Sony RDR-HXD890 or Panasonic DMREX77

[NitroFan]

Am trying to decide which of these recorders to get. Price is pretty much the same.

Any difference in the recording qualities? Do they both offer free range recording?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Gavtech]

Am trying to decide which of these recorders to get. Price is pretty much the same.

Any difference in the recording qualities? Do they both offer free range recording?

Thanks for any help.

Can you explain what you mean by 'free range recording'?

 

[NitroFan]

Can you explain what you mean by 'free range recording'?

Sorry. I guess it's only my friend that uses that term.

Basically it's the ability to record to any length you want (within the size limitations). Say if a show goes for 1h 15m you can set to record that, rather than having to select 1, 2, 4 or 6 hours.

I'm guessing it's probably pretty common on most semi-recent recorders.

My main use is going to be recording F1, so if anyone has any experience recoding them (or any motorsport) with either of these recorders it'd be very helpful.

 

[Gavtech]

The Panasonic and Sony machines have slightly different approaches to achieve much the same thing.

Panasonic uses a so-called FR mode [ Flexible record ] which will make any recording you make [ up to reasonable limits] be off a size that will optimally fit on a disc.

The Sony has a range of pre-settable modes that will give you certain time lengths.

 

[NX3]

We had a Panasonic machine for a year and changed to Sony HXD890. Panny was nice and FR recording was very good but a few things overall imo the Sony does better. I'm loving the 890, we recorded F1 last season, set to best quality with a 160gb hard drive no problem getting the entire show.

Easiest way to set to record is to use the EPG, which the BBC are pretty good at updating compared to ITV (now F1 has switched). You find the show in the guide, tell the machine you want to record it and leave it to it. You don't set record for 2 hours as such, rather to record a show.

 

[NitroFan]

Panny was nice and FR recording was very good but a few things overall imo the Sony does better.

Care to expand a little? Was it just menu/ease of use stuff or is their noticeable differences in quality?

Did you try and put the F1 onto DVD? If so, what was the quality like? This Flexible Record is tipping the scales in Panny's favour..

 

[kofola]

Sony can't play DivX from USB directly, Panasonic does.
Sony is rebranded Pioneer, but without some features.
Sony's HDD is upgradeable, Panasonic's I don't know.
Sony has many recording modes, you can fit movie on DVD in best quality as is possible.
Best for you is download user guides for both DVRs and read them.