Page 1 of Need advice on DVD-recorders (again, sorry)

I could do with some advice on choosing a dvd recorder as an Xmas pressie for the parents. My mum`s a die hard technophobe and only manages the VHS by using Videoplus.

Sorry for the gormeless questions, I`ve never made the leap from my S-VHS and seperate dvd player, as I don`t have the time to watch anything I record since the birth of my daughter.

Are they easy to set to record? Is it an on screen menu type system? I haven`t got my mum to master setting up files on the PC, so there`s no hope if you have to manage files on the dvds.
What would be the best choice for a couple who just record a couple of programmes a week and never archive?

I could also do with some actual reccomendations, preferably inexpensive...not because we`re cheap, but my parents are kind of proud about this type of thing and get embarrassed by expensive gifts.

Would really appreciate any advice

Many thanks
Karen

Hi Karen
I recently bought a Philips DVDR80 recorder with built in Guideplus. It basically hasa built in tv guide (Guideplus) which employs a tiny transmitter to change your tv/sat decoder/freeview box to whichever programme is set to record from the tv guide menu. I have been using it for a couple of months now and it has never let me down. It shouldn`t cost more than £150 max as it has been out for a while. Also, look out for other Philips DVD recorders with Guideplus-some of their newer models incorporate it too.

I use Videoplus on my Panasonic DMR-EH50 and it`s just as easy as it was on my VCR.

Other functionality is good easy to use, becuae if it says "Press the enter button" it shows a picture of part of the remote control with the "enter" button highlighted :)

Al

www.admars.co.uk

If they never archive then how about a PVR with EPG.

From the Humax spec. :

"... The Humax PVR8000T-80GB features a 80GB hard disk and a Freeview tuner to make the ultimate VHS video recorder replacement. Utilising the hard disk you can pause live television, instantly replay events or use the 7 day Electronic Programme Guide* to preset recordings in a flash. ....

Tuner system: Freeview Digital Terrestrial tuner built-in, auto channel find, store
Hard disk: 80GB (approximately 40 hours record time) built in ............

Pause live television, mutli-speed RW/FF/slow motion, instant reply "rewinds" and plays back from the start of the last recording at a single button push, find a channel via number or favourites list or via alphabetical name search
Timer/VideoPlus: Set via EPG, manually, set daily timer or one off EPG & Text: 7 day compatible, set timer via EPG menu - very simple, digital Teletext (MHEG)
Setup: Auto tuner preset, auto clock set
Remote control: Yes
*7 day EPG requires broadcaster to make 7 day EPG schedule available ......."

Sounds like an easy unit to use.

For a technophobe a PVR is a much better idea.
No tapes-no discs no nothing.Just click on the EPG entry and thats it.
If they don`t archive anything,they don`t need a dvd recorder.
But I would go for the Fusion or Thomson models,which can record 2 things at once while you watch an earlier recording,and the Fusion has a 14 day guide

Thanks very much for the advice, I had been thinking of a PVR, had my eye on the Aldi one on special this week, twin tuner for £99...but rumour is it`s not great quality.

The Humax looks really good, but is too pricey.

Will have a look at the Panny and Philips recorders....one thing I don`t understand about DVD recorders - if you are using a re-writable disk, how do you find spare space on it? Does the recorder list what`s on the disk and you choose what to overwrite etc?

Will also check out the Fusion and Thomson PVRs.

thanks again.

OK, I`ve had a look, thinking of a Thomson DHD4000 - any comments?

This item was edited on Sunday, 18th December 2005, 22:37

Bit puzzled that you think the Humax is pricey ?
A search on `The Price Guide` yeilds the following :

Thomson DHD 4000 @ ........£199.99 from :
http://www.electricshop.com/invt/4068tho109709a

Humax PVR8000T80 @ .......£122.99 from
http://www.247electrical.co.uk/epages/twentyfourseven.storefront/EN/Product/HUMPVR8000T80?STS=247&source=PriceGuide

I have no idea which is considered to be the better machine for reliability though.

We got a Philips DVDR610 last year and after getting all the little patches and fixes for it (thanks to this site) its great. Although they seem to have a knack for these things our 12 year odl daughter learnt how to use ours by herself.

They really come into there own when it comes to finding out how long you got left on disks etc.

Ours has a browser menu which will show you what channel was nrecorded when and for how long (you can change this to put the actual title) but it also shows you what space you have. You can split recordings so if you record 2 x 1 hour programmes and watch one of them, you can split the recording and delete wwhat you have watched thus creating space.

Mike J

Gizmo - Thomson dhd400, £126.99 at QED (it`s a shame that they`ve scrapped free delivery though)

http://www.qed-uk.com/?i=13FMLP0KFscM&vp=5&bg=276&bp=4000s&bi=0

But that Humax price is far better than any I`d found.

Mike thanks for the info on the Philips DVD recorder, that sounds fairly simple. Although I`m nearly sold on a PVR.

One more question, I`ve hit a bit of a snag. My Mum has a paranoia about things catching fire and unplugs the TV and VHS. Would unplugging a PVR every night cause complications, I had read that they download updates and schedules overnight.

Thanks for your patience
Karen

That`s a good price for the Thomson but I have to admit that I had not really done a comprehensive search, just did a quick check on that one `price shopper` site and the £123 price looked good for that type of machine.

As to your mom`s fear of leaving things plugged in, I think that probably goes back to the time when televisions could sometimes set fire if left connected.
Those days are long gone and all domestic appliances now have to meet stringent safety standards in both their design and manufacture.
I can`t see any way round the update issue other than to try to convince your mom that nowadays it`s ok to leave it plugged in.
If there is a workaround, I`m sure one of the more expert contributers to this board will be able to help.