Tvonics DTR-Z500

Hi-def ictures ; Novel HDMI switching ; Ease of use

Small buttons on remote ; Digital music & video not suorted ; No DLNA streaming

Perfect for anyone wanting to cleanly wall-mount a TV thanks to its novel HDMI switching feature, TVonics has come up with a Freeview+ HD recorder that's hard to beat.

HD picture, user interface, HDMI switching

Lacks editing options, no DivX or MP3 playback, no networking

Cheaper and better than TVonics’ last effort, this rugged Freeview+ HD recorder concentrates on its core duties. Add a no messing user interface, unique clutter-busting HDMI switching, and a tight, tough design and TVonics’ latest is one of the best...

Very easy to use ; Large hard disc ; Great remote

No HDMI ; No exorting ; No favourites

500GB of storage, easy to use, some nice features

Can't favourite channels, design is a bit niche, no off switch

If you aren't looking for a subscription based offering (i.e., Sky) then this is one to check out

Easy-to-use, compact design ; Whisper-quiet operation ; Capacious hard drive ; HDMI video switching

Interlace issues with standard-definition video ; No music or video playback via USB

The TVonics DTR-Z500HD is a great little Freeview HD PVR. If you're migrating from analogue to digital TV, it's a solid choice, but we also recommend it as a PVR upgrade, should you need extra recording capacity.

Simple to use; compact design; built-in HDMI switch; surround-sound output

No folders; no media playback

If you just want a straightforward recorder without the frills, this fits the bill – and it's produced in Britain

Easy to use ; Good picture quality ; Built-in HDMI switch

No video playback over USB ; No archiving of recordings

Reliable and blissfully easy to use, the TVonics DTR-Z500HD is one of the best-value Freeview HD recorders available. It misses out on a few high-end features, but if you have a home setup consisting of just a couple of other HDMI-equipped devices...

Unusual but pleasant styling ; Very good picture quality

Expensive ; Not quite as impressive as the competition

Alternatives include the excellent Humax PVR-9300T, which is available for around the same price. Given the choice, we'd probably go for the PVR-9300T, given the more flexible output options and HDMI

Small and convenient ; 500GB HDD ; detailed picture with standard-def and HD

Not as intuitive as it could be ; no streaming or smart functionality ; noisy picture

Could be more intuitive If shows are also available in HD, or can be series-linked, the box flags this up. The overall user experience is engaging enough, but not quite as intuitive as rival PVRs such as the Humax HDR-FOX T2.

I myself prefer a little more information on the unit such as a clock showing when on standby, the length of the recorded program you are viewing that has elapsed or the channel you are watching