Panasonic EZ77EB or Sony HXD870 DVD recorders

Gilson · 05-11-2007, 19:34

I am debating as to whether to get another DVD recorder this time with hard disc.

I am particularly attracted to the Panasonic as it has three features that I like.
1) 1 second quickstart recording.
2) Flexible DVD recording times so if you've got 2 hrs 10 minutes to record the machine optimises the bit rate to fill a 4.7GB disc and you do not have to switch to the atrocious 4 hr LP format. (notwithstanding that Panasonic claim to deliver 500 line horizontal res at LP! - anyway).
3) The ability to accept a SD card direct.

The Panasonic looks better also.

However perhaps the Sony does all these as well although I cannot see this from what I've read.

I have looked at all the comparative threads on AVForums but they dont necesarily confirm that the Panasonic performs 1-3 or positively refute that the Sony does not.

The Sonys big advantage is flagged as DivX playback but I dont personally see what I would use that for.

I can get the Sony for about £20 less than the Panny.

Also Tesco are selling the Sony but state that the HDD is only 120GB rather than 160GB which is it?

Andy Saunders · 05-11-2007, 19:56

I sell both of these models, the Sony is 160Gb , tend to find the Panasonics easier to use, the guide is better, but it only has a freeview tuner.

Andy

Gilson · 05-11-2007, 20:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Saunders

I sell both of these models, the Sony is 160Gb , tend to find the Panasonics easier to use, the guide is better, but it only has a freeview tuner.

Andy

Many thanks both my current DVDR's are a pain to use.Did not realise that the Panny only had a digital tuner so its definitely record one watch that or none? Would really like dual digital tuner.

Can you confirm that the Panasonic flexible recording time/disc capacity feature is on the EZ77EB.

PS got it wrong -Tesco are selling the Sony 770 120GB model

Actually I can get the 870 160 GB version for less anyway.

skinj · 05-11-2007, 22:36

I think you can only access 1 tuner in the Sony at a time anyway. ie record digital or freeview and monitor the same. Could be wrong though.

Andy Saunders · 05-11-2007, 22:39

I'll check the flexible record in the morning, Only one tuner (Freeview) bit of a backward step as not everywhere here gets Freeview.

Andy

webbie · 06-11-2007, 12:59

The old 75 model has two tuners (one freeview, one analogue) so it's a shame that the 77 lost the analogue tuner.

05-11-2007, 19:34	#1
Gilson Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,145	Panasonic EZ77EB or Sony HXD870 DVD recorders I am debating as to whether to get another DVD recorder this time with hard disc. I am particularly attracted to the Panasonic as it has three features that I like. 1) 1 second quickstart recording. 2) Flexible DVD recording times so if you've got 2 hrs 10 minutes to record the machine optimises the bit rate to fill a 4.7GB disc and you do not have to switch to the atrocious 4 hr LP format. (notwithstanding that Panasonic claim to deliver 500 line horizontal res at LP! - anyway). 3) The ability to accept a SD card direct. The Panasonic looks better also. However perhaps the Sony does all these as well although I cannot see this from what I've read. I have looked at all the comparative threads on AVForums but they dont necesarily confirm that the Panasonic performs 1-3 or positively refute that the Sony does not. The Sonys big advantage is flagged as DivX playback but I dont personally see what I would use that for. I can get the Sony for about £20 less than the Panny. Also Tesco are selling the Sony but state that the HDD is only 120GB rather than 160GB which is it?

05-11-2007, 19:56	#2
Andy Saunders Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Somerset Posts: 143	I sell both of these models, the Sony is 160Gb , tend to find the Panasonics easier to use, the guide is better, but it only has a freeview tuner. Andy

05-11-2007, 20:11	#3
Gilson Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,145	Quote: Originally Posted by Andy Saunders I sell both of these models, the Sony is 160Gb , tend to find the Panasonics easier to use, the guide is better, but it only has a freeview tuner. Andy Many thanks both my current DVDR's are a pain to use.Did not realise that the Panny only had a digital tuner so its definitely record one watch that or none? Would really like dual digital tuner. Can you confirm that the Panasonic flexible recording time/disc capacity feature is on the EZ77EB. PS got it wrong -Tesco are selling the Sony 770 120GB model Actually I can get the 870 160 GB version for less anyway.

05-11-2007, 22:36	#4
skinj Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 3,206	I think you can only access 1 tuner in the Sony at a time anyway. ie record digital or freeview and monitor the same. Could be wrong though.

05-11-2007, 22:39	#5
Andy Saunders Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Somerset Posts: 143	I'll check the flexible record in the morning, Only one tuner (Freeview) bit of a backward step as not everywhere here gets Freeview. Andy

06-11-2007, 12:59	#6
webbie Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: North Devon Posts: 1,568	The old 75 model has two tuners (one freeview, one analogue) so it's a shame that the 77 lost the analogue tuner.

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Panasonic EZ77EB or Sony HXD870 DVD recorders