Posted by Steve Roberts on 02/14/06 16:53

On Tue, 14 Feb 2006 16:04:12 GMT, "Broons Bane"
<nochance@youmustbejoking.com> wrote:

>I'm a newbie.

That's OK, you're a Rush fan so I'm instantly disposed to help you! :)

>I want to buy a budget home cinema system with a DVD/dvd recorder 250gb and
>freeview with epg.and advert skip facility would be essential.
>
>My TV, which I wont be changing anytime soon, is a Panasonic TX32PL4

>I use NTL digital cable for my extended channels.

Very similar to my own setup, except I use a 32PL1 and Telewest.

The DVD recorder I bought is a Sony RDR-HXD710 - this is a 160Gb unit,
but if you really need a 250Gb then they do a 910 model, but it's �200
more. The only other extra you get for your �200 is a HDMI socket for
interfacing to HD flat panel monitor. The 710 cost me �400 from RGB
Direct in Ilford, fully multi-region.

I'm *very* pleased with the Sony. The EPG is easy to use and works
very well. It seems to insert a chapter point at the end of each
advert break when recording from Freeview - I haven't checked to see
what it does when recording from Telewest, as I haven't had the need
to! The Freeview reception is absolutely glitch free - and that's
using an old analogue aerial. If you're recording from Freeview, you
can switch the RGB loopthrough from the Digibox to allow you to watch
the extended channels from that in full RGB quality. I'm told that you
cannot do this with Panasonic HDD/DVD recorders.

As for the other home cinema gear, I'm not really up on what is
available at the budget end, but I'd look to manufacturers like Yamaha
or Denon and a speaker package from well known speaker manufacturers.

Hope this helps!

Steve

The Doctor Who Restoration Team Website
http://www.restoration-team.co.uk

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