Group test: Freeview PVRs pt2

Overview Price: £150 More info: Sagem Size: 315x45x230mm Weight: 2.7kg Tuners: Twin digital Hard disk size: 160GB (80hrs) Recording quality modes: One Pause/rewind live TV: Yes EPG type: 7-day Video outputs: Scart Video inputs: Scart Audio outputs: optical digital, coaxial digital Sagem DVR 62160 Like the Humax, the Sagem DVR 62160 has the ability to record two channels while watching another recording, which is ideal if there are two programmes sharing the same time slot. The uninspired silver, plastic coated design appears unattractive and cheaply constructed but fortunately there are less compromises to the underlying technology. There's a similar 160GB hard disk with the usual time shift features including chase play and pausing and rewinding TV - with a two-hour memory buffer. Unfortunately, there are few advanced recording features such as series recording but you can manually set recordings to occur daily or weekly. Connectivity is on a par with its test rivals with two Scart terminals, although typically only one is RGB enabled for the highest quality. And there's a choice of both optical and coaxial digital audio outputs if you want to connect it to your home cinema system - but no standard stereo outputs. Despite being simple to install, the menu systems and accompanying EPG appear outdated with basic graphics - although the recording library is better presented with moving thumbnails and complete programme information. You can also apply some basic editing to recordings including naming, merging and even erasing parts of recordings, which not all PVRs offer. But, we found the ordinary remote unresponsive and physically difficult to use as the buttons are so small. Like the other models, there's only a single recording quality mode so pictures and recordings are always consistent. Colours have a very natural balance, which excels with skin tones and landscapes but can lack some vitality with superficial special effects. But detail is outstanding with deep black levels exposing intricacies that some of its rivals can't manage while adding depth with impressive contrast. And there's no loss of sharpness or bleaching of colours in subsequent recordings. Sagem's DVR62160 offers class leading picture performance and some extra curricular features including some basic post editing, which make its restrictive usability a little easier to ignore.

Verdict Plus points Can record two channels simultaneously; excellent picture and recording performance Minus points Dull design; basic menu system; unresponsive remote

Overview Price: £150 More info: Wharfedale Size: 430x50x250 Weight: 2kg Tuners: Twin digital Hard disk size: 160GB (70 hrs) Recording quality modes: One Pause/rewind live TV: Yes EPG type: 8-day Video outputs: Scart, composite Video inputs: Scart Audio outputs: Analogue stereo, optical digital, coaxial digital Wharfedale WDTR160 You can only find Wharfedale's WDTR160 at Argos, which suggests it could be a cut-price alternative for buyers without an education in home electronics - but it's actually a competent system with an affordable price. The rebranded design is shared by other companies like TVonics and looks like the last surviving component of an airplane crash - a compact, black box solidly encased in metal. The space saving dimensions mean it can be inconspicuously hidden away while the glossed black finish will complement modern flat screen designs - and you can also position it upright like a games console using a primitive plastic support. Connectivity is similarly limited with a pair of Scarts, with typically only one that is RGB enabled while the other is restricted to composite video quality only. Audio outputs are equally low-key with a standard 3.5mm mini-jack that also supports optical (miniTOS) connections to an outside amplifier. Like its rivals there's only a single recording quality mode, which offers around 70 hours of recording time from the 160GB hard disk - but, unlike its rivals, you can only record one programme while you watch another. There are the usual time shift functions including pausing and rewinding live TV (with a 10min-2hr memory buffer) and chase play. As there are absolutely no front panel controls you have to use the ergonomic remote for all operations and you can also set the unit to control basic TV functions without swapping between remotes. The menu system uses lurid green graphics that can be eye straining but are simple to use with only a few features. There's an eight-day EPG using the same distinctive graphics but features such as moving thumbnails and advanced searches have been ignored. Picture quality from the integrated digital tuners is on a par with most decent PVRs while subsequent recordings are virtually indistinguishable from the original. Images are impressively detailed and densely defined with consistency across all channels and a bright, vivid colour balance. Movement is generally smooth and smear-free, although we did notice some staggering with slow scrolling text and there's some occasional instability with complex backgrounds. Another gripe is the low-level hum that constantly drones away in the background while the device is on but otherwise the WDTR160 is a capable, if flawed PVR.

Verdict Plus points Compact design; decent picture and recording performance Minus points Basic EPG and menus; struggles slightly with slow panned movement; noisy operation

Final verdict With practically all these PVRs carrying the same basic specification including dual digital tuners and an integrated 160GB hard drive it comes down to ease of use and, of course, image quality, to decide a winner. Humax's PVR9200T is an impressive model, especially if you need extra curricular features such as a CI card slot but at nearly £100 more expensive than most of its rivals we just can't justify the cost. Wharfedale's WDTR160 is a competent PVR that won't take up too much space in your system but there's really no need for that insistent humming. It's difficult to separate Sagem's DVR 62160 and Goodmans' GHD1621F2 as they each offer their own different merits. The Sagem can claim class-leading image quality allied with a decent set of features including the ability to record two channels while watching another recording - but the design is very ordinary and usability is poor. So, we're going to go for the Goodmans, which offers a stylish design, decent features, fuss-free operation and a great picture for an affordable price.

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