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Reliable easy to use Freeview PVR?


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Old 07-12-2016, 23:11
2Bdecided
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(The search function on these forums really is hopeless! Sorry to ask what must be a very common question, but I can't find the answer.)

I'm looking for a reliable, easy-to-use Freeview PVR for my in-laws.

Catch-up players would be a bonus, but not the most important thing.

They are never going to transfer files.

They would like scheduled recordings to happen without fail, crashes to never happen, and the user interface to be responsive and sensible. They probably won't use it that much, but when they do, they want it to just work.


Their previous experience is a Panasonic DVD/VHS recorder which seemed a bit painful to use and died after a couple of years, and a Humax HDR 2000T which didn't seem to work properly. (Defaulted to the weakest channels, locked up frequently and sometimes just wouldn't switch on.)

I've read around, but the smaller Panasonic user base here on DS might be skewing the number of bug reports, so it's hard to tell how reliable they really are. It seems most recent Humax models are a bit buggy and Panasonic models have an unfriendly UI.

Any suggestions?

Cheers,
David.
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Old 08-12-2016, 09:50
grahamlthompson
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Hi David, I would look for a used HDR-FOX-T2. Much more reliable than the HDR-2000T and has a very similar User Interface. No good for catch up though.. The alternative with catch up would be a Youview Box. Can't really recommend the FVP-4000T as Humax seem to be taking a while to get rid of the bugs.

A seperate very cheap NOW TV box (without subscription) will add the major catch up apps.
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Old 08-12-2016, 10:00
anthony david
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I do not recommend the Panasonic, although it is a very reliable well made machine, because it is not very easy to use. The Humax T-2 is very good but remember these machines are now very old and probably coming to the end of their life.

As I'm sure you know, ease of use doesn't apply to many modern technological products, hence the many enquiries on these forums.
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Old 08-12-2016, 10:16
David_Flett1
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Hi David, I would look for a used HDR-FOX-T2. Much more reliable than the HDR-2000T and has a very similar User Interface. No good for catch up though.. The alternative with catch up would be a Youview Box. Can't really recommend the FVP-4000T as Humax seem to be taking a while to get rid of the bugs.

A seperate very cheap NOW TV box (without subscription) will add the major catch up apps.
I'm not overly fond of recommending Amazon even though I own the Amazon Fire TV. The reason is that they do not allow their app on so many other boxes which restrict people from using their streaming service and having to buy another box/stick. Similar experience with Sky and Now TV which isn't availble on everything. I just wish that Amazon/Sky would take a leaf out of Netflix book and allow people to have unrestricted access to their service.

I know that streaming services may not be the priority here but it struck me the other day when my daughter-in-law's mother was talking about The Crown which is on Netflix. She doesn't bother too much about catch up or hasn't even wanted any of the streaming services but she is really keen to watch The Crown which makes me think that maybe there is a growing case to recommend boxes/sticks for parents who may want to broaden what is availble to them.

I picked up a BT 2100 you view box on ebay as a second box for the bedroom and it works really well far better than my original one.
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Old 08-12-2016, 11:41
victorslot
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"They would like scheduled recordings to happen without fail, crashes to never happen, and the user interface to be responsive and sensible. They probably won't use it that much, but when they do, they want it to just work."

That's something we would all like but the reality is often a little different. Having had, or still have, boxes from several manufacturers my recommendation would be a new YouView box. They are easy to set up, a remote that has clear buttons and a relatively easy user interface.
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Old 08-12-2016, 12:52
cp2
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Personally I would recommend a TvOnics DTR-Z500HD. No catch-up but twin Freeview HD tuners, a straightforward control system and reliable recording.
Unfortunately long since discontinued when the manufacturer went bust.
Hopefully mine will keep going for a while longer.
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Old 08-12-2016, 13:46
gomezz
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Hi David, I would look for a used HDR-FOX-T2. Much more reliable than the HDR-2000T and has a very similar User Interface. No good for catch up though
I agree. I would rather go for the best PVR that is good at being a PVR and use a tablet or Android TV box to provide catch-up services.
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Old 08-12-2016, 15:59
2Bdecided
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Thanks all. If they will consider second hand, I will look at a HDR-FOX-T2.

What is a good new YouView box?

Cheers,
David.
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