By strange coincidence, I'm already working on this for the next update

I've just updated my Dual-Tuner PVR comparison page.

I've now added more good points/bad points/bugs (though this is still incomplete for some models).

I've also added the Humax PVR 9200T, though there is very little confirmed information available on this at the moment (hence all the ????!).

I've also inserted the model headings in each section so you can see what model you are looking at without having to scroll right back up to the top.

As always, if anyone has got any comments, additions, or corrections, let me know

Wow, that's brilliant emsee, you've really been busy, haven't you!

Your comparison is now the ultimate one-stop-shop for dual-tuner info.

emsee,

I notice that you *still* list "plays current title in an endless loop" as a negative point for the Fusions - why is this a problem? I think it's actually a feature. If you want to set one up in a shop to display a demo/marketing/whatever then it's surely a distinct advantage and for someone just watching last night's Eastenders it's not a problem either. When you get to the end credits you press [stop] (unless you are a REAL masochist in which case you watch it again (and again (and again...)))

You also have "no timer padding" for Fusion. This is not correct, it's quite possible to pad (I always do). I think the point is "no AUTOMATIC timer padding" but the machines that auto-pad seem to then have problems with consecutive recordings so it's maybe best left manual anyway.

(I keep editing this as I notice other inaccuracies!)

For Fusion you also have "can't turn off timeshifting". What does that mean then? In all the PVRs they all buffer two channels all the time so that you are able to rewind at any moment. How is that counted as a negative point. If you do rewind then want to go back to "live" you just press the lower right >| key so if "can't turn off timeshifting" meant that then someone clearly didn't read the manual!

Cliff
Last edited by CJL : 28-04-2005 at 11:04

Toppy corrections:
Auto BST/DST change: N (Possible with TAP)

Some people find that continuous buffering means that the HDD is noisy and clicks away all of the time. So therefore some people want to turn this off. I'm with you, I can't see why you'd want to, but then I don't have a noisy PVR (well, the fan is noisier tha the disk at least!)

Matt

Thanks for the comparison.

As a happy Toppy owner I suggest: that the Pros explicetly mentions the large hard drive, the ability to archive in the digital domain, and the potentially greater future-proofing via a CAM; the down-grading of the so-called 'blank recording' problem to minor (such recordings are made just fine, in my experience, but upon being played back the screen is initially blank, the solution to which is to first access another recoding and then to switch back to the blank recoding which can then be viewed).

In short, the Toppy is a good PVR with lots of Pros and no serious problems, but with many niggles.

CJL,

Some people have indicated that the continous play is an inconvenience when archiving overnight. If they set the Fusion on play and their recorder going, the Fusion will still be playing next morning. Granted, not the end of the world but something that could be avoided if the feature was switchable.
Snail

Snail,

Actually it won't still be playing in the morning cos the box automatically goes into standby at 3am when it goes looking for OTA/EPG

I usually archive one film to E55 during the night and one each morning from my Fusion and while I know that it repeat plays it simply doesn't matter cos you just use "flexible record" on the E55 and set it to the length of the item so it stops recording after one play through. Once in a while, if I am over cautious with the FR setting to be sure of getting everything it does mean the recording has a minute or two of the second play recorded - but again this doesn't matter cos if you watch such a recorded DVD the natural reaction is to hit [stop] when the film gets to the end anyway.

Clearly the idea Fusion had behind that loop play thing was that 2 minute "feature demonstration" that comes supplied in each box. I presume the idea was that Dixons wire it all up to a telly and this plays all day as POS for the product but either (a) Dixons staff get bored with the same thing over and over so never bother or (b) they can't work out how to plug the thing into the mains in the first place. (b) probably the most likely!

I still think it shouldn't be listed as a "fault" on the PVR comparison though. It's hardly the end of the world is it?

Cliff

It's an annoyance to some people and no other PVR seems to work in this way.

The good & bad points are in the subjective section so I don't expect everyone to agree with all of them - the idea is that people just ignore the points that aren't important to them.

I picked up a sale booklet in Argos last night (mainly to look for good deals on TVs). On page 37 there is a new twin tuner PVR by Sagem (model number PVR6240T). Does anyone know anything about this?

I searched Google and the only page that comes up is Argos. Info here (http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/st...clickfrom=name) and it seems to be out of stock.

Rob

There a thread abou this one here -

http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/...d.php?t=213769

So there is. Google must not have got around to indexing it yet.

Emsee: could you add it to your table, please?

Arrrghhh! not another one - I've not caught up with all the good & bad points on the existing ones yet!

OK, I'll try & add it in for the next update.

OK, I've now done an update & added 3 new models:
- Sagem PVR6240T
- Bush IDPVRO2
- Bush IDPVR802B

These are twin-tuner models but it looks like they can't record two channels at once.

I am seriously considering the Topfield 5800, however there seems to be some confusion on a feature that I need. Can someone please confirm that if I conect my DVD player to the 2nd Scart that it will pass-through to the main Scart. All will be in RGB mode as my monitor has only an RGB input

Have a look at the following thread on toppy.org.uk

http://www.toppy.org.uk/forum/viewto...gb+passthrough

Last post states:-

Twin_decks,
The RGB signal seems to be passed through on my setup (DVD --> Toppy --> TV).

Whats the difference between the fusion FVRT150 and FVRT200 ?, scanning down the comparison chart, I cant see any differences.

Currently being discussed on this thread

emsee - I have a jpeg of the remote for the Panasonic TU-CTH100. What's the best way to send it to you?

Also, I can confirm that the Panny records programme synopsis. Could you tell me what retrospective compression is? I'll see if I can check that one.

Like a lot of people I have had an Inverto on order for the last couple of months.

Still can't make my mind up if it is the right choice. My main reason for choosing the Inverto was the stability and quietness of the unit. I currently have a 3 way battle going on in my mind:

1) Sagem cheap (£130), fairly quiet and reliable dual tuner, but can only record one channel and only 40GB.
2) Inverto quiet, reliable, 80GB, dual recording, but more expensive (£220), currently unavailable and not yet proven to be as it says on mass production.
3) Topfield quiet, relaible, 160GB, dual recording, regular enhancements (TAPS) but more expensive (£290).

I was originally put off the topfield by price (can't really justify spending £290 at the moment) and being technical (ie attaching a PC....), but the enhancements are starting to sway me.

I'm now being a bit put off the Inverto by impatience and whether it is really anything special (ie does it just do what the fusion and thomsom have done for a while and not really worth the premium over them).

I just don't know whether I can live with the Sagem and won't know until I get a PVR how it will change our viewing habits. I can't afford to buy 2 units, so don't want to make a mistake on buying the wrong one. Which the Sagem may be.

Decisions..decisions..

I have to say the dual tuner combined with the Toppy's ability to watch a third station has saved my bacon a few times. Go for it.

matt

same here The toppy offers unexpected bonuses
i've read of people waiting for thier back order of inverto, i can't help think they'll assume it will be all roses from the off. the only reviews we read i guess are biased by thoses with interests to make it look good.
wouldn't they be wise to wait until customer feedback gives it the thumbs up before they commit? i spent a few quid more on the toppy... in a couple of weeks i'm sure i'll say i made a saving!

I've done it - Ordered the Toppy
I'll have to hide the bank statement from the wife though!
Better get reading up on updating and loading TAPS

Cheers,
Mark

You won't regret it

TAPs: It's just like copying a file in Windows Explorer