With Marc's permission I have uploaded a copy of the picture so you can see it here.

Looks good to me!

I hope the release date is May and not too much later!

Its difficult to see but basically those three buttons to the left are the power on/off button, a button with a left block arrow sign on it and another button with a right block arrow on it. The word understated comes to mind...

They will probably manage to get a dual tuner PVR right, but I still haven't forgiven them for the first UK PS2s!

B52's? Oh, my eyesight isn't too good.

I know it's at least one order of magnitude simpler, but for my money they certainly got the VTX-D800U right. If they can do the same with a PVR, then I would certainly consider paying out the extra.

Well, after months of deliberation, I've given up waiting.

I waited for the HXD710 and 910 to get cheaper after launch. They got more expensive.

I waited to order one when I had some spare cash, now they are unavailable.

I waited to see what the PC-based Sony VGX-XL100 was like, but decided it's too expensive (£950).

I started waiting for the new models - the 'D' versions of the HX725 and 925. They won't arrive until September.

And finally, I waited for more information about this ideal solution: the Sony twin-tuner PVR. But, when that will arrive, nobody knows.

So, what's my decision? I've spent £500 on a PC which will the same job as the Sony kit. If I need to play DivX I can just install some software. If I need twin tuners or a larger hard disk I can just go out and buy one!

So Sony, if you're listening, I really wanted to buy your kit, but I just got fed up of waiting.

Amazon have added 3 pictures of this unit.

Tribal have priced this at £213 inc delivery.

It will be May in a few days - maybe it will be released towards the end of May

I rang my local Sony Centre and they told me it's due at the end of the month, but would probably be mid-May before they got stock.

Reading Debenhams Sony area seemed to think that it was due but they would not see it for 6 weeks from release, putting it in mid June.

I also spoke to John Lewis, who currently stock all the top of the range PVR's (except the Topfield) and they did not know anything about the new Sony.

Knowing that the Sony STB has great reviews, I'm waiting for this particular box to be available.

I've discounted the Panasonic - I have an old TUC-T20 and I've not forgiven them for that one

From my understanding only the 910 is discontinued, the 710 will be replaced with a similar model.

My local Sony Centre still has stocks of both the 710 & the 910.

Cheers

Bill

Yes, if you are willing to pay silly 'Sony Centre' prices!

There's something about the case design, apparent dimensions, the reasonably low price and simple spec (for a Sony).. does anyone else think this actually looks like another 4TV clone? It's really very similar in dimensions to a Fusion or Thomson PVR.. could it be?

Thomson actually own 4TV now, yet have been very quiet on new models/updates themselves...

[quote=Boinng]There's something about the case design, apparent dimensions, the reasonably low price and simple spec (for a Sony).. QUOTE]

I'd agree on all but one of your point - Price! For a 80Gb Twin tuner this late in the game, £249 is a bit steep, however TribalUK are listing it for £213 delivered, and I'm sure there is scope for other retailers.

I'd like to hear how the menu/functionality compares with their current STB. If it's majorly different, you may be right about the Thomson / 4TV, although it only states 8day EPG in the limited Spec I've seen so far, which would rule out 4TV as it offers 14day EPG

Any "Beta" tester care to comment????

May 9th is the launch date apparently, so i'm told by Tribal who we're informed by Sony yesterday. Placed my order with Tribal two weeks ago. Looking forward to it.

I spoke with a guy in my local sony centre and they expect them in around the 15th May

Anyone agree the title of this thread should be changed to include the model number and the word "Freeview"? It would make it easier for people to spot what it's all about... ?

Just found this thread and am interestd in the Sony PVR (having abandoned my Digifusion 100 as hopeless). Does anyone know if the Sony will record subtitles ?
Jake27

The HXD710 and 910 recorded subtitles, so one can only guess the new model will do too.

I'm in the market for a PVR and since I have two Sony Freeview boxes my first choice is this new Sony model.

My worry is about noise: I understand that there will be a certain amount of noise while recording but when the unit isn't recording will it be silent, or will there be a fan whirring away? Maybe someone with knowledge of other PVRs could comment.

No fan in a Toppy, Nick. Nice mature, sorted product. Does just what it says on the tin. And look what a mess Pana made of the TUCThingy.....

Now now... remember I am Sony fan... however, I would go as far to say that the Panny (mine is very quiet, most of the time) is now amongst the best around (especially @ £153.99) since v0.57 - it too has matured (it only took 10 months, though it felt longer - poor Hummy owners, they have a long way to go)... I wonder if Sony will get it right first time

I very much doubt Sony will be putting things together too cheaply on this front. The Humax and Topfield PVRs for example seem to be of the quiet ones - Humax employs a quiet fan and the unit is cold to the touch, and the Topfield also based on the same platform as the Humax doesnt even employ a fan at all. I think this comes down to the quality of the overall design. Of course you will have to wait until the unit is released to be able to tell if there is any potential issues reported on this front.

I have a Sony laptop and a DSC-F717, Nirm. if the Sony Freeview PVR comes out enetirely bug free I shall mange mon chapeau, as they say.

Now, now... my Humax has performed flawlessly since I received it. There are some minor UI irritations but no failed/lost recordings. Also, while certainly not silent in operation, it's barely noticeable at view distance.

I think its a worthwhile point to make that although you get reletively quiet PVRs, especially when compared to some, they all still have hard disks in them so dont expect a totally silent experience. Hard disks in PVRs have been known to click enough to be noticed and heard for periods of time. And some people with PVRs not known for problems with noise have comented on the sound levels of their hard disks doing their thing.

Thanks for the replies re: noise levels. I look forward to the first user reviews!

Another question if I may - how many hours viewing can be stored in 'best quality' mode?

Thanks