DVD recorder reviews: Features explained
A DVD recorder, VCR and PVR combination
Combination DVD recorder/VCR/HDD models
Combination units fuse a DVD recorder with two or more other products – most commonly a HDD or hard drive, or occasionally a VCR.
Combination models might have less cabling, but they are harder to use, and the VCR sections can be poor quality.
The PVR section of DVD/PVR combos are generally not as versatile as standalone PVRs – they usually only have one tuner – so you can't record one channel watch another, and they sometimes lack the full pause-live-TV feature.
Another drawback is that if you want to upgrade or replace just one bit you can't – you're stuck with the whole machine.
DVD recorder/HDD
Many DVD recorders come combined with a hard disk drive (HDD), offering more recording space and flexibility. HDD can store recordings that are as good as broadcast TV.
DVD recorder/PVR
This is a combination product in itself – with a hard disk, digital tuner and in-screen electronic programme guide in one. Recording is easy thanks to the on-screen electronic programme guide (EPG). Simply highlight the programme of choice and hit record.
DVD recorder/PVR/VHS
Works in the same way as the DVD recorder/PVR, but has a VCR built in as well.
Digital tuner built in
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 so you can record one digital channel while you watch another. Programming using the Freeview EPG is also much simpler.
Recording
DVD disc compatibility
Not all DVDs are the same. There are a bewildering number of different recording formats – DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW and DVD Ram – each with slightly different features and capabilities.
All DVD players and recorders will play pre-recorded DVDs – those you rent or buy. Any DVD player or recorder can also play standard CDs.
Some machines can also play newer types of audio discs such as DVD-Audio and SA-CD, which claim to offer better sound quality.
Flexible recording
This impressive feature makes sure the programme you record fits onto the disc. The recorder matches the length of the programme to the amount of space left on the disc by adjusting recording speeds.
Time vs quality
When recording to DVDs, you can trade picture quality for recording time. Typically, you get only one hour of recording per disc in best-quality mode. Doubling this to two hours still gives excellent picture quality – far superior to a VCR.
If you want to make a disc last for three hours, picture quality will suffer, but will still be better than a VCR.
The electronic programme guide helps you plan your TV week
Useful features
EPG
The on-screen electronic programme guide (EPG) provides programme and schedule information for the week ahead.
Video Plus
Video Plus is a hassle-free way of recording non-digital channels without having to set the timer. Simply type the number you find in TV guides such as Radio Times.
Resume
The ‘resume’ feature remembers where you finished watching a disc if you leave it in the machine. It’ll then start from that point when you begin to play it again – handy if you went to bed in the middle of a film one night and want to start watching it again the next day, for example.
Bookmarking
The player/recorder stores bookmarks of your favourite scenes so you can easily access them again.
Most models forget these when you remove the disc from the machine, though more sophisticated DVD players let you bookmark several discs, and will 'remember' your bookmarks even when the disc is removed.
Connections
A DVD recorder is relatively easy to hook-up. To use a DVD player or recorder, you need a TV with a Scart input, and a Scart lead to connect the two. Not all of the machines we tested came supplied with a Scart lead.
An HDMI digital audio and video output connects to an HD ready TV. It doesn’t produce true HD pictures, it simply upscales its standard-quality picture to display on the screen.
Occasionally we’ve found picture quality is better via HDMI than when using the standard Scart connection – but a lot depends on your make of TV. With some models, picture quality actually deteriorates.
For advice and tips on connecting your DVD recorder to your television or digital receiver, see our online connections wizard.
If you want to burn a DVD from your camcorder, all camcorders will have a composite socket for linking to your DVD recorder.
Playback
Stills and sound files
Most DVD players and recorders will also play discs containing you digital photo images (Jpegs) or MP3 sound files stored on CD.
Freeview
If you live in a Freeview reception area and receive your digital TV this way then make sure you buy a DVD recorder with a built-in Freeview tuner so you can record one digital channel while you watch another.
Programming the DVD recorder using the Freeview EPG is also much simpler, and tte Freeview EPG will soon have 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 EPG to find it.
HD upscaling
Some DVD recorders and players can produce a pseudo high-definition picture if you connect them to an HD-ready TV. Those that can do this have a high-definition HDMI socket on the back that you need to connect to the HDMI input of the TV.
From what we’ve seen to date this can result in an improved picture, but results are variable and it depends on what TV you are connecting to. At present this feature seems of limited value.
Still confused? Check out our TV jargon buster. And if you're looking for a standard DVD player, read our review of DVD players.
