Philips DVDR 80

Advantages Guideplus programme guide; recording quality; plays MP3s
Disadvantages May miss ends of some programmes

...I haven't played a video at home in more than two years - that's how useful the Phillips DVDR-80 DVD recorder is. Setup went smoothly the second time I tried - the difficulties I experienced the first time round were perhaps because of a poor TV signal in my local area. The recorder has several modes, from video quality (though I think it's better) to ultra-high professional quality. Most users will find that M6, giving six hours' recording time and better than VHS quality, is more than adequate. Programming a recording is straightforward, using either the Guideplus electronic programming guide, Videoplus, manual programming or safe record. Be warned, though: safe record defaults to the end of the disc, so you'll need to make sure you've left plenty of space for your recording. Guideplus puts the correct programme name... Read review

Advantages Easy to programme, good quality recordings, keeps track of recordings
Disadvantages Cannot control a Panasonic Sky Digibox

...The Philips DVDR80 offers high quality recordings with the ability to control an external TV receiver. I find that the M2x recording speed offers the best compromise of disk space and recording quality. The recorder can handle from 1 to 8 hours of recording per disk, but the quality does suffer quite a lot beyond 3 hours. I used to have a Panasonic Sky digibox, but the recorder could not control this for some reason. I have replaced this with a Pace model and this works fine. Programming is easy with the Guide+ system built in. This downloads information from the ITV frequency, even when the recorder is in standby mode. You just look for the programme you want to record in the guide and press the red button. The schedule can be viewed and the time extended by 10 minute intervals to account for overrun. Videoplus and manual... Read review

Advantages Controls Sky, TV Guide, Upto 8 hours playback, Picture Quality
Disadvantages Difficult set up, remote is fiddly, Sky/Ext compatability is complicated, Start up of box slow

...I've been waiting to get a DVD Recorder to replace the VCR for months so wanted something that was at least reliable, incorporated all the benefits of the VCR and then some. Philips seems to be company at the forfront of the market so were my safe choice. Pricewise the DVDR's are now affordable at around £200. I was suprised at the size of the R80 - its as big as a VCR but is still quite neat and attractive. These things are important to my other half. The manual is quite thick, thats ok I thought, 3/4's will be foreign. Unfortunately no, it was all English so lots to take in. Plugging in was just the same as a VCR. Set up was almost automatic but quite slow. I managed to record pretty quickly afterwards but the Guide+ (TV Guide) was incomprehensive. This did rectify itself over a few days. The SKY compatability was the key for me... Read review