Echostar DSB 890 2CI

Advantages: Record to hard drive, DVD drive, watch and record at the same time.
Disadvantages: I needed to read the instruction manual!

...Last weekend our old video-recorder started chewing tapes, so it was about time that we upgraded. We already had a DVD recorder, but had been using it in tandem with our video recorder through an aerial booster that split the signal between the two machines without loss of quality. When it comes to such gadgets, being the sort of person that likes to see what I am buying, I went off to Comet's to see what was available. Being a Sony lover I was impressed by the RDR-HXD-890, one of the latest hard disk drive/DVD recorders from Sony's Range. It seems that black is back in vogue which I have always preferred; when I bought the last recorder, all I could get was silver, but there is a choice of black or silver with the RDR-HXD-890. When I got the machine home, I discovered that there were so many options on this machine that I had to... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: It is good value for your money
Disadvantages: It some times cuts out and the channels are messed up

...I bought this Echostar box about 3 months ago, It looked like a decent freeview box, The box is grey with a black front display, and is about 30cm in width. But what the hell they all do the same thing! It comes complete with the freeviewbox, Scart lead, figure of 8 lead(power lead) and your remote control and manual to get you started. First off I skimmed throught the manual as it was very understanding and looked simple enough. I plugged in the power lead from the box to plug socket, then connected my scart lead and aerial to the back of it, this is simple as it has little diagrams to show you where to plug everything into (and tells you in manual). I got the startup screen for the product, Then it will start to automatically scan for channels in your area. Scanning will take approx 5 minutes depending on your aerial and where it is... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: cheap, very easy to use, good tuner
Disadvantages: very slow, ugly user interface, picture blacks out occasionally

...also provided to directly access the subtitles on/off menu. However the remote control lacks the volume buttons I've seen on other receivers' remote controls, so that's something of a minus in my book, as you will need the tv remote control at hand for that. Onto the actual user experience then.. The Echostar began with its automatic setup screen on first use, which tells you to ensure the aerial is plugged in and to press "ok" (I'm just using an indoor aerial). Scanning takes several minutes and feels somewhat slower than other boxes I've used. You might think that's not really a problem as it's not something one does often but in the last month new channels and radio stations have been added to freeview (and more to come I believe) which necessitates rescanning, plus as you will read, slowness does unfortunately appear to be... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful