Sony RDR-HX725 review

The highest quality mode is Sony's HQ+ -- although it can only be used with hard drive recordings. The HQ+ mode records using a bit rate of 15Mbps, which is 1.5x faster than even the bit rate used by conventional DVDs, and gives you up to 20 hours of exceptional quality recordings. Time length gradually increases using lower quality modes with the standard SP Mode giving you 61 hours, rising to a massive 249 hours using the lowest quality SLP Mode.

Disc recordings can be made using both + and – formats but the slightly more versatile and durable DVD-RAM is ignored. The recorder will also accept the latest dual layer +R discs, which doubles the recording time length. You can playback most formats including audio CDs and encoded discs carrying MP3, JPEG and DiVX files.

Sony recorders are always extraordinarily easy to use and the HX725 is no exception. On-screen menus are well presented and uncomplicated to follow with an introductory Easy Set Up option to help beginners.

The omission of an integrated digital tuner, which often eases recordings using an accompanying EPG, has been marginally addressed using an analogue EPG that can also display digital listings from a set-top box hooked up to the STB controller. This means you can still easily make recordings by simply highlighting programmes from the EPG and there're also VideoPlus+, one-touch and timer record options.

There are a number of useful post-editing functions using the hard drive such as Auto Chaptering, which divides recordings, making it easier to locate sections or skip adverts. The hard drive also allows for time slip functions like chasing playback and pausing live TV. You can use these functions to edit recordings before copying onto disc or vice versa, and a high-speed dubbing feature quickens the process.

There's no doubting the inclusion of an integrated digital tuner is missed, especially as many like-priced recorders are equipped with one. But if you already own an iDTV it's not an issue, and the HX725's range of functions and fuss-free operation makes it easier to accept.

Performance
Broadcast signals from the recorder's analogue tuner are tainted by instability, soft definition and muted colours. Connecting a set-top box to the recorder does mean you can watch better quality images but, as mentioned, you can't record RGB signals, so subsequent recordings appear inferior. Although recordings are extremely faithful to the original using higher quality modes they still show the same flaws as the 'template'.

Nonetheless, there's less deterioration between the quality modes than you might expect. The HQ+ mode produces excellent copies and even seems to improve image sharpness in some programmes while it takes a trained eye to spot the decline using the standard SP mode. Unsurprisingly, the difference in image quality using the lowest quality modes is more obvious with widespread noise, spongy detail and staggered movement -- but unless you're away on holiday and need as much space as possible, they're best left ignored.

DVD playback using the component connections is far more impressive with distinct black levels creating tangible detail and contrast while colours are more vibrant and movement smoother.

It's the omission of an integrated digital tuner that influences overall recording performance. With competing models offering an uncompromised specification for around the same price, it's a thorn in Sony's side.

Edited by Mary Lojkine
Additional editing by Kate Macefield