MySky vs Tivo vs Blu-ray recorder

With the proliferation of high-definition personal video recorders, you need the judgment of the Three Wise Men to choose among them.

Essentially it comes down to three types: the subscription-based MySky HDi; the broadband-driven TiVo; and Panasonic's Blu-ray recorder with twin FreeviewHD tuners.

The catch with the first two is you have to be a Sky or Telecom customer respectively, whereas the third option is fatally limited by an electronic programme guide (EPG) that won't let you record more than a few hours ahead.

However, unlike the other two, there aren't ongoing subscription or broadband costs with the DMR-BW850.

It's also a stylish home theatre component, combining an excellent Blu-ray player and recorder with a 500GB hard drive that's nearly twice the size of MySky HDi's and TiVo's. Moreover, there are optional recording modes to maximise storage and all of its disc space can be used, whereas MySky HDi and TiVo parcel off a chunk of theirs for downloads.

The slimline unit also is a multimedia device with an SD card slot, doubles as a jukebox and has a USB connection for watching YouTube videos. The retail price is $1999 but $200 discounts are common.

MySky HDi has been around the longest and is the pick of the three for content because of its access to HD sports and movies, as well as dozens of standard definition channels. Its EPG is rudimentary compared with TiVo's and the listings aren't as up-to-date or accurate as they should be. But it's responsive, offers one-touch series recording and can be used to record one-off programmes up to a week ahead.

It costs $599 upfront or can be rented weekly for $3.46, in addition to channel subscription packages that start from $11.74 a week.

MySky HDi remains the property of Sky, which is great if it breaks down or the hard drive crashes, as the pay- TV operator will replace it immediately.

TiVo is yours to keep - but you have to be a Telecom broadband customer in a FreeviewHD reception area for it to work.

It, too, can be bought for a one- off payment ($920 for the wireless bundle) or $30 a month on your Telecom account.

TiVo's a fantastic home media device that abounds in features and functionality too numerous to list here. In short, it's like an iPhone compared to Sky's Motorola.

The downside is content is restricted to free-to-air channels and a downloading service with more potential than product.

However, it is fun to operate, can be used for home networking, and has a more colourful and flexible EPG for recording up to two weeks in advance. It will also automatically archive every episode of a series and can haphazardly "learn" your viewing preferences to record programmes that might be of interest but which escape your notice.

What shouldn't escape your notice is TelstraClear's plans to launch, for an undisclosed price in February, what could be the ultimate home media device: a PVR that sounds like MySky HDi and TiVo rolled into one. Stay tuned.

- © Fairfax NZ News