Group test: HDD/DVD recorders

Overview Price: £450-£500 More info: LG Electronics Size (HWD): 430x54x275mm Weight: 4.1kg Playback formats: DVD, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW (DL), DVD-RAM, CD, CD-R/-RW, MP3, JPEG, DiVX Recording Formats: DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW (DL), DVD-RAM Hard Drive: 250GB Video Connections: HDMI, component, 2x RGB Scart, S-Video, composite, DV in Progressive Scan: Yes Video scaling: 720p, 1080i Audio Connections: Coaxial out, optical out, phono LG RH200MH LG's RH200MH is another affordable model that offers an impressive 250GB hard drive, which dwarfs the recording capacity from rival big-name brands at the same price. Although it's unlikely that you'll use the maximum 356 hours of storage, having a larger hard drive does mean you can use higher quality recording modes without taking up too much space. Like the other recorders here you can also record using a complete range of disc formats and playback is enhanced by integrated video scaling technology, which will convert standard DVDs to 720p and 1080i signals. It's not true high-definition but it comes close and is the easiest way of improving your existing DVD collection with a compatible display. However, like the Hitachi the specification is restricted by the omission of an integrated digital TV tuner - a surprise at this price point. Style-conscious buyers will be attracted to the LG's sleek, understated design that leaves its rivals looking outdated. Convergent features include 14-in-2 memory card support that allows you to access a variety of digital files and organise playlists or slideshows. And there's a DV input for digital camcorder users. Rear panel connectivity is equally inclusive with HDMI (LG has even supplied a low grade cable), component outputs and two RGB scart terminals, which means you can connect a separate digital set-top box without compromising image quality. As usual, there are four recording quality modes that trade time length for image quality. Recorded titles are stored in an attractive menu system using moving thumbnails to make them easier to find and there's a full range of time shift and post editing functions - including the rare ability to search time-shifted material and record it later. The remote features several short cut keys to save you accessing the full menu system every time you use it. For an analogue-only tuner, broadcast images are surprisingly stable and detailed but you do have to contend with more background noise than digital tuners allow. Colours are slightly muted but appear more natural with skin tones looking especially realistic. Using the two highest quality modes produces copies that are virtually indistinguishable from the original but there is noticeable degradation as you move down the hierarchy. The lowest quality (EP) is the only mode you won't use unless you absolutely have to. DVD image quality is pretty reasonable too with crisp detail, cohesive movement and the same natural colour balance - although we struggled to see much difference between 720p and 1080i upscaled signals.

Verdict Plus points Stylish design; 250GB hard drive; memory card support; decent all-round performance Minus points Analogue-only tuner; muted colour balance; little difference between 720p and 1080i upscaled images

Overview Price: £299-£399 More info: Panasonic Size (HWD): 60x430x340mm Weight: 5kg Playback formats: DVD, DVD-R/-RW (DL), DVD+R/+RW (DL), DVD-RAM, CD, CD-R/-RW, SVCD, VCD, MP3, JPEG Recording Formats: DVD-R/-RW (DL), DVD+R/+RW (DL). DVD-RAM Hard Drive: 160GB Video Connections: HDMI, 2x RGB Scart, component, S-Video, composite, DV in Progressive Scan: Yes Video upscaling: 720p, 1080i Audio Connections: Optical out, phono Panasonic DMR-EX75 Panasonic has a fine pedigree in the DVD recorder market and, although the DMR-EX75 offers only a standard specification, its legacy is user-friendly functionality and superb all-round performance. The 160GB hard drive, which gives you around 70 hours in the standard SP mode rising to 284 using the lowest quality mode, is distinctly smaller than the LG and Hitachi models. But, unless you intend archiving everything you ever recorded the difference isn't a deal breaker. An integrated digital TV tuner improves performance and eases operation and disc compatibility extends to all recording formats - although Panasonic's DVD-RAM is the disc of choice as it offers more flexible functionality. Build quality is surprisingly poor with less weight and attention to detail than any of its rivals. An all-inclusive range of connections includes a DV input for digital camcorders, progressive scan-enabling component connections, two RGB Scart terminals and an HDMI output. With video scaling you can use HDMI to improve the quality of your existing DVD collection to near high-definition. You can also access a variety of digital files stored on an SD memory card. Remotes undertake extra responsibility with recording devices and, although the oversized keys appear clumsy, this model is really easy to use. The Panasonic is packed with virtually every playback and recording feature you can imagine. Making recordings is simplest using the well-presented 7-day EPG - all you have to do is highlight the programme and leave the rest to technology. There are four recording quality modes but the DMR-EX75 doesn't reduce the horizontal resolution using lower quality modes so long recordings perform better. The excellent Disc Navigator system lets you easily find, edit and archive footage and even newcomers to digital recording will have no problems. But what really separates the Panasonic from its rivals is its exceptional picture performance. The integrated digital TV tuner provides a perfect template for recordings to copy. Images are dense and detailed with evenly balanced colours and enviable stability. Recording quality using virtually all modes is outstanding with less image deterioration than any of the other models - even the lowest quality recordings are watchable. Playback performance isn't an afterthought either, especially using upscaled images. Detail and depth of field are excellent, movement is more cohesive and background noise is carefully controlled.

Verdict Plus points Feature filled; complete connectivity; ease of use; excellent recordings using all quality modes Minus points Comparatively poor build quality

Overview Price: £350-£400 More info: Pioneer Size (HWD): 420x79x318mm Weight: 4.8kg Playback formats: DVD, DVD-R/-RW (DL), DVD+R/+RW (DL), DVD-RAM, CD, CD-R/-RW, VCD, MP3, JPEG, DiVX Recording Formats: DVD-R/-RW (DL), DVD+R/+RW (DL), DVD-RAM Hard Drive: 160GB Video Connections: HDMI, 2x RGB Scart, component, S-Video, Composite, DV in, USB Progressive Scan: Yes Video upscaling: 720p, 1080i Audio Connections: Coaxial out, phono Pioneer DVR-545HX Pioneer's DVR-545HX shares a similar specification to the Panasonic on paper, but in practice the performance falls short. Despite the modest sized 160GB hard drive, recording capacity claims to reach up to an astonishing 455 hours - using no less than seven different recording quality modes. However, in reality only the first three modes offer acceptable performance leaving the others largely redundant unless image quality isn't important. The typical specification is completed by an integrated Freeview tuner, universal recording compatibility and video upscaling with both 720p and 1080i high-definition signals. The boxy design appears slightly oversized but clean finishing and solid build quality enhances an attractive sense of style. And the contemporary remote deserves a mention for its easy to use simplicity supported by a straightforward menu system and accompanying EPG that allows you to plug, play and record within a few minutes. Comprehensive AV connections range from HDMI and component outputs to some useful convergent features including a DV input for digital camcorders and a USB port that allows you to easily access digital picture and sound files from a variety of storage devices or portable media players. There is also a PictureBridge option that lets you directly print photos using a separate, compatible printing device. At first glance, digital broadcast images appear well balanced with decent detail and depth-defining contrast but the Pioneer struggles when faced with more challenging content. Straight edges occasionally shimmer while complex scenes suffer from noticeable picture noise and poor motion tracking. As mentioned, the three highest recording quality modes produce faithful copies to the original but the lower quality modes are more than questionable. Picture quality improves with DVD playback but still carries some constraints, even when playing upscaled images. Detail, depth and colours are all improved but both slow-panned and fast-paced movement is less cohesive than the best recorders in this class.

Verdict Plus points Substantial build quality; extremely easy to use; convergent connectivity; video upscaling Minus points Redundant recording quality modes; average broadcast images; poor motion tracking

Final verdict Despite surprisingly average build quality and a relatively small 160GB hard drive, Panasonic's DMR-EZ75 tops this test of hybrid digital recorders. The reason is peerless picture performance with both recordings and playback. None of the other recorders can equal the Panasonic's digital broadcast images and subsequent recordings using all quality modes while DVD performance is equally impressive. Both LG's RH200MH and Hitachi's DVDS253 offer the advantage of a larger 250GB hard drive for around the same price - but both are slighted by the absence of an integrated digital tuner. If you make enough recordings to require the additional space then the LG is the better all-rounder. Pioneer's DVR-545HX offers a reasonable specification that's well constructed and exceptionally easy to use but picture performance is ultimately disappointing in this competitive market.

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