DVD recorders: FAQs
Am I better off with a Personal Video Recorder (PVR)?
Before you buy a DVD recorder, think whether you may prefer a PVR
This should be your first question when considering buying a DVD recorder. We're big fans of PVRs – they're easier to use than DVD-Rs, have massive recording capacity and you don't have to mess about with discs.
But they're no good for permanently archiving programmes - when the hard disk becomes full you'll need to delete programmes before you can record any more.
However if this aspect doesn't bother you we'd recommend you seriously consider a PVR over a DVD-R. Check out our Best Buy PVRs.
If I have a PVR can I copy the programmes onto my DVD recorder?
You can hook up most PVRs to a VCR or DVD recorder to archive your recordings to disc.
Developments such as PVRs with twin digital tuners and built-in DVD recorders are just around the corner - we'll keep you posted.
Can I record audio description?
To record audio description a DVD recorder is your best option – but be aware that the audio description track will be permanently recorded on to the disc. We've yet to see a PVR that can decode and record audio description.
Audio description is an additional narrative for the visually impaired that describes significant visual information – such as a change of scene or a new character entering a room. It’s found on many Freeview programmes and many new integrated digital TVs can decode the signal.
Do I need a built-in HDD?
You can buy combination recorders that, as well as recording onto DVD discs, also have hard-disks like a PVR. They don't always have twin-digital tuners though so dedicated PVRs can be more versatile.
A built-in hard drive offers much greater recording capacity than you get with a single DVD disc, at least 8,5 hours, depending on the model.
The space will eventually run out, though, so they're better for recording shows to watch later rather than anything you want to keep permanently. You can then copy any favourite shows to DVD or VCR for permanent storage.
Do I need a built-in digital tuner?
If you live in the Freeview reception area and receive your digital TV this way then make sure you buy a DVD recorder with a built-in Freeview tuner. This means you’ll be able to record one digital channel while you watch another and programming using the Freeview EPG makes live much simpler.
Which discs can I record onto?
There are a number of different DVD recording formats - DVD+RW, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD-R and DVD-Ram - and they are incompatible. See 'Disc formats' for more information on the pros and cons of each type
How much can I store on a disc?
DVD recorders let you trade picture quality for recording time - the better the picture quality you opt for, the more space it will take up on the disc.
Blank discs can store two hours of recordings in standard-play (SP) mode, providing images as good as live TV. Most recorders let you fit up to eight hours on a disc, but picture quality deteriorates the more you cram in.
For instance, record the BBC series A History of Britain in SP mode on one of our Best Buys and you'll make it to the Battle of Hastings on one disc. Switch to long play (LP) and Robert the Bruce appears. Extended play (EP) gets you to the Civil War - but by this time both the picture quality and the king's head will be tumbling.
Can I use my DVD recorder with a surround sound system?
Any DVD player or recorder can be used with an external home cinema surround-sound package to give a cinema-like experience at home. You connect the 2 via a digital link and the extra soundtrack information is fed to speakers positioned around your room.
Some models incorporate the surround sound decoder but this is of limited use as you'll still need external amplifiers and speakers.
Are high-definition Blu-ray DVD recorders available yet?
The next generation of high-definition DVD recorders using Blu-ray technology is available in Japan but not made it to the UK yet. Best indications are that they will probably launch here during 2009.
Will it work with satellite/cable systems?
If you’re going to use it with a satellite and cable system then you don’t need a recorder with a built-in Freeview tuner.
Getting a recorder that can trigger into record from the broadcaster’s EPG is a good idea – known as the Scart-Link feature – check with the retailer that the recorder is compatible with your supplier's feed.