DVD recorder reviews: FAQs
Am I better off with a personal video recorder (PVR)?
Would you be better off with 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 recorders, 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 recorder, and check out the Which? 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.
Can I 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.
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 Freeview PVR that can record audio description, but the Humax Foxsat HDR (a Freesat PVR) can do it. Unlike DVD recorders, it's possible to toggle the recorded audio description track on and off on the Humax Foxsat HDR.
Do I need a built-in HDD?
You can buy combination recorders that, as well as recording onto DVDs, 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 – 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, 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 recordings 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 each DVD recorder is compatible with different formats.
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 the Which? Best Buy DVD recorders 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 two 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?
Yes. We've tested the first two Blu-ray recorders to hit the UK market – the and Panasonic DMR-BS850EBK. Read our full reviews to find out how they fared in the Which? tests.
Will it work with satellite/cable systems?
If you’re going to use your DVD recorder with a satellite or cable system, you don’t need a DVD recorder with a built-in Freeview tuner.
Getting a recorder that can record from the broadcaster’s EPG is a good idea – this is known as the Scart-Link feature – ask your retailer if the recorder you're thinking of purchasing is compatible with your supplier's feed.
