+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 15

Thread: Anyone recommend a Freeview recorder?

  1. #1
    Join Date: Dec 2014

    Location: UK, inactive

    Posts: 1,570
    I'm inactive.

    Default Anyone recommend a Freeview recorder?

    Thinking of ditching Virgin Tivo and currently scouting around for a Freeview recorder to attach to a DB capable roof aerial.
    Not really wanting anything too fancy and must have a user friendly interface - definitely under £200. HD not essential.

    Come across a few from Humax and a couple of Panasonics that get reasonable reviews and fit the bill but wondered if anyone has experience of any they would be willing to share.

  2. #2
    Join Date: Dec 2014

    Location: UK, inactive

    Posts: 1,570
    I'm inactive.

    Default

    I guess no one is using one of these then ....

    Now moot as I hit the button for a refurbed Panasonic DMR-HWT250 this evening (£139 from Panasonic UK on eBay)

    Plan is to switch off the Tivo box and trial this over the Xmas period.
    If we get on with it OK then we cancel the TV and phone from Virgin and just keep their broadband - total saving = £360 p.a. ... which is nice

    Basically we realised that we never use the landline and mostly watch via catch-up, Netflix, etc which is all available direct via the TV, so the rest was superfluous.

  3. #3
    Join Date: Apr 2009

    Location: Near Saffron Walden, Essex

    Posts: 7,087
    I'm Dave.

    Default

    Had Humax for years and always with small, niggling problems. When the latest Humax went wrong, a few months ago, we got a Panasonic as the TV is Panasonic. Different class altogether. The picture is far, far better and has many adjustments you can do to get it just the way you want. It is also much easier to use than the Humax.

  4. #4
    Join Date: Oct 2008

    Location: Glasgowshire

    Posts: 9,656
    I'm Gary.

    Default

    Used to love my Topfield box, nit sure if thet are still kicking about.
    AC POWER
    Hardwired 10kVA balanced mains powering entire system
    AMPS
    Meridian 557 power Amp (Modded) / PS Audio BHK Preamp (Modded)
    SPEAKERS
    Wharfedale Evo 4.4
    DAC
    PS Audio Directstream (Modded)
    TURNTABLE
    Pro-Ject X8 balanced output via XLR / Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge
    PHONOSTAGE
    Pro-Ject DS3 B balanced Input (TT and Phonostage powered by Pro-Ject Power box RS2 linear psu)
    DIGITAL
    OPPO 203 (Modded: Linear PSU, i2s output to Dac) - Roon Endpoint, HDMI input used for all things Streaming/ PS5 /AppleTV ... also good for movies apparently?
    MUSIC PLAYBACK
    Tweaked AP-Linux based Roon Server into Oppo 203 as Roon endpoint
    Ipad Roon Remote.
    Apple Music/ YouTube via AppleTV, fed to Dac via Oppo HDMI input/i2s output to Dac.
    SPEAKER CABLES
    Biwired: Duelund DCA10GA (Bass) Duelund DCA16GA (mid & treble) Duelund 12DCA used as jumpers (On
    "Blackcat Cable" Chris Sommivigo's advice - yup, even with biwire it sounds better - and it does)
    INTERCONNECTS
    All Balanced: Ghost+ recording studio XLR cables

  5. #5
    Join Date: Dec 2014

    Location: UK, inactive

    Posts: 1,570
    I'm inactive.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by hifi_dave View Post
    Had Humax for years and always with small, niggling problems. When the latest Humax went wrong, a few months ago, we got a Panasonic as the TV is Panasonic. Different class altogether. The picture is far, far better and has many adjustments you can do to get it just the way you want. It is also much easier to use than the Humax.
    Did read some similar complaints from users about Humax units which put me off a bit; good to hear that Panasonic get a thumbs up - particularly as mine arrives tomorrow

  6. #6
    Join Date: Dec 2014

    Location: UK, inactive

    Posts: 1,570
    I'm inactive.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Gazjam View Post
    Used to love my Topfield box, nit sure if thet are still kicking about.

    Didn't come across the brand in my searches - although there is a Topfield satellite box on Amazon so seems they are still in business...

  7. #7
    Join Date: Dec 2014

    Location: UK, inactive

    Posts: 1,570
    I'm inactive.

    Default

    Oops - just discovered I can record directly from the TV onto a USB drive .. including scheduling recordings from the programme guide in advance. Nothing mentioned in the guide Samsung included in the package and didn't need it while using the Tivo box so never really gave it a thought.

    I guess that why they call it a 'smart' TV - whoda thunk

    The interface is decidedly clunky though and limited to one channel at a time so will probably end up keeping the box (which also has other great features).

  8. #8
    Join Date: May 2010

    Location: Worcestershire, UK

    Posts: 1,101
    I'm Rob.

    Default

    I've always been happy with Humax PVRs. We've had about three now. I find them easy to use.
    Rob.
    Powered by crossed fingers and clenched buttocks

  9. #9
    Join Date: Apr 2011

    Location: Surrey

    Posts: 4,162
    I'm Mike.

    Default

    Still have my original Tivo box and still using it.
    You can pick them up for buttons or even free.
    No HDMI. Scart out only
    TAD CD / DAC / Pre, Technics 1210, MCRU PSU, Mike New Bearing & Platter, Stillpoints LP1 weight, Speedy Steve Ebony armboard, Fidelity Research FR64FX arm, Ortofon SPU. Aurorasound VIDA Phono Pre Amp, TAD Power Amp, TAD E1 speakers. Coherent RTZ 3 Grounding box, Coherent grounding cables, Creaktiv racks. Coherent Mains Cables. SR Blue Fuse. Interconnects : Coherent and Yannis 223.5 Connect Litz. Coherent speaker cable. Audio Magic Transcendence Conditioner. Coherent mains socket. Mains Filters : , PS Audio Harvesters, Russ Andrews Purifiers, Tacima, Vertex. Black Ravioli and RDC supports. Electric Beach S1NX platforms for TAD CD and Technics. Ferrite chokes everywhere except the above. Ears, brain

    Mike

  10. #10
    Join Date: Oct 2011

    Location: London Town

    Posts: 2,441
    I'm Julian.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by mikmas View Post
    Now moot as I hit the button for a refurbed Panasonic DMR-HWT250 this evening
    I've had one of these for a while now and am very happy with it - definitely the best box I have had so far ...
    Sonore Rendu - Cambridge Audio Edge W - Sonus Faber Venere 2.5

+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •