Pioneer DVR-440 or Toshiba XS35 (85DT?)

[Seeker47]

AFAIK, HDD replacement is not easily done.

I don't know that you could describe the replacement procedures for the Pioneers as being "easy", though it can be done, and done without being a highly skilled tech. As trhouse put it (3rd. post down) in
https://www.videohelp.com/forum/archive/t324731.html

I'd have to say I consider user replaceability of the HDD and the burner to be nearly essential features, if I'm going to purchase and use any of these DVRs.

[StuR]

I'd have to say I consider user replaceability of the HDD and the burner to be nearly essential features

Seeker47
it wasn't a big consideration for me even with a 80G model I'm considering, but I see it could be after getting used to a HD. As the Pioneer is +-ram DL recorder with DVB if it was good enough it would be a good long term investment, especially with a 250G+ HD.
But vhs>DVD is the big issue.

[Seeker47]

AFAIK, HDD replacement is not easily done.

BTW, I am also impressed with the KX50 performance as a DVD Player. It will play scratched DVDs that my other players won't.

By now, you have probably seen these threads (referring to the AVS one, mainly)
https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=328740
However, it may be that the KX50 is one of the exceptions ?

[samijubal]

Maybe it has to be a new HD and not one out of another recorder. It's possible that's why it didn't work on the KX50.