PVR reviews: Features explained
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How a PVR works
A PVR is a digital TV recorder. Instead of tapes or discs they record programmes on to an internal hard disk.
They're really easy to use, as there are no fiddly timers to program. Just select the shows you want to record from the electronic programme guide (EPG) that appears on-screen.
They've got massive recording capacity too – 80 hours or more is typical.
Some PVRs such as the Sky HD and Virgin V+ models can receive high-definition (HD) TV, but you have to pay a subscription.
HD TV is also available on Freesat from the BBC and ITV – but Freesat PVRs such as the Humax Foxsat-HDR are much more expensive than Freeview PVRs.
Some Freeview content is now being broadcast in HD, but only from certain antennas, including London's Crystal Palace. Some HD Freeview PVRs have been announced, and should start to become available to buy in early 2010. None of the current Freeview PVRs will be able to receive the HD channels
Find out more with our guide to Freeview HD, or read our guide to free and pay TV services.
Different types of PVRs
There are five different types of PVR depending on which TV service you receive. The main four are Sky satellite, Freesat, Virgin cable and Freeview, but there's also a fifth service known as Top Up TV.
This, in addition to receiving the Freeview channels, gives you access to programming from extra digital channels for a monthly fee.
A TV with an integrated tuner will allow you to watch Freeview without a set top box.
Essential features
Capacity
The size of the hard disk inside a PVR varies: The larger the hard disk, the more recordings you can store – an 80GB hard-disk will give you around 40 hours of recording time, a 160GB disk will give you 80 hours and so on.
The Sky and Virgin Media PVRs that record high-definition TV will use up space roughly four times as quickly when recording HD content.
Number of tuners
Unless you've already got a TV with a built-in digital tuner (IDTV), you’ll need a PVR with two digital tuners to give you the flexibility to record one show while you watch another.
The electronic programme guide helps you plan your TV week
Electronic programme guide (EPG)
The on-screen EPG makes it easy to program a PVR but, unfortunately, not all EPGs are particularly well-designed, meaning some PVRs are easier to use than others.
The Sky EPG is an example of a particularly good one, but there are Freeview PVRs with good EPGs too.
Recording buffer
TV shows don’t always start and finish bang on time. PVRs with the new Freeview+ facility respond to start/stop signals transmitted by the broadcaster and will record the whole programme even if they start early or overrun.
But for other PVRs it’s handy if the PVR automatically pads the recording times by a few minutes either end so you don’t miss the start or finish of the programme.
Picture-in-guide
When using the electronic programme guide (EPG) some PVRs display a small picture of the channel you’re tuned to in the corner, so you can continue watching while you search the listings.
Pause
Virtually all PVRs offer the option of pausing live TV. If you’re interrupted in the middle of a programme, hit pause and the PVR starts recording what you’re watching.
Hit pause again when you're ready to continue watching and the programme starts from the point you stopped at, as though you were watching live. The PVR continues to record the whole programme so you don't miss a thing.
Scart lead
You’ll need a Scart lead to connect the PVR to the TV, so check to see if one’s included. If not, you can buy one separately for around £10.
Editing
Only a few models let you edit recordings after you've made them. This could be useful if you want to chop out the ad breaks or top-and-tail recordings where they've started early or overrun.
