There was a time when DVD recorders were the next big thing, along with Pop Tarts, Magic The Gathering, Pilates and New Labour, but hard disk drives have put paid to recording straight onto DVDs and the humble Freeview PVR is just as important as the dual decks. Sony's RDR-HXD1065, Panasonic's DMR-EX85, Sharp's TU-R160H and Philips' DVDR7250H are all worthy nominees...
The Winner
Sony RDR-HXD1065
£420 (approx)
08705 111 999
Reviewed: HCC #141
Offering more of just about everything, Sony’s flagship DVD-R/HDD combo is a dual-tuner recorder with a 250GB hard drive and eight-day EPG. Slim and smart with a polished mirror finish and a full-length front flap covering DV and USB inputs, the 1065 features two Scarts, component, S-video, phono AV, and optical and coaxial digital audio outputs, HDMI output, and analogue and digital RF aerial inputs and outputs.
The 1065’s menus are full of features including nine levels of recording quality, series recording, picture noise reduction, video EQ, frame noise, block noise and mosquito noise reduction, automatic chaptering, and (of course) pausing of live TV. And the onboard deinterlacer is probably one of the best you can buy for the price.
A top performer with all the features and functions you could desire, this model really marks the coming of age for Sony’s DVD recorder range.
Eric Kingdon collects Sony's second award of the night
Also nominated
Sharp TU-R160H
£220 (approx)
0800 138 5051
Reviewed: HCC #139
Featuring two DVB tuners, so you can watch one digital channel while recording another, this smart-looking PVR design also features a 160Gb hard drive, eight-day EPG, two Scart sockets, optical digital output, silent passive cooling, and auto setup. With a flawless EPG, no-glitch playback and smart design, Sharp’s TU-R160H is an object lesson in pain-free Freeview digital recording. Classy!
Panasonic DMR-EX85
£500 (approx)
0870 535 7357
Reviewed: HCC #131
This recorder was Panasonic’s first to combine a digital tuner and 720p/1080i upscaling output, so it is something a little bit special, especially when you add in the capacious 250GB HDD. Front connections and an SD card slot are hidden under a stylish flap; rear connections include a single HDMI, two Scarts, S-video, composite video and stereo audio inputs and outputs.
The deck supports DVD+/-/R/W including DVD+R DL, and also DVD-RAM. The choice of six recording modes allows from one to eight hours recording per disc, and DVD-RAM has a whole raft of additional editing options. Excellent recording and playback of DVDs makes this a great buy, and you can’t ignore its ability to upscale Freeview broadcasts.
Philips DVDR7250H
£350 (approx)
0870 900 9070
Reviewed: HCC #135
The first DVD recorder able to record 5.1 sound, this innovative machine can burn Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS via its digital audio input (pity it’s coaxial, and Sky+ is optical). Distinctively designed with curvaceous lines, the 7250H features both analogue and Freeview tuners, interlaced and progressive component video output, multiformat drive (DVD+/-/R/W and DVD+R DL), and a 160GB HDD. There are seven recording modes, basic editing functions, and generally good playback performance – this 5.1 innovator is a tantalising peek of recorders yet to come.
