Sony have released the latest hard-disc based DVD recorder with built-in Freeview TV , HDMI output ,160 Gb hard drive and upscaling capability.
There's a built in Freeview tuner with 8-day EPG, with recording and playback options. You can record from the in-built tuner or external set-top box, playback a programme from the start that's still being recorded, or watch another.
You can pause live TV and then enter 'catch-up' mode in which the video plays at normal speed until you hit the correct place. There's also a 'record series' feature that will automatically record an ongoing series of programmes without user intervention.
These models have a High Bit Rate recording mode which record at 15Mbps onto the hard disc, a higher recording quality than DVDs offer.
It has a built in HDMI port and can perform 720p/1080i upscaling to a high-definition TV.
The Sony RDR-HXD860 DVD recorder will be available in September, average retail price £400.


