Best PVR for older/non-techie people
 

On Nov 19, 10:33*am, wrote:
On Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:58:39 -0000, "jamie powell"





wrote:
I'm hunting for a PVR suitable for older people (many of them aged 80+),
who'll find timed-recording onto VHS difficult after switchover is completed
here.

As the unlucky owner of a Sagem 160GB PVR, which is probably the worst product
I've ever owned and definitely not fit-for-purpose, my skepticism regarding
the quality of Freeview PVRs is high.

So I'm looking for one which has a clear user interface, a fast response to
key presses, no software glitches, no crashes, no random resets/reboots, and
which actually records programmes reliably.

I'm put off the Humax ones because of the user interface, which many say is
non-intuitive.

So I'm thinking either the TVonics, or the Vestel-based units (often badged as
Alba/Digihome/Sharp etc.) might be the most suitable.

I'd therefore be interested to hear from people who use either of these PVR
types on a regular basis.

I have dealt with this problem for an elderly couple, with the
additional problem of arthritic hands.
I gave them a Humax (freesat version) with a controller programmed so
that the channel buttons always control the Humax and the volume
buttons always control the TV. All reception is through the Humax and
not through the TV's tuner. They *only* set the recorder using the
EPG, and after a bit of coaching have found no difficulty in finding
and playing back their recordings.
Their only problem is the size of buttons on the controller, but after
some hunting I found a rather clunky old One for All that seems to
suit.
Neither their Humax nor mine has ever have a random crash or reboot.
There is a systemic problem with auto switch-on times but this doesn't
affect recordings.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I bought two Digihome PVRs in the spring ( Vestel T825 units), these
are pretty easy to use, even the technophobe female members of the
household have got the hang of setting up recordings & series links.
The buttons on the remote are pretty small though. I'd be a tad wary
about buying a Humax at the moment, until they've sorted out the
issues people in post DSO areas are reporting. The 9150T is under 120
quid from Amazon at the moment.

Best PVR for older/non-techie people
 

Illuminated wrote:



Which Tivo model works with Freeview then ya muppett!!!!, doh.



Has to be a TiVo. By far and away the easiest PVR to use.

Still turn up on eBay regularly. Go for one with a lifetime
contract.

Tim




There is only one TiVo model sold in the UK and it can control an
external Freeview receiver, Sky receiver, cable box etc.
I have 3 TiVos, one on Sky and two on freeview.

--
Ashley
For Windsor Weather see www.snglinks.com/wx

Best PVR for older/non-techie people
 

In article ,
Zimmy wrote:
TVonics +1. Easy to use, reliable and the remote also controls the TV
and DVD.

I'd say that would *really* confuse some. It does me.

--
*Women like silent men; they think they're listening.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Best PVR for older/non-techie people
 

Illuminated wrote:
Which Tivo model works with Freeview then ya muppett!!!!, doh.

Any of them! Not that a top posting moron would understand.
--
As an atheist, I believe that all life is unspeakably precious,
because it's only here for a brief moment, a flare against the dark,
and then it's gone forever. No afterlives, no second chances. So
there can be nothing crueller than the abuse, destruction or wanton
taking of a life.
-- J. Michael Straczynski

Best PVR for older/non-techie people
 

Not a top posting moron you are the f'in moron.

The O.P. wants something easy for elderly/non-techie people to use, e.g. not
having to f--k about setting up and operating two boxes.

So Tivo is not the answer you arrogant F--kwit as no Tivo units have
integrated Freeview tuners as they are basically obsolete bits of old junk
hence being sold off cheaply on Ebay as you pointed out.



--
Best Regards

Best PVR for older/non-techie people
 

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Zimmy wrote:
TVonics +1. Easy to use, reliable and the remote also controls the TV
and DVD.

I'd say that would *really* confuse some. It does me.

My 4 year old daughter can use it to switch both the TV and PVR on.
Of course you don't have to use it, however it means the volume control
actually works on the TV and not just some noddy one on the PVR that can
only make it quieter.

Z

Best PVR for older/non-techie people
 

Illuminated wrote:
basically obsolete bits of old
junk hence being sold off cheaply on Ebay as you pointed out.


Keep talking the price down then, idiot. I could certainly do with
buying some more!!

FYI TiVo completely controls the freeview box. Ye may as well throw the
freeview remote straight out of the window.

It still remains a very non-techie friendly solution.

--
Adrian C

Best PVR for older/non-techie people
 

Adrian C wrote:
Illuminated wrote:
basically obsolete bits of old
junk hence being sold off cheaply on Ebay as you pointed out.


Keep talking the price down then, idiot. I could certainly do with
buying some more!!

FYI TiVo completely controls the freeview box. Ye may as well throw the
freeview remote straight out of the window.

Surely that depends on whether the Freeview box cooperates with the
TiVo doesn't it?

It still remains a very non-techie friendly solution.

--
Adrian C

--
Chris Green

Best PVR for older/non-techie people
 

Best PVR for older/non-techie people
 

Illuminated wrote:
Not a top posting moron you are the f'in moron.

The O.P. wants something easy for elderly/non-techie people to use,
e.g. not having to f--k about setting up and operating two boxes.

Showing your own ignorance. Once set up, you only need to use one remote.

So Tivo is not the answer you arrogant F--kwit as no Tivo units have
integrated Freeview tuners as they are basically obsolete bits of old
junk hence being sold off cheaply on Ebay as you pointed out.

Old they may be. Obsolete they will indeed be if we ever go full HD but
until then, they are still incredibly user friendly and still stand head and
shoulders above any other PVR on the market IMO from that point of view.

Tim