Cheap PVR - any recommendations?

[greaseweasel]

My Mom's having trouble with her freeview (probably just gave up after playing too many appalling episodes of Corrie and Emmerdale!) so I would quite like to get her a simple twin tuner freeview PVR for her.


Does anyone have any recommendations - I want something cheap and simple to use, but also reliable. I realise these things don't usually go together, but any suggestions would be welcome, cheers.

[Nathz29]

Try Argos got a Humax 160G dual tuner from there over 18months ago no problems at all with reliability...

[Russ]

A nice cheap one here :-

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(16874)DigiFusion-FVRT100-FreeView-Set-Top-Box-with.aspx
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(28382)DigiFusion-FVRT145-FreeView-Set-Top-Box-with.aspx
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(15315)DigiFusion-FVRT200-FreeView-Set-Top-Box-Dual.aspx

Got the FVRT100 for my parents a few years ago now - easy enough to use. Got myself a Topfield 5800, great bit of kit but around the £200 mark.

[greaseweasel]

Try Argos got a Humax 160G dual tuner from there over 18months ago no problems at all with reliability...

Cheers, but I really need something bargain basement (definately under a ton).

Those microdirect ones look more the ticket - cheers for that.

[satzzz]

Digifusion deffo the one.Got one for my old man and he loves it.Stuck a 160gb Lappy hard drive in it.Upgraded to the 200 firmware and runs silent

[Russ]

Digifusion deffo the one.Got one for my old man and he loves it.Stuck a 160gb Lappy hard drive in it.Upgraded to the 200 firmware and runs silent

Can this firmware upgrade be done on the FVRT100 ? - If yes have you got any links / help please ?
I have already put a 160gb Samsung hard drive in it.

[greaseweasel]

Thanks for the previous advice. Went ahead and got the DigiFusion-FVRT145. Works nice, but I have noticed the fans (or hard drive) stays on permanently, even on standby which is a pain in the backside.

Does anyone know if this is a case of 'they all do this' or have I got a duff'en.

[Nibb]

Have you upgraded the firmware like Satzzz recommends above?

[greaseweasel]

Not yet. I'll give it a go though and we'll see, cheers.

[satzzz]

If you need the how to replace with a laptop drive the link is here

http://www.mousemat.f2s.com/FVRT100/...eplacement.htm

[satzzz]

Can this firmware upgrade be done on the FVRT100 ? - If yes have you got any links / help please ?
I have already put a 160gb Samsung hard drive in it.

Yes the upgrade can be done on the 100.

Links are here:

http://www.mousemat.f2s.com/FVRT100/index.htm

http://digifusion.jeamland.org/

[dyson]

i used to own a digifusion 200, yes it stays on all the time- and mine was in a 9ft by 9ft room. the first 1 died after 3 months, went straight out and brought a humax 9200t (best box imo) got the difusion replaced 2 time after that, ended up giving it to a friend. low and behold its still going strong and he enjoys some of the feature on the box. my point to all this writting is (IMO) avoid the digi 200. pay the extra and get a half decent box- it will pay for itself in a yearor so time

[bobbuilder]

maplin are doing one for 39.99 inc delivery looks ok