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Thread ID: 121772 2011-11-12 06:55:00 PVR choice - Freeview Magic MTV3700TD - anyone got one or got any comments? robo (205) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1243212 2011-11-12 06:55:00 I need a freeview HD compatible PVR that will write to external hard disk. This one has 1TB, but storage is irrelevant if I can copy off. Uses the m2ts format and they recommend a program called Super (www.erightsoft.com) to transcode to more sensible formats and transcode other files to ones that this unit can play.

Anyone got any comments, suggestions, or recommendations?
robo (205)
1243213 2011-11-12 07:13:00 I've used Panasonics for this purpose. They write to DVD-RAM as a .VRO file. Providing the file has not had internal edits after being placed on DVD it's just a case of renaming it as .mpg and it'll play or pass through other re-encoders/edittors flawlessly.

The strength of the Panny is it allows edits to be done on its own internal HDD prior to transfer to DVD RAM. The weakness however is that the Freeview capable version insists on doing a re-encode of the source file before allowing a high speed transfer to DVD RAM.

For doing many hours of re-encoding it has the option to cue the jobs for overninght (standby mode) when the machine is otherwise not in use.

Dual tuners is nice.
Paul.Cov (425)
1243214 2011-11-12 20:52:00 This one will record two channels and play at the same time. I don't really want to write to DVD, I am over DVDs, they take up too much space. This unit writes to USB memory key or hard disk, so the internal storage won't become a problem.
Does anyone have a similar device that they love or hate?
robo (205)
1243215 2011-11-13 08:40:00 This is a good page for computer\software programs en.wikipedia.org (but needs an update), When I have looked previously, the hardware solutions all looked a bit bare bones and basic, and if your little garden shed does not get a very good signal you could be in trouble. I elected for a computer media box and found I needed to up the signal strength with a MUCH bigger aerial. Can now record a single channel satisfactorily but need to upgrade graphics card to handle more sophisticated stuff, ie multichannel recording commercial blocking etc. Windows Media Center works well for lower specced hardware, but I am really looking at Next PVR for all the features I want, but will need to do some better graphics. Luckily my PC is due for an upgrade, so I will be able to swap out the graphics card from that,should be good. Just a bit of background hope it helps. PPp (9511)
1243216 2011-11-13 19:48:00 I have thought about going the media PC route, and although I probably could do that with existing hardware it just doesn't appeal. I think a box that needs as much maintenance as a toaster has more appeal. I bought a Hauppage thing a while back that worked with a PC and it was an utter waste of money, the software was hideous and it couldn't talk to the sky machine at all. robo (205)
1243217 2011-11-16 04:48:00 This one will record two channels and play at the same time. I don't really want to write to DVD, I am over DVDs, they take up too much space. This unit writes to USB memory key or hard disk, so the internal storage won't become a problem.
Does anyone have a similar device that they love or hate?

I have had an Ultraplus 9000 HD digital satellite PVR for two years and find the facilities and 1080i quality first rate, recording two channels while you can watch a third. All freeview channels plus SBS One HD, SBS One and Two, Nine HD and Gem. Service from Freeviewshop is excellent and the firmware is updated continually. I see they have a new model 9200 available now. I see that the magic is also highly recommended.
Krad (7878)
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