Re: PVR suitable for elderly person to use

In article <1136415308.498910.150270@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
<phuile@xxxxxxxx> wrote:
> I am looking for a PVR with writable DVD drive suitable for an elderly
> person to use (simple menus, one-touch functionality as far as
> possible).

First.. don't assume that 'elderly' means 'incapable'.

Many of the early computer pioneers, the code-breakers,
the Spy Chiefs, the high level functionaires of even a
few years ago don't suddenly become incompetent simply
because they have inherited their advancing years...

There is at least one elderly (!) MI6 chief who is still
competent - even if rumour has it that she is also female!

> She needs simple functions (recording,
> playback, dubbing onto DVD disks) with a dependable technology for the
> future.

Right.. a different matter - and there may be slowly
increasing physical characteristics to take into account,
such as arthritis, 'dimmed' sight that is yet to be
treated etc. I guess that it's these age-relevant
preponderant conditions that you're wisely considering...

> I've gone around some websites and found the following, but some are a
> bit pricey and I don't really know which one is good for an elderly
> person to use.

> Panasonic DMR-EH50

Panasonic - from experience with their more basic
(ex hard drive) machines do seem to have 'ease of
use' faily well sorted. As all machines, they take
a little while to get used to - but most functions
are obvious, quick and easy to learn.

> Pioneer DVR-RT601H-S
> Pioneer DVR-433H-S
> Pioneer DVR-530H-S

Not sure at the 'ease of use' with Pioneer, (no
direct experience of the models involved), but
would guess that they likely equate somewhere
between the Panasonics and the Toshibas. As
with Panasonic and Toshiba, Pioneer is a 'good
Name'..

> Toshiba RD-XS32

The Toshiba RD-XS32 is similar to it's predecessor
the RD-SX30 - and, again with experience, this machine
although well-endowed for the video/technophile to play
with, seems to be somewhat more complex ..ie, not as
easy to learn as, say, the Panasonic.

With the RD-XS30 I did find it somwhat sensitive to
the manufacturer of any DVD disc in use - it wouldn't
for instance willingly accept TDK discs, but would
accept Panasonic discs! With the cheaper discs, some
worked, some didn't - and, if the machine temporarily
seized, it could take a while of powering down before
control could be restablished by the User.

Even though the RD-SX30 was a 'good' and 'interesting'
machine for me ..the Panasonic although somehat more
basic, was more stable. However, both produced a good,
vibrant and clear picture and sound..

> Any help is really appreciated!

Don't forget there are other manufacturers such as LG,
or Sharp, who appear to be producing some quite useful
HDD/DVD recorders. Sharp, particularly, seem to produce
machines with large capacity HDDs - but all are much of
a muchness, in this respect.

THere are also the real cheapies - such as Funai's DVD -R
-RW which, at around 84.00gbp to 88.00gbp provides
up to ten hours of virtual ramdisk (just like an HDD
including re-usable space of anything deleted), recording
on an 'ordinary' DVD using a DVD-RW in 'VR' mode. (In
ordinary -R or Video one-off recording mode, it's the
same as the Panasonics, Toshibas, Pioneers et al)..

It may be that this, even without an HDD, is all that
you will need - if, as many, your 'elderly person' only
timeshifts the odd half-hour proggie - or perhaps an
occasional couple of hour film or so..

My experience with the Funai DR-B2737 is that, unlike
either the Panasonic or the Toshiba, is that after
using several hundred discs of varying types I have had
only one drop out ..and that easily identified as my own
fault when first playing with the machine!

It's editing facilities - although adequate in -RW VR
mode, are not as extensive as either Panasonic or the
Toshiba. However, the piccie quality up to four hours
per DVD is beyond that of VHS - with VHS quality similar
with a six hour recording. Even in eight hour, or ten
hour record mode, blocks and artifacts are limited, even
if the picture is a little 'woolly'...

A one button press allows you to monitor that which you
are recording, including the quality of sound and vision,
with another button to change the 'quality' should you
need. Overall - production is muchly as good as any
of the more well-known makes - and with a price point
below 100.00gbp, could be well worth considering...

In this respect you might also care to consider one of
the LiDL offerings (an HDD/DVD -R/RW +R/RW) at around
150.00gbp if it should come into one of your local stores.

I notice that you havn't mentioned one of the digital
TV/HDD recorder set top boxes, such as the Pace Tein
(if you can find one), the Thomson Tivo, (again if you
can find one), or the more easily available Topfield, Humax,
et al...

These Digital TV offerings can provide for up to two channels
of recording to HDD whilst watching an additional one - and
will also provide up to 30+ TV channels - and many digital
radio channels as well. Although they do not, necessarily,
provide hard copy to a DVD - although there is at least
one Panasonic offering that does. They can be easier to use
than most DVD recorders - and all have the benefit of on-board
EPG, (Electronic Programme Guide), facilities. Certainly
useful if only the short term storage of the odd film and
a bit of time-shifting is all that is required..

Whatever you do, don't expect any kind of perfection
from any of them.. the technology is still rapidly being
improved upon..

...and remember, behind the white-haired innocent smile of
your 'elderly person' there probably lies a sharp and
well-engaged brain ..just looking on as her well-trained
puppies do the hunting and the barking..!! ;)))

hope helps ..at least a little! :))

Bill ZFC

--
:)) The Ancient One..
.