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Best Freeview Recorder - [Best Box UK] | Posh Living Magazine
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Best Freeview Recorder Box UK
Catch-up TV is a great idea, but, let’s be honest, it’s nowhere near as good as being able to record TV to watch whenever you want. For starters, catch-up TV leaves you dependent on the platform keeping the content available – and they generally only do that for a limited time.
On the one hand, this is understandable, on the other hand, that’s not a lot of help to you if you want to watch something after the provider removes it.
With that in mind, we think a Freeview recorder is a good investment even if you have a TV with Freeview-recording capabilities. In the same way that digital cameras still do a better job than even the best mobile-phone cameras (including the top end models where cameras are very decent), so Freeview recorders tend to do a much better job of recording TV than the recorders built in to digital TVs. Here are three reasons why.
They are much better at recording HD
Modern Freeview boxes are designed for full HD, namely 1080p resolution. Older boxes and some digital TVs will not support HD at all or not as well.
They are better for navigating your way through content
Choice can be either great or chaotic. If you have a well-designed user interface, then you can really enjoy viewing and accessing everything on your main Freeview channels and, in some cases, extra apps as well
Many boxes can access other apps
Many set-top boxes can access video-on-demand services (like Netflix) so you can enjoy them from the comfort of your TV screen. This can also save you the cost of buying add-on devices such as the Amazon Fire stick.
So with all that said, here is our pick of the top three best Freeview recorders.
Editors Pick
BT Youview+ Set Top Box with Twin HD Freeview
The BT YouView+ Set Top Box with Twin HD Freeview is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy TV shows and films without the need for a costly subscription. Designed to handle both live and recorded TV, it offers convenient features that make your viewing experience more flexible.
Key Features:
- Record up to 300 hours of TV: With 500GB of storage, you can record your favourite shows with ease, whether it's a one-off program or an entire series.
- Pause and Rewind Live TV: Never miss a moment of your favourite show with the ability to pause, rewind, and fast-forward through live TV.
- Twin HD Tuners: Record two channels simultaneously while watching another, giving you flexibility and control over what you watch.
- On-Demand Access: Browse the last 7 days of TV straight from the guide, and access a range of on-demand services like BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
We recently tested the BT YouView+ Set Top Box, and we were thoroughly impressed with its performance. The recording and playback features are seamless, and the interface, once fully loaded, is intuitive and easy to navigate.
We loved the quiet operation and compact design (which fits perfectly in any home setup). One of the standout features is the ability to schedule recordings remotely via the app—talk about convenience!
On the downside, we did notice that the system is a bit slow to wake up from standby, and the remote control's button layout could be improved. However, these are minor issues when you consider the overall functionality and value the box provides.
If you're looking for a reliable and feature-rich set-top box, the BT YouView+ is a fantastic choice that will enhance your TV viewing experience!
Runner Up
Manhattan T3-R Freeview Play 4K Smart Recorder
The Manhattan T3-R Freeview Play 4K Smart Recorder is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a subscription-free TV experience. It offers over 85 Freeview channels and on-demand services such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, and more, making it ideal for modern households.
Key Features:
- 500GB Hard Drive: Holds up to 300 hours of recordings, keeping your favourite shows organised and accessible.
- Dual Recording: The ability to record two programs at the same time means you never have to miss a show.
- Pause and Rewind Live TV: Offers full control over live viewing, allowing you to pause, rewind, and catch up on missed moments.
- Ultra HD & HDR Support: Delivers a crisp, clear picture with supported apps and TVs.
- Wi-Fi Enabled: No need for additional cables with its built-in Wi-Fi, simplifying setup and connectivity.
We recently tested the Manhattan T3-R Freeview Play 4K Smart Recorder and were thoroughly impressed by its exceptional ease of use and fast performance.
The quad-core processor truly shines, providing smooth navigation, and the personal watchlist feature makes managing recordings incredibly simple. We also loved how compact it is, a real space-saver for those wanting to streamline their entertainment setup.
While the lack of streaming apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime could be seen as a downside, and we did notice some occasional software glitches that required a reset, these issues were minor in the grand scheme of things.
Overall, the Manhattan T3-R is a top-notch, user-friendly recorder. If you're seeking a reliable Freeview device with excellent customer support, this one certainly ticks all the boxes!
Best Budget
Panasonic DMR-HWT150EB Smart Network HDD Recorder
The Panasonic DMR-HWT150EB is a compact and efficient HDD recorder, offering a range of features that make recording and watching TV easier. With a recording capacity of up to 341 hours in HD, it's perfect for those who want to store plenty of content without worrying about space.
Key Features:
- Large Recording Capacity: With Panasonic's Long Record feature, you can store up to 341 hours of HD content, allowing you to manage large recording libraries.
- Series Link Function: Automatically records entire TV series without needing to set each episode manually, making it highly convenient.
- Catch-Up TV: Supports major platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, and All 4, so you never miss your favourite shows.
- Smart Integration: Compatible with Miracast and Android devices, allowing you to stream and control content from your smartphone.
- Dual Tuners: Record two programs simultaneously, ensuring you never have to choose between shows.
We recently had the chance to test the Panasonic DMR-HWT150EB, and we were thoroughly impressed with its seamless integration with Panasonic TVs and its incredibly user-friendly interface.
The 8-day forward and 7-day backward EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) is one of the standout features, making planning and managing recordings a breeze (especially for those who love staying organized!).
While we did notice a slight delay in the remote's response and found the limited app market a bit underwhelming, these are small issues when considering the overall performance. This device handles digital videos and photos with ease, making it a versatile option beyond just TV recording.
Overall, the Panasonic DMR-HWT150EB delivers exceptional reliability and ample storage capacity, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, feature-packed HDD recorder. Despite its minor flaws, it truly shines in offering a smooth, enjoyable TV experience!
Humax FVP-5000T Review
Humax has quietly established itself as the standard to beat when it comes to Freeview recorders. It specializes on top-of-the-range devices which do, admittedly, come with top-of-the-range prices but given that, for many people, the television has long since taken over from the hearth fire as the heart of the home (or if you’re really lucky, sits just above it so you get both), you may well see the cost as an investment.
This device comes in 500GB and 1TB versions, we’d say that the 1TB version was worth the extra cash if you have it spare, mainly because HD appears to be taking over the world and so we think the more disk space you have, the better.
The Humax FVP-5000T has two tuners, but with a bit of finesse you can make it record up to 4 channels at once, so it’s good to know that this device also has all kinds of intuitive navigation options to help you find your way around your content (as well as the ubiquitous electronic programme guide).
It also includes a range of popular apps, so you can enjoy your internet-based video-on-demand services in the glory of a proper TV screen rather than a computer screen and, of course, at this price point, it supports a Wi-Fi connection.
In addition to allowing you to control your set-top box from a mobile device, the Humax FVP-5000T can also stream to smartphones and tablets, so if there’s something you really want to watch live (like sports), you can do so wherever you are provided you can get a decent internet connection at your end.
Kevin is a fitness fanatic and award-winning product reviewer. With over 20 years of experience, Kelvin’s freelance offerings have been featured all across the web on such outlets as NY Times, Forbes Magazine and more and is a great asset to the team. Kelvin loves his job and passing on his knowledge. Appeared on TV numerous times. Always smiling and raising money for charity in between servicing the demand for his talents
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