Five of the best PVRs

By Ty Pendlebury on 13 November 2009

So your VCR has finally gone on the blink for the final time and you're looking to replace it. But what with? Walk into any electrical store and there seems to be a plethora of different set-top boxes on offer.

What should you be looking for? Well, at its most basic level you'll need a personal video recorder (PVR) with twin digital tuners, and the largest hard drive you can afford. At the moment most top out at 500GB, but if you are looking to record high-definition content then bigger is always better. The recorder should also have some form of electronic program guide (EPG) that lets you record your favourite show from a grid.

More advanced features include remote recording (via the internet), media streaming/YouTube, and movies-on-demand.

Our current pick for its mix of features and ease of use is the TiVo, but the other four also offer their own unique flavours — and if you're looking to archive recordings then the Panasonic DMR-XW450 is a great choice for the money.

TiVo HD

Despite missing some key features, the TiVo HD is a worthwhile investment if you don't want to pay for cable, and it poses no ongoing EPG fees.

Editor's rating:8.1 User rating:6.2
     • Full Review • Specs • Images • Video • Where to Buy

  • Good: Friendly and easy to use • Excellent picture quality • Powerful and intelligent recording options • Remote scheduling • No monthly fees •
  • Bad: Small hard drive • No cable recording • Many features locked down •
  • Specs: 160 GB • 1 • Yes • See more specifications
  • RRP: AU$699.00

Topics: buying guide, dvr, pvr, best, freeview, recorder, video, look, recording, set top boxes

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Comments (14)

  • Wal Kesby commented on 18/11/2009 10:00 Report abuse

    A "best pvr" list without either the beyonwiz P1 or P2? Totally lacks credibility, then they go and headline with the freeview crippled tivo - clearly the reviewer was not well versed in the subject matter.

  • Gerald commented on 17/11/2009 12:44 Report abuse

    PS3 with PlayTv cheap user friendly option.

  • Tass12 commented on 16/11/2009 13:54 Report abuse

    Can't believe they didn't review the Beyonwiz, it beats this competition easily

  • mjyoungman commented on 16/11/2009 08:56 Report abuse

    I agree, I've had a Beyonwiz for the last 18 months, and it really is great...so much flexibility! It should be amoungst these, if not heading them!

  • Rambo commented on 16/11/2009 07:38 Report abuse

    No Beyonwiz? PVR's need some multimedia capabilities too these days.

  • dc commented on 15/11/2009 09:19 Report abuse

    It may be getting boring, but I've also had a Beyonwiz for a while and it must be among the best

  • yeh man commented on 15/11/2009 03:45 Report abuse

    Bollocks Bollocks Bollocks

    Get an old pc, bang in a tuner card or three, or four, and a big drive.

    load it with Mythbuntu or Myth TV for Linux...And you have a complete server-capable solution that can automatically eliminate adverts!

    And MythTV and Linux are FREE!

    Beat that!

  • johlan commented on 15/11/2009 02:53 Report abuse

    Windows 7 Media Center with 2 or more digital tuners. Sure it takes a little know how setting it up but once you have it right, nothing beats it.

    Then you just add Xbox 360 Arcade units for every other TV in the house as Media Center Extenders

  • D commented on 14/11/2009 13:06 Report abuse

    Can't call this list 'Five of the best' if the Beyonwiz isn't on it.

  • MSJ commented on 14/11/2009 13:00 Report abuse

    I'm with JUNIT - I've had a Beyonwiz for a couple of years now and it just keeps getting better and better with every software release ! Shame they didn't review Beyonwiz here !

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