DVD Recorder with Freeview Tuner?

[paddyb]

I'm trying to decide whether to buy a dvd recorder or a PVR. What attacts me to PVR is that you can get them in the UK with Freeview digital tuners, which can display fortnightly TV listings. Its then easy to choose which programmes to record from the listings menu without having to set a timer. Only draw dack is you can't keep anything permenantly once the HD is full.

My question is: Is there a dvd recorder with freeview tuner that can be programmed in a similar way, maybe one of the HDD ones? If not how long to wait until one comes on the market?

Thanks

[handyguy]

Most all HD dvd recorders come with tv guides on them that show you what is playing & you can record those programs. The panasonics should have this sort of feature. No need for a DVR.

[Stu Jordan]

Hi.
Sony have the RDR-GXD500 DVD recorder with a built-in freeview reciever, but no hard drive. It got a good review in What Video & Widescreen TV Magazine.

[magic75]

I have read that Sony will introduce RDR-HXD710 in sept 2005. It will have 160 GB HDD and a freeview tuner:
http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=187955

[Lexus]

If I had to chose between a PVR and a DVD recorder, I'd definitely choose the PVR. I have both but use the PVR far more simply because it is so convenient not having to change discs. On the odd occasion I run out of PVR disk space, I simply dump any unwatched progs to DVD.

[paddyb]

thanks for your help. it sounds like its worth waiting a while before i buy, though i'm guesing these are not going to be cheap.

Handyguy: do you mean that HDD recorders with analogue tuners have built in weekly prog guides that you can select from? I've never seen that in the advertising.

[Bud]

If you are receiving your program guide via a Satellite system, the Panasonic DVD recorders will not interface with that system. In the Panasonic user manuals it will tell you that the recorder is not compatible with Satellite system (EPG) Electronic Program Guide) Not sure about other brand DVD Recorders

[oldfart13]

None of them work with satellite outside of Japan (for Japanese made recorders that accept the BS satellite system as used in Japan). Too much bother and licences needed to deal with other countries...

[Flintstone]

My mat has just bought the Sony Freview box at £80-100 to add to his Pansonic HD recorder (E85 I think). This adds a 2 week EPG, the Sony box 'tells' the HD when to record. I think if it has i-link or similar the Sony box would transfer the programme info as well (I don't think HD recorders have i-link, only on VCRs ). The HD records in the background, he can watch whatever he likes at the same time.
He thought it is well worth paying more money for a more expensive Freeview box to get this feature.
A possibility if you don't want to wait for the fully integrated models to come out?

Sorry can't provide more info, my mates machine, not mine.