In progressive mode, the resolution was slightly diminished at higher frequencies but still quite good. Through our Philips PM5662 waveform monitor, using Video Essentials' frequency sweep test pattern, the DRT800's resolution was excellent in interlaced mode, showing only a slight rolloff at the highest frequencies. If I were reviewing the DRT800 as a standalone DVD player, it would score high performance marks. While this might be a frustration for the enthusiast who has paid more than a grand for a recorder, it's a bit more forgivable in a $499 device that's geared more toward the average viewer with an average-sized TV. As a result, the quality of recorded material will be lower than if it had been input as a component video signal or better, especially on a big-screen HDTV.
But, as is typical with the current crop of recorders (for copy-protection reasons), S-video is the highest-quality input to the DRT800 from your cable or satellite box. So, don't pop the popcorn before you set this thing up.Ĭomponent video and optical digital audio are the highest-quality A/V outputs from the DRT800 to your display and/or receiver. You can't use the DRT800 until it's done-not even as a basic DVD player. You give the device the necessary info about your system and signal source, and it contacts the mother ship to configure your settings. It takes about an hour to complete TiVo's Guided Setup process. It's worth noting that, while setup is straightforward, it's not quick. Suffice it to say, it's a breeze: Between the included "Start Here" connection pamphlet and the onscreen user interface, everything is clearly detailed. We've reviewed quite a few TiVo-based DVRs in the past, so I won't detail the various steps in the setup process.
People already love DVD and TiVo rather than buy two separate boxes, why not just spend $499 for this unit and get DVD recording and a media server in the deal? The DRT800 includes a DVD-R/-RW recorder, a progressive-scan DVD player, and an 80-gigabyte hard drive that uses the TiVo Series2 interface. Humax has wisely decided to hedge their bets and offer all of the above and then some in their first DVD recorder. VCRs aren't exactly feature-laden themselves, but that doesn't stop everyone from owning one. Obviously, price needed to drop way below the original four-figure mark, but what else? Ease of use? Naturally, but how easy is easy? Features? Maybe. Since the arrival of the DVD recorder several years ago, reviewer types have speculated about just what would have to take place for the DVD recorder to gain mass acceptance and replace the VCR in people's homes.