Page 1 of PVR Freeview question

Hi,
I had a DVD/VCR combi which broke earlier this week and so I went out to upgrade and bought a Philips DVDR3440H (DVD Recorder with Built In Hard Drive).

Unfortunately I can`t get on with it due to the 20 second delay each time it`s switched on, you can`t do anything until it`s warmed up, not even open the disc tray. I know it`s only 20 seconds but it`s really frustrating if you accidentally switched it off while trying to figure out the options or if you saw something on telly and wanted to record it straight away.

Anyway, I am now thinking of getting a PVR and a seperate DVD recorder - are there many pros or cons to doing this?
The other thing is that the PVR I have seen says `Up to 30 free channels`, but my current freeview box has around 80 free channels (including radio stations), so what happens then? Would I lose loads of channels?
Any help appreciated.

Any device - be it a Freeview set top box or a PVR or a DVD Recorder with built in Freeview tuner - whatever - that says it receives Freeview - will recevie all the current Freeview channels.

They generally say "up to 30 channels" because it varies and it tends to be up to that amount of TV channels. There are also interactive channels and radio channels as you rightly point out. All Freeview receivers will receive all of those channels. It is only the old On Digital or ITV Digital recevieers (which are big and bulky) which may not be compatible with all the newer interactive channels and features of the newer system.

Most DVD Recorders take 30 seconds or more to warm up when switched on - this is to allow time to read the disc in the drive and work out what it was last doing etc.

Some more expensive DVD recorders are much quicker. I believe I`ve read blurb on a Panasonic DVD recorder that said it would be ready to record in about 4 seconds from when you switched it on from standby. This is definitely a feature to look out for. ;)

If you only tend to watch recordings in the same room that you record them in, then a PVR is by far the best option available to you. The EPG is a doddle to use. Stick with Topfield or Humax as reliable options in this range. 8)
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Why don`t you come up and see me sometime? ccgi.mgillespie.plus.com/liteon/smf/index.php

Thanks so much Sue, that`s a really big help. I have just ordered a PVR!
Now I just need to find a decent (reasonably cheap) DVD recorder with a DV input.

By the way Sue, is that Biddenden, Kent? I used to live in High Halden. Small world and all that.

Quote:
By the way Sue, is that Biddenden, Kent? I used to live in High Halden. Small world and all that.

Yes, it is! Beautiful part of the world, isn`t it? I`m literally about 50 yards from Biddenden High Street. So you used to live about 4 miles away from me, I think.

IEEE 1394
i.LINK
4 PIN FireWire
DV Input

Look out for all of the above phrases when looking for a DVD recorder. Try to buy the best brand name that you can afford for your budget. Amazaon and eBuyer often have very good offers on discontinued models etc.


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Why don`t you come up and see me sometime? ccgi.mgillespie.plus.com/liteon/smf/index.php