1030 replies to this topic

[FrogSmokr]

AFAIK the Panasonic DMR-XW300 won't play blu-ray.

[pgdownload]

FrogSmokr, on Jul 22 2008, 09:13 AM, said:

AFAIK the Panasonic DMR-XW300 won't play blu-ray.

Comments updated - I think its fleshing out nicely. Just the last three main options to go.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

[swordfish805]

Peter - re my comment on memory cards for the beyonwiz range you've included the text "full support for memory card readers" in the comparison.

I think that gives the wrong idea - I think better to say "includes inbuilt memory card readers".

[hobotivo]

Peter
Re TiVo you say

Quote

Can connect and transfer files with other Tivo units in the house

It can't do this yet.  I'm sure it will come but I don't even recall seeing it announced in any TiVo/Seven PR stuff.

Cheers
Ron

[ozdoc]

pgdownload, on Jul 21 2008, 11:11 AM, said:

Link: http://www.strong-te...ils.aspx?id=190
Cost: $900
Harddrive: 250Gb

Strong is now around $600-$650.
HN Strong Price
Strong internet price
Looks like the PVR price 'war' is starting to have good effect.

Also, it is the only PVR with a 'slide in' HDD.

[hex]

pqdownload, i got this from the place where I bought my Digitalview DVR-810 a few months ago.

The DVR-810 is premium quality dual tuner Digital Video Recorder that can be configured for single standalone or multiple array custom automated home theatre solutions. The DVR-810 when coupled with a suitable high quality visual display device gives unmatched quality and reliability. The DVR-810 is the particularly well suited for the standalone and automation markets.


Pros

• Full DVR Transport controls on front facia
• Bookmark, Edit and Merge capability
• 5 level User programmable forward and backward skip function
• Network Group keys (ABC, SBS, Seven, Nine & TEN)
• Record while in Standby capability
• Comprehensive Picture in Picture capability
• Inbuilt RS232 Control Automation capability for Crestron, AMX, RTI etc.
• External IR extension input for hidden installations
• Thermatically controlled Fan to maintain a stable operating temperature
• Hard Disc Power Management capability
• Screensave function to prevent Screen Burn
• Absolute “Jump to” positioning within a Recorded event
• Resume play indicator for last watched position within a Recorded event
• Thumbnail view of Recorded events
• Easy-Timer and Record from EPG capability
• Broadcast error indicator on front facia

Cons

• Cannot transfer files to and from a PC
• Cannot display jpegs, bmps or any other media formats
• Does not have Timeshift buffer

[jakes]

pgdownload, on Jul 22 2008, 09:51 AM, said:

Comments updated - I think its fleshing out nicely. Just the last three main options to go.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

I'm tempted to add some pros and cons for the Homecast (since I own one). But the word on the Homecast forum is that there is a firmware update due (eta in the next week), which remedies many of the identified bugs and some of the current cons (like an ethernet port that currently doesn't do anything). So, I'm reluctant to spend time doing this when it will most likely have to be changed in the very near future. What's your opinion on this, Peter (or others)? Given that software development can (and hopefully will) change its current capabilities to an extent, would it be better to list the current pros and cons and then update as new firmware comes out, or wait and formulate a list from scratch when it's clear what the new firmware will do (particularly as this PVR comparison is just started and new firmware for the Homecast is apparently just over the horizon).
edit: spelling

Edited by jakes, 22 July 2008 - 12:25 PM.

[Vortical]

hex, on Jul 22 2008, 10:19 AM, said:

Cons

• Cannot transfer files to and from a PC
• Cannot display jpegs, bmps or any other media formats
• Does not have Timeshift buffer
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Another con for the Digitalview is that it has no IceTV Capability.

[aztec]

Hmm, no mention of the Teac HDRM7250???

[aztec]

Do any of the PVRs pass through the signal unscaled??? That is, when changing channels can they be set to just output whatever the station is broadcasting?

[diesel]

jakes, on Jul 22 2008, 12:25 PM, said:

I'm tempted to add some pros and cons for the Homecast (since I own one). But the word on the Homecast forum is that there is a firmware update due

Add them in. This will be a living list as new features are added, bugs removed, models appear. It can always be changed later

aztec, on Jul 22 2008, 12:32 PM, said:

Do any of the PVRs pass through the signal unscaled??? That is, when changing channels can they be set to just output whatever the station is broadcasting?

I think the Toppy's do. Certainly the BWs do not.

[Triceratops]

aztec, on Jul 22 2008, 12:32 PM, said:

Do any of the PVRs pass through the signal unscaled??? That is, when changing channels can they be set to just output whatever the station is broadcasting?

The Tivo will do this too.

[curiousmurf]

what about picture quality between the major pvrs? Has anyone done a comparison between the BWiz/Toppy and their htcp setup?

One of the requirements for my next pvr (or htpc) will be picture quality. This make the experience so much better when it is connected to a full hd projector or large full hd panel at appropriate viewing distances.

I know 'picture quality' is to some extend subjective  but I still want to hear people's opinion/experience on the topic.

I could not get the picture quality of my htcp [8600gt video card] to match that of the Sony hdvr 700 pvr or the cheap ebay Supernet pvr. My gut feeling [from reading reviews / HD HQV tests ) say the Ati 3XXX series video card if set up properly may rival or even out perform the best standalone pvr on the market. Anyone can confirm this from their own setup?

[Dave_L]

aztec, on Jul 22 2008, 12:32 PM, said:

Do any of the PVRs pass through the signal unscaled??? That is, when changing channels can they be set to just output whatever the station is broadcasting?

The Toppy's do this....by setting the v.output to AUTO, it will pass through whatever the incoming signal is (from 576i/576p/720p/1080i) and when you change channel there may be a slight delay whilst the Toppy adjusts accordingly....

