Group Test: Dual tuner PVRs

Overview Price comparison: Humax Duovision PVR 9200-T More info: Humax Size: 380x78x281mm Weight: 3.7kg Hard drive capacity: 160GB Maximum recording time: 80hrs Recording quality modes: 1 CI card support: Yes Video connections: 2x Scart (1 RGB) plus USB hosting Audio connections: stereo phono, optical digital Humax Duovision PVR 9200-T Humax's PVR 9200-T is equipped to the eyeballs with features including the rare ability to record two channels at the same time - putting an end to arguments caused when competing programmes share the same time space. You can also watch a third channel simultaneously, providing it shares the same multiplex as the others. This unique versatility is accompanied by a substantial 160GB hard drive and convenient convergent features like USB connectivity. This means you can access music and photo files from a portable media player or storage device and back up TV recordings to your PC before burning them to DVD for archiving. The boxy design is unimaginative but the clean, contrasting styling is unobtrusive, although the remote is clumsy and oversized. There are two Scart terminals but only one is RGB-enabled for the highest quality performance - so connected recorders will be compromised. There are standard stereo outputs and an optical digital output for processing surround set-ups. User-friendly features that are often ignored in other units include a customisable EPG, CI card slot, recording start/finish time adjustment, a one-hour memory buffer and post-editing features. Time slip functions include pausing/rewinding live TV, simultaneous playing and recording and chasing play - watching a recording before it's finished. There isn't a choice of recording quality modes but the hard drive has space for around 80hours of footage. Picture quality is acceptable rather than exceptional with slightly less background detail and bold definition than some. Nonetheless, colours are nicely controlled and images are reasonably stable, while the sound is better than most. Recordings are unflinchingly faithful to the original without any flaws that didn't exist before.

Verdict Plus points USB hosting, CI card support, advanced recording and time slip features Minus points Cumbersome design, clumsy remote

Overview Price comparison: Sharp TU-R160H More info: Sharp Size: 360x48x280mm Weight: 2.82kg Hard drive capacity: 160GB Maximum recording time: 80hrs Recording quality modes: 1 CI card support: No Video connections: 2x Scart (2 RGB) Audio connections: stereo phono, optical digital Sharp TU-R160H Sharp's TU-R160H is sexily styled featuring sleek curves and a heavily glossed front panel. But what lies beneath are similar features and functionality to a certain less expensive model. The build quality, remote control and user interface are exactly the same as the Goodmans' GHD8015F, which leads us to believe that this is a rebranded model of the same system. There is a larger 160GB hard drive however, which offers up to 80hours of recordings using a single quality mode. But, there's still no CI card slot for receiving pay channels and connectivity is slighted by a single RGB Scart terminal - but there are both standard stereo outputs and an optical audio output. Recording operation is incredibly easy to use with an excellent eight-day EPG that displays the schedules for several channels at a time and features a useful red time line that gives you an idea of how far into the programme you are. You can also record using manual timers and a supposedly instant recording function, although in reality there is a slight delay before it begins. Otherwise, functionality is fairly basic including standard time slip functions and a useful Picture-in-Picture system. And, unlike some models, you can record subtitles with programmes. Image quality isn't overwhelming but colours are natural and black levels delve deeply enough to instill pictures with solidity, depth and detail. There is some background instability and movement occasionally stutters but recording quality is untainted. There were rumours that this unit wouldn't be able to receive software upgrades over the air but Sharp has confirmed that to be false.

Verdict Plus points Stylish design, ease of use, subtitle recording Minus points Average build quality, basic functionality, occasional image instability

Overview Price comparison: Sony SVR-S500 More info: Sony Size: 362x52x352mm Weight: 2.5kg Hard drive capacity: 80GB Maximum recording time: 80hrs Recording quality modes: 3 CI card support: No Video connections: 2x Scart (2 RGB) Audio connections: stereo phono Sony SVR-S500 Considering Sony's SVR-S500 is the most expensive model here, it's surprising that you don't profit from an improved specification. And, although design and performance are suitably impressive for a big name brand, there are some usability flaws too. At this price you can afford a hard drive that's twice the size of the meagre 80GB on offer, which is fine for throwaway recordings but too small to effectively archive copies. And there's no CI card slot for accepting limited subscription services and its absence could also carry repercussions in the future. What you do get is excellent build quality and a stunning design. The metal cased unit is beautifully finished in brushed aluminum and is accompanied by a tall, stylish remote that's more responsive than most. Connections include two RGB-enabled Scarts that allow you to use a separate recording device to archive copies without compromising quality. There are standard stereo outputs but no digital option for home cinema amplifiers. There's a choice of three recording quality modes, which gives you 40 hours using the highest quality (SP) mode, 60 hours using (LP) and up to 80 hours with the lowest quality (EP) mode. Using the attractively presented EPG eases recordings but there are some frustrating usability issues. Listings are only displayed for a single channel at a time, there are no moving thumbnails and the delay while changing channels is annoying. The unit is also considerably noisier than others with a whirring fan that can be distracting. Nonetheless, image quality is up there with the best PVRs on the market. Deep blacks produce densely defined pictures with outstanding detail and contrast for broadcast images. Colours are poised and natural and only the most complex scenes suffer from any instability. The highest quality (SP) recording mode produces extremely accurate copies and there's less deterioration than expected using the lower quality modes, which needn't to be considered a last resort.

Verdict Plus points Outstanding design, recording quality modes, picture quality Minus points Comparatively expensive, small hard drive, usability, noisy operation

Final verdict Although there are some subtle differences in image quality, it's difficult to separate these digital recorders in terms of picture performance. And that means it comes down to features and functionality, which leaves only one winner - Humax's PVR 9200-T. It's the only recorder that allows you to simultaneously record two channels while you watch another and recording functions are more advanced than the others, while USB hosting lets you access a wider range of media than most PVR devices. Goodmans' GHD8015F is exceptional value for money if you can ignore the ordinary design and basic features, especially as Sharp's more expensive TU-R160H appears to be an almost identical system. However, the Sharp is more stylish and features a larger 160GB hard drive that's still reasonably affordable if you can find it for around £160. Sony's SVRS500 is immaculately constructed and picture quality is impressive but you're asked to pay a premium for a device that only has an 80GB hard drive and suffers from unfriendly functionality and a loud fan.

AVR Glossary