeview. Lets hope the next generation allow more flexibility with timer recordings though!
Recorded Picture Quality
Recordings, under 2hrs in length, from the internal (DVB) tuner are very good. Compared to equivalent recordings on the Panasonic E95, Sony RX1000 and Pioneer 720 (all connected to a Sony V800 digibox via QED AV21 Scart fed with an RGB signal) the PQ was noticeably better - the benefit of avoiding the analogue domain is obvious.
Over 2hrs in length though is a let-down. Even with an all-digital process the recorded picture quality from the GXD500 was nowhere near as good as the analogue recordings on the Panasonic when 3hr mode recordings were compared. Whilst this is hardly a surprise, given the Sony is recording at reduced resolution with modes below SP quality, it was disappointing.
EPG Recording
This is a disappointment. The EPG itself is very plain and lacks the programme information box that appears on the Sony V800 Digibox. It also lacks +/- 24hrs scrolling options (not a major point but one that is inconvienant).
The real problem though is setting Timer recordings via the EPG. The process itself it simple: select the programme, modify your recording mode and set repeat options - it's that quick. What it doesn't allow is for you to set a buffer period before and after the programme. This effectively means that every programme is either missing a few seconds from the start or end. That sort of thing drives me The only option for programmes you want to archive in their entirety then is to set a manual timer - much like any other DVD recorder!
General Points
Generally speaking the performance of the unit itself is equivalent to the Sony GX3 - the model on which it has clearly been based.
DVD playback: Haven't really got much to say on this. Performance is identical to the GX3, i.e. it is good, but not exceptional. The unit has above average build quality though for a budget unit.
Editting: As you'd expect DVD-RW VR offers all the editting we have come to expect from DVD recorders. The DVD-RW editting isn't as slick as that on a Panasonic or Toshiba unit - there is an annoying, intrusive pause on the edit point - but is sufficient for most.
In conclusion then the GXD500 is not for everyone - but for sub-2hr recordings it currently offers the best recording PQ for Freeview. Lets hope the next generation allow more flexibility with timer recordings though!