New DVD Recorder/Player
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[Deleted User]
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My grandson want a new dvd recorder/player to record sky but he does not want a SKY+ box so can anyone advise me about the best DVDRecorder/Player he could use.
Ken
Ken
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[Deleted User]
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http://www.europe.guideplus.com/
Does he want the ability to record one Sky channel at the same time as watching a completely different Sky channel? Esppecially the Sky subscription channels?
If so then I don't know of a single DVD recorder with built in Sky receiver. Panasonic do a range with built in Freesat however. But as far as I am aware the only way to record one, watch another with Sky is to use the Sky+ service, though I stand to be corrected on that one.
A recorder with satellite receiver built in but no Sky card would record the free to air channels while you watch something else on the Sky box. A recorder without a satellite receiver built in will only be able to record what is being watched on the Sky box or from it's own terrestrial tuner if you plug up an aerial.
GuidePlus is so fraught with problems and complaints, I would suggses it's an advantage NOT having it.
Knowing the reasons (which aren't at all obvious) would help everyone come up with better suggestions.
if you want to archive stuff, its the best by far i think (and i save dozens of things, although I never watchnig half of them!)
only things worse than panasonic are
a) cannot save editing titles, so you have to enter them all from scratch
b) no insert chapter button
c) Sony DVD Burning title screens are not as nice IMO
but editing/title management etc are much better, and more than compensate. you get an edited programme much quicker with the sony
These devices are freeview - you can only record 1 channel at a time, although you can watch recorded stuff at the same time. you can chase play the recording also - this is ok if you have a freeview TV, or some other TV source
the other issue with recording from another source eg SKY - is trying to automate it (I never bother!) is that you have to coordinate both bits of equipment - so that the sony turns on at the right time, and the SKY also turns to the right channel.
I am sure you can use magic eye type things (sony comes with one) but it seems so much hassle, I have never bothered.
for archiving stuff its absolutely great
Freeview recordings are digital. Edit out the adverts, and dub a 2hr recording to DVD in about 12 mins.
You can also do a dsk-to-disk digital copy of a DVD (not copy protected ones) - which you couldnt do digitally with my panasonic (although perhaps you can now)
If I bought him a sky+ box is it easy to connect up?
Thanks
And no it is not possible to split the single connection to make two.
From doing a modest amount of research it seems getting a Sky+ box to record off one LNB feed is a faf and it also appears that it is then impossible to record one channel and watch something else at the same time.
Basically the Sky+ box appears to use Input 1 primarily for watching and Input 2 for recording. If there is no input 2 it fails to record anything. So you have to fool it into using input 1. Which means setting up a dummy recording that will pick input 2. Then setting up your real recording which will pick input 1 because the box thinks input 2 is in use.
The dummy recording will fail so you don't waste any hard disk space. But because you now only have one tuner in use you cannot watch something else while the real recording is being made.
That kind of throws a large spanner in the works really.
The only alternative I know of is the Humax Freesat recorder. This can work off a single LNB feed with some limitations on what channels you can record and watch at the same time. Fairly obviously however you won't get the Sky subscription channels with that so no Sky Sports or Sky movies channels etc.
Does he get Freeview? If so (and obviously depending on finances) then it might make sense to get a DVDR as this will record off of either Freeview directly or via SCART from Sky, it would then be possible to watch Sky and record Freeview and if the TV got Freeview to watch Freeview and record Sky.
All of this can be a bit complex to use, you mention your grandson is in sheltered accommodation but don't say if he has any special needs (I'm not trying to pry, just help). If he might have difficulties then a Freeview PVR may be easier to use.
If money is not an issue (within reason) and he is capable then I would suggest a DVDR to record Sky and a Freeview PVR for anything that is on Freeview. Alternatively Sky+HD now has a single feed mode that is easier to use than a DVDR but there will be a £10 a month charge for the first year.
They are competing systems. You most certainly will not get any of the Sky subscription channels and I am not completely certain you will get any of the free to air Sky services like Sky News
This will give you an idea of what is on.
http://www.freesat.co.uk/index.php?page=whatson.Main&PHPSESSID=objfqbc2qcdafpm3tndkoln3d4
As you will see no mention at all of any Sky services, which is not that surprising really.
if he does then you need a DVD recorder, and a HARD DISK recorder is leagues better than a non-hard disk one.
you can feed a sky signal in and record that
the only difference between this and sky plus is you can only record one thing at a time
if he wants to save stuff on DVD - then a HDD DVD Recorder is a absolute requirement.
Personally, I would rate this higher than a Sky Plus facility, especially as it doesnt cost each month!
Whether being able to make a permanent copy is more important than proper PVR functions is as you say a matter of personal choice, I would think most people would disagree with yours but all we can do is give our own opinion on that. However I must point out that Sky+ does not cost anything for anyone with a Sky subscription.