PVRs: PVR Options
There are a number of alternative services offering PVR recording capabilities. Some of these cost nothing beyond the initial payment for the PVR unit itself, as they can receive and record digital Freeview services.
Alternatively, you may prefer to pay a subscription for Sky or Virgin’s PVR boxes, which give you access to their broader range of channels and entertainment packages, all of which can then be recorded onto the box’s hard drive.
| Pros and cons of different types of PVR | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pros & cons |  Freeview |  Top Up TV |  Sky+ |  Virgin+ |
| Pros | Free access to digital channels, Freeview Playback models more versatile | Access to Freeview channels and extra pay channel programming | Easy to use, HD version gives access to HD channels, Hundreds of standard definition channels. | Access to HD content, versatile PVR, vast number of standard definition channels |
| Cons | Limited channels compared to Sky and Virgin | Not a great PVR, monthly fees, only access to limited pay channel programming | Monthly fees, your only choice if you want a Sky PVR, poor reliability† | Only way to access cable services, not quite as easy as Sky boxes |
Freeview compatible PVRs
With the digital switchover approaching the easiest way of recording from the new range of Freeview channels is using a PVR.
These combine the Freeview reception of a set top box with a hard drive for storing recorded programmes on, and as many now feature twin tuners it is possible to record one channel whilst watching another, or to record two channels whilst playing back a prior recording.
PVRs are naturally more expensive than a standard set top box, but their added recording capability is so intuitive to use they remain a worthy investment.
Unlike Virgin or Sky PVRs there are no monthly subscriptions or installation costs to consider when buying a Freeview PVR, and the advanced Freeview Playback capacity of newer models (see below) makes them an even more attractive means for recording from TV.
Freeview playback - useful new features
A new generation of PVRs and other digital recorders is beginning to be released. Conforming to the Freeview playback standard they'll incorporate a range of new features. These features will be phased in over three stages.
Phase one
The first new development, which is already available, is the introduction of Accurate Recording. This means there'll be no need to add a few minutes to the beginning and end of recording times to cater for programmes that start early or overrun (see recording buffer below); the recorder will respond to a broadcaster's signal telling it when to start and stop recording.
It'll also allow the recorder to identify 'split programmes', such as a feature film split by the news, and start or stop recordings on either side of the split so that only the film is recorded.
Phase two
The next stage will add a Series link feature so that you can tell the recorder to record all episodes in a series or, for example, all the episodes of Eastenders in a week. This function is currently being phased in, and the update is available to download through the digital TV signal for a number of models.
Phase three
The last stage incorporates the ability to set the recorder when you see a trailer for a programme you like. If, for example, the BBC shows a trailer for the next episode of Spooks you can hit a button on your remote control to tell the PVR you want it to record it. No need to delve into the electronic programme guide (EPG) to find it.
Some older models will be receiving over-the-air software updates to incorporate the new features and other, first-release, Freeview Playback models will still need future upgrades to incorporate the Phase 2 and 3 features. The Freeview Playback website carries details of new models launched that conform with this new standard.
Subscription PVRs – Sky and Virgin
Sky and Virgin’s PVR systems are tied to their subscription TV packages, allowing you to record from their entertainment, movie and sports packages at the push of a button.
If you want the advantages of these packages over the more limit bundle of Freeview channels, you will be obliged to pay a monthly subscription to either provider. This amount will vary, depending on you channel options – sports of movie packages, for example, will add to your monthly subscription costs.
Keep in mind also that both Sky and Virgin’s systems have installation charges on top of the monthly subscription fees.
Sky
Sky can be credited as the original torchbearer for bringing PVR technology to the UK, and in terms of ease of use in picking programmes to watch and record the Sky+ system stands head and shoulders beside any rival. Sky HD+ adds a range of high definition channels, though the subscription costs are higher, as is the box itself.
Virgin
Virgin+ is presently the only available PVR technology in the UK tied to a cable TV service, so be sure to check that you live in an area that can receive cable TV if you are considering a Virgin+ set.
In terms of usability we found that the Virgin+ system comes a distant second to Sky+ and Sky HD+, and also to a number of Freeview compatible PVRs.
We recommend checking our reviews of Sky and Virgin before you consider committing to the necessary contracts.
Console giants weigh in for TV recording
Sony and Microsoft are also both seeking to further position their third generation consoles at the heart of the living room by adding the ability to record from television to their flagship systems.
Sony
Sony has announced the upcoming PlayTV add-on for the Playstation 3, turning it into a PVR and digital receiver, and using the PS3’s hard-drive to store recorded programmes.
Microsoft
Microsoft has teamed up with BT to announce that the on-demand BT Vision service will be available for the Xbox 360 later in 2008, taking advantage of the Xbox 360’s hard drive space for recording TV programmes from BT’s service.
As both of these systems are high definition compatible, their potential for receiving and recording HD programmes in the future should not be ignored.
Top Up TV
A Top Up TV PVR combines the basic Freeview-enable functions of a standard PVR with the option of downloading a further range of stored, recorded programmes.
All of the Freeview channels are available through the Top Up TV Anytime PVR, and on top of this an optional £9.99 a month subscription fee connects you to Top Up TV Anytime's on demand service, covering some 600 programmes per month taken from 18 additional channels.
Content is recorded and sent to your set-top box for you to view whenever you like, with no minimum contract obligations. However, premium Sky or cable services like the movie or sports channels are unavailable through Top Up TV. The PVR box itself costs £100, which is cheaper than a number of alternative Freeview PVRs, though its usability is not up there with the best PVRs available.