Recommendation for DVD and/or HD recorder?

I'm pretty ignorant on digital TV so I'd appreciate some solid advice
please. First, the background facts. I have a Panasonic TV (TX-32LXD52
32" LCD) and a Philips combo unit which records VCR and plays DVDs.
Last summer I had a satellite dish and Amstrad 'Skybox' fitted (the
£150 SKY package). If it's relevant, we are in a Freeview black hole;
no channels at all.

I now want to get rid of my VCR unit and VHS cassettes (after copying
some first to DVD). I *don't* want to take out a new contract with SKY
(we watch relatively few of the channels we already have). So I don't
want to take my son's advice and 'get SKY PLUS'.

My tentative conclusion is to buy a 'DVD and HDD Recorder'. Does that
make sense? Some specific questions please:

1) Will setting it up to

- copy VCR to DVD
- record from SKY box to HD or DVD

be straightforward? I got in quite a mess with the cabling originally,
with choices of AV1, AV2, AV4, etc, and 3 units to connect. With FOUR
now needing to be connected, albeit temporarily until all the VJS
copying is finished, I'm apprehensive!

2) Browsing the Argos catalogue, nowhere can I see how many *hours* a
DVD can record? Can it match VCR options of 2/3/4 hours (or 4/6/8 on
extended play)?

3) I was thinking of going for a 160 GB HD. How quickly am I going to
regret not going for a larger one? OK, I know it depends on many
factors. But what do most users have right now?

4) Is there some way I can use this four unit configuration (assuming
I can find room for the new box) to let me do something that is
currently impossible, namely watch one non-terrestrial channel while
recording another? If not, what alternative purchase should I
consider?

Do hope someone can give me some practical pointers please.

--
Terry, West Sussex, UK

Terry Pinnell wrote:
I'm pretty ignorant on digital TV so I'd appreciate some solid advice
please. First, the background facts. I have a Panasonic TV (TX-32LXD52
32" LCD) and a Philips combo unit which records VCR and plays DVDs.
Last summer I had a satellite dish and Amstrad 'Skybox' fitted (the
£150 SKY package). If it's relevant, we are in a Freeview black hole;
no channels at all.

I now want to get rid of my VCR unit and VHS cassettes (after copying
some first to DVD). I *don't* want to take out a new contract with SKY
(we watch relatively few of the channels we already have). So I don't
want to take my son's advice and 'get SKY PLUS'.

My tentative conclusion is to buy a 'DVD and HDD Recorder'. Does that
make sense? Some specific questions please:

1) Will setting it up to

- copy VCR to DVD
- record from SKY box to HD or DVD

be straightforward? I got in quite a mess with the cabling originally,
with choices of AV1, AV2, AV4, etc, and 3 units to connect. With FOUR
now needing to be connected, albeit temporarily until all the VJS
copying is finished, I'm apprehensive!

2) Browsing the Argos catalogue, nowhere can I see how many *hours* a
DVD can record? Can it match VCR options of 2/3/4 hours (or 4/6/8 on
extended play)?

3) I was thinking of going for a 160 GB HD. How quickly am I going to
regret not going for a larger one? OK, I know it depends on many
factors. But what do most users have right now?

4) Is there some way I can use this four unit configuration (assuming
I can find room for the new box) to let me do something that is
currently impossible, namely watch one non-terrestrial channel while
recording another? If not, what alternative purchase should I
consider?

Do hope someone can give me some practical pointers please.

The Panasonic DMR-EX77 will do everything you need. I have two earlier
Panasonics and I'm very happy with them. You can buy it multiregion from
several suppliers, for example.
http://www.totaldigital.biz/index.ph...ha_filter_id=0

In article , Terry Pinnell
wrote:
I'm pretty ignorant on digital TV so I'd appreciate some solid advice
please. First, the background facts. I have a Panasonic TV (TX-32LXD52
32" LCD) and a Philips combo unit which records VCR and plays DVDs.
Last summer I had a satellite dish and Amstrad 'Skybox' fitted (the
£150 SKY package). If it's relevant, we are in a Freeview black hole;
no channels at all.

