Panasonic's DMR-EX75 may have just won our HDD/DVD recorders group test, but we've just got word of a new range from Sony which, on paper at least, could blow it out the water.
While the entry level RDR-HXD870 features a hearty 160GB storage for 455 hours of standard def playback, the range-topping RDR-HXD1070 has positively obese 500GB, giving you no less than 1,420 hours (that's nearly two months' worth) of recording.
The models incorporate a freeview tuner (with EPG and chasing playback) full 1080p upscaling of standard DVDs, and HQ+, a high bit-rate recording mode which reduces noise distortion especially during fast motion scenes. Even though HQ+ requires more disk space, 73 hours (about 36 films) can be recorded on the 500GB model and 23 hours (11 films) on the 160GB model.
There's multi-format DVD support for handling pretty much any type of disc, plus compatibility with Sony's own 'Bravia Theatre Sync' function, which uses HDMI to let you control your (Sony Bravia Theatre Sync) home cinema setup with a single button on a single remote instead of having to switch on and select inputs on several devices one after another.
On-board USB and DV inputs let you connect digital cameras and the like for storing your photos, videos or music, and any tunes you record to the hard drive from audio CDs or USB flash drives can be played jukebox-style via the TV screen, and you can create slideshows of your pictures with a soundtrack of your choice.
Pricing and release dates yet to be confirmed.
More information: Sony website | Sony products
