Network Video Recorder 2-Bay Review
Available at Amazon Check Price Now!
Available at Amazon Check Price Now!
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 27, 2010 17:38:44
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Toshiba's SD-H400 digital media server offers the convenience of no-fee PVR service with the option for immediate upgrades alongside high-quality, progressive-scan DVD-Video playback--all from a single, easy-to-use component. The SD-H400 houses an 80 GB TiVo Series2 PVR that comes with TiVo Basic service, providing free, limited TiVo features right out of the box, with no subscription fees.
TiVo Basic service offers the ability to control live TV through features like pause, fast forward, rewind, and slow motion playback of live television; three days of electronic program guide; and manual recording capability by time and channel. The SD-H400 is the first device to offer TiVo Basic service.
The SD-H400's DVD-video section is equipped with a 10-bit/54 MHz video digital-to-analog converter for maximum color purity, detail, and resolution. When connected to a television via the unit's ColorStream Pro component-video outputs, you'll be ready to enjoy Toshiba's Digital Cinema Progressive technology with either DVDs or TiVo PVR playback. The SD-H400 can also play formats such as DVD-R, DVD-RW, video CD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3 CDs.
Because the SD-H400 is built on TiVo Series2 technology, you have the ability to upgrade to full TiVo service to enjoy features such as Season Pass (the ability to record every episode of a program no matter when it airs, automatically), WishList (which finds and records programs that feature your favorite actor, director, or genre), Search by Title (which helps you find any show when all you know is its title), 14 days of program guide data, richer recording options, and an easy-to-use scheduling interface. (Full TiVo service costs .95 a month or 9 for a lifetime subscription; visit www.TiVo.com for detailed information.)
Another upgrade available to the Toshiba SD-H400 is the TiVo Home Media Option, a premium package of networked home entertainment. This configuration takes full advantage of the SD-H400's capabilities as a digital media server. The Home Media Option--an upgrade available via phone or broadband connection--lets you use the SD-H400's USB port to connect the SD-H400 to your wired or wireless home network and PC.
The Home Media Option adds the following features to the SD-H400: streaming MP3 files and digital photo viewing from a PC or Macintosh for playback through your TV or home-entertainment system, remote scheduling (through which you can schedule TiVo recordings from anywhere you can access the Internet), and connection to another TiVo Series2 PVR within your home (so you can share programs between the two units--for, say, viewing a program in the bedroom that was recorded in the family room, and vice versa).
That being said, I have been given 3 defective units. The first unit shipped to me would not boot up. I returned this to Amazon (very nice returns process, btw) for a new unit. After 2 months, the tuner on the new unit failed. This one was returned to TiVo, who shipped me a new unit. This third unit had the incorrect software installed on it (the 30-hour-unit software). TiVo tech support helped me correct this issue by having the unit dial in and download the correct software version. So far, there haven't been any problems since then.
On the plus side of all the problems I've had, I can say that TiVo's customer support is excellent, and a pleasure to deal with. I just wish their Quality Assurance was as good.
Even with all the problems, I have still recommended TiVo to my friends and co-workers, and I will continue to do so.
Unlike analog VCRs, Philips's HDR612 personal TV recorder uses TiVo technology to store compressed audio-video data to a computer hard disk. When you're ready to watch a preselected program, the HDR612 retrieves it upon command from a list of shows you've recorded. Among the most revolutionary aspects of the Philips/TiVo server is the ability to pause live broadcasts and either resume a program where you left off or return to real time. For example, while watching live sporting events, you can replay the last eight seconds of the action. You can then return to the live broadcast at any time. Using the palm-size remote, you can rewind and fast-forward pretaped programs and skip through recorded commercials if you choose.
Philips supplies all the necessary cables for setting up the HDR612, including a 50-foot phone line and splitter. You don't need a separate phone line; simply connect the splitter to the wall, connect your phone and receiver cable to the splitter, and you're in business. The phone line is vital for downloading TV listings, recording shows, and receiving TiVo's Suggestions feature and TiVolution Magazine, which offer guidance and recommendations on the best programs to watch. After the initial download, the receiver spends about five minutes updating your programming data each night.
The HDR612 has lots of great features that make it easier for this personal TV server to record programs as it learns your preferences. For example, the Suggestions feature actually offers input on shows you might enjoy based on your previous selections.
TiVo's onscreen setup guide includes easy step-by-step instructions. TiVo charges .95 a month for weekly listings, TiVolution Magazine, and the Suggestions feature, or you can pay a one-time service charge of 9.
Once you've selected a program to record, you have four choices of picture quality: basic, medium, high, or best. The higher settings take up more storage space, which translates into fewer hours of available record time.
To reduce recording dead air, Sony delivers with the advanced voice operated recording (VOR) feature that actually stops recording during silent pauses, saving valuable recording time. This recorder features a three-LED battery level indicator, a three-digit tape counter, and jacks that provide a connection for microphones, earphones, and AC/DC power.
What's in the Box
M-675V micro cassette recorder, hand strap, two NiMH AAA batteries, one blank tape, AC adapter, and battery charger.
Key features also include ColorStream component-video outputs. This component-video connection is the ideal way to connect a digital video source like DVD to a TV display resulting in increased image purity, incredibly lifelike colors, and crisp color resolutions. The 10-bit D/A converter with high-resolution filter ensures excellent picture quality, while the 24-bit/192 kHz audio converter with dialogue enhancement renders clear and dynamic sound reproduction.
Some of the more convenient features are four forward and reverse scan speeds and a unique first-setup menu that assists viewers in accurately setting up their player to suit their system's capabilities. Parental lock, time search, camera angle select, and 4-power picture zoom are all included on this model, as are S-video, composite video, and coaxial digital outputs, giving you a wide range of connection options.
The SD2700 comes with a remote control and a one-year warranty on parts and a 90-day warranty on labor from Toshiba.
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Dual tuners lets you watch both digital and analog signals. View larger. View ports. |
The WinTV-HVR-1850 also lets you watch and record clear QAM channels, which are unencrypted digital channels broadcast by your local cable operator. If you don't have access to digital television channels yet, you can also watch regular analog cable television.
In addition to high-definition video, the card also features a dbx-TV stereo decoder for great TV sound. The card has Composite/S-Video and audio inputs that allow for connecting VCRs or cable/satellite set top boxes.
With a built-in FM radio tuner, you can also sit back and listen to top 40 hits or your favorite talk radio while you are working on your latest project.
Your Own Personal Digital Video Recorder
With the included software, you can easily record TV shows to your hard disk using MPEG-2. Several recording options are available depending on your playback needs; higher quality video requires more disk space. Generally, 5 gigabytes of disk space is used per hour of ATCS digital TV recordings. Thanks to the built-in hardware MPEG-2 encoder, your PC continues to run at full speed even while recording.
The WinTV application offers an elegant interface to watch TV in a window or full screen. View larger. |
Windows Media Center Compatible with Included Remote
The Hauppauge 1128 WinTV-HVR-1850 plugs into a PCI-Express x1 or x8 slot, and is compatible with Windows 7, Vista, or Windows XP, and Windows XP Media Center Edition. With Windows 7 and XP-MCE, you can add the WinTV-HVR-1850 as either the primary or secondary TV tuner. Microsoft's Windows Media Center application supports up to two TV tuners so you can watch one channel while recording another.
Included in the package is a Media Center certified remote control that allows you to have all your digital entertainment within easy reach, even while you are lounging on your couch.
What's in the Box
WinTV-HVR-1850 PCI-express card, Media Center Remote kit, CD-ROM with WinTV software.
Includes Standalone DVR, AC Power Cord, Remote, & Mouse
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