Upside
The Sony RDRHXD870 (add a 'B' for the black version) is a 160GB DVD recorder with an on-board tuner. Sony claims the recorder is able to keep up to 455 hours of programs on its hard-disk, though this would be too low quality to watch on a large flatscreen. For added quality, Sony offers an HQ+ Recording mode which, it says, enables you to "relive those special TV moments as if they have just happened".
There is also support for most DVD formats, including dual layer discs, and while it appears that there's no DVD-RAM recording, it will playback pre-recorded DVD-RAM discs. For people with a large library of DVDs, the player will upscale these to 1080p.
The RDRHXD870 is also compatible with HDMI 1.3, which means you should be able to control it via a Sony TV remote. Speaking of ports, the player also comes with a USB port which means JPEGs can viewed from your digital camera and unencrypted MP3s played back from your favourite player.
Downside
The tuner is an SD model only but, to be fair, there are still no DVD-recorders on the market with an HD tuner. And the HQ+ mode is only available for HDD and won't translate to DVD.
Outlook
Coming in at an affordable price point, the RDRHXD870 appears to offer an impressive range of features. Until Blu-ray recorders hit the market, a device like this is one of the few options for archiving TV recordings and home movies.
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shender
19/08/2008, 10:11 AM
rating
3/10
First one I bought I thought (and was told by Sony) that it was faulty. The playback from the hard drive would freeze, I could not access the EPG at all, nor could I access captions (or subtitles) for my hearing impaired mother. I exchanged it for a another unit only to have the same problems.
Pros: The A-B editing feature. Love it.
Cons: Everything else. Lots of bells & whistles on paper but good luck trying to get them to work.
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nipper
27/04/2008, 08:56 PM
rating
10/10
brilliant video performance and rec performance on HQ+. tuner works a treat and editing is a breeze
Pros: brilliant tuner, hdmi upconversion, usb, chase play, video preset controls
Cons: would prefer digital twin tuners
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bitman2000
30/03/2008, 07:33 PM
rating
2/10
NOT BAD, BUT DEFINATELY NOT UPTO SCRATCH FOR THE PRICE. CONSIDER IT A HIGH PRICED LOW PERFORMANCE PRODUCT. I BOUGHT 1, GOT FRUSTRATED, AND RETURNED IT TO THE SHOP 3 DAYS LATER AND EXCHANGED IT FOR ANOTHER ONE THINKING IT MAY BE FAULTY. BUT THE REPLACEMENT ONE WAS THE SAME, AND AFTER A WEEK, I WENT AND GOT MY MONEY BACK. Very Dissapointing.
Pros: OK FOR RECORDING YOUR HOME MOVIES TO DVD (SOMETIMES).
Cons: RECORDINGS TEND TO FREEZE ALOT. DOESN'T MATTER IF IS RECORDED FROM TV, FOXTEL, OR VIDEO CAMERA, THEY JUST FREEZE UP. FOR THE PRICE, ITS DEFINATELY NOT WORTH IT.
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halans
29/03/2008, 08:00 AM
rating
4/10
Everything is excellent, except the tuner (both digital and analogue), which is a big deal. I need to use an external tuner, which makes programmed recording pretty hard.
Cons: bad tuner, have no problem with other tuner. Sony's tuner freezes constantly.
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The Tone
27/03/2008, 09:21 PM
rating
10/10
I was looking for a Recorder that could record digital as well as Analog. The Analog so that I could record Foxtel Digital (Sounds incorrect but the output from Foxtel is Analog.) As this unit had Scart plugs I connected the Foxtel Video Recorder out Scart Plug to the Line 1 of the Unit. I then Connected the TV scart from the Foxtel Box to my TV with a Scart to Component Cable from Dick Smith. I also connected the RDRHXD870 to the TV with HDMI. I watch TV via the HDMI on the TV which I set to 1080i and input via line 1 on the RDRHXD870. This allows recording of foxtel and watching of foxtel via HDMI to the TV. The picture is very sharp and clear. No complaints there. To record Digital television I just change the input on the RDRHXD870 to the digital channels. The EPG is very easy to select something to watch and also to record. Just point and shoot and if it is future time the recorder is automatically set, it is so simple. If I am recording Digital TV then I switch my TV over to Component to watch Foxtel while recording on the digital channels. I am able to use the Pause TV button of the remote and this pauses whatever is currently viewed including foxtel. This unit achieves everything I was looking for. To record Foxtel or set for a future time date I use the Timer button and set it up. Somewhat similar to a video without the hassle of rewinding tapes or finding a tape. It is even possible to watch a recorded show while actually recording another which I was impressed with.
Pros: Very easy to use. I love the thumbnail tv views of previous recorded shows. Digital recording also brings the Title automatcially to the recorded list. Makes for easy previews. The Reply of any show shows the quality to be as good as a live broadcast and that was on Standard Record (Not the High quality setting). I found recording directly to a RW+ DVD just as easy as the HDD as well
Cons: If only it would record HD as well but then again no recorder does this with Analog recording as well. despite Foxtel Digital you need analog to record Foxtel
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eddiebee
05/03/2008, 08:45 PM
rating
3/10
All the right features but a useless digital tuner if you have med-low signal strength.
Pros: Great features - just about a true all-in-one.
Cons: Useless tuner... unlike my current Strong STB that has perfect reception, this unit skipped and paused every 20 to 30 seconds and rendered TV unwatchable. Very very disappointing and had to take it back to the store for a refund.
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DK
01/02/2008, 12:15 PM
rating
8/10
A great Pioneer clone.
Pros: Can play at 1.5 times with sound
Can record subtitles
HDMI output
Cons: Occasional picture 'freeze' for a few seconds for recorded TV programmes, no problem when watching TV direct with my Sony Bravia TV, so should not be weak signal problem.
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berniebartlett
20/12/2007, 01:58 PM
rating
9/10
I love mine. Chase play, the reception, ease in use, works perfectly with my 46X3100 Bravia.
Pros: - no problems at all
- ease in setting the recorder
Cons: - not sure if 160gb will be enough but only used 10 so far
- typical Sony non-programmable remote
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