Looking for DVB-T HD PVR with EPG and archival support

Forums › Freeview (DVB-T/DVB-S) › Looking for DVB-T HD PVR with EPG and archival support

TeaKay

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#127441 10-Aug-2013 01:46

Hi,

I'm looking for a DVB-T receiver that should have the following features (++ = required, + = nice to have):

++ 1: HD reception
++ 2: series recording (manual programming, if necessary)
++ 3: archiving support

+ a: book recording through EPG
+ b: SCART connection
+ c: twin tuner
+ d: low price
+ e: extra digital sound out

Regarding ++ 3 (archiving support):
I understand that there are recorders that restrict playback of recordings to themselves.

While that would still support archiving of recordings, it may render them useless once the device dies, correct?
Does this restriction apply to HD material only?
Or will they play back on another device of the same type?
What if the model is discontinued?
I'd be OK to transcode files, if really necessary.

It would be ideal if you could watch a recording on a PC, e.g., using VLC.
I currently have no TV set and will have to watch with a monitor and I'd hate to be forced to place the latter near were the receiver must be (due to the TV signal cable).

Regarding + c (twin tuner)
Given the current number of channels, are there much exclusions in terms of not being able to watch one programme, while recording another? Usually, even a single tuner can receive a number of programmes at the same time, correct?

Regarding + e (extra digital sound out)
As I'm using a monitor only, I won't be able to use the sound included in the HDMI signal (as I don't have an HDMI-capable receiver either).

BTW, I've checked the Freeview coverage for my location and have received the result "likely with high arial". There is a high arial and I trust the previous user had reception, but I am unsure whether "a signal" implies "HD reception". Are there areas that only receive an SD signal, or is the HD option always implied, once you get a signal? Are there areas which allow reception of terrestrial analogue reception, but not terrestrial digital reception? I'm asking because I don't want to buy a receiver only to find out that the arial (roof mounted) is not good enough.

I'd be indebted to everyone sharing their knowledge with me.

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Biddle Corp

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#874961 10-Aug-2013 09:09

Format shifting of content is illegal in NZ so therefore you're going to have limited options finding a Freeview approved device with MHEG5 that allows transferring recordings.

ubernoob

576 posts

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#874971 10-Aug-2013 09:33

ubernoob time.... do you mean something like these

http://www.panasonic.co.nz/products/home-entertainment/dvd-and-blu-ray/

as I have one of these and it does all your ++ and most + but doesn't have SCART

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#874981 10-Aug-2013 09:55

ubernoob: ubernoob time.... do you mean something like these

http://www.panasonic.co.nz/products/home-entertainment/dvd-and-blu-ray/

as I have one of these and it does all your ++ and most + but doesn't have SCART

+1
I have one too and it does all that.
Can even transfer the recorded files to PC using Twonky Server (haven't tried others) then edit and store on a data drive.
SCART was never used much in NZ and the sockets take up too much room on the back panel anyway.
Earlier Panasonic models used SCART for a while. HDMI and Coaxial/optical outputs are much better.

Edit
P.S/ Freeview seem to have stopped adding protection in their transmission.
Many programs were copy protected but haven't seen any for a few months now.

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#874988 10-Aug-2013 10:11

Re your other queries -

My Panasonic unit has optical, coaxial, RCA stereo and HDMI sound out.

The high aerial would need to be UHF and possibly need a masthead amp but still no guarantee of reception. You really need to get a pro installer with the correct gear to check if you can get a suitable signal level.
Freeview Terrestrial is HD although many channels and programs are only in SD.
After Dec this year there will be no Analogue TV anywhere in NZ. Your only choice to watch TV then will be either digital Terrestrial (FreeviewHD) or digital Satellite (Freeview or Sky).

hdinsider

552 posts

Ultimate Geek

#874990 10-Aug-2013 10:12

Buy the cheapest DTT terrestrial receiver box you can find to prove your aerial reception before buying an expensive PVR. I think there are usually $80-100 options at the warehouse. If it doesn't work, you could take it back for a refund or use it on a second TV...

My Panasonic Bluray/DVD/PVR does all I need. I archive some shows off to DVD (The pana transcodes them down from HD slowly) and it works fine.

don't mess with me.... i'm the hd insider....

JimmyH

2886 posts

Uber Geek

#875049 10-Aug-2013 13:04

sbiddle: Format shifting of content is illegal in NZ so therefore you're going to have limited options finding a Freeview approved device with MHEG5 that allows transferring recordings.

That's not correct. Pretty much every consumer electronics retailer worth their salt sells the Panasonic BR and DVD recorder units that do just that. I use, and recommend, the Pannys.

The other (fiddlier) option is a PC with a tuner card and EPG collector installed. Less elegant than the Panny's, but more flexible.

sbiddle

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#875058 10-Aug-2013 13:37

JimmyH:
sbiddle: Format shifting of content is illegal in NZ so therefore you're going to have limited options finding a Freeview approved device with MHEG5 that allows transferring recordings.

