http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/ Ricability Digital TV Recorder Reviews en-uk Copyright 2012 Ricability Sat, 4 Feb 2012 06:37:51 GMT Ease of use score: 83%/ Price: £241 / Verdict: This Freeview TV recorder with twin tuner can receive both standard and high definition TV and has a card reader to access PayTV channels at an additional cost. It has assisted tuning giving regional TV options to choose from when multiple signals are picked up and if connected to a home network can access internet services such as BBC iPlayer. The remote control can be programmed to operate basic TV functions. The TV guide is well presented and displays a small picture of the currently tuned channel. It was easy to install and use. RECOMMENDED. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Humax HDR-FOX T2 Humax HDR-FOX T2 Humax 83% £241 This Freeview TV recorder with twin tuner can receive both standard and high definition TV and has a card reader to access PayTV channels at an additional cost. It has assisted tuning giving regional TV options to choose from when multiple signals are picked up and if connected to a home network can access internet services such as BBC iPlayer. The remote control can be programmed to operate basic TV functions. The TV guide is well presented and displays a small picture of the currently tuned channel. It was easy to install and use. RECOMMENDED. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Humax_HDR_Fox_T2_PLB1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Humax_HDR_Fox_T2_PLB1_Remote.jpg 0.5 watts 22.2 watts Aerial 500GB Yes Yes Yes Yes **** *** **** **** ** 89% Ease of use score: 82%/ Price: £Part of deal - contact supplier / Verdict: A digital TV recorder with twin tuners that receives TV via the Sky satellite subscription service, including high definition channels. It has a well laid out remote control and a full set of controls on the front of the box. The TV guide is easy to use and versatile - it can group channels by type The hard drive is 300GB, but only 160GB is available for personal recordings. The recorder also handles audio description. Power consumption is high, even on standby, and it is slow to reboot if it is switched off. However, you are unable to specify the box model when subscribing to the service. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Sky(plus) HD Thomson Sky+ HD Thomson Sky 82% £Part of deal - contact supplier A digital TV recorder with twin tuners that receives TV via the Sky satellite subscription service, including high definition channels. It has a well laid out remote control and a full set of controls on the front of the box. The TV guide is easy to use and versatile - it can group channels by type The hard drive is 300GB, but only 160GB is available for personal recordings. The recorder also handles audio description. Power consumption is high, even on standby, and it is slow to reboot if it is switched off. However, you are unable to specify the box model when subscribing to the service. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Sky_HD_PGF1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Sky_HD_PGF1_Remote.jpg 18.5 watts 35.5 watts Satellite 300GB (160GB for personal storage space) No - via help button Yes Yes Yes ***** **** **** *** *** 87% Ease of use score: 81%/ Price: £145.99 / Verdict: A large, easy to install and use PVR with plenty of features - like recording a whole series of programmes and a slot that can take a card reader for Pay TV channels - but there's background noise all the time it is on. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Humax PVR-9300T/GB Humax PVR-9300T/GB Humax 81% £145.99 A large, easy to install and use PVR with plenty of features - like recording a whole series of programmes and a slot that can take a card reader for Pay TV channels - but there's background noise all the time it is on. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/PBa1_Humax_PVR9300T.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/PBa1_Humax_PVR9300T_Remote.jpg power saving mode 'on' O.84 watts, 'off' 3.32 watts 17.8 watts Aerial 320GB Yes Yes Yes No **** **** **** **** **** 84% Ease of use score: 81%/ Price: £217 / Verdict: This PVR receives freesat standard and high definition satellite service. It can also record standard and high definition programmes and if connected to a home network can access internet services such as BBC iPlayer. Power consumption was very low if the "eco" mode was selected. Versatile and generally easy to use with a well delineated remote control, intuitive on-screen menu navigation and straightforward recording and playback. TV guide was also intuitive but some long winded processes, like setting and selecting favourites. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Humax FOXSAT - HDR/GB Humax FOXSAT - HDR/GB Humax 81% £217 This PVR receives freesat standard and high definition satellite service. It can also record standard and high definition programmes and if connected to a home network can access internet services such as BBC iPlayer. Power consumption was very low if the "eco" mode was selected. Versatile and generally easy to use with a well delineated remote control, intuitive on-screen menu navigation and straightforward recording and playback. TV guide was also intuitive but some long winded processes, like setting and selecting favourites. