Group test: Freeview PVRs

Personal video recorders are the most affordable and easy to use replacements for last century's VCRs. Each of these models feature twin integrated Freeview tuners that allow you to record at least one digital TV channel while you watch another - and most let you record two channels simultaneously. It couldn't be easier to make recordings - all you have to do is highlight a programme from the accompanying guide and everything is done for you. Recordings are the stored on an integrated 160GB hard drive, which gives you around 80 hours worth of footage. The hard drive also allows useful time slip functions such as pausing and rewinding live TV and chase play - watching the beginning of a recording before it's finished. With a feast of entertainment arriving this festive season, you need never miss any of your favourite programmes again using one of these four excellent models. Overview Price: £140 More info: Goodmans Size: TBC Weight: TBC Tuners: Twin digital Hard disk size: 160GB (80hrs) Recording quality modes: One Pause/rewind live TV: Yes EPG type: 7-day Video outputs: Scart, composite Video inputs: Scart Audio outputs: Analogue stereo, coaxial digital Goodmans GHD1621F2 Goodman's latest digital video recorder carries the Freeview Playback certification - it's basically a set of criteria that ensures the device supports a range of advanced features that enhance usability. The metal-cased design is surprisingly attractive for a set-top box with an angled mirrored front panel featuring subtle neon green lighting, which leaves the display looking like it's suspended within the device. Like its rivals there's an integrated 160GB hard drive, which should give you around 80 hours of recordings using a single quality mode. And you can record two channels at the same time. There are two Scart terminals, although only one is RGB enabled while the other outputs composite video - this will compromise the quality of external recordings if you're interested in archiving copies, although you can link the RGB Scart through another recorder to your display to get around this. There's also a coaxial digital output for an external sound amplifier but no optical alternative. The Goodmans is exceptionally easy to use - it only takes a minute to install and all you have to do to make recordings is highlight a programme from the well-presented EPG. There's a choice of two EPG displays with both featuring a moving thumbnail image so you don't miss anything while you're using it. The remote isn't imaginatively designed but it's sensibly arranged and easy to use. There are some useful features such as series recording, which records every episode of your chosen programme, and split recording, which recognises breaks in the programme your recording - like when ITV put the news in between a film. Recording performance is always dictated by the quality of the integrated tuners and the Goodmans' image quality is impressive for the price while recordings are extremely faithful to the original. Pictures are densely defined with precise detail and evenly balanced colours while movement is excellent with both fast-paced action and slow camera pans. There is the occasional shimmering straight line and speckled background noise but never enough to distract from a great picture. Since Goodmans' previous PVR model featured only an 80GB hard drive for around the same price, the GHD1621F2 can be considered excellent value for money without making any compromises elsewhere. Verdict Plus points Stylish design; exceptionally easy to use; excellent picture and recording quality Minus points Dull remote; slightly limited connectivity

Overview Price: £230 More info: Humax Size: 380x150x280mm Weight: 4kg Tuners: Twin digital Hard disk size: 160GB (70hrs) Recording quality modes: One Pause/rewind live TV: Yes EPG type: 7-day Picture-in-picture: Yes Video outputs: Scart, composite Video inputs: Scart Audio outputs: Analogue stereo, optical digital Humax PVR9200T Humax's PVR9200T has been around for a while, although the latest model offers a change of design to a more contemporary black finish and several upgraded features. It's also the only model here that bears the latest Freeview Playback 2 certification and includes useful features including auto buffering and schedule or overrunning sports events. Compared to its rivals, the design appears oversized but it does include some additional features that none of the other models can claim. A flip down panel at the front reveals a CI card slot for receiving limited subscription services such as TopUp TV and Setanta Sports. And there's also a USB connection that allows you to connect the device to your home computer. Like the Sagem, the Humax allows you to record two channels simultaneously while you watch another. Otherwise, you get the same 160GB hard drive that offers around 80 hours of footage using a single recording quality mode and supports typical time slip functions including pausing/rewinding live TV and chase play. Like practically all PVRs, connectivity is limited to Scart with two terminals - one that's RGB enabled for the highest picture quality while the other can be used to connect to an alternative recording device if necessary. There's also a single optical digital audio output that will support Dolby 5.1 surround if the signal is carried by the broadcaster. This is undoubtedly the easiest system to use, with a clear, concise menu system and a prosaic yet intelligently arranged remote that may look like a Fisher Price toy but is by far the most responsive to use. The picture is instantly engaging, although this is a consequence of a bright colour balance rather than superior image quality. The vivid colours can appear alluring but the Humax struggles with natural shades such as skin tones. There's also slightly less fine detail than you might find from the class-leading model but dense black levels offer decent contrast and movement is unflawed. And recording quality is extremely accurate to the original. The Humax PVR9200T is still the same device that once set the standard for digital video recorders - but the competition has improved while prices are more affordable elsewhere.

Verdict Plus points Records two channels simultaneously; CI card slot; ease of use; Bright, vivid picture quality Minus points Comparably expensive; oversized design; lacks fine detail

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