Hard Drives, HDMI inputs and more...
Personal Video Recorders (PVRs) have a history that spans a decade, but only recently appear to be increasing in popularity. These are sometimes also known as Digital Video Recorders (DVRs).
Much like Foxtel IQ and TiVo, a PVR allows people to record digital television and play back their favourite TV shows. Most PVRs also enable users to record programs while they watch another.
We’ve had a lot of people ask if Kogan is going to launch a PVR. It’s something we are considering and we would like to hear your thoughts on the features you want in such a device.
There are currently a lot of new products being released that are Freeview compliant. Freeview promises new features such as enhanced Electronic Program Guide, but most of these come with Digital TV as standard. Also, Freeview compliant units often cost several hundred dollars more than their Non-Freeview counterparts.
There are many other things that make up a PVR and we’re very keen to hear your thoughts on these:
• Would you rather a PVR with a Single Tuner or Twin Tuner?
Personally, I will be connecting my PVR to a Kogan LCD TV with a built-in HD Tuner. I would therefore have no need for a twin tuner.
• What outputs do you really need on the PVR?
When it comes to quality I think HDMI is the best option. All our devices now come with HDMI inputs. Would you be happy with a PVR that only has an HDMI output?
• Would you rather a built-in hard drive or prefer to attach an external hard drive?
My view is that, as hard drives get smaller, cheaper and can hold higher levels of data, having an external drive compatible PVR would allow you to take your video collection anywhere! This also lets you use several different hard drives with your PVR and upgrade when newer hard drives become available.
• Would a USB input be an advantage? A USB input lets you playback movies and view photos on your TV via any portable device from iPods to modern Sony Walkmans.
• Have you used TiVo or a PVR before? What have your experiences been?
• Would you prefer your next PVR to be integrated into an LCD HD TV or as a separate unit?
• What would your budget for a PVR be? Keep in mind that the more features we provide in such a unit, the higher the price will be.
Thanks,
Ruslan
