Sony High-Definition Digital Video Recorder

MPN: DHGHDD500

Description: With this little genie in a bottle, you'll be able to record onto a 500GB hard disk drive rather than a tape. This means you'll have the magical ability to record and play at the same time, as well as play and record. Skip the commercials. Pause for a bathroom break. Or, ski... read more

With this little genie in a bottle, you'll be able to record onto a 500GB hard disk drive rather than a tape. This means you'll have the magical ability to record and play at the same time, as well as play and record. Skip the commercials. Pause for a bathroom break. Or, skip forward to real time anytime you want. You get four fast forward and rewind speeds to provide superior control and demonstrate your true powers, there's even Slow-which allows you to slow down the action anytime (not just replay) for a good, continuous look at the details of the action. Because this HDTV's built-in CableCARD slot makes it Digital Cable Ready, you can plug the cable directly into your TV and enjoy HDTV and digital cable without having to use a set-top box anymore. And, not only does the CableCARD slot allow you to throw out the cable box, it also functions as a security component, enabling the delivery of secure digital audio and video signals. The On Screen TV Guide makes for easy program searching and scheduled recording. Selecting your show for recording is as easy as highlighting and pressing "ok". For digital imaging enthusiasts, convenient JPEG and MPEG file playback is available via the Memory Stick media slot. Simply slide the Memory Stick media out of a compatible camera or camcorder, for example, and into the HDTV's slot so see your images on the TV screen. You can even impress friends and family by viewing your family's photos, or customized slide shows onscreen while listening to your MP3 audio tracks. minimize

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DO NOT BUY (at least yet)!!!

Started Feb 19, 2006

Strengths: I don't know. Haven't been able to get it properly hooked up yet.

Weaknesses: Many

I purchased this by internet three weeks ago, and got it two weeks ago. I have Time-Warner cable and tried for several days to get it to work with their cable box. Had to schedule a service call, because they said it could be done.

One week later, I found it can't. With their help (their expert who communicates directly with the top people at Sony and other manufacturers), I have been trying to connect it to a cable card the last three days.

The manual says they do not recommend connecting the recorder to a cable box. The reason (which they do not state)is that you will not be able to record in high definition, which defeats the purpose for buying the machine. I have been advised by Time-Warner that there are no cable boxes anywhere with coax High Def out, and none planned. The only input in this machine is coax in. Cable boxes have composite out and analog coax out.

If you want High Definition, you must run a cable card in the machine and do away with the box. However, I have not yet been able to get the pay packages from Time-Warner that I had received when I had the box. They do not understand why, and their experts have tried several times to get it to work. Maybe it is just my machine!

There is a serious time delay when changing some channels. Other reviews said 2 seconds. Many times when I change channels, the channel NEVER shows. I have to turn off the recorder and then turn it back on to get the channel to show up.

Time-Warner told me that there is a known problem with the recorder that will cause the card to stop working. Perhaps that is what I am currently experiencing. However, when I asked if they would fix it before I installed it, I was told that Sony refuses to fix it until it breaks. maybe mine has broken already.

Also, like other similar products, this one uses on screen TV Guide. When the program runs to determine your channel settings, it gives several choices of cable settings, depending on your area - all with 4 digit numbers. It tells you to contact your service provider for the correct number. However, nobody at Time-Warner knew anything about the numbers. They checked with Sony and nobody there knew about them either. Both say it is a Gemstar program that neither company knows anything about - nor support. They said they would try to contact Gemstar to find out what numbers they expect you to enter to get the proper TV Guide settings. On the good side, I think you can manually reprogram the TV Guide channels (305 channels).

I agree with others here that the manufacturers and providers have eliminated any useful (or even non-useful) inputs to avoid people copying DVDs from a player, but isn't there copy protection on the DVD's anyway? Why would this be different from copying from one DVD player to a DVD recorder?

I think that this machine is too costly at this point to have to deal with the problems. If you are considering this purchase and have cable - check with your provider first to see if you will be able to get it connected properly. Otherwise, go with something else.

I haven't even tried the record since it has been hooked up. I did try to record before they installed the cable card (from the analog out on the cable box). Until you set up TV Guide, you can not even reocrd from a program already being watched. You must set up the TV Guide before it will let you record any program. If you do not want to use the TV Guide features, tough - you must still set it up!

I will probably try to return this product - hope I can!!!

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jaharrfrom NY

Replied Feb 20, 2006

Please give us an update when available. I also have Time Warner and am looking for ONE box that will allow me to get BOTH HD cable (like HBO) AND off-air HD content (like PBS) to my HD tuner-less TV. Thanks.

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JCMaedl

Replied May 20, 2006

This person is completely incompetent. I have TWC and the unit works fine both with OTA and HD cable signals, they are completely and seamlessly integrated. You DO NOT need CableCard to get Hi Def. In fact, you can have the basic 8$/month TWC subscription and still get the channels in that lineup in HD, like PBS HD, ABC, CBS, NBC.

The channel lineup he describes as being incorrect and only using 4 digit numbers means he has selected the wrong cable setup.

As for the pay per view offerings not being accessible, of course they are not. The ONLY way you will EVER be able to watch PPV and OnDemand stuff is with the cable company's box. Why would they let some third party box get their PAY services for free?

Try actually using a product and understanding what you are buying before posting a stupid review.

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jbcumming

Replied May 24, 2006

I think that the problem is your cable company. I have Comcast and they installed a Cable Card that receives HiDef with no problems but using a Cable Card in my TV does not allow PIP. Apparently there are many Cable Cards. Also, Comcast had mucho trouble initializing my Cable Card because it was intended for use in another regional zone in their system. The Cable Companies initially opposed Cable Cards because they prefer making you pay a rent for a converter box, which only exists to protect their revenues, i.e. they get it both ways. Now they are changing their position but for today's Cable Cards the Cable companies lobbied to make them inoperable for all except basic functions. Remember the Cable companies are not your friend and in most areas of the country they have monopoly pricing and service power and they use it freely to the detriment of their customers. That is why Dish Network and DirecTV are growing so rapidly.

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