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Humax_Foxsat_HDR_Freesat.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Humax_Foxsat_HDR_Freesat_Remote.jpg power saving mode 'on' 0.76 watts, 'off' 5.15 watts Live TV 21.26 watts, HDD play 21.8 watts Satellite 320GB Yes Yes Yes Yes **** **** **** **** **** 90% Ease of use score: 79%/ Price: £150 / Verdict: This is a versatile and easy to set-up and use Freeview digital TV recorder. The remote control is particularly well designed benefitting from a logical layout and good labelling. The TV guide is easy to navigate but can be difficult to read because the TV picture can be seen behind the guide. It has no favourite channels option and no front panel controls. RECOMMENDED. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=TVonics DTR-HV250 TVonics DTR-HV250 Tvonics 79% £150 This is a versatile and easy to set-up and use Freeview digital TV recorder. The remote control is particularly well designed benefitting from a logical layout and good labelling. The TV guide is easy to navigate but can be difficult to read because the TV picture can be seen behind the guide. It has no favourite channels option and no front panel controls. RECOMMENDED. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/TVonics_DTRHV250_PJC1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/TVonics_DTRHV250_PJC1_Remote.jpg 4.99 watts 14.6 watts Aerial 250GB Yes Yes Yes Yes **** **** *** **** N/A 78% Ease of use score: 79%/ Price: £227.89 / Verdict: This is large standard and high definition, twin tuner, Freesat recorder - you will need a satellite dish installed to receive the service. Internet services such as BBC iPlayer can be received via a home network and special software allows the viewer to watch their recorded programmes remotely on their computer. The front panel controls are operated by touch sensitive buttons and confirms you have touched them with a beep. Its easy to install and use benefitting from a clear and well presented TV guide that is intuitive to navigate. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=EchoStar HDS-600RS EchoStar HDS-600RS EchoStar 79% £227.89 This is large standard and high definition, twin tuner, Freesat recorder - you will need a satellite dish installed to receive the service. Internet services such as BBC iPlayer can be received via a home network and special software allows the viewer to watch their recorded programmes remotely on their computer. The front panel controls are operated by touch sensitive buttons and confirms you have touched them with a beep. Its easy to install and use benefitting from a clear and well presented TV guide that is intuitive to navigate. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/EchoStar_HDS_600RS_PQA1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/EchoStar_HDS_600RS_PQA1_Remote.jpg 14.5 watts 25.4 watts Satellite 500GB Yes Yes Yes Yes **** *** **** **** *** 76% Ease of use score: 77%/ Price: £160 / Verdict: This is a standard and high definition hard drive digital TV recorder with a twin Freesat HD tuner - you will need a satellite dish installed to receive the service. It can be connected to your home network and has Internet access for BBC iPlayer and other web based applications. The TV guide is nicely presented making navigation and recordings easy, but the on screen menus are a little trickier. Key remote control buttons are positioned at the top and bottom of the remote so using one hand can be a bit of a stretch. Generally easy to use. RECOMMENDED. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Bush BU11FSRHD32 Bush BU11FSRHD32 Bush 77% £160 This is a standard and high definition hard drive digital TV recorder with a twin Freesat HD tuner - you will need a satellite dish installed to receive the service. It can be connected to your home network and has Internet access for BBC iPlayer and other web based applications. The TV guide is nicely presented making navigation and recordings easy, but the on screen menus are a little trickier. Key remote control buttons are positioned at the top and bottom of the remote so using one hand can be a bit of a stretch. Generally easy to use. RECOMMENDED. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Bush_Freesat_HD_320GB.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Bush_Freesat_HD_320GB_Remote.jpg 0.38 watts 13.4 watts Satelitte 320GB Yes Yes Yes Yes *** ** **** **** *** 70% Ease of use score: 75%/ Price: £169.99 / Verdict: A twin tuner digital TV recorder with Freeview+ features. Designed for receiving Freesat channels so will need to be connected to a satellite dish and can receive HD channels when connected to an HD Ready TV via an HDMI lead. It has a digital audio output so can be connected to a surround sound system and an Internet connection for future Internet TV applications. It can handle audio description broadcasts but it is not able to record them. It has favourite channels feature but they cannot be displayed in their own TV Guide. It has full front panel controls, was considered easy to install and to use, but was quite noisy. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Goodmans GFSDTR320HD Goodmans GFSDTR320HD Goodmans 75% £169.99 A twin tuner digital TV recorder with Freeview+ features. Designed for receiving Freesat channels so will need to be connected to a satellite dish and can receive HD channels when connected to an HD Ready TV via an HDMI lead. It has a digital audio output so can be connected to a surround sound system and an Internet connection for future Internet TV applications. It can handle audio description broadcasts but it is not able to record them. It has favourite channels feature but they cannot be displayed in their own TV Guide. It has full front panel controls, was considered easy to install and to use, but was quite noisy. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Goodmans_GFSDTR320HD.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Goodmans_GFSDTR320HD_Remote.jpg 1 watts 19.1 watts Satellite 320GB Yes Yes Yes Yes **** *** **** **** **** 66% Ease of use score: 74%/ Price: £Part of deal - contact supplier / Verdict: This is a complex product that is made simple to use by a well laid-out remote control with intuitive on-screen menu and TV Guide. High power consumption. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Sky(plus) Thomson 160 Sky+ Thomson 160 Sky 74% £Part of deal - contact supplier This is a complex product that is made simple to use by a well laid-out remote control with intuitive on-screen menu and TV Guide. High power consumption. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/sky-thomson-160.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/sky-thomson-160_Remote.jpg 12.3 watts 24 watts Satellite 160GB - around 80 hours Yes Yes Yes Yes ***** **** **** **** *** 61% Ease of use score: 69%/ Price: £199.99 / Verdict: This is standard and high definition, twin tuner, Freesat, hard drive recorder - you will need a satellite dish installed to receive the service. It can be connected to your home network and has Internet access for BBC iPlayer and other web based applications. The front panel controls are operated by touch sensitive buttons but there is no audible feedback to let you know when you have pressed one. The TV guide is well presented, easy to navigate and shows a small picture of the currently tuned channel but some of the text is rather small. It was considered easy to install and quite easy to use. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Samsung SMT-S7800 Samsung SMT-S7800 Samsung 69% £199.99 This is standard and high definition, twin tuner, Freesat, hard drive recorder - you will need a satellite dish installed to receive the service. It can be connected to your home network and has Internet access for BBC iPlayer and other web based applications. The front panel controls are operated by touch sensitive buttons but there is no audible feedback to let you know when you have pressed one. The TV guide is well presented, easy to navigate and shows a small picture of the currently tuned channel but some of the text is rather small. It was considered easy to install and quite easy to use. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Samsung_SMT_S7800_PQB1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Samsung_SMT_S7800_PQB1_Remote.jpg 0.81 watts 20.8 watts Satellite 500GB Yes Yes Yes - via main menu Yes **** *** *** **** *** 84% Ease of use score: 67%/ Price: £169.99 / Verdict: A Freeview+ recorder with series recording, conflict resolution and a viewing card slot for pay TV and TopUpTV service, but let down by some niggles. Slow to retune, annoying pop up programme information in the TV guide, on screen menus lacked prompts and no favourite channel groups. The remote control was well laid out and labelled, but was quite bulky to hold and had some slippery buttons. Standby power consumption was high. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Sharp TU-TV322H Sharp TU-TV322H Sharp 67% £169.99 A Freeview+ recorder with series recording, conflict resolution and a viewing card slot for pay TV and TopUpTV service, but let down by some niggles. Slow to retune, annoying pop up programme information in the TV guide, on screen menus lacked prompts and no favourite channel groups. The remote control was well laid out and labelled, but was quite bulky to hold and had some slippery buttons. Standby power consumption was high. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Sharp_TU_TV322H.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Sharp_TU_TV322H_Remote.jpg 15.3 watts 15.96 watts Aerial 320GB Yes Yes Yes No *** *** ** *** *** 82% Ease of use score: 66%/ Price: £199.99 / Verdict: This is a standard and high definition Freeview digital TV recorder that benefits from a very large hard drive, it can store up to 500 hours. It has assisted tuning giving regional TV options to choose from when multiple signals are picked up. The remote control can be programmed to control the TV as well (major brands only), but it is very long so shuffling up and down the remote to find the buttons is unavoidable. Generally it has some nice features and is OK to use. