Sony HX715 VS 900

[kevs]

I'm looking at the Sony RDR-HX715. but there is also a RDR-HX900 which is fifty bucks less.

Can someone please tell me what the difference is between these two machines?

I can't really tell. thanks.

HEre is the link:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=search&Q=&b=80&mnp=0.0&mxp=0.0&Submi...s=&ci=2663&ac=

[kingbe14]

The RDR-HX715 has a HDMI output so that's why it's more money. If you have an HDTV and yours has this input than it would be worth the price difference.

[kevs]

I don't have HD, now and don't plan on geting one soon. But you never know, recommendations? can you add that on later. and that's the only difference? thanks Kingbe

[kingbe14]

If you have the extra $60 I'd go for that model RDR-HX715. This way you'll be all set incase you ever do upgrade tv's. I have an older model Sony without HDMI output and no harddrive that I bought when it first came out. I'm happy with it.

[kevs]

also, probably be lot easier to sell?

[kingbe14]

Probably. What are you using it for? I mostly use my recorder for shows from dss or video tapes.

[kevs]

yes, backup up VHS, and copying non protected disc.
the HDMI output is more for playing an HD disc, from the Sony, and then recording from that to somewhere else, no? boy, this machine is not getting good reviews out there, but maybe that's because it cost lot more that other brands.

[kingbe14]

No it won't play HD dvds, just regular dvds. The HDMI output just upconverts the dvds for an HDTV. There are some reviews at the Circuit City website. Have you taken a look at any at your local electronics stores? Sometimes they might have a demo. Usually anything Sony brand tends to be more expensive. I'm not familiar with what recorders are best but it wouldn't hurt to look at other brand names. You never know you might find something cheaper that's better. Does anyone know of other models that might be good that they could suggest?

[kingbe14]

I forgot to add. As for backing up vhs videos my Sony does a great job at it.

Also you mentioned copying non protected discs. For that you would probably be better off using a computer dvd burner.

[kevs]

Oh, no I like Sony. the interface is awesome, but why it's 70% more than Toshiba and others is pretty strange. Yeah, maybe i'll test it out with Cirucit City. Does that uprez work well? I'm thinking maybe i'll save the $50, since I don't even plan on having HD for while. I wanted try Pioneer but no DV link in. and JCV hear great things about, some reason their unit it even more costly!
YEs, using computers took, but hard drive on standalone even faster to non-protected editing.

[kevs]

king, others
still not clear on this. HDMI out to TV, what does this do? Isn't the other way around, you want an input so you would record your HD TV into the DVD hard drive?

[kingbe14]

HDMI out would help if you have an HDTV. This output outputs the dvd player to "upconvert" the dvds played so it appears better quality on an HDTV. For the $50 difference I would just go for the one with the HDMI output just incase you ever get an HDTV. My older Sony dvd recorder just has at best component output and I'm happy with quality on my plasma but if I had a chance to do over again I'd pay the extra $50 for the player with the HDMI output. But if you don't ever plan on getting an HDTV then go for the model that's cheaper. The HDMI ouput will only look better if you have an HDTV.

[kevs]

thanks King, makes sense, but becuase of a "new" issue (they never end it seems), I'll be returning the deck to circuit city anyhow, see this thread:

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?p=1537267&sid=afc769f155794eb1b55a9b7bac05e333#1537267