RRP AU$1,499.00
Dubbed the world's first super-multi DVR, the new RH7796W supports DVD-RAM and DVD+R Dual-Layer on top of the usual +R/+RW and -R/-RW.
Upside
Hailed as the world's first super-multi DVR by LG, the RH9976W can be fed with almost any format of DVD recordable media found on shelves, from the affordable +/-R write-once and +/-RW rewritable to the less popular DVD-RAM and 8.5GB +R Dual-Layer (DL) discs. Missing in the list is the -R equivalent of the DL formats. For extended recording capability, you can record directly onto the onboard 250GB hard drive which offers up to 345 hours of recording at its lowest recording quality.
Life's good for the shutterbug with the recorder's onboard 8-in-2 memory card reader. Instead of scrambling for the camera's USB cable or an external card reader, this LG allows you to plug your memory card directly into the memory card slot for a fast and impromptu photo slideshow. It also has the added advantage of a speedy data transfer which is not limited by the attached devices, eg early-generation low-speed USB digicams.
The all-digital HDMI audio/video interface has also finally made its way into the DVR with the LG RH9976W. This is a timely and logical move by the Korean manufacturer now that HDMI is fast becoming the standard interface of the A/V industry with many newer TVs equipped with one or more HDMI inputs. This much belated feature also promotes the usage of DVRs as a high-quality DVD playback platform, pushing the standalone player one step toward obsolescent.
Downside
While the video output is beefed up with the introduction of an HDMI output, we can't help but frown on the lack of a set of component-video inputs for enhanced recording quality. This may not appeal to power users who duplicate non-copyrighted home videos from distributed DVDs. For most users, this is probably a slight oversight since they are mainly concerned with off-the-air program recording.
The unit's recording stamina does not go well in our books. Pioneer's four-month-old DVR-630H, for example, manages to clock 455 hours in endurance with its lower-capacity 160GB hard drive. A possible reason for the shorter recording time may be due to a lower compression rate employed for improved picture quality.
Outlook
Besides the shorter recording time, there is really nothing much on paper that we can nitpick about. Priced at AU$1499, this DVR offers good value for money with a generous 250GB hard drive, a close-to-perfect disc recording compatibility and excellent connectivity.
