But can it copy content off via the WiFi? It was hard to tell, it looked like it might act as a DLNA server. But I'm still not sure if that's enough to get content off.
Or are you saying that it doesn't have a way to get the content off it at all?
benneg: I have a similar unit but have problems accessing over the network from my PC; but I believe that you cannot transfer data from the internal hard drive anyway? They do have a reasonably easy edit function which is a good feature.
I have a BWT720 BluRay recorder and can transfer files from the HDD to the PC OK using Twonky 7. They can then be easily edited and stored. It will burn HD to BluRay disc but reformats to SD for burning DVDs. The burnt BluRay disc will then play OK on other machines provided they don't have copy protected content. DVDs will play on anything.
Thanks for the tip; I have a BWT-500 which isn't listed in the compatible devices so it may not work for me. I also have problem with my network and this device; when trying to play to a connected Panasonic TV through the network the device flashes up for a second and then disappears. It is also not shown in my connected devices on my PC's even though it is shown on my network map through Network Magic.
I really haven't had the time or need to try and fix this problem as I seldom use the recorder; we do 80% of our viewing streaming from the internet these days. No need to record when you can get it on demand.
markboynz: Does anyone have any experience with the PWT500? It looks like it's a slightly cut down version of the BWT720, which really is a little out of my price range. But I'm not sure if there's really much difference aside from HDD size, or if I'm missing something...
I have a PWT-500, but this is now a discontinued model and the only store that I know that still sells it is JB Hi-Fi and for a price that I would not pay. They should be running them out for a price close to $400 which is around what I got my one for.
I am not aware of too many differences between this and the next model up; but check my previous post, it does not seem to be compatibly with the streaming features of twonky (the DMR-390 is also not listed) so must have differences in this area?
My own personal advice though; if you have a decent broad band connection look at streaming most of your viewing (esp with a VPN connection). Then you should only need a more basic box for Freeview.
Now I'm getting confused as to whether the PWT500 and BWT500 are actually the same thing. Anyone know what Panasonic's naming conventions mean?
While I do plenty of streaming, the work that I do means that I really need to be able to record, time-shift and externally archive live-to-air broadcast of NZ tv.
markboynz: While I do plenty of streaming, the work that I do means that I really need to be able to record, time-shift and externally archive live-to-air broadcast of NZ tv.
If this is your main requirement in all seriousness you're looking in the completely wrong direction for your solution. PC based is the only way to go.
markboynz: Now I'm getting confused as to whether the PWT500 and BWT500 are actually the same thing. Anyone know what Panasonic's naming conventions mean?
As far as I can tell from their advertising the BWT can record to optical disc and the PWT can't. Otherise they are virtually the same. Why they would sell a recorder that can't burn a disc seems rather strange to me.
markboynz: While I do plenty of streaming, the work that I do means that I really need to be able to record, time-shift and externally archive live-to-air broadcast of NZ tv.
If this is your main requirement in all seriousness you're looking in the completely wrong direction for your solution. PC based is the only way to go.
Unfortunately, not an option, as it needs to be usable by the other people in the household also, who are relatively luddite.
markboynz: Now I'm getting confused as to whether the PWT500 and BWT500 are actually the same thing. Anyone know what Panasonic's naming conventions mean?
As far as I can tell from their advertising the BWT can record to optical disc and the PWT can't. Otherise they are virtually the same. Why they would sell a recorder that can't burn a disc seems rather strange to me.
Transcoding of content isn't legal in NZ and there are restrictions on what can and can't be done with Freeview recordings. Maybe they've simply got a device that fully complies with these requirements now.
markboynz: Does anyone have any experience with the PWT500? It looks like it's a slightly cut down version of the BWT720, which really is a little out of my price range. But I'm not sure if there's really much difference aside from HDD size, or if I'm missing something...
Was playing with one earlier today just by chance. Seems like a nice unit. The only other obvious feature of the 720 is that you can plug an external HDD in for even more space.
Has a dual-tuner which is a fairly useful thing for a PVR to have.
markboynz: Now I'm getting confused as to whether the PWT500 and BWT500 are actually the same thing. Anyone know what Panasonic's naming conventions mean?
As far as I can tell from their advertising the BWT can record to optical disc and the PWT can't. Otherise they are virtually the same. Why they would sell a recorder that can't burn a disc seems rather strange to me.
Transcoding of content isn't legal in NZ and there are restrictions on what can and can't be done with Freeview recordings. Maybe they've simply got a device that fully complies with these requirements now.
So why are there so many Freeview PVR units available? Surely just recording it is a form of transcoding?
Time-shifting for immediate use is legal. Archiving is (mostly) not. With the exception of fair dealing statutes, of which educational use is one, which is what I need it for.
wongtop: I don't know of any box that does everything you want. The basic dishtv boxes are in your price range, but just have the essentials. The panasonic and samsung boxes have more features, but are up nearer the 500 mark.
Are there particular models you're thinking of if the budget can be made to stretch a little?
The Panasonic model XW390 is probably closest to your budget - around $470 in sales, $500-550 when not on sale.
Does most of what you want (all channels, upscaling, can copy content off to DVD, accessible over network using DLNA). I have one, and apart from the crappy user interface (which is worse than for the models it replaced) it's a good unit.
However, it isn't satellite and won't take a Sky card.
I looked at the XW390 for s friend of mine but the user reviews were not very good. For about the same price DMR-PWT500 was reviewed better and has a DB player..
The XW390 is a good unit. The User interface is, in my opinion, god-awful and a bit of a step back from the predecessor model. However, the hardware and the quality is pretty darn good.
I really miss the 60-second skip function earlier units had though. Everytime I have to fast-forward instead of just hitting instant skip, I mutter another curse on Freeview..........
I am now revisiting this topic, having revised my thinking about this a bit, and also tested a few things. So, new set of specs:
Requirements - UHF box - Decent EPG - min. 2 tuners - PVR - connection of external HDD probably preferred to internal HDD - Ability to copy (playable) content off PVR or external HDD in non-encrypted format - ball park $350 spend at the top end
Nice extras - media player via LAN - DVD or Blu-Ray player
Where many units seem to fall down for me is the ability to copy material off in a non-encrypted format. This is important to me for my work, so any advice gratefully received.
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