Terrestrial PVR - Not much choice?

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gustov

177 posts

Master Geek

#133567 26-Oct-2013 18:47

I'm looking for a terrestrial twin-tuner PVR. The Magic TV 3700TD looked just the trick, then I discovered no fast-forward or reverse feature unless its hacked, But worse still is recordings are encrypted and can not be exported and played on anything but another Magic PVR. Bugger that - we don't keep many recorded programmes anyway, but I'm not going to be held hostage in this way, so no sale for Magic TV from me.

I've now started looking at the Panasonic DMR-XW390GZKDMR-XW390GZK. Can anyone comment on whether this model also encrypts its recordings? And what is the fast-forward and reverse feature like please?

Are there any other twin-tuner terrestrial PVR's out there, that are not crippled, which readers have a good word for.

Thanks for any advice.

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turb

844 posts

Ultimate Geek

#922207 26-Oct-2013 20:01

It sounds like an HTPC may do what you want.

My windows 7 pc running Windows Media Centre will either fast forward/back, or skip forward/back in 30sec slices (which is great for skipping ads.

Recorded tv is saved in .wtv format which will play on win7 computers (not win8). Wtv can be converted to anything you like using converter software. If you are wanting to port your media around the house, with an htpc you can do it over a network.

Htpc's are more of a fiddle to set up, but you can set them up in whatever way suits you, and then change it all around when you change your mind!

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#922213 26-Oct-2013 20:10

Skip and DRM restrictions on content are dictated by content owners. These in turn are dictated as part of the Freeview certification process.

If you're unhappy with these restrictions go for a PC based solution with tuner cards. You get something that's vastly superior to any STB based PVR and avoid all the limitations of Freeview certified equipment.

rugrat

2727 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#922258 26-Oct-2013 22:46

gustov: I'm looking for a terrestrial twin-tuner PVR. The Magic TV 3700TD looked just the trick, then I discovered no fast-forward or reverse feature unless its hacked, But worse still is recordings are encrypted and can not be exported and played on anything but another Magic .

Magic TV™ includes many unique features allowing you to get to what you want fast:
One Touch Channel Select and ‘Favourites’ speed up channel hopping.
2x, 4x, 8x, 16x and 32x fast forward and rewind plus new slow motion and fast forward with audio
On-screen icons, timebars and hints so you always know what's going on
Helpful shortcut keys exist throughout the system so speed navigation.

The above from http://www.mymagictv.co.nz/MTV3700TD-features.html

Are they false advertising about the fast forward above, can't see anyone wanting to buy where it won't fast forward.

Also the encryption thing, looks like they let you plug in any usb drive which is nice, don't have to worry about running out of space, but yeah once it breaks recordings won't play on anything else.

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#922526 27-Oct-2013 16:16

rugrat:

Magic TV™ includes many unique features allowing you to get to what you want fast:
One Touch Channel Select and ‘Favourites’ speed up channel hopping.
2x, 4x, 8x, 16x and 32x fast forward and rewind plus new slow motion and fast forward with audio
On-screen icons, timebars and hints so you always know what's going on
Helpful shortcut keys exist throughout the system so speed navigation.

Also the encryption thing, looks like they let you plug in any usb drive which is nice, don't have to worry about running out of space, but yeah once it breaks recordings won't play on anything else.

+1
The brochure says it will do fast forward and rewind OK.
HD Recordings may or may not be encrypted depending on the broadcaster.
It seems common for USB HDD recording to play only on the machine recorded on. Panasonics are the same as the USB HDD (up to 8 of them) is registered to the machine.
I have a Panasonic BWT720 and it does all you want.
Will burn to DVD or Blu Ray to play on other units. I can transfer recordings to my PC using Twonky server.
Prior to April this year I was only able to transfer SD recordings and some HD recordings as most of the HD ones were copy protected but since then the protection seems to have diasppeared and all recordings will now transfer OK.
The BWT835 1tb model is down to $888 now and will probably be even cheaper at Xmas. Very good value IMO.

jnimmo

What does this tag do
1056 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#922575 27-Oct-2013 17:50

I just wish we had the latest TiVos here; love the idea of scheduling recording from the web/phone etc

doug3

99 posts

Master Geek

#922588 27-Oct-2013 18:38

You can do scheduling recordings with the Panasonic DWR-BWT835 with PC, Tablet, and Phone. $799 at Dick Smith now 22nd - 28th Oct.