Or, you can set it to a particular v.output and the Toppy will upscale/downscale or pass-through the signal accordingly.

[Dave_L]

curiousmurf, on Jul 22 2008, 01:30 PM, said:

what about picture quality between the major pvrs? Has anyone done a comparison between the BWiz/Toppy and their htcp setup?

One of the requirements for my next pvr (or htpc) will be picture quality. This make the experience so much better when it is connected to a full hd projector or large full hd panel at appropriate viewing distances.

I know 'picture quality' is to some extend subjective  but I still want to hear people's opinion/experience on the topic.

I could not get the picture quality of my htcp [8600gt video card] to match that of the Sony hdvr 700 pvr or the cheap ebay Supernet pvr. My gut feeling [from reading reviews / HD HQV tests ) say the Ati 3XXX series video card if set up properly may rival or even out perform the best standalone pvr on the market. Anyone can confirm this from their own setup?

Personally, I think this is far too subjective and there are way too many variables involved.

Unless someone can test various PVR's using the same TV, cables, DVD/FTA content, etc. I think it would be remiss to judge each PVR based on how they look on completely different setups.  I agree that some will no doubt do a better job than others, but to generalise their PQ "may" be somewhat misleading.

Also, I'm glad you added "at appropriate viewing distances"......as depending on your viewing distance, you may well get better PQ from an EHD panel and not from a full-HD panel  

[aztec]

Dave_L, on Jul 22 2008, 01:38 PM, said:

The Toppy's do this....by setting the v.output to AUTO, it will pass through whatever the incoming signal is (from 576i/576p/720p/1080i) and when you change channel there may be a slight delay whilst the Toppy adjusts accordingly....

Or, you can set it to a particular v.output and the Toppy will upscale/downscale or pass-through the signal accordingly.

Is that through HDMI and/or component?

[timbo]

Where can I buy a Topfield 7100 for $800?
Hantrex (http://australiandigitaltv.com) are selling the 7000 for $800

[Dave_L]

aztec, on Jul 22 2008, 02:09 PM, said:

Is that through HDMI and/or component?

I have mine running through HDMI...but either would work OK as they can both handle a HD video signal.

[pgdownload]

timbo, on Jul 22 2008, 02:10 PM, said:

Where can I buy a Topfield 7100 for $800?
Hantrex (http://australiandigitaltv.com) are selling the 7000 for $800

Harvey Norman might have them for $700

http://www.dtvforum....p...0&start=100

Regards

Peter Gillespie

[pgdownload]

Hard to keep up with the comments

Should have added in a bunch of new info. Thanks

Hex, added the 810 in (as mentioned currently looking way too pricey to me - although a good buy a little while back) Feel free to add any comments?

Ozdoc, figured the Strong couldn't still be $1000. Have yet to research its pros and cons.

Jakes, as mentioned by deisel, I've put in the current info and will update as appropriate. I'm somewhat sceptical of long promised 'fix everything' firmware updates so I'll mention it in passing but for the time being the homecast IMO is evaluated on its current merits. Please feel free to add any corrections oversights.

Not to anyone, please have a look at your machine in the list and possibly see if I've list a pro or con on another machine that yours also has (but I haven't noted it)

Smurf, I added a note at the top explaining why PQ isn't evaluated.

Thanks again for the comments and now I've got to getback to work.

Peter Gillespie

[maestromo]

I've tried to put all of the comparison information into a spreadsheet to make sense of it all.

It can be downloaded here:

HD PVR Comparison Spreadsheet

There's information that wasn't clear to me from the posts, such as what editing functions are available for each model, or what the standby mode entails.

[Robert E]

maestromo, on Jul 22 2008, 05:07 PM, said:

I've tried to put all of the comparison information into a spreadsheet to make sense of it all.

It can be downloaded here:

HD PVR Comparison Spreadsheet

There's information that wasn't clear to me from the posts, such as what editing functions are available for each model, or what the standby mode entails.

The "Transfer files to PC" item shows "External drive only" for both the Topfield 7000 and 7100.

I can FTP files by ethernet or wireless from my 7100 to my PC.

The "Standby mode" shows "?" and "?" for both the 7000 and 7100 however both can be put into standby and they will 'wake-up' to record and return to standby when finished.

[JaffaMan]

Peter - love the post - I think you have been comprehensive, accurate and unbiased - well done.

Re the spreadsheet (and the main text from Peter), both the Topfield 7000 and 7100 support MP3 file playback - either this needs to be included in the spreadsheet in additional format support, or a new row added for MP3 playback, and added to the main post. There are a surprising number of people who use their 7x00 for MP3 audio.

The 7x00's also support 4:3 TV's with both letter boxing of 16:9 and centre extract. I understand the Beyonwiz struggles here, though not being an owner can't confirm, and have no idea how the others go.

Also, a question of ignorance, I assume that they all support the digital TV radio stations (ABC and SBS)? If not that might be worth adding in as a differentiator.

And while I am being picky     you haven't yet mentioned subtitles or teletext. Again, 'cause I have one, I know both are supported on the Topfields, but don't know about the others.

It might be worth adding a list of the output connectors and/or adding rows in the spreadsheet for them - eg Topfield - HDMI, PC RGB, Component, Composite, S-Video, S/PDIF Coaxial, S/PDIF Optical.

And lastly, the 7x00's support Picture in Picture (nice for me since my TV doesn't), and I presume some others might as well but not all of them?

[twitch]

I bleieve upgrading the HDDs of any of the units will void the warranty, not just for the Tivo.

[deangelj]

Pete - great post! I was wondering whether it would be useful to add the Foxtel HD PVR?

cheers,
John