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Icecrypt T2400 HDPVR Icecrypt T2400 HDPVR Icecrypt 66% £199.99 This is a standard and high definition Freeview digital TV recorder that benefits from a very large hard drive, it can store up to 500 hours. It has assisted tuning giving regional TV options to choose from when multiple signals are picked up. The remote control can be programmed to control the TV as well (major brands only), but it is very long so shuffling up and down the remote to find the buttons is unavoidable. Generally it has some nice features and is OK to use. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Icecrypt_T2400_PPD1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Icecrypt_T2400_PPD1_Remote.jpg 0.33 watts 19.7 watts Aerial 1TB Yes Yes Yes Yes *** ** *** **** ** 78% Ease of use score: 65%/ Price: £200 / Verdict: This Freeview TV recorder can receive both standard and high definition TV. It can also receive internet services such as BBC iPlayer if connected to a home network. It was easy to install and has assisted tuning, giving regional TV options when multiple signals are picked up. Overall ease of use was considered satisfactory and the remote control can be programmed to operate other TV devices. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=TVonics DTR-Z500HD TVonics DTR-Z500HD TVonics 65% £200 This Freeview TV recorder can receive both standard and high definition TV. It can also receive internet services such as BBC iPlayer if connected to a home network. It was easy to install and has assisted tuning, giving regional TV options when multiple signals are picked up. Overall ease of use was considered satisfactory and the remote control can be programmed to operate other TV devices. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/TvOnics DTR-Z500HD PSC1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/TvOnics DTR-Z500HD PSC1 controller.jpg 0.39 watts 11.7 watts Aerial 50 GB Yes Yes Yes Yes **** *** *** **** N/A 76.5217391304348% Ease of use score: 65%/ Price: £Part of deal - contact supplier / Verdict: This box is designed to receive and record Virgin digital cable channels and has a video on demand service. The large remote control was simply laid out with good tactile feedback from the buttons. The TV guide was also simple to use, but it was not always obvious when a programme started or finished. Lots of menus with basic functions buried in them. Setting subtitles and audio description was via a menu only. Recording was straightforward but power consumption was high. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Cisco V Box HD Cisco V Box HD Virgin Media 65% £Part of deal - contact supplier This box is designed to receive and record Virgin digital cable channels and has a video on demand service. The large remote control was simply laid out with good tactile feedback from the buttons. The TV guide was also simple to use, but it was not always obvious when a programme started or finished. Lots of menus with basic functions buried in them. Setting subtitles and audio description was via a menu only. Recording was straightforward but power consumption was high. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/virgin_media_v.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/virgin_media_v_Remote.jpg 22.21 watts 27.47 watts Cable Not stated No Yes Yes Yes ***** *** *** **** **** 76% Ease of use score: 64%/ Price: £410 / Verdict: This Freeview TV recorder can receive both standard and high definition TV and has a DVD and 3D compatible Blu-ray player built in. It is not designed to record onto DVD or Blu-ray discs however. If connected to a home network it can access some internet services, but not BBC iPlayer. It has a versatile and easy to use TV guide. It was easy to install and most features were easy to use, although some menu options were quite complicated. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Panasonic DMR-PWT500EB Panasonic DMR-PWT500EB Panasonic 64% £410 This Freeview TV recorder can receive both standard and high definition TV and has a DVD and 3D compatible Blu-ray player built in. It is not designed to record onto DVD or Blu-ray discs however. If connected to a home network it can access some internet services, but not BBC iPlayer. It has a versatile and easy to use TV guide. It was easy to install and most features were easy to use, although some menu options were quite complicated. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Panasonic DMR-PWT500 DSA1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Panasonic DMR-PWT500 DSA1 controller.jpg Power save 'on' - 0.49 Watts, Power Save 'off' (as delivered) - 3.76 watts 11.6 watts Aerial 320GB Yes Yes Yes Yes **** *** **** *** *** 72% Ease of use score: 64%/ Price: £250 / Verdict: This Freeview TV recorder can receive both standard and high definition TV, however unlike most it CANNOT record two programmes at the same time. There is also no dedicated button on the remote to access recordings - you have to go via the menu. If connected to a home network the recorder can access internet services such as BBC iPlayer. It has full, touch sensitive front panel controls and was considered easy to install. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Samsung BD-DT7800/XU Samsung BD-DT7800/XU Samsung 64% £250 This Freeview TV recorder can receive both standard and high definition TV, however unlike most it CANNOT record two programmes at the same time. There is also no dedicated button on the remote to access recordings - you have to go via the menu. If connected to a home network the recorder can access internet services such as BBC iPlayer. It has full, touch sensitive front panel controls and was considered easy to install. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Samsung BD-DT7800M PSB1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Samsung BD-DT7800M PSB1 controller.jpg Energy save 'on' - 0.65 Watts, Power Save 'off' (as delivered) - 1.71 watts 17.1 watts Aerial 500 GB Yes Yes Yes Yes **** *** ** **** *** 72.1739130434783% Ease of use score: 64%/ Price: £184 / Verdict: This is a standard and high definition twin tuner Freeview hard disc recorder. It is easy to install and comes with assisted tuning giving regional TV options to choose from when multiple signals are picked up. There are no front panel controls on the box. The remote control is quite large but is still well laid out and clearly labelled. It was considered easy to install and general quite easy to use. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Sony SVR-HDT500 Sony SVR-HDT500 Sony 64% £184 This is a standard and high definition twin tuner Freeview hard disc recorder. It is easy to install and comes with assisted tuning giving regional TV options to choose from when multiple signals are picked up. There are no front panel controls on the box. The remote control is quite large but is still well laid out and clearly labelled. It was considered easy to install and general quite easy to use. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Sony_SVR_HDT500B_PQC1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Sony_SVR_HDT500B_PQC1_Remote.jpg 13.1 watts 17.6 watts Aerial 500GB Yes Yes Yes - via main menu Yes **** *** *** *** N/A 73% Ease of use score: 64%/ Price: £Part of deal - contact supplier / Verdict: This PVR incorporates twin Aerial tuners plus a broadband connection for additional video services. Straightforward to use but let down by a poorly laid out remote control that meant a lot of shuffling and concave central navigating keys that were difficult to press. TV guide changed since assessment but now supports subtitles. Standby power consumption was high and it lacks teletext. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=TalkTalk TalkTalk TalkTalk 64% £Part of deal - contact supplier This PVR incorporates twin Aerial tuners plus a broadband connection for additional video services. Straightforward to use but let down by a poorly laid out remote control that meant a lot of shuffling and concave central navigating keys that were difficult to press. TV guide changed since assessment but now supports subtitles. Standby power consumption was high and it lacks teletext. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Tiscali_pvr_stb.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Tiscali_pvr_stb_Remote.jpg PVR in standby/router 'on' 19.69, 'off' 11.89 watts PVR + router 27.27 watts Telephone-based 160GB but up to half reserved for Tiscali Yes Yes Yes No **** ** Changed since assessment **** *** 71% Ease of use score: 64%/ Price: £399.99 / Verdict: This is a Freeview hard drive and DVD/Blu-ray recorder with twin HD tuners. You cannot record directly onto DVD or Blu-ray from Freeview but can copy Freeview recordings from the hard drive to DVD or Blu-ray although not at high speed. It also has a network connection that gives access to selected Internet services. The remote control is well designed and can be programmed to operate a TV. The recorder is particularly easy to setup and install and generally easy to use. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Panasonic DMR-BW780EBK Panasonic DMR-BW780EBK Panasonic 64% £399.99 This is a Freeview hard drive and DVD/Blu-ray recorder with twin HD tuners. You cannot record directly onto DVD or Blu-ray from Freeview but can copy Freeview recordings from the hard drive to DVD or Blu-ray although not at high speed. It also has a network connection that gives access to selected Internet services. The remote control is well designed and can be programmed to operate a TV. The recorder is particularly easy to setup and install and generally easy to use. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Panasonic_DMRBW780_DLA1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Panasonic_DMRBW780_DLA1_Remote.jpg 0.45 watts 19 watts Aerial 250GB Yes Yes Yes Yes **** *** **** *** *** 69% Ease of use score: 63%/ Price: £269 / Verdict: This Freeview TV recorder can receive both standard and high definition TV. If connected to a home network it can access some internet services, but unusually not BBC iPlayer. It has assisted tuning, giving regional TV options when multiple signals are picked up. The TV guide was well presented and overall ease of use satisfactory. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Panasonic DMR-HW100EBK Panasonic DMR-HW100EBK Panasonic 63% £269 This Freeview TV recorder can receive both standard and high definition TV. If connected to a home network it can access some internet services, but unusually not BBC iPlayer. It has assisted tuning, giving regional TV options when multiple signals are picked up. The TV guide was well presented and overall ease of use satisfactory. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Panasonic DMR-HW100 PSA1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Panasonic DMR-HW100 PSA1 controller.jpg Power save 'on' - 0.46 Watts, Power Save 'off' (as delivered) - 3.64 watts 9.6 watts Aerial 320GB Yes Yes Yes Yes *** *** **** *** *** 69.5652173913043% Ease of use score: 63%/ Price: £Part of deal - contact supplier / Verdict: This is a Feeview hard drive TV recorder with twin tuners avaiable for the BT Vision service. It receives Freeview via an aerial and accesses BBC iPlayer via a BT broadband connection, this provides a range of programmes 'On demand'. Recording capacity is smaller than most at 160GB, approximately 80 hours. It is generally straightforward to use, particularly benefitting from a simple TV guide that provides information up to 14 days ahead. Priority of on screen menus are given to the 'On demand' features, this makes finding basic features much more difficult. But subtitles do not stay on when changing the channel. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=BT Vision(plus) BT Vision+ BT 63% £Part of deal - contact supplier This is a Feeview hard drive TV recorder with twin tuners avaiable for the BT Vision service. It receives Freeview via an aerial and accesses BBC iPlayer via a BT broadband connection, this provides a range of programmes 'On demand'. Recording capacity is smaller than most at 160GB, approximately 80 hours. It is generally straightforward to use, particularly benefitting from a simple TV guide that provides information up to 14 days ahead. Priority of on screen menus are given to the 'On demand' features, this makes finding basic features much more difficult. But subtitles do not stay on when changing the channel. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/BT_Vision_PJA1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/BT_Vision_PJA1_Remote.jpg 0.8 watts 16.9 watts Hybrid Aerial / Telephone Broadband 160GB No - via shortcuts button Yes No Yes *** *** *** *** *** 69% Ease of use score: 63%/ Price: £234.99 / Verdict: This is a Freeview hard drive digital TV recorder with a twin tuner capable of receiving standard and high definition TV. It can also act like a hub by connecting other TV equipment to the box and connecting the box to your TV with a single HDMI lead - a neat solution if you don't like lots of trailing wires. It has assisted tuning giving regional TV options to choose from when multiple signals are picked up. It was easy to install and to record with but let down by a poor remote control and a slow response to changing channels. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=TVonics DTR-HD500 TVonics DTR-HD500 Tvonics 63% £234.99 This is a Freeview hard drive digital TV recorder with a twin tuner capable of receiving standard and high definition TV. It can also act like a hub by connecting other TV equipment to the box and connecting the box to your TV with a single HDMI lead - a neat solution if you don't like lots of trailing wires. It has assisted tuning giving regional TV options to choose from when multiple signals are picked up. It was easy to install and to record with but let down by a poor remote control and a slow response to changing channels. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Tvonics_DTR-HD500.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Tvonics_DTR-HD500_Remote.jpg 0.54 watts 12.8 watts Aerial 500GB Yes Yes Yes Yes **** *** *** **** N/A 68% Ease of use score: 62%/ Price: £Part of deal - contact supplier / Verdict: This is a standard and high definition, triple tuner hard disc recorder for the Virgin Media cable subscription service. It also provides access to internet services such as BBC iPlayer. You will need to contact Virgin to check if your area is covered. It is installed by a Virgin Engineer and the on screen help is also useful if you do get stuck. A major feature is the "TIVO" software, this allows you to give good or bad ratings to TV programmes, it then intelligently records programmes it predicts you would like. The recorder was generally easy to use but when using the remote control some operations were quite slow to respond. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Virgin Media Tivo Virgin Media Tivo Virgin Media 62% £Part of deal - contact supplier This is a standard and high definition, triple tuner hard disc recorder for the Virgin Media cable subscription service. It also provides access to internet services such as BBC iPlayer. You will need to contact Virgin to check if your area is covered. It is installed by a Virgin Engineer and the on screen help is also useful if you do get stuck. A major feature is the "TIVO" software, this allows you to give good or bad ratings to TV programmes, it then intelligently records programmes it predicts you would like. The recorder was generally easy to use but when using the remote control some operations were quite slow to respond. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Virgin_Media_Tivo_PQD1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Virgin_Media_Tivo_PQD1_Remote.jpg 18.2 watts 19.2 watts Cable 1000GB Yes Yes Yes Yes **** *** **** **** ** 66% Ease of use score: 61%/ Price: £183 / Verdict: This is a Freeview hard drive digital TV recorder with a twin tuner capable of receiving standard and high definition TV. It has assisted tuning giving regional TV options to choose from when multiple signals are picked up. It features two HDMI input sockets that can allow connected equipment to be switched using the remote control. The remote control can control the TV, (major brands only) but the ease of use is let down by small buttons and labelling. It was considered easy to install and OK to use. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Toshiba HDR5010KB Toshiba HDR5010KB Toshiba 61% £183 This is a Freeview hard drive digital TV recorder with a twin tuner capable of receiving standard and high definition TV. It has assisted tuning giving regional TV options to choose from when multiple signals are picked up. It features two HDMI input sockets that can allow connected equipment to be switched using the remote control. The remote control can control the TV, (major brands only) but the ease of use is let down by small buttons and labelling. It was considered easy to install and OK to use. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Toshiba_HDR5010_PPE1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Toshiba_HDR5010_PPE1_Remote.jpg 0.77 watts 12.6 watts Aerial 500GB Yes Yes Yes Yes **** *** *** **** *** 63% Ease of use score: 61%/ Price: £Part of deal - contact supplier / Verdict: Started life as the Telewest TV Drive. Cable PVR and portal to lots of features, but this makes menu structure complex, and does not record radio. Does provide audio description. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Virgin Media V(plus) Virgin Media V+ Virgin 61% £Part of deal - contact supplier Started life as the Telewest TV Drive. Cable PVR and portal to lots of features, but this makes menu structure complex, and does not record radio. Does provide audio description. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/virgin_media_v.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/virgin_media_v_remote.jpg Not tested Not tested Cable 160GB - 80 hours No Yes Yes Yes **** *** *** *** **** 64% Ease of use score: 59%/ Price: £170 / Verdict: Fairly straightforward to use for a DVD digital TV recorder with hard drive. Easy to install but its instructions manual lacked detail. Button access to favourites but difficult to set them. TV guide readability hindered by show-through from the programme below. Single tuner so you'll need other digital TV kit to record one digital programme while watching another. Has series link, accurate recording times and 'pause live TV'. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=LG RHT498H LG RHT498H LG 59% £170 Fairly straightforward to use for a DVD digital TV recorder with hard drive. Easy to install but its instructions manual lacked detail. Button access to favourites but difficult to set them. TV guide readability hindered by show-through from the programme below. Single tuner so you'll need other digital TV kit to record one digital programme while watching another. Has series link, accurate recording times and 'pause live TV'. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/LG_RHT498_DFA1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/LG_RHT498_DFA1_Remote.jpg 2.7 watts 21.5 watts Aerial 250GB Yes Yes Yes No **** *** *** *** *** 57% Ease of use score: 59%/ Price: £227.99 / Verdict: This is a Freeview hard drive and DVD/Blu-ray recorder with a single HD tuner. It has an internet connection for access to selected internet services, a card reader slot for access to Pay TV services but does not have Freeview+ recording features. The TV guide is well presented with a small picture of the currently tuned channel continually displayed. The remote control is well designed and can be programmed to operate a TV. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Samsung BD-C8200M Samsung BD-C8200M Samsung 59% £227.99 This is a Freeview hard drive and DVD/Blu-ray recorder with a single HD tuner. It has an internet connection for access to selected internet services, a card reader slot for access to Pay TV services but does not have Freeview+ recording features. The TV guide is well presented with a small picture of the currently tuned channel continually displayed. The remote control is well designed and can be programmed to operate a TV. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Samsung_BDCB8200M_DLB1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Samsung_BDCB8200M_DLB1_Remote.jpg 1.51 watts 23.1 watts Aerial 250GB No Yes Yes Yes *** *** **** *** *** 57% Ease of use score: 58%/ Price: £269 / Verdict: Fairly straightforward to use for a DVD digital TV recorder with hard drive. Easy to install but daunting instructions manual. Well laid out and labelled remote control and recording easily learnt. TV guide squashed by Guide Plus+ advertising. Single tuner so you'll need other digital TV kit to record one digital programme while watching another. Has series link, accurate recording times, 'pause live TV' and handles audio description. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Panasonic DMR-EX79EB-K Panasonic DMR-EX79EB-K Panasonic 58% £269 Fairly straightforward to use for a DVD digital TV recorder with hard drive. Easy to install but daunting instructions manual. Well laid out and labelled remote control and recording easily learnt. TV guide squashed by Guide Plus+ advertising. Single tuner so you'll need other digital TV kit to record one digital programme while watching another. Has series link, accurate recording times, 'pause live TV' and handles audio description. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Panasonic_DMREX79_DFB1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Panasonic_DMREX79_DFB1_Remote.jpg 12.1 watts 19.2 watts Aerial 250GB Yes Yes Yes Yes **** *** *** *** *** 53% Ease of use score: 55%/ Price: £164.99 / Verdict: Fairly straightforward to use for a DVD digital TV recorder with hard drive. Easy to install but daunting instructions manual. Button access to favourites but difficult to set them. Long remote control with some small squashed buttons and labelling. Well laid out TV guide though slow to refresh screens. Single tuner so you'll need other digital TV kit to record one digital programme while watching another. Has series link, 'pause live TV' but accurate recording times did not work on ours. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Samsung DVD-SH897M XEU Samsung DVD-SH897M XEU Samsung 55% £164.99 Fairly straightforward to use for a DVD digital TV recorder with hard drive. Easy to install but daunting instructions manual. Button access to favourites but difficult to set them. Long remote control with some small squashed buttons and labelling. Well laid out TV guide though slow to refresh screens. Single tuner so you'll need other digital TV kit to record one digital programme while watching another. Has series link, 'pause live TV' but accurate recording times did not work on ours. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Samsung_DVDSH897M_DFC1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Samsung_DVDSH897M_DFC1_Remote.jpg 1.6 watts 19.5 watts Aerial 320GB Yes Yes Yes No **** *** *** *** *** 44% Ease of use score: 52%/ Price: £199 / Verdict: This Freeview TV recorder with twin tuner can receive both standard and high definition TV and has a card reader to access PayTV channels. It has assisted tuning giving regional TV options to choose from when multiple signals are picked up. This box can record audio description and be switched on or off when played back. The recorder was generally quite complicated and had a poor remote control. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=Digital Stream DHR8205U Digital Stream DHR8205U Digital Stream 52% £199 This Freeview TV recorder with twin tuner can receive both standard and high definition TV and has a card reader to access PayTV channels. It has assisted tuning giving regional TV options to choose from when multiple signals are picked up. This box can record audio description and be switched on or off when played back. The recorder was generally quite complicated and had a poor remote control. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Digital_Stream_DHR8205_PLA1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/Digital_Stream_DHR8205_PLA1_Remote.jpg 0.46 watts 22.6 watts Aerial 500GB Yes Yes Yes Yes **** ** *** ** *** 76% Ease of use score: 41%/ Price: £199 / Verdict: A Freeview hard drive TV recorder and DVD/Blu-ray player with single tuner. This means you are unable to record and view different stations at the same time. Recording capacity is smaller than most (80 hours), and you cannot record to DVD. It has a network connection allowing access to some internet features such as YouTube. But the recorder is not easy to use and is particularly let down by a daunting instruction manual and a poorly laid out remote control with spongy buttons. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/digital_tvs/index.asp?Product=LG HR400 LG HR400 LG 41% £199 A Freeview hard drive TV recorder and DVD/Blu-ray player with single tuner. This means you are unable to record and view different stations at the same time. Recording capacity is smaller than most (80 hours), and you cannot record to DVD. It has a network connection allowing access to some internet features such as YouTube. But the recorder is not easy to use and is particularly let down by a daunting instruction manual and a poorly laid out remote control with spongy buttons. http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/LG_HR400_DJA1.jpg http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/assets/images/reports/pvr_resized/LG_HR400_DJA1_Remote.jpg 2.18 watts 28.5 watts Aerial 160GB Yes Yes Yes No *** ** ** *** ** 44%