I now want to get rid of my VCR unit and VHS cassettes (after copying
some first to DVD). I *don't* want to take out a new contract with SKY
(we watch relatively few of the channels we already have). So I don't
want to take my son's advice and 'get SKY PLUS'.

My tentative conclusion is to buy a 'DVD and HDD Recorder'. Does that
make sense?

Yes. For convenience, get one with a built-in digital receiver, and as
someone else has suggested, get it from a company that will supply it
with multiregion DVD playback.

If you can't get one with a built-in digital receiver, or there is a big
price advantage in getting an analogue one, there's nothing to stop you
buying a cheap freeview box and leaving it permenently plugged to the
RGB input. For timed recording you'll have to set two timers, one in the
recorder and one in the freeview box, which is a slight nuisance, but it
works and it's unlikely you'll notice any difference in quality.

The ones that have both HDD and DVD recording usually have RGB SCART and
composite inputs, through which you can record from any video source you
like, including VHS tapes. Although you *can* record directly to DVD,
you'll find it neater to record to HDD, then use the editing facilities
to trim start and finish and remove adverts before making a DVD copy.

Rod.

Roderick Stewart wrote:

In article , Terry Pinnell
wrote:
I'm pretty ignorant on digital TV so I'd appreciate some solid advice
please. First, the background facts. I have a Panasonic TV (TX-32LXD52
32" LCD) and a Philips combo unit which records VCR and plays DVDs.
Last summer I had a satellite dish and Amstrad 'Skybox' fitted (the
£150 SKY package). If it's relevant, we are in a Freeview black hole;
no channels at all.

I now want to get rid of my VCR unit and VHS cassettes (after copying
some first to DVD). I *don't* want to take out a new contract with SKY
(we watch relatively few of the channels we already have). So I don't
want to take my son's advice and 'get SKY PLUS'.

My tentative conclusion is to buy a 'DVD and HDD Recorder'. Does that
make sense?

Yes. For convenience, get one with a built-in digital receiver, and as
someone else has suggested, get it from a company that will supply it
with multiregion DVD playback.

If you can't get one with a built-in digital receiver, or there is a big
price advantage in getting an analogue one, there's nothing to stop you
buying a cheap freeview box and leaving it permenently plugged to the
RGB input. For timed recording you'll have to set two timers, one in the
recorder and one in the freeview box, which is a slight nuisance, but it
works and it's unlikely you'll notice any difference in quality.

The ones that have both HDD and DVD recording usually have RGB SCART and
composite inputs, through which you can record from any video source you
like, including VHS tapes. Although you *can* record directly to DVD,
you'll find it neater to record to HDD, then use the editing facilities
to trim start and finish and remove adverts before making a DVD copy.

Rod.

Thanks both. I'll do some more studying and come back.

But mile can you clarify 3 specific points please:
1. Should I be using the new HDD/DVD recorder *with* my existing
Skybox please?

2. The 'digital' types you're recommending all appear to be described
as Freeview, which, as mentioned, I can't get.

3. What exactly is 'DTB'? On my Philips remote I have a button for
TV/AV and another button for DTB. But the latter just gives me a
screen telling me I have no services and to check my aerial, etc.

--
Terry, West Sussex, UK

Terry Pinnell wrote:
Roderick Stewart wrote:

In article , Terry
Pinnell wrote:
I'm pretty ignorant on digital TV so I'd appreciate some solid
advice please. First, the background facts. I have a Panasonic TV
(TX-32LXD52 32" LCD) and a Philips combo unit which records VCR and
plays DVDs. Last summer I had a satellite dish and Amstrad 'Skybox'
fitted (the £150 SKY package). If it's relevant, we are in a
Freeview black hole; no channels at all.

