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HD set top boxes with USB connection

These devices are a cheaper alternative to a digital video recorder – but you only get what you pay for.
 
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  • Updated:22 Jun 2010
  • Author:Chris Ruggles
  • rateraterateraterate: Member rating
 

01.Introduction

Chris Ruggles sheds some light on the benefits of DVRs, the
digital take on the old VHS recorder.



Ten HD Set-top-boxes with USB connections from $99 to $299.

Digital video recorders (DVRs) are the modern replacement for the VCR, but they can be expensive. If you have a spare USB external hard drive with enough capacity (we suggest at least 100GB), a set-top box (STB) with a USB port designed to attach a separate hard drive could be a cheaper way to record digital TV. The STBs on test have the necessary software to allow you to set up recordings and watch them later.

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In this test we look at:

  • Ease of use (setting up and recording)
  • Digital tuner perfomance
  • Standby energy use
  • Features

Models on test

  • Akai AD181X
  • Beyonwiz DP-H1
  • DGTEC DGHD6760 #
  • Kogan KGNFSTBVAA
  • Phoenix JT9200HD
  • Strong SRT5425
  • Strong SRT5441 #
  • TEAC HDVR845
  • Topfield TBF7120 + 320GB HDD
  • Yess DVB-T9300

# Discontinued, buy may still be available in some retail stores.

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