HDTV PVR Receivers

[kingpeter]

I want to record HDTV from one channel whilst watching a different channel (possibly HDTV). I did not realise at first that there are PVRs with twin HDTV satellite tuners, which enable viewing one channel whilst recording another, in HD. These are about twice as expensive as the single tuner boxes, though.

The first models I came across on the web were from SatEuropa, but there are others.

The Homecast HS8100CIPVR is available with either 160, 250, or 500 GB HDD, starting at £405. I have been informed by the dealer that it will receive all Freesat channels, which includes Ch 4 now, but not ITV HD or Ch 5. He would not comment on patchability ("for legal reasons").

Does anybody know how many hours of 1080i can be recorded on 160 GB?

Is there a catch with recording HDTV from satellite? I am wondering if the broadcasts are encrypted to prevent recording, and countermeasures are required..

I assume Blue Ray cannot be input and recorded, because of encription.

I am looking for advice please. What is the opinion of this particular PVR, and are there better ones for the money?

 

[Turok]

hello!
i dont have any experience,with dual hd pvr receivers,i only use for rekording the kathrein ufs 910,and i can say 2 hours of Swiss HD Record,during bejing olympia with very colorfull pictures takes 12 GB HD space,that whould means,you can record,normaly more,coz swiss hd has a higher bandswtich on there transponders then other,with low quality picture for e.g digialb!

strangly all hd receivers with pvr canot record the radio channels,with normal pvr receiver,this is no problem!

homecast,in germany speaking area,has a very bad suport,my hd 5101 ci was fault,in memory and lost channels,then they dont want repair and told,we only repair receivers,inside our country,when iam not form germany,the told me i have no warenty,thats real not funny,this receiver i bought in german ebay with german bill,and the dont want to repair it!
i will never buy homecast again!

i would recomend the vantage 8000 but its very expensice !

 

[kingpeter]

Thanks for the advice Turok. I think I will look elsewhere, and will take a closer look at the Vantage 8000. This is on sale for £449, but does not come with a hard drive fitted: only an internal cradle for a hard drive. So the cost of a SATA HDD has to be added.

Same goes for the AB IPBox 9000 HD PVR Plus at £450.