I now want to get rid of my VCR unit and VHS cassettes (after
copying some first to DVD). I *don't* want to take out a new
contract with SKY (we watch relatively few of the channels we
already have). So I don't want to take my son's advice and 'get SKY
PLUS'.

My tentative conclusion is to buy a 'DVD and HDD Recorder'. Does
that make sense?

Yes. For convenience, get one with a built-in digital receiver, and
as someone else has suggested, get it from a company that will
supply it with multiregion DVD playback.

If you can't get one with a built-in digital receiver, or there is a
big price advantage in getting an analogue one, there's nothing to
stop you buying a cheap freeview box and leaving it permenently
plugged to the RGB input. For timed recording you'll have to set two
timers, one in the recorder and one in the freeview box, which is a
slight nuisance, but it works and it's unlikely you'll notice any
difference in quality.

The ones that have both HDD and DVD recording usually have RGB SCART
and composite inputs, through which you can record from any video
source you like, including VHS tapes. Although you *can* record
directly to DVD, you'll find it neater to record to HDD, then use
the editing facilities to trim start and finish and remove adverts
before making a DVD copy.

Rod.

Thanks both. I'll do some more studying and come back.

But mile can you clarify 3 specific points please:
1. Should I be using the new HDD/DVD recorder *with* my existing
Skybox please?

That's what I do, I just have a card for the FTV channels.

2. The 'digital' types you're recommending all appear to be described
as Freeview, which, as mentioned, I can't get.

You will within the next five years, depending on where you live.

3. What exactly is 'DTB'? On my Philips remote I have a button for
TV/AV and another button for DTB. But the latter just gives me a
screen telling me I have no services and to check my aerial, etc.

That would be Freeview.

"Adrian A" wrote:

Terry Pinnell wrote:
Roderick Stewart wrote:

In article , Terry
Pinnell wrote:
I'm pretty ignorant on digital TV so I'd appreciate some solid
advice please. First, the background facts. I have a Panasonic TV
(TX-32LXD52 32" LCD) and a Philips combo unit which records VCR and
plays DVDs. Last summer I had a satellite dish and Amstrad 'Skybox'
fitted (the £150 SKY package). If it's relevant, we are in a
Freeview black hole; no channels at all.

I now want to get rid of my VCR unit and VHS cassettes (after
copying some first to DVD). I *don't* want to take out a new
contract with SKY (we watch relatively few of the channels we
already have). So I don't want to take my son's advice and 'get SKY
PLUS'.

My tentative conclusion is to buy a 'DVD and HDD Recorder'. Does
that make sense?

Yes. For convenience, get one with a built-in digital receiver, and
as someone else has suggested, get it from a company that will
supply it with multiregion DVD playback.

If you can't get one with a built-in digital receiver, or there is a
big price advantage in getting an analogue one, there's nothing to
stop you buying a cheap freeview box and leaving it permenently
plugged to the RGB input. For timed recording you'll have to set two
timers, one in the recorder and one in the freeview box, which is a
slight nuisance, but it works and it's unlikely you'll notice any
difference in quality.

The ones that have both HDD and DVD recording usually have RGB SCART
and composite inputs, through which you can record from any video
source you like, including VHS tapes. Although you *can* record
directly to DVD, you'll find it neater to record to HDD, then use
the editing facilities to trim start and finish and remove adverts
before making a DVD copy.

Rod.

Thanks both. I'll do some more studying and come back.

But mile can you clarify 3 specific points please:
1. Should I be using the new HDD/DVD recorder *with* my existing
Skybox please?

That's what I do, I just have a card for the FTV channels.

2. The 'digital' types you're recommending all appear to be described
as Freeview, which, as mentioned, I can't get.

You will within the next five years, depending on where you live.

3. What exactly is 'DTB'? On my Philips remote I have a button for
TV/AV and another button for DTB. But the latter just gives me a
screen telling me I have no services and to check my aerial, etc.

That would be Freeview.


