DVD Hdd freeview recorder

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jonboy

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#94341 8-Dec-2011 13:32

Hi All

My parents are wanting to replace all their boxes with an easy to use DVD player/HDD recorder. It will need to receive terestrial freeview. Can any one reccomend a particular brand/model?

RunningMan

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#555457 8-Dec-2011 13:42

I've been looking at the Panasonic XW380 for this exact same scenario! Seems to be about $599

Jaxson

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Trusted

#555459 8-Dec-2011 13:42

You've only got Panasonic and Samsung units that can do disks and record freeview all in one unit.
Panasonic does a cheaper DVD version
http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/tv-lcd-led-plasma/media-players/panasonic/250gb-freeview-digital-television-recorder-sku-18321/

and a more expensive Bluray version.
http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/tv-lcd-led-plasma/media-players/panasonic/full-hd-3d-blu-ray-disc-recorder-sku-21603/

Samsung just does the one Bluray version.
http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/tv-lcd-led-plasma/media-players/samsung/3d-blu-ray-player-with-twin-hd-tuner-sku-21910/

bfginger

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#555636 8-Dec-2011 20:18

On HD TVs DVD picture quality is significantly inferior to the Blu-ray format which is displacing it so if they just want the one box they ought to get a Blu-ray model. They can also play DVDs.

You will probably need the device to be region-freed for DVDs as many DVDs sold in NZ are out-of-zone. Panasonic and Samsung Blu-ray players can be region-freed for DVDs. Panasonic authorised service centres are said to do this for free with presentation of a receipt. I don't know about Samsung.

You'll need to buy an HDMI cable as they don't come with one. Do they have a pre-HDMI HD TV or flatscreen?

From all I've heard about the Samsung units I would not consider them over the Panasonic. Cheaper is not always cheaper.

Dunnersfella

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#555716 9-Dec-2011 00:06

Jaxson:
Samsung just does the one Bluray version.
http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/tv-lcd-led-plasma/media-players/samsung/3d-blu-ray-player-with-twin-hd-tuner-sku-21910/

Actually, Samsung has two models...
One runs a 500GB HDD, the other, a 1TB HDD.
As they offer expandable storage via an external USB HDD, the 1TB drive unit doesn't really make sense.

I still prefer the Panasonic units as they allow you to record 2 x channels at the same time, whereas the Samsung's only allow you to record one channel while viewing another...