That's not correct. Pretty much every consumer electronics retailer worth their salt sells the Panasonic BR and DVD recorder units that do just that. I use, and recommend, the Pannys.

The other (fiddlier) option is a PC with a tuner card and EPG collector installed. Less elegant than the Panny's, but more flexible.

I didn't say there were none, just that your options are limited.

The Freeview spec specifies a very strict Content Management policy which some devices aren't 100% compliant with.

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TeaKay

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#875066 10-Aug-2013 13:56

ubernoob: ubernoob time.... do you mean something like these

http://www.panasonic.co.nz/products/home-entertainment/dvd-and-blu-ray/

Thanks a lot for the pointer, ubernoob.

These look like very good devices, but there are a couple of problems:

* they are a bit on the expensive side (not saying they are not worth the price; maybe that's what you need to pay to avoid getting annoyed with a cheap solution?)

* the DMR-PWT530 does not have an analogue video out

* the DMR-XW390 is not region free (or is it?)

I have many region 2 DVDs which I bought in Germany when I still lived there and need to be able to use them.

Regarding the SCART connector:
An S-Video output plus R & L Audio RCA is fine as well.
I just need to be able to connect to a CRT and with the above signals, I can use a SCART adapter.

TeaKay

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#875068 10-Aug-2013 14:01

My Panasonic unit has optical, coaxial, RCA stereo and HDMI sound out.

Thanks.

Is that the DMR-XW390 then?
It should have a "Video Out" then as well, right?

I realise that HDMI is the superior connection, but I need to connect to an analogue CRT. This TV set is old but is still working great and superior to many flat screen when it comes to motion.

Thanks a lot for the other info as well.

TeaKay

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#875073 10-Aug-2013 14:04

hdinsider: My Panasonic Bluray/DVD/PVR does all I need. I archive some shows off to DVD (The pana transcodes them down from HD slowly) and it works fine.

Which model are you using?

Any chance of getting it region free (just for DVDs, not for Blue-ray)?

Thanks a lot in advance.

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#875101 10-Aug-2013 15:29

TeaKay:
My Panasonic unit has optical, coaxial, RCA stereo and HDMI sound out.

Thanks.

Is that the DMR-XW390 then?
It should have a "Video Out" then as well, right?

I realise that HDMI is the superior connection, but I need to connect to an analogue CRT. This TV set is old but is still working great and superior to many flat screen when it comes to motion.

Thanks a lot for the other info as well.

I have the BWT720 and yes it has composite video out as well.

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#875103 10-Aug-2013 15:33

TeaKay:
hdinsider: My Panasonic Bluray/DVD/PVR does all I need. I archive some shows off to DVD (The pana transcodes them down from HD slowly) and it works fine.

Which model are you using?

Any chance of getting it region free (just for DVDs, not for Blue-ray)?

Thanks a lot in advance.

Panasonic will region free the their Recorders/Players at no cost if you take it to one of their service agents with the purchase receipt.
The DVD section can be made region free but not the Blu Ray section.

ubernoob

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#875204 10-Aug-2013 20:35

B1GGLZ:
TeaKay:
hdinsider: My Panasonic Bluray/DVD/PVR does all I need. I archive some shows off to DVD (The pana transcodes them down from HD slowly) and it works fine.

Which model are you using?

Any chance of getting it region free (just for DVDs, not for Blue-ray)?

Thanks a lot in advance.

Panasonic will region free the their Recorders/Players at no cost if you take it to one of their service agents with the purchase receipt.
The DVD section can be made region free but not the Blu Ray section.

I have the same model as B1GGLZ and can confirm that one of their service agents will code it region free for you. We took ours in and they did it while I waited...about 10 mins, no charge. We also watch region 2. I can also watch recorded tv on my desktop in another room no problems. keep an eye on the sales, as new models come out they do drop in price

TeaKay

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#875251 10-Aug-2013 23:22

ubernoob: I have the same model as B1GGLZ and can confirm that one of their service agents will code it region free for you. We took ours in and they did it while I waited...about 10 mins, no charge.

Great!

Many thanks to everyone who has responded to my question.

I was initially headed towards a cheap solution a la Loranz or similar, but since I need a Blu-ray player anyhow and read many frustrating stories about the cheap solutions, I'm pretty sure I'll choose a Panasonic now.

Thanks again!

bazzer

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#875662 12-Aug-2013 10:25

I'm tossing up between the BWT835 ($900ish) and the Magic TV MTV3700TD ($500). I don't need a Blu-ray player and I don't know that I really need the BR recording functionality, especially for nearly twice the price. Do people really archive things to BR/DVD these days?

Has anyone had experience with both or can give a comparison?

I've also looked at the DishTV PVR but it looks pretty ugly! :)

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