Toshiba RD-XS34 review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: Guy Cocker

Reviewed on: 14 May 2005

Tags: Toshiba, Toshiba RD-XS34, displays, advanced features, hard drive

We like:

Slim build, massive hard drive, wide format support, ease of use, list of features

We don't like:

Could do with Freeview integration, no DVD+R support, no DivX playback

You might also need:

RGB Scart Cable, Component Cable, Aerial

CNET UK judgement:

Toshiba's previous model, the RD-XS32, set the template for the combined DVD/HDD recorder. Now, with a bigger hard drive and enhanced editing facilities, the RD-XS34 is the power user's recorder of choice. If it had Freeview integrated into the box it would be approaching perfection, but the hard drive size, ease of editing/recording, and image quality mean this should be at the centre of your AV setup

Full review:

The DVD recorder may still have some way to go before it replaces the vast number of VCRs out there, but those willing to change may have considered the combined DVD/HDD route. And why not -- since Sky+ has brought