Review of TVonics DVR-150 (and PVR options generally)

[tom_mk]

I'm looking to buy a PVR. Until recently, the Humax PVR-9200T was the one to go for but on reading the latest What Hi Fi review it seems that this is no longer the case and that there are new products with better specification at cheaper prices such as the Goodmans GHD8020F2 and TVonics DVR-150. The review of the Goodmans PVR points out that disk space could be larger (so not our ideal option). However I don't seem to be able to find a review on the TVonics DVR-150, either online or rated in the magazine (including the comprehensive guide at the back - unless I'm just looking in the wrong place).

I've also noticed that What Hi-Fi reported on 10th July that TVonics are releasing a new range, the DTR-Z in August (although I can't find mention of it on the TVonics web site), (DTR-Z500 > http://whathifi.co.uk/News/TVonics-launches-Freeview-set-top-box-with-500GB-hard-drive/).

So the question is, is it worth holding out for the TVonics DTR-Z500 (or other model in range)? Are there any comments/feedback on the just go with the older DVR-150 model? Or go with the Goodmans because that's got a review? Are there any others that we should consider?

 

[Andy Clough]

We didn't include the review of the TVonics DVR-150 online because, according to TVonics, it's been discontinued and we're waiting for the new model. The Goodmans is fine, but the advantage of the new TVonics DTR-Z500 is that it has a much bigger hard drive, so I'd say hang on for that. Haven't got a definite delivery date for a review sample yet, so will chase TVonics.

 

[tom_mk]

Hi Andy,

Thanks for the response. Indeed the DVR-150 is no longer available on the TVonics site. There is a DVR-FP150, but I think we'll wait until the DTR-Z series is available in August (if they were clever they'd release in time for the Olympics but based on the news article I think they'll miss it).

One question which came to mind, although I think I already know the answer, is it worth considering a Media PC instead of a PVR. The media PC would certainly provide flexibility, i.e. more functions, ability to access the Internet, etc. but how would the quality of recording, playback and related PVR functionality compare to a purpose built device like the TVonics DTR-Z device?

(We're currently in the process of renewing our entire audio visual set up which is old, starting with new Panasonic 37" plasma which is arriving in the next week, but we are trying to ensure we've considered everything before splashing lots of cash, which means I have loads more questions which I'll be trying to post over the next few days.)

Thanks again for your advice and opinion.

 

[trackstar]

Humax are reportedly releasing the PVR9300T around the end of July/early Aug. (320GBHDD, HDMI)

http://www.humaxdigital.com/uk/products/pvr-9300t.asp

http://www.martindawes.net/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=PVR9300T&cid=digital_set_top_boxes&pcidl=&language=en-GB

 

[Andy Clough]

There's no reason why a Media Centre PC would inherently be any better, or worse, at recording than a PVR. Much would depend on the quality of the TV tuner and graphics card in the PC.

Of course, a Media Centre PC would have the advantage of added functionality, so if you want to download material from the web, store and manage all your music on a PC and play DVDs, then it could be a useful one-box-does-all solution.

Check out our Media Centre PC reviews here.

 

[tom_mk]

Andy Clough:We didn't include the review of the TVonics DVR-150 online because, according to TVonics, it's been discontinued and we're waiting for the new model. The Goodmans is fine, but the advantage of the new TVonics DTR-Z500 is that it has a much bigger hard drive, so I'd say hang on for that. Haven't got a definite delivery date for a review sample yet, so will chase TVonics.

Any news on the DTR-Z Series, specifically the DTR-Z500, from TVonics. Reason for asking is that I found the following rather worrying thread about TVonics on another web site. Although the thread started in Feb 2008, there are posts as late as June saying that people were waiting for firmware updates from TVonics. Additionally, if you check out TVonics own web site, nothing has changed, no news posted for months!

 

[John Duncan]

The Humax is on sale at Argos for £99..........