Ok, so my first experience with this model wasn’t great but I was sufficiently impressed with what I did see that I vowed to re-review it once the box was swapped for a working model and I’m pleased to say I’m delighted with the PVR-9150T.
The box carries the Freeview Plus branding meaning it complies with the latest standards from the Freeview service. For around £150 you get some impressive features including series link, the ability to record two programmes whilst watching a previously recorded show and a nifty feature which alerts you to any conflicts in your recording schedule and, where available, advises of alternate showings of the conflicting programme.
A nice touch is that you can also record two channels and watch a third one ‘live’ provided it’s on the same multiplex that you’re recording from.
Prior to the PVR-9150T I was using a five-year old Pace Twin which offered a basic repeat timer which could record the same channel at the same time on any selected day but had no ability to know if the desired programme was delayed, this led to some frustrating instances of missing shows, it also offered a (now) paltry eight hours recording time so this model felt like a vast upgrade.
As previously said, the box is simple to set up and will auto-tune on first boot. The programme guide loads in reasonable time and is nice and clear so it’s easy to read from a distance. The remote has been kept as simple as possible with less commonly used buttons hidden under a pulldown flap which should help to avoid confusing less technically aware users.
I found text and interactive services to be fast loading, something my old Pace was dreadful for and it’s nice to finally be able to delete unwanted channels from the lineup.
My initial issues aside this is a great box and should be high on the list of models to consider for anyone looking to move up from an older or more basic digital recorder or those looking for their first recorder.