Thanks. Went ahead and bought an LG 160 GB model. But after having
spent maybe 5 hours so far, I've given up. Leaving the Philips Combo
out of the configuration, I just can't get it do its 'auto setup'. And
that part of the menu is greyed out when I try to do it manually.

--
Terry, West Sussex, UK

On Tue, 28 Aug 2007 10:26:33 +0100, Terry Pinnell
wrote:

I'm pretty ignorant on digital TV so I'd appreciate some solid advice
please. First, the background facts. I have a Panasonic TV (TX-32LXD52
32" LCD) and a Philips combo unit which records VCR and plays DVDs.
Last summer I had a satellite dish and Amstrad 'Skybox' fitted (the
£150 SKY package). If it's relevant, we are in a Freeview black hole;
no channels at all.

I now want to get rid of my VCR unit and VHS cassettes (after copying
some first to DVD). I *don't* want to take out a new contract with SKY
(we watch relatively few of the channels we already have). So I don't
want to take my son's advice and 'get SKY PLUS'.

So why don't you purchase a Sky+ box from a dealer, get an LNB upgrade
from your local aerial installer and away you go - register the Sky+
box with Sky, they will send you a new card and you will then be able
to record to your hearts content.

You DON'T need to take out a new contract with Sky
--
Cheers

Peter

On Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:01:44 +0100, Roderick Stewart
wrote:

In article , Terry Pinnell
wrote:
I'm pretty ignorant on digital TV so I'd appreciate some solid advice
please. First, the background facts. I have a Panasonic TV (TX-32LXD52
32" LCD) and a Philips combo unit which records VCR and plays DVDs.
Last summer I had a satellite dish and Amstrad 'Skybox' fitted (the
£150 SKY package). If it's relevant, we are in a Freeview black hole;
no channels at all.

I now want to get rid of my VCR unit and VHS cassettes (after copying
some first to DVD). I *don't* want to take out a new contract with SKY
(we watch relatively few of the channels we already have). So I don't
want to take my son's advice and 'get SKY PLUS'.

My tentative conclusion is to buy a 'DVD and HDD Recorder'. Does that
make sense?

Yes. For convenience, get one with a built-in digital receiver, and as
someone else has suggested, get it from a company that will supply it
with multiregion DVD playback.

If you can't get one with a built-in digital receiver, or there is a big
price advantage in getting an analogue one, there's nothing to stop you
buying a cheap freeview box and leaving it permenently plugged to the
RGB input. For timed recording you'll have to set two timers, one in the
recorder and one in the freeview box, which is a slight nuisance, but it
works and it's unlikely you'll notice any difference in quality.

The ones that have both HDD and DVD recording usually have RGB SCART and
composite inputs, through which you can record from any video source you
like, including VHS tapes. Although you *can* record directly to DVD,
you'll find it neater to record to HDD, then use the editing facilities
to trim start and finish and remove adverts before making a DVD copy.

Rod.

Am I missing something here? Didn't the OP state that he has no
freeview reception at all?

Thanks Peter, very timely. After my miserable failure last night I had
pretty well decided to go the SkyPlus route. And that was before learning
that I can do it without an additional contract. I'll pursue that approach
today, presumably starting with a call to Sky?

I don't normally abandon a problem this soon, so - although I plan to return
the LG HDD/DVD unit to Currys today for a refund - I'm still keen to
understand the issue thoroughly. I should have been more patient and waited
for further replies before biting the bullet and making the purchase this
afternoon. I spent an hour first in Argos but even after opening a unit (a
Wharfedale 80 GB in that case) and inspecting its user guide I could see no
explicit confirmation that it would record from VCR. I remained convinced it
should be able to do so, simply from a logical standpoint, so was about to
go ahead, on the assumption that I could simply return it, just as I did
with a DThanks Peter, very timely. After my miserable failure last night I
had pretty well decided to go the SkyPlus route. And that was before
learning that I can do it without an additional contract. I'll pursue that
approach today, presumably starting with a call to Sky?

