My 86 year old mother (who is very active) is thinking of getting a new video recorder. She was very impressed with the quality she got when I connected up my Dgtec 2000A STB to her TV's and the fact that the STB allows her to see the subtitles was a big advantage.

My question is do you think an HDD PVR would be too difficult for her to operate (I don't have any experience with them as I am waiting for the TF7000PVRT to come out) and would a Topfield TF5000PVRT be OK for her? Any alternative suggestions?

Also, does the TF5000PVRT tune in the HD channels even though it won't record them in HD?

The Topfield 5000 I think certainly is easy to use, as for 100% user proof, I don't think anything is. The advantage of the Topfield is that when you make a recording it records the subtitles as well which will obviously be of use.

I'd say the hardest thing would be perhaps learning to use the remote. The icons on some of the buttons are fairly small and not necessarily obvious so this may create some useability issues initially but otherwise it should be ok. The common buttons are large and obvious.

The TAPS that everyone talks about certainly are not required, so there is no need to complicate things for her there (mainly add advanced features to the Toppy but not required ones)

As for the HD channels, the Toppy does pick them up but you can either create a Favourites group that does not include them or simply delete or redundant channels. In addition the radio channels are separated from the TV channels so no confusion there either.

My dad who's 60 something got the hang of the basic functions really quickly and then becomes a small step to start scheduling recordings once they are comfortable with the basics.

Rob

Thats not totally correct. The toppy will tune them in (as pointed out, you can remove them from favourites, etc), and you can as record the HD channel to the hard drive, just like SD. Along with transfering it to a PC and the like. However, what the current toppy won't do, is display (playback) a HD channel, either live or recorded.

As for its usage, like anything, it will take a bit of time to learn, but unless she is totally scared of technology and can't even learn to drive a car, then I think she will be OK.

Sure it can all get a bit complex, but that doesn't mean you have to use most of those features.

Thanks for the help. As my mother has absolutely no problem driving herself around in her car and can pick up mildly technical things OK it looks like the Topfield might be the way to go.

I am still not clear on the Topfield tuning in the HD channels. It looks to me that from what has been said it will tune them in and I presume display them immediately on the TV. I also gather that the HD channel can be recorded but I am not exactly clear on this. Does it mean an HD channel is recorded as though it is SD and can be played back later as SD?

I'd be the last to not recommend a Toppy but its possibly over kill. A cheap wintal ($300 v $800) set PVR is probably much easier to use (intuitively). A draw back is having to return to the analogue signal when recording something else (one tuner) - which might be a bit fiddly with various remotes involved.

If you do get the Toppy, upgrade past the standard APR FW (The latest MAY is pretty much bug free - no TAPs required to make it work properly.) as this removes the confusing need to keep track of what tuner is doing what. Set the Toppy to manual time and make sure she knows to check it every now and again (ie. after a power failure). Autotime will create lots of confusing timer problems.

The Toppy will tune in and record High Definition channels as High Definition. However you can't play or watch them. Some users download the High Definition file to a PC and whatch them there - not something I'd imagine your Grand Mother will be doing So just forget the HD area - the Toppy is SD.

Otherwise read the PINNED All Questions Answered thread in this forum for a bunch of info

Regards

Peter Gillespie

PS The 'new' Toppy due out in July 1 will have a battery backed up internal clock.

I've demonstrated the Toppy to a few friends and they all say it is easier to use than a VCR.

That alone makes it a worthy item for your 86 yr old.

I have a Kameleon remote with big buttons that light up when it is picked up. Also sounds perfect for the geriatric set (no offence Tassie Devil)

The biggest problem with most of these devices is the manual - written by technophobe nerds who have no idea how to communicate. It certainly is a big negative with the Strong 5390 PVR so, apart from another couple of factors, I hesitate recommending this unit, despite its superb picture. [I have concocted a simplified set of instructions (in WORD) which I can email to anyone interested]

However I am critical of the high price being charged for the Topfield. IMO it is poor value but I'm expecting a big price drop soon with other models in the pipeline. So, if your mother can wait a month or so I anticipate she could save several hundred dollars. But if money is not a problem, go for a Toppy now.

John

Might be too technical, maybe buy another VHS recorder hell they are cheap around $100 now, would last here years or possibly a DVD recorder?.

Good advice from Foxtail unless the video quality via analog is so poor a STB or PVR would give dramatic improvement.

:ph34r: With all the clever computer software around wouldn't you think those nerds could come up with a SIMPLE PVR? Why do they have to make recorders intimidating to people? And the remote controls are another constant source of itrritation to me. Few are well designed and easy to use and the one on the 5300 & 5390 Strong is the worst I've ever had the displeasure of owning. The remote on the newer 5000 Strong STB is much better so maybe someone is learning.


John (feeling like a Grumpy old man on this topic)

If his mum is reploacing avide recorder like VHS etc. just buy another one. But I guess though it matters if she is technical enough, take her to a store and have her try a PVR out.

I reckon if she just wants to replace the VCR, buy one of those cheapie single tuner PVRs from Ebay - they go for around $220.

I reckon my 5390 is easier to tune in, program, playback, etc etc than my Panasonic VHS VCR.

Now that's not saying it's easier than every VCR, my old Teac VCR (that plays back but no longer records) is easer again.

So, given that PVRs are the way of the future, and that apart from different menu systems between brands, the main difference in functionality between a VCR and PVR is the recording medium.
And not having to change tapes is a plus.

Take her shopping and try a few out in-store. See what she is most comfortable with.

But simply assuming a new VCR will be easier to use than a new PVR is a mistake.

Best of luck,
Dik