Easiest to use hard drive digital TV recorders
There’s now a good range of easily usable hard drive digital TV recorders on offer. All those below have the 'digital tick' and almost all had versatile Freeview+ features. In addition to the stand alone hard drive recorders, we have now tested some combined DVD digital TV recorders, but these were found to be less easy to use. For results see DVD digital TV recorders.
Through an aerial
The Humax PVR-9300T/GB, costing £145, was generally intuitive to use with a remote control that was good to handle and a well laid out TV guide that was easy to navigate.
The TVonics DTR-Z500, £150, was also intuitive and straightforward to use. Its remote control was well laid out with good size, well spaced buttons and good contrast labelling. Its on-screen TV guide was versatile and simple to use, but not easy to read because of the TV picture behind and some poor colour contrast.
By a satellite dish
freesat satellite service from BBC and ITV (non-subscription service)
The Humax FOXSAT HDR/GB, costing £240, is versatile and easy to use with a well laid out remote control, though quite long to hold. Another option is the Goodmans GFSDTR320HD, £300. Both have twin tuners with audio description that can show HD TV when connected to an HD Ready TV. They can also pause live TV.
Sky (subscription services)
Thomson Sky HD and Sky+ Thomson 160 are digital satellite hard drive recorders available with Sky subscription services. They have twin tuners and plenty of features, including audio description for visually-impaired people. Sky HD receives high definition channels. Both these Sky recorders were intuitive and easy to use. Check deals and services with BSKYB – see Links - Sky.
