Page 1 of Panasonic DMR-EX78 or the Sony RDR-HXD 970?

First I would like to say hi to everyone here as this is my first post, now on to my question.

I have decided to buy a dvd / hard drive combi, it is just that I cannot decide between the Panasonic DMR-EX78 or the Sony RDR-HXD 970.

There is not much between them in all the reviews that I have seen apart from the fact that the Sony as duel tuners (analogue and digital), meaning you can watch one while recording the other.

If I go for the panasonic will the input take terrestial until digital is swiched on?

Welcome delped.. :)
What do you mean by "will it take terrestrial until digital is switched on?" The Panny is a digital recorder so assuming you get Freeview, you`ll be fine. I think Panasonic really missed a trick last generation when Sony and others introduced divx playback and they chose not to include it on the UK machines but had it on the EU ones...and lost a lot of customers for it. They`ve added it now I think and I would go for the Panny. Great - and very reliable machines. :)

Ste

This item was edited on Tuesday, 15th April 2008, 18:57

Thanks SJ for the quick reply, I live in a area where freeview isn`t available yet, Weymouth, Doset.

So for now until next year I can only receive normal reception, ( the four channels, not even channel five here).

Yes I think you are correct in saying that the Panasonics can now read divx, which happens to be one of the must haves in my choice.

In that case then, I don`t think the Panny has an analogue tuner (amazed they`ve dropped it completely in their brand new model..).... :(
Seems a really nice, well-specced machine too.
Been to Weymouth a few times - stayed in the small village Piddletrenthide.. by the River Piddle lol..

Ste

Ahah.. there are a few funny place names around here :)

Well, I still can`t decide, Panasonic DMR EX78 or the Sony RDR-HXD970.

Sighs.. oh well, thx for the help SJ.

Analogue will be turned off where I live soon, (North Wales). To be honest I won`t miss it because unless you are Welsh speaking there`s only 3 channels you can watch anyway and there`s no Channel 5.

Go for the Panasonic. I`ve bought it and it is superb. My only regret is I didn`t go all out and buy the DMR-EX88 with the bigger hard drive and SD card extras.

My best price was about £270 from Amazon.

Connectivity is simple enough although I have a few queries regarding the S-Video link for my Panasonic camcorder, (I can`t get a picture so I`ve had to revert to the yellow plug on the AV lead set). Also I`m asking questions about any necessary settings to be made when connecting the unit to my Home Theatre System (SC-PT460), using an Optical Digital lead for the audio.

I`ve emailed Panasonic, but I don`t expect a quick answer, (if I get one at all!).

The thing is with Panasonic equipment is that it is all, (every component), made in house, whereas Sony is assembled from bought in components. In fact Samsung make a lot of Sony`s bits and pieces.