PVRs: How we test PVRs
PVRs make recording TV easy
Which? puts PVRs to the test so we can tell you exactly what you need to know when you're buying a new one. We'll help you avoid poor picture and sound quality, terrible remote controls or struggling through a menu maze just to programme the recording you want.
We put every PVR through the same tests - picture and sound assessments from our experts and technical lab testing - so we can answer the important, no-nonsense questions with confidence and give you a verdict you can trust. Read on to find out.
- What makes a Best Buy PVR?
- How easy PVRs are to use?
- How much energy do they use?
- Should I buy a PVR?
Try Which? today for just £1 to find out which PVRs we rated as Best Buys.
What makes a Best Buy PVR?
Only the best PVRs are awarded a Which? Best Buy logo. Watch our video to find what it takes to make the grade.
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How easy is it to use?
Our expert assessors test our products for their ease of use by running through everyday scenarios that replicate how you use your PVR.
For PVRs we first check how straightforward the PVR is to install and set up when you first get it home. If you need a rocket scientist to set the PVR up, and one is not included in the box, it may never be possible to get the best out of a product.
We then check whether the EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) is easy to navigate as a poor EPG will result in a poor user experience every time the PVR is turned on.
The whole point of a PVR is that it enables flexible viewing, so it is essential that retrieving and playing back recordings is easy, so we see how complicated it is to record and play back your favourite TV programmes.
We also consider how comfortable products are to use for those with manual dexterity problems, taking advice from our sister organisation Ricability.
Looking for a PVR? Read all our latest PVR reviews.
PVR testing in brief
Which? tests 30 Personal video Recorders (PVRs) a year and we ensure that our guides only have the models that are currently available.
We test a range of different PVRs, from Freesat and Freeview boxes to those from Sky and Virgin when updates occur.
We aim to ensure all the major brands are represented.
Technical testing
Our products undergo an extensive range intensive objective laboratory testing to assess performance
The operation of the Electronic Program Guide is checked in detail by our experts
- Our testers try out all the recording, playback and program management options to find out which are the most capable and versatile products.
- We look at all the tuners and see how easy they are to set up to your preferences and to re-tune. Re-tuning happens more regularly as digital channels come and go, and as the digital switchover occurs, so this has to be easy to perform.
- A poorly designed EPG (Electronic Program Guide) that is lacking common features could mean that the PVR is annoying to use every time, so it is looked at in detail for any problems or omissions.
- For the hard of hearing we thoroughly investigate subtitle and audio description options to make sure it has all the advance features that users require, and that they work correctly.
- High Definition and Standard Definition picture quality are checked, along with sound quality, noise and video signal quality by expert technicians using actual footage and test patterns. We also check lip synchronisation to make sure the picture and audio are in time.
We buy every PVR we test and look at models of all types, TV platorms and price - Freeview, Freesat, Sky and Virgin, and from £150 to £500. We speak to manufacturers and scour the market to make sure we test all the most popular PVRs that you'll find in the shops or online.
Which? doesn't only tell you about the Best Buy PVRs that we recommend, we also tell you which models to avoid with our Don't Buy's. And, if we find a PVR with a problem we deal with it. If a PVR has an issue we feel is so bad it must be a fault then we will buy a new version and retest it. We'll also speak to the manufacturer to find out what it plans to do about the problem.
How much energy does it use?
We check all products for energy consumption to make sure that they do not cost you, and the earth, once they are plugged in.
The energy consumption star rating takes into account how much power the PVR uses when turned on, while in standby (this is particularly important as PVRs need to be left in standby at least) and whether it has any power saving options.
Look out for out 'Energy Efficiency' logo which is awarded to Best Buy products we find to be the most efficient in their class.
Try Which? today for just £1 to find out which PVRs we rated as Best Buys.
Should I buy it?
All data sent back from our laboratories is carefully analysed by Which? staff so that the highs and lows of every product are revealed. If anything does not add up with a product then we will retest it. If there's a fault we'll purchase a new product to see whether its a one-off issue, or symptomatic of a larger problem.
The PVRs score ignores price and is based on:
- Ease of use 60%
- Features 30%
- Power use 10%
Best Buys must score more than 70%
Ratings System:
| Which? star ratings | |
|---|---|
| rating | stars |
| Excellent |  |
| Good |  |
| Satisfactory |  |
| Poor |  |
| Very poor |  |
- Best Buy PVRs - see which models impress us enough to make it as Best Buys
- How to buy the best PVR - advice on what to think about before you hit the shops
- Bag a bargain TV - how to get the best cheap TV to go with your PVR