Digital Stream DHR8205U review

If you're after an affordable HD-toting Freeview PVR, then the Digital Stream DHR8205U does a very decent job Tested at £290.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Just tops the pile in its price class, but it's expensive

Pros

  • +

    Very good picture and sound quality

  • +

    glitch-free and user-friendly

  • +

    500GB hard disk

Cons

  • -

    Expensive

  • -

    recordings a touch softer than original

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This was the first Freeview HD PVR to come our way. Gauging the overall quality of a device, when it's the first of its kind, can be a touch tricky, but the good news is that the Digital Stream's initial very positive four-star verdict was right on the money.

For a start, Digital Stream has produced an extremely stable Freeview HD PVR, which is free from the glitches and messiness of some of its rivals.

True, the unit itself is rather big and lacking in style, but the menus are slick and sensible, and it responds quickly to commands from the remote.

Great viewing/recording flexibility

The DHR8205U produces the best picture in its price sector, though it's marginal. Images from BBC HD benefit from just a smidge of extra sharpness, and colours are natural and balanced, even when you switch to the altogether-more-tricky content from Dave.

Sound, meanwhile, is decently punchy and clear but, like most rivals, the Digital Stream was, as originally tested, incapable of sending out Dolby Digital 5.1 from its HD channels. A fix was made available as part of an upgrade and, having applied that, all works fine now over the digital audio output.

Interestingly, you can record two HD channels and watch a standard-definiition one at the same time, or vice versa, and with 500GB to play with, you're likely to be recording a lot.

So why not five stars? Well, it only just tops the pile, and is relatively pricey.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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