4Kus DVR-230

Advantages: Cheap, looks good physically, simple to operate, easy to make multi-region
Disadvantages: Rotten support for widescreen TVs, can't add or hide chapters, no 3 hour mode, no firmware updates, no Nicam stereo

...This was my second flirtation with a DVD Recorder for my TV. My previous experience was with an Ellion DVR that is also included in my reviews (it was returned for a refund because the tuner was faulty.) I bought the 4KUS DVR-230 from Asda for £99.97. I thought that I was getting a good deal and was spurred on when I read that some magazine had given it four stars and were recommending it. My aims for the DVD recorder were to watch commercial DVDs and to archive programmes from my Fusion FVT100 (a freeview receiver/hard disk recorder) to DVD, also reviewed here. The DVR-230 is a neat unit. It is quite thin at a touch over 50mm. However, it is a full width device at 430mm and won't fit in many VCR type cabinets. It has an amber display with the basic function buttons on the front. Front connections also include phono audio... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: The excellent Sound Quality and richness of features
Disadvantages: A bit heavy and expensive

...I receved an Archos AV320 with DVR for Christmas04 and what a gift. I wanted an MP3 player but got an MP3/MP4 player and a lot more besides. This little gadget plays MP3/WMA files and MP4 video and with the DVR unit atached you can record from any video source using the cables supplied. You also dont even need a PC to convert your favourite CD's to MP3 format, simply connect the AV320 to and music source with the cables provided and press record. The AV320 has a 20GB hard drive and there is also and AV340 which has a 40 GB hard drive. its basically a small PC with an operating system which can be updated via the Archos web site to further increase the features available. The AV320 beats the Apple IPOD hands down and is a lot more reliable with a lot more features and a better look.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Great quality, lots of useful features
Disadvantages: Takes a lot of time to work out how to use!

...This is a great product, but only if you take the time to work out how to use all the features and link them together. However, my wife who has never had any problems with technology cannot fathom it, and has to ask me to carry out any recording functions. That having been said the playback, recording and sound quality are all very good - especially through HDMI cable. The player has a few tricks up its sleeve in that it can store pictures from a digital camera and has a jukebox to store music from MP3 players. The in-built TV guide is exceptional. You can list your preferences and the guide will then automatically show recommended programmes for viewing and recording. Also films and sport are shown in different colours so are easy to pick out. The remote link function is also handy. It means the DVR can be hidden from view... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful