It's b3ta advice time!
My freeview box packed up at the weekend so I'm looking for a new one. I want one with a hard disk recorder so I can tape Hollyoaks.

Some of you people are really into electronics and stuff so I'm sure you can recommend something for me.

If not, why not try and find a way to insult me that will grow to become intrinsically linked to my online personality. Please note, that TGB has already tried this with the size of my bottom and it didn't work. It's also common knowledge that I have a very small penis. Be inventive.
(Bazongaloid, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 10:15, 16 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

YOU HAVE A HUGE ARSE
Oh no wait, you are a huge arse. And a massive cunt.
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 10:18, Reply)

Oh read the question
I said be inventive. This is very tiresome. Online.
(Bazongaloid, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 10:19, Reply)

Yeah this is tiresome
You churning out the same shit day after day after day, however, is charming.

I may just call you Dave on that basis.
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 10:28, Reply)

Panasonic
do a great range of PVRs - can't comment personally on the newer range but my EX series is solid as a rock.

The only problems I've had with recording is with the signals from the channels.
(Himjim died a little more inside on, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 10:21, Reply)

i dont own a tv
im sure youre a top forum user
( rosalicious i fucking love youve been framed, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 10:26, Reply)

Hippy

(Bazongaloid, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 10:28, Reply)

I can make you one if you pay me,
You, like all geordies repeat yourself.
(PsychoChomp, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 10:34, Reply)

Women can't make electronic gadgets.
Everyone knows that.
(Bazongaloid, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 10:35, Reply)

Asian women do for $1 a day.

(PsychoChomp, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 10:37, Reply)

You, Sir, are somewhat dull, on occasion!

( Cawl, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 10:35, Reply)

Depends how much you want to pay
If they'll let you have one (and they'll do their damn best to hide it, but I know they offer at least something similar) get a Sky+ box with the free channels. It has all the channels freeview has, and the Sky+ box is one of the best PVR's around. Best thing, you don't have to pay out for a sky subscription as they're obliged to offer those channels for nothing.
(Potty Jag har smör i min rumpspringa, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 10:37, Reply)

I think
you have to pay £10 a month for the use of the Sky+ EPG though.

Without that, it's not much use.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 10:40, Reply)

I ain't using no sky
Murdoch can kiss my spotty arse.
(Bazongaloid, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 10:42, Reply)

Did not know this
In that case, fuck Sky, go Panasonic. Or buy a tuner for your PC and use that.
(Potty Jag har smör i min rumpspringa, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 12:13, Reply)

I haven't looked into Freeview PVRs for a while
but the last time I was looking the Topfield PVR5850 (??? from memory) was very good.

Almost everything these days should have dual tuners, etc so your decision will more likely come down to reported durability, ease of use of the EPG, aesthetics, etc. Probably your best bet is to have a wander up and down TCR and see them in person before you make any decisions.
(bill, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 13:28, Reply)

Consider the Humax 9300T
Bought this in January, although it may have been superseded by a newer model by now. Very pleased with it, no faults or niggles at all.

Whatever make and model you go for, make sure it is labelled as "Freeview +"

Be warned - switch off the supposed accurate recoding function. This is because it relies on the broadcaster sending a signal to the box to start and stop recording - they are all, to varying degrees, unreliable - it's common for the first few minutes of a programme to be missed, and not unknown for for more than half to be missed, or sometimes the whole programme. It is still easy to set the recording times using the electronic programme guide even with accurate recording switched off.

Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.
(How soon is now?, Mon 20 Jul 2009, 13:29, Reply)