Hi All

I've been busy at work so have not kept up to date on these forums. Looks like there is still no "reliable" HD PVR availiable?

I'm busting to get a PVR but my wife says I've spent enough! So, the obvious solution is to buy her one for christmas!

What is the latest recommendations for a good SD PVR? I have a HD Teac STB that I'm happy with so am tempted to get the Teac PVT160T. The Toppy also still appears to keep its customers happy as well?

Any recommendations for a PVR that preferably outputs in DVI or Component? I'd appreciate any "buyer bewares" I should know about?

Thanks

I've had my Topfield for 12 months and found it to be the best electronic gadget I've bought since colour TV. No messing with tapes, disks or booting up a HTPC. I now have a 42" HD plasma to enjoy the SD picture on, but it was OK before that on an old 68cm Sony. The HD screen ensures I can't see any flyscreen effect from 3m away - even old M*A*S*H shows look great. The Toppy doesn't have DVI output, but does have S-Video, SCART (component/RGB) and optical out. Check the web site for the manual and diagrams.

A year ago I was dead set on HD being my viewing preference and nothing less would do I thought, but the Topfield was best compromise with no budget HD PVRs on the horizon. Since true HD programs are rarely (if ever) broadcast in Oz, then selecting a good SD PVR is probably a better option in the interim ... which may be an even longer wait if you don't want to break the bank buying the first model out.

What you should get does depend on your viewing habits, existing screen and budget. The Topfield is often said to be expensive, but with twin tuners it does the PVR job marvelously and the people programming little TAP utilities for it make it even better all the time. I couldn't be without it - especially the ad jumping button.

Yep HiDef PVRs are still in the very early stages - Several units due out over the next 3 months but they cost around $1300-$1700 (Not worth it in my opinion - no way you'll get that past the SO as a Christmas present.

Several new SD PVRs coming out. A Humax one (RRP $750) that looks to be the first one to fully equal the 5000 Twin tuner capability - No TAPs or EPG though. Topfield are releasing a wireless model in Jan 2006 (The 5600/6000) also a cut down Toppy with no TAPs or EPG due out in a few weeks (RRP $700).

I can recommend the Toppy as a pretty flawless experience and SOs grow surprisingly fond of all its features and ease of use. If you spend a little time with TAPs etc you can get a 5000 humming beautifully with a 7 day EPG to boot. Its a lot of money but a PVR is a TV changing experience.

Have a read of All Questions Answered (PINNED) for info on buying a Toppy (I recommend a cheaper 5000 over the later models)

Regards

Peter Gillespie

Thanks for the comments.

Do all Topfield PVR's have the ad-skip function, or is it only on the masterpiece?

All have it. However I would recommend anticipating installing one TAP to make the Toppy experience in this department sublime. Standard Toppy behaviour is a single 30 second skip button (ie press 6 times to skip an add). The TAP in question is PBK and adds a lot of functionality to this and several other areas. Install once then forget about it.

NB: I would recommend the 5000 for consideration ($150 cheaper and you get essentially the same machine save for 40Gig less harddrive and a non-slimline look).

Regards

Peter Gillespie

Thanks

Thanks also for the Toppy FAQ, very informative. The only thing you left out was what the secret phrase is to tell the sales person to get one of these for $750.00!