I purchased one of these recorders from my local sony centre a few months ago and I have not been dissapointed, well not by much.
The device is relatively simple to use in its basic functions, allthough I have yet to try the more compex features. Its 160GB capacity hard drive is ample for storage as there are various levels of recording compression you can use - I have several full length movies and multiple TV shows recorded at the standard setting and I'm only at around 30-40% capacity. The built in Free-view decoder eliminates the need for a separate box and multiple scart cables.
The recorder supports several mainstream disc formats, although I have been unsuccesful in playing discs recorded on PC's - possibly due to file formats rather than disc types. All of the main surround sound types are supported such as Dolby Digital and DTS.
Additionally HD TV is also supported via jacks to the rear of the device, more modern versions have a single connector, but I don't envisage this as a problem.
Pictue and sound quality are excellent, the only drawbacks being that the volume setting needs to be rather high in comparison to just using your TV. The remote can be encoded to operate a whole variety of TV's from varying manufacturers, thus eliminating the need for multiple remotes.
My only real gripe is that once you choose to record a program you are locked out of switching channels - this is due to the fact that the built -in Freeview decoder essentially operates using a single signal, which once told to record will not switch channels until recording is finished.
Overall though a worthwhile buy if you can't stretch to the top of the line models.
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Advantages: Massive 160gb Hardrive, records to DVD, Has Integrated Freeview, * Day EPG Disadvantages: Would have been better with Twin Tuner, EPG is not PDC
Tony1512 04.06.2006 ·
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