I've binned the VHS, what now ?

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globe

65 posts

Master Geek

#123242 30-Jun-2013 11:29

Looking for some help here guys.

I've finally binned the VHS and am getting rid of sky so losing the sky+ HDD.

Have trawled through the web but cant seem to find a simple explanation of what options I have moving forward.

What I have so far

- TV with built in freeview tuner thingy.
- A desire to be able to record and store programmes from TV/freeview in a manner similair to how Sky+ works now
- Option to play DVD/blu ray
- Low desire to burn DVD/blu ray

- I have a number of free dvd's re surfing and mountain biking etc that come with magazines, it'd be good to be able to add them to the HDD if possible.

So looking for some helpful soul to provide me with an indication of the type of set up (items as opposed to actual products - even though that is always welcomed) or at least a link to where this is explained to an out of touch person as I am.

Questions, comments, and suggestions most welcome.

Cheers

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757 posts

Ultimate Geek

#847353 30-Jun-2013 11:39

A Panasonic DMR-PWT530GZ would seem like a good fit. Its a blu-ray player, but not recorder but it has an internal 500gb hdd for recording of two Freeview channels (while watching a disc) and you can increase storage with externals aswell.

grant_k

3539 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#847354 30-Jun-2013 11:41

One key question is:

- Do you live in an area with Terrestrial DTV coverage i.e. Freeview UHF?

If so, your current TV should be able to tune in the channels, so you just need a recording device.
Otherwise, it's Freeview Satellite for you, and the range of devices available is quite different.

globe

65 posts

Master Geek

#847359 30-Jun-2013 12:14

Hi grant, yes I can receive free view through the TV ( I live in Auckland) did this before sky came on the scene.

(Wouldn't be a problem if the clowns had retained the EPL but that's another conversation altogether !)

grant_k

3539 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#847362 30-Jun-2013 12:24

In that case, the Panasonic DMR-PWT530GZ recommended above looks like a good fit. Easy!

globe

65 posts

Master Geek

#847367 30-Jun-2013 13:01

And Blu-ray over DVD is the recommendation ? Seems the blu-ray run at about an additional $200 or so for a similiar machine.

fahrenheit

757 posts

Ultimate Geek

#847368 30-Jun-2013 13:10

globe: And Blu-ray over DVD is the recommendation ? Seems the blu-ray run at about an additional $200 or so for a similiar machine.

Blu-ray players make for superior dvd players, so if you still do a significant amount of dvd watching, then its definitely of benefit to you.

JimmyH

2886 posts

Uber Geek

#847427 30-Jun-2013 16:50

globe: And Blu-ray over DVD is the recommendation ? Seems the blu-ray run at about an additional $200 or so for a similiar machine.

Generally yes, but as with most questions of this type "it depends".

Blu-ray has better sound and picture quality, and will also play DVDs. But that's only worth paying for if you will actually buy/rent BR disks.

Also, unlike DVD players, region-free BR players are hard to find if you plan on sourcing purchases from Amazon etc.

BR should not cost $200 more than a comparable DVD player. There are good name-brand players retailing for $120-200 if you look around.

Wise

Send money globally for less with Wise - one free transfer up to NZ$900 (affiliate link).

globe

65 posts

Master Geek

#847436 30-Jun-2013 17:16

Jimmy - $200 ain't going to get one with a HDD built in I don't think. You suggesting separate blu ray and HDD ?

Batman

Mad Scientist
29762 posts

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Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#847440 30-Jun-2013 17:25

PS4

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#847476 30-Jun-2013 18:54

Panasonic BWT720.
They're down to $699 now at JB HiFi. I doubt they'll get any cheaper.

mattwnz

20155 posts

Uber Geek

#847480 30-Jun-2013 19:08

Perhaps a tivo, with homenetworking package where you can download tv off it onto your PC. But only available now second hand.

JimmyH

2886 posts

Uber Geek

#847503 30-Jun-2013 20:52

globe: Jimmy - $200 ain't going to get one with a HDD built in I don't think. You suggesting separate blu ray and HDD ?

Sorry - yes I was - momentary brain fade - focused on players and forgot the Freeview part of the equation.

Either go separate units (eg a Dish twin-tuner model which will run you to about $3-350 on sale) and DVD/BR as different units, or go all-in-one.

If you go all-in-one, get the Panasonic unit B1GGLZ suggests. Even if you don't really want to burn disks - that functionality at that price will be hard to beat.

globe

65 posts

Master Geek

#848173 2-Jul-2013 12:08

Either go separate units (eg a Dish twin-tuner model which will run you to about $3-350 on sale) and DVD/BR as different units, or go all-in-one.
.

This the one you're referring to ? http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/tv-lcd-led-plasma/media-players/dish-tv/500gb-freeview-digital-television-recorder-sku-24182/

ilovemusic

1439 posts

Uber Geek

#848196 2-Jul-2013 12:28

B1GGLZ: Panasonic BWT720.
They're down to $699 now at JB HiFi. I doubt they'll get any cheaper.

^ x2

as close to a 'does everything in one box' solution as you'll find.

easy to use, great performance from bd and dvd (many new players are not so good at playing dvd, having poor/mediocre scaling circuitry).

multi-region bd isn't that big an issue as many bd's are region-free, just do some homework on the title before you buy from overseas.

globe

65 posts

Master Geek

#848206 2-Jul-2013 12:40

ilovemusic:
B1GGLZ: Panasonic BWT720.
They're down to $699 now at JB HiFi. I doubt they'll get any cheaper.

^ x2

as close to a 'does everything in one box' solution as you'll find.

easy to use, great performance from bd and dvd (many new players are not so good at playing dvd, having poor/mediocre scaling circuitry).

multi-region bd isn't that big an issue as many bd's are region-free, just do some homework on the title before you buy from overseas.

With this one if i played something through my TV such as from a USB stick, or the sky box can I still record on the HDD (or DVD ?)

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