Bush DVR3003

Author's product rating:   

Picture Playback	Good
Sound Level	Satisfactory
Ease of Use	Simple
Range of Features	Limited
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Value for money, easy to use, timers, reads all dvd's
Disadvantages:	not video  + , not time slip long loading times

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

When looking for a DVD recorder there is a massive amount of choice, from cram packed features to simple and easy to use. When looking for a DVD recorder I was filled to the brim with advice and information about different 'extras' and specifications which can very a little confusing at times.

In terms of the bush I really feel that this is a good value if not a little less packed with features. But being cheaper in cost no way affected the looks of the unit; its simple, sleek clear design is pleasing on the eye under my 42" plasma.

If you are not familiar with DVD recorders and find it difficult to use them I would recommend this I find it very easy to use, being very similar to the good old days of a video casset recorder 'press to record straight away'. Setting the timer up can be a little confusing at first but if you follow the easy guide in the instructions and the on screen instructions then you should get there!!

When originally setting up the DVD recorder you once again follow the instructions on screen and have the instruction manual on hand!! It asks you to set the normal date and time and then goes into scanning for channels (so sets up the hard bit for you! This was a bonus!!)

In terms of 'plugging' everything in this is pretty simple and once again the manual is on hand with a simple diagram to use! I have managed to set it up so I have my free view running into it from the scart lead which in my opinion is VERY helpful giving you more choice in channels the only problem when recording from free view is it stops you from watching freeview (except the channel you are recording)

When looking at its features it has a timer basically meaning that you can program this machine to record at a certain time on a set date.
It however does not have of the exciting features that the modern DVD recorders have such as 'time slip function' which means that you can record and start watching the program you are recording whilst it still records which would be very helpful to have!
This machine allows you to edit and erase your disks at a click of a button, from renaming titles to putting in chapters.

When recording on this machine it allows different recording modes, from high quality which will record in the best quality it can (making it look good) and I found it was pretty hard to work out if it was the original source or the recording!! The problem with this recording mode is that you use more of the disk up (so you cant record for as long), and then at the bottom of the scale there is extended long play this means that the quality is decreased but the length of recording is increased, all In all there is 5 choices given to you.

The problem I found when loading on this machine is that is does take a while to load up disks compared to many other DVD players which has caused trouble in the past when trying to quickly record something or changing a disk over.

IN CONCLUSION:

A very nice simple DVD recorder for entry level, not packed with all the modern features that a lot of the recorders offer. It is however a simple design and lets face it the recordings do look good and it is a big step up from a video recorder but compared to anything I have used before it takes a long time loading which is frustrating. Overall if you are looking for a cheap entry DVD recorder then I would recommend this to you it is very good value for the money and a brand I trust compared to some of the random brands out there.