Toshiba RDXV48 - 160Gb Hard Drive DVD Recorder & VHS Combi With Freeview

This review is in 2 parts:1st I wrote when I'd just got the machine, last year.PLEASE read the end bit...! I considerably revised my positive opinion over time!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------I know nothing of Sky + or whatever, so can't compare its recording function for ease-of-use. I've found it all easy to use so far. It's very quick and simple to set it to record to HDD a program by just choosing it from the daily listings on the Freeview menu.However, as I think someone has pointed out on a forum here, I'm very surprised there's no way to record (to any format, VHS, HDD or DVD) one channel and watch a different channel at the same time. Yes, while recording TV you can watch an already-recorded medium (on VHS, HDD or DVD), but nothing live. This is especially odd as this machine boasts two TV tuners, one digital, one analogue. So what's the point if you can't use both simultaneously? (Of course while the machine's recording from a TV channel you can primitively switch your TV onto it's own (non-video) channel, but in the case of our old TV that's not good quality... And why should I have to find this poor solution with such a nice new video machine?)My 2nd slight disappointment is I'm sure not unique to this brand or model, but I guess it's a similar story with any modern DVD recorders. One reason we wanted a VCR player and DVD recorder combi was to transfer a few of our much-loved well-played old video tapes onto DVD. Is this "pirating"?? Perhaps, but so be it; purely for our own personal use, before the (irreplaceable) video tapes finally snap. But even trying to dub from some VHS tapes the machine pipes up "copyright material - though shalt not copy". I dunno, these new-fangled machines are too smart for their own good sometimes...These gripes aside, this is a super video recorder for a great price, and no qualms at all about choosing it.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Since writing the above I have become increasingly dissatisfied with the way this machine records programmes from a Freeview digital system. It's very easy to select a programme from any channel's guide, one click and it'll record. However if the programme is due to run from, eg. 0900 to 1030, then the machine will only record from EXACTLY these times, with not even ONE minute's leeway on either side! I find it mind-boggling, and there is NO way to alter this default. I've lost count of the number of times I've missed a couple of minutes of the start or end of a good film......... It is really frustrating. There is no way to alter the timings of a programme once it's set. You can manually programme it from scratch without using the programme guide, but then you have to input the times, the channel, etc and it's a needless waste of time on a machine that should be a bit more intelligent. And I've just found yet another problem. Late last night I set the video to record a film which was scheduled to start at 1.45am. I used the Freeview's EPG to set the timer, not entering the times manually. BST ended at 2am, and I guess the time change freaked out the video recorder, cos it only recorded the programme for 15 mins then stopped. How ridiculous that this machine isn't aware of twice-yearly time changes and can't deal with them!By the way, I emailed a couple of different Toshiba departments (in the UK, and their head offices in Japan) last year about these matters, but never got a response.

Arrived less than 24 hours after ordering. Thank you Amazon. Initial set up was painless. Just make sure you have connected the aerial lead first. I particularly like the DV input. Works a treat with my Canon MV960. I have connected my Sky+ via SCART at the moment and the results look OK. In the process of getting Component lead and will try that. Editing is quite easy to cope with. If you wish to edit programmes copy them to the HDD and edit on there before commiting to a DVD. I haven't tried copying protected VHS to the HDD/DVD yet so don't know if it can. The only bad thing I can think of at the moment is the remote control does not allow control of other Toshiba equipment.19/08/09. Had it for one week now. When editing, copy to HDD first then create a 'playlist' of the file. This allows editing without changing the original recording (do NOT delete the original recording yet). When you are ready to commit to DVD or VHS for that matter use the 'playlist' to dubb across. When this is done and you are satisfied then delete the original.The unit is connected to a Tosh LCD via HDMI. Any of the inputs (VHS, DTV or Anologue) are viewed on the TV via HDMI the XV48 can upscale to your requirements.I do not envisage using the XV48 to record any off air TV as I use Sky HD for that.I think you can tell that I am extremely pleased with this fantastic piece of electronic wizardry!

The product came quicker than expected and well wrapped. The remote control was incorrect and the recorder will not tune in to BBC 2 and BBC 4!? As I had already returned this product , not from the same company, I didn't want to go through the same hassle again. I think Amazon needs to step up to the mark as to who they are dealing with and improving their returns procedure.

Probably the best single purchase Ive ever made, records to hard drive, dvd, or video tape. I'd ignore the LP recording on hdd or dvd as the quality is terrible. stick with SP and you'll be very happy. You can edit all recordings on the hdd removing ad breaks and the like prior to putting onto dvd. Same with video, once recorded to the hdd you can edit to your hearts content before putting onto dvd. 1080p upscaling is brilliant (must have hdmi cable obviously)minor faults being, no stereo output from vcr (only via scart leads) the tv guide is a bit fiddly and slow, and the fan stays on constantly when in timer record mode. Not very enviromentally friendly Id have said.Also when you use the tv guide you cannot choose the program you want to watch as it assumes you wish to record it and takes you to the timer page! there is a quick guide using the enter/ok button and the up/down buttons but it only gives you the channel not the tv guide.However that set aside, Im still very pleased with the item

I was in the market for a good solid all round machine that featured--A VCR-DVD Recorder-Hard Disk Drive akin to a Sky + box-Freeview DVBBacking up old VHS tapes was a must for me,and after a few simular machines failing on me( Older DVD recorders seem to have high fail rateand tend to break down) i took the plunge and ordered this model.As of yet i have not given it a extensive playtest but from the strengthof the onboard Freeview mode i was pleasantly surprised of the signal strength i recieved via a normal INDOOR aerial! On a good day most of the channels are interference free and i did not need to change position of the aerial.Ch5?? Ah well...i have Sky for that station anyway :)I havent sought out a region free code or macrovision bypass code as of yet,but from my experiance Toshiba machines are difficult to make region free,if it is possible at all.I am pleased with this machine,it does exactly what i wanted it too do.