Panasonic DMR HW120 HDD Freeview+HD PVR

Willby

Hi,
Was wondering if anyone has tried this PVR with Saorview? It has good reviews on Amazon and also good price £176 (stg). I am particularly interersted because of the problems in the past with Panasonic tv's and Saorview. Yes I do know that the Walker Saorview PVR is due out shortly.
Tks.

bridster007

I have the HW220 version, just bigger HDD and built in wifi which the HW120 doesn't have. If you can manage it, go for the bigger drive.

Works perfectly for Freeview and Saorview , only Saorview issue is that there is no program detail info displayed on the EPG for SV channels. It displays the programs fine though, just not the description of the program. Not a big deal for me as it works on my telly.
Also can't use the network/internet features while recording.

Gives option for series link on RTE+1 but can't verify yet if it works until it is broadcast.

Need to turn Audio Description to off rather than auto for some SV recordings . This is only an issue for hard of hearing people.

Best to download the manual first so you have no surprises as to what nedia files it plays via USB/network etc.

Note that although you can attach a HDD and copy to it, it is locked to the machine. Same applies for a lot of these machines.

Can play or copy recordings from the machine to your pc and play files from there or burn to a DVD.

Very good machine, usual Panasonic quality,works flawlessly all the time.

Got mine at Richarsounds belfast €304

zg3409

If it was fully compliant is should have been through the approval process or should be undergoing it now.

For recording Saorview PVR certification (as opposed to basic Saorview with PVR feature) is very important if you ever want to use series link.

The suggestion of no EPG on Saorview channels looks like the software is not there yet.

bridster007

Wasn't suggesting it was fully compliant.
Panasonic themselves say it is not supported for Saorview.

But in the absence of any certified alternative it works very well and does everything one expects from a recorder, bar the detail epg. My guess is it will also do the series link for SV based on what I see so far. Will update this thread when the SL is broadcast properly and I can test.

There is 8 day SV epg, just not the program detail and it can timer record directly from the SV Epg. It also keeps both FV and SV Epg in memory unlike some other machines. After 1 month I have no missed recordings out of approx 60.

A big selling point for me was that the machine operates as both DLNA server and client. I can then archive recordings to my NAS or to DVD via my pc very easily.

This is my 3rd DVDR/PVR ( still have a Pioneer and Sony) and in general the quality of machines is declining. Pioneer, the top maker are gone as are Sony. The focus now is adding loads of smart TV features rather than producing a quality PVR that works with no issues. Panasonic are the last quality maker IMO.

tmull

Bridster007,Are there any inputs on that machine? I have been searching for a new Freesat Panasonic recorder for my next door neigbour but none now available except the BS 780 at 900 pounds sterling.TMULL

Willby

bridster007 wrote: »

Wasn't suggesting it was fully compliant.
Panasonic themselves say it is not supported for Saorview.

But in the absence of any certified alternative it works very well and does everything one expects from a recorder, bar the detail epg. My guess is it will also do the series link for SV based on what I see so far. Will update this thread when the SL is broadcast properly and I can test.

There is 8 day SV epg, just not the program detail and it can timer record directly from the SV Epg. It also keeps both FV and SV Epg in memory unlike some other machines. After 1 month I have no missed recordings out of approx 60.

A big selling point for me was that the machine operates as both DLNA server and client. I can then archive recordings to my NAS or to DVD via my pc very easily.

This is my 3rd DVDR/PVR ( still have a Pioneer and Sony) and in general the quality of machines is declining. Pioneer, the top maker are gone as are Sony. The focus now is adding loads of smart TV features rather than producing a quality PVR that works with no issues. Panasonic are the last quality maker IMO.

HI, Thanks for review and apologises for delay in responding . I have an old panasonic MPEG2 recorder myself and was always happy enough with it. I will delay a little longer to see what the reviews of the walker PVr are like if it ever appears.

bridster007

No, there are no inputs, all PVRs ( as distinct from a DVD Recorder) can only record from their own tuner.
Could use the inputs on the BWT720.

mtoutlemonde

Hi guys,

I'm incredibly stupid when it comes to these things! Can you help me with installation? At the moment, I have the Saorview Aerial plugged into the RF In slot and the wire they supplied coming from the RF OUT to the TV. Nothing happens!! Also, where or how do I connect the lead for Freeview?? I have googled for How To guides but to no avail.

Thanks in advance.