I don't normally abandon a problem this soon, so - although I plan to return
the LG HDD/DVD unit to Currys today for a refund - I'm keen to understand
the issue thoroughly. I should have been more patient and waited for furtehr
replies before biting the bullet and maling the purchase this afternoon. I
spent an hour in Argos but even after opening a unit (a Wharfedale 80 GB in
that case) and inspecting its user guide I could see no explicit evidence
that it would record from VCR. I remained convinced it should be able to do
so, simply from a logical standpoint, so was all set to buy, on the
assumption that I could return it, just as I had done with a DVD player a
year ago. But to my surprise, turns out it was exempt from Argos's usual
returns policy - my main reason for shopping there. Seems that any
'recordable' device is an exception. However, the assistant at Currys a
little later didn't hesitate to confirm that I could do that, so I went
ahead.

You are of course correct in your reply to Rod: I do not have any freeview
signal (DTB as I now gather it is also called). Is that the key issue here,
as I'm beginning to think? As summarised in my last post, I gave up after
some 8 hours trying to get a permutation of cabling etc that would achieve
both my temporary recording requirement *and* my permanent 'no VCR'
scenario. Instead I focused just on the latter, and made encouraging
progress. But nothing I tried would give me a menu showing viewable channels
and progammes. So my only success in recording to HD was a direct one. I
suspected that the input signal that the LG wanted was the satellite one,
and for some reason wasn't getting it the way I'd connected the various
scarts and co-ax cables.

Apart from the aerial issues (terrestrial and digital), another area that
baffles me is how to choose AV1, AV2, etc. whenever I get options to do so,
either in on-screen menus or in the choice of which socket to plug scarts
into. My Panasonic for example has no fewer than 3 such sockets, AV1, AV2 -
and AV4 (not AV3)! As you see, I am thoroughly confused, and any further
education in really basic terms would be much appreciated please.

--
Terry, West Sussex, UK

[Re-sending this edited version.]

Thanks Peter, very timely. After my miserable failure last night I had
pretty well decided to go the SkyPlus route. And that was before learning
that I can do it without an additional contract. I'll pursue that approach
today, presumably starting with a call to Sky?

I don't normally abandon a problem this soon, so - although I plan to return
the LG HDD/DVD unit to Curry's today for a refund - I'm keen to understand
the issue thoroughly. I should have been more patient and waited for further
replies before biting the bullet and making the purchase this afternoon. I
spent an hour in Argos but even after opening a unit (a Wharfedale 80 GB in
that case) and inspecting its user guide I could see no explicit evidence
that it would record from VCR. I remained convinced it should be able to do
so, simply from a logical standpoint, so was all set to buy, on the
assumption that I could return it, just as I had done with a DVD player a
year ago. But to my surprise, turns out it was exempt from Argos's usual
returns policy - my main reason for shopping there. Seems that any
'recordable' device is an exception. However, the assistant at Curry's a
little later didn't hesitate to confirm that I could do that, so I went
ahead.

You are of course correct in your reply to Rod: I do not have any freeview
signal (DTB as I now gather it is also called). Is that the key issue here,
as I'm beginning to think? As summarised in my last post, I gave up after
some 8 hours trying to get a permutation of cabling etc that would achieve
both my temporary recording requirement *and* my permanent 'no VCR'
scenario. Instead I focused just on the latter, and made encouraging
progress. But nothing I tried would give me a menu showing viewable channels
and progammes. So my only success in recording to HD was a direct one. I
suspected that the input signal that the LG wanted was the satellite one,
and for some reason wasn't getting it the way I'd connected the various
scarts and co-ax cables.

Apart from the aerial issues (terrestrial and digital), another area that
baffles me is how to choose AV1, AV2, etc. whenever I get options to do so,
either in on-screen menus or in the choice of which socket to plug scarts
into. My Panasonic for example has no fewer than 3 such sockets, AV1, AV2 -
and AV4 (not AV3)! As you see, I am thoroughly confused, and any further
education in really basic terms would be much appreciated please.

--
Terry, West Sussex, UK