The answer to that question is very much "it depends".

In my experience using a smart TV isn't as powerful and flexible as a good dedicated recorder, and certainly not when compared to a HTPC. Personally, I like my recorders and would replace one if it died.

However:

• not all recorders are equal, and a good smart TV might easily be as good (or better) that a cruddy cheap recorder
• not everyone needs all the functionality a good recorder can offer (DLNA connectivity etc) and, depending on your usage pattern, the TV might be all you need, and
• it does mean less wires and inputs to juggle, which might be better if there are people in the household who struggle with complex setups.

It's a case of horses for courses really.

The Sony TV freeview is awesome.

We have a 250GB hard drive connected to our 2year old 55" Samsung for recording. Works very well.

We usually use it to record movies only and use a freeview recorder for normal programs.