This feature packed DVD Recorder and Freeview + model from Sony is nicely priced under £200
Along with the Humax PVR9150T, this model from Sony is one of the most popular Freeview Recorders available to buy – partly because of the Sony name and reputation and partly due to it’s combination of DVD Recorder with built in Freeview + functionality.
Sony RDR-HXD890 Best Price
Sony RDRHXD890 Review
In summary, this model features a multi-function DVD recorder, 160Gb hard drive recorder, digital and analogue tuners (although only one of each), 8-day EPG and HDMI out socket with high definition upscaling. This tends to be a favourite particularly with people who already own other Sony equipment as there are benefits of using the same brand with features such as Bravia sync – allowing control of all devices from the same remote.
Sony have always made superb audio-visual devices, and this one is no exception. As you would expect, the build quality is second-to-none with a sturdy feel, even to the panel on the front that drops down to reveal a selection of feature-buttons. It’s available in black or silver to match the rest of your home entertainment gadgets, although the silver model does add a little to the price, taking it just over £200.
The RDR-HXD890 has one main difference over the likes of the Humax models in that it combines both a DVD recorder and a digital tv hard drive recorder (Freeview +). Not only does it save you having two separate machines, but it also enables you to record directly to a DVD rather than the hard drive, doubling up as an archive function. There are always some programs that you don’t want to delete for sentimental reasons, so you can easily copy it to a dvd and free up space on the hard drive. You could always connect a VCR and transfer old recordings from video tape on to a DVD with very little hassle.
The built in hard drive has a 160Gb capacity which Sony claim is enough to record 455 hours of television at the lowest quality setting, or 35 hours at the highest quality. Experience says that at a standard setting, this should be more than adequate to store well over 100 hours of recordings. The on screen menus make it very easy to move, edit and delete recordings.
If you have a new HD TV you will benefit from the HDMI output and also High Definition Upscaling feature. Make no mistake, this does not give you real HD TV, but it simply takes the SD (Standard Definition) pictures from Freeview and DVD and ‘improves’ it to make the most of your TV. The HDMI connection does mean that the general quality will be better than a normal scart or coaxial connection with less interference. If you want full HD, you will have to wait for a new Freeview HD box to be released later in 2009, or go for the LG-HR400 Blu Ray DVD Player with built in Freeview.
As far as the Freeview + functionality goes, there is nothing that really sets it apart from other machines. The only disappointment is one that is common with other DVD/Freeview models in that it only has one digital tuner – meaning you can only watch the channel you are recording. While you can simultaneously watch a different channel if you also have a TV with built in Freeview, you would only ever be able to record one channel at the same time. Other Freeview functions such as pause live TV, chase play, and automatically changing start/end times if a program runs late are all present as you would expect.
If you don’t want to take our word for it, the Sony RDR-HXH890 has won a number of accolades to prove it. It was awarded the top 5 stars and won the DVD Recorders Groupt Test by What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision.
All in all, if you find a DVD recorder with Freeview + that beats this, let us know – we for sure can’t find one!
Sony RDR-HXD890 Price Comparison
Sony RDR-HXD890 Alternatives
If you like the RDR-HXD890 you should also consider:-
Humax PVR9300T – 320Gb hard drive, HDMI output with HD upscaling, no DVD recorder
LG HR400 Blu Ray DVD Player, Freeview + Hard Drive Recorder and built in YouTube Player
LG RHT497H DVD Recorder & Freeview + – a worth comparison for the Sony.
Similar Freeview Recorders:
I fund the Sony RDR-HX890 is an excellent unit.
Just a quick question can this unit record from the Hardrive to a Disc and vice a versa?
Have looked through the instruction manual but could not anything on this.
Regards
Dale
cannot acess title list or guide, work perfectly till my daughter visited! any ideas how to get it working again, this has happened before just kept pressing buttons and it came back, but nothing so far.