Re: OT: Freeview PVR opinions

[Kevin Hawkins <lists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

ianh1000 wrote:

>Hi All,
>
>I have been asked by SWMBO to get freeview for her folks. They have a
>TIVO that I bought them a couple of years back which they like but do
>not use any of its special features. I do not really want to add
>another box that the Tivo controls so I am considering a Freview PVR.
>
>Anyone here got one and can offer an opinion. Or how workable Tivo is
>controlling a set top box.
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>Ian
>
>
>
Hi Ian -  I use my Tivo in conjunction with a FreeView STB all the time
- its great - in fact I have taken to dedicating a STB to Tivo such that
I dont get those annoying 'Tivo wishes to change the channel' messages -
I am assuming you're not already using a STB with Tivo eg Sky ??

However the cost now of some of the Freeview PVR boxes is very low -
Humax had one at an amazing low price I saw - no idea on quality etc
although there was a review in one of the mags a couple of month backs
on all the PVR's.    Another great advantage of these of course is that
the recording is digital so you retain the video and audio quality (up
to the decode) - however you don't have the option to trade storage
space vs quality as you do on Tivo.  Look carefully at the ease of use
of the programming side and the availability of EPG information  - and
future scheduling ie 'record all' or record "Grand Designs" type
thing
as the implementation varies.  Also watch for your outputs so you have
th right type eg RGB/ S-video etc presented as SCART or other; and if
you use digital audio then either a Toslink optical or coax provision.

Kevin




Kevin