SONY RDR-HXD710 (160GB HDD) REVIEW

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Reviewed by UK Guest, 9th Jul 2006.

Review Summary: Good but not perfect

Overall Score: 4/5

Review: I wouldn't disagree with other reviews but there is some room for improvment with this Sony RDR-HXD710 DVD recorder/hard drive combi:

1 - The machine freeezes occasionaly. This becomes far too frequent when using the power saving mode.
2 - Pausing the TV takes a few seconds. My old Humax box did it instantly
3 - The EPG "grid" display doesn't show the full programme title when moving around in the grid. This means you have to open each event to find out what it is - if your looking at short events like children's programmes. Why not show the full title at the top of the screen?
4 - There is no facility to search by programme title. Again, a feature I found invaluable on my old Humax box.
5 - I can't get an answer from Sony as to wether the software can be upgraded when the "Freeview playback" functionality starts to come on-line later this year. Without it, any Freeview box will soon become dated by comparison.
6 - Sony don't seem to do a current hi-spec Freeview box that also has an HDMI interface. The 910 has HDMI but no Freeview. I'd like both in one box. Also, what about the possibility of multiple tuners like so many other Freeview boxes have these days?
7 - The sliding handset cover it horrible and conceals the subtitles button. I actually use subtitles a lot so this is annoying.

That said, the DVD recording options are great and I now have an extensive library of kids programmes and films that cost me nothing. Overall the RDR-HXD710 DVD recorder is worth the money but Sony need to try hard to keep up with other set-top boxes.

Ratings

Value For Money:		4
Review Score:		4
Recommended?		Yes

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