Sony RDR-HXD870 - DVD Recorder With 160GB Hard Drive - With Freeview - Black

Once you've cracked the instructions, this machine will transform your TV viewing, but until Sony can write a decent manual, what is a potentially 5-star product can only justify 4 stars (what's the use of a fantastic product that people have difficulty understanding?). After all, it's only a gadget to get more out of watching the telly!
This machine is almost bloated with features, to the point that virtually no one will benefit from everything it offers on day-1, and for many users some features may remain unused forever (rather like some of those obscure programs on our washing machine!). For the person who is used to the latest digital TV functions, getting used to this unit will be easier, but someone making a leap from analogue to digital and replacing a VCR with a hard drive machine, initially it may seem a leap too far!
Something I really like is that by entering a code, the unit's remote control now operates (basic functions only) my Toshiba TV as well.
To get the most out of this machine, you need a good user manual, and I have to agree with other reviewers that the manual is probably the worst I have ever come across. It may all be in there somewhere, but finding it is another matter. For example, something as simple as setting the TV's aspect ratio is hidden away in a small table on page 144, with no reference to it in either the Table of Contents or the Index. Also, much of what is written is poorly explained. Terms are used that are not made clear, so you just hope you've got it right!
Some reviewers say that you can't record one programme and watch another. This is wrong, but tends to confirm that the user manual could be better.
The machine itself has 2 tuners - 1 digital and 1 analogue. The analogue is presumably mainly for those who still live in an area where they can't get a decent digital signal. But it also serves another function, which is to provide the signal to the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG), GUIDE Plus+, which is only updated by an analogue channel. If you don't connect your aerial via the unit's analogue tuner, then the EPG will always be blank, unless, during setup, you change the EPG option to digital. I experimented by disconnecting the unit's analogue tuner and opting for the digital version of the EPG. However, this is much less sophisticated than the analogue GUIDE Plus+, so I returned to using GUIDE Plus+. None of this is properly explained in the user manual. My unit also has a minor fault with the manual setting of the recorder timer, but at the moment there isn't a firmware update available from Sony to fix it (I've discussed this with Sony technical staff). Maybe now you can see why some users get confused!
Our TV is an old analogue one, so you can record one digital channel while watching one of the 5 terrestrial channels. What you can't do is record a Freeview channel (using the unit's digital tuner) and watch another digital channel at the same time. To do this you have to have a digital TV, or another digital set-top box. As people replace their old analogue TVs with new digital ones, this limitation will disappear, but again, it's not made clear in the user manual.
However, you can start recording a programme, then watch it from the start a bit later, while it's still recording the rest of the programme. You can also watch a previously recorded programme, while it records another, plus all the other good things that a hard drive recorder offers. Then you can dump old programmes you want to keep from the hard drive onto DVD, to free-up space on the hard drive.
I believe this machine offers just about everything that most people could ask for, but don't bother trying to get everything out of it on day-1. Start by using the basic functions and learn what else it offers as you go along. Also, visit the Sony web site for more information - it seems that they realise that most people are thoroughly confused, so have published some additional info. While you're there, you can download firmware updates for the unit and also use their feedback page to complain about the dreadful user manual and tell them to provide a decent one, which can be downloaded.

Hard disk recorder with upscaling DVD recorder at a reasonable price. Best features for me are series record and 1080p HDMI output (DVDs look great even with a cheap HDMI cable). Most of the complaints I've read on Amazon seem to fit into 4 main categories:-

1. An expectation that it is a PVR. It does not claim to have twin digital tuners. Most modern TVs usually have an internal Freeview receiver, which is fine if simultaneous recording isn't required.

2. Trouble reading the manual. It's true the manual tends to go into unnecessary detail about advanced settings and modes. I rarely have any need for the manual because I find the recorder and the remote control intuitive. I recommend just playing around with it for 20 mins. It's easy enough to setup (suggest using a SCART cable initially and then migrating to HDMI), it scans all the digital channels automatically. The only option I had to set was the choice of EPG.

3. Weak reception. I don't have any specific problem so cannot comment. It performs just like any other Freeview receiver I've had.

4. Missed timer recordings. I recommend checking the firmware is at least version v1.65. Easy to do - full details are on Sony's website.

My only gripes are minor:- I'd love to move HDD recordings into folders and the EPG just looks a bit dated compared with the one on my Sony TV.

An undocumented feature is that it is also capable of reading DVD-RAM disks, so I was able to dub recordings made on my old Panasonic machine with no trouble.

Having had this for a week now I can heartily recommend it. I spent some time researching these machines as I wanted one that had the following features:

1) HDMI output

2) 1080p upscaling

3) S-Video and iLink (Firewire) input for converting my camcorder footage to DVD

4) Digital Freeview Tuner (and analogue back-up)

5) Decent size hard drive

Not only does it provide these it also has a great user interface, lots of advanced features and makes recording and archiving camcorder footage and off-air recording a cinch. I had also heard that these fan cooled devices created a high level of ambient noise (like a PC). This Sony is damn near silent! Picture and audio quality is excellent. Overall - very highly recommended, and because of its usability a real bargain.