Philips DVDR80 > Reviews > Loads of features from Philips DVDR80

Author's product rating:   

Picture Playback	Excellent
Sound Level	Good
Ease of Use	Simple
Range of Features	Above Average
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Guideplus programme guide; recording quality; plays MP3s
Disadvantages:	May miss ends of some programmes

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I haven't played a video at home in more than two years - that's how useful the Phillips DVDR-80 DVD recorder is.

Setup went smoothly the second time I tried - the difficulties I experienced the first time round were perhaps because of a poor TV signal in my local area.

The recorder has several modes, from video quality (though I think it's better) to ultra-high professional quality. Most users will find that M6, giving six hours' recording time and better than VHS quality, is more than adequate.

Programming a recording is straightforward, using either the Guideplus electronic programming guide, Videoplus, manual programming or safe record. Be warned, though: safe record defaults to the end of the disc, so you'll need to make sure you've left plenty of space for your recording. Guideplus puts the correct programme name on the recording, but with the other modes, it's easy to go into the disc menu and rename it to something you'll remember.

When the recorder comes on - there's usually a slight delay - the on screen menu shows all the programmes on the disc. It's easy to navigate through these using the remote control.

The monitor button on the remote control lets you switch between the disc and the TV tuner. This is especially useful when recording from an external set top box as it allows you to check that you're recording what you think you are.

The disc manager is a key feature.which stores information about all the recordings as they are made. You can then browse this list by title or by disc. Selecting a recording in this mode brings up a message telling you which disc to insert to play your chosen recording.

The most irritating feature is a tendency to freeze from time to time. If that happens, you'll have to pull the power cable out to reboot, but you shouldn't have to set it up again.

Despite that last gripe, I have no regrets about buying this recorder and would definitely recommend it. However, if I were shopping for one now, I'd go for the model that also includes a hard disk, as most programmes could then be easily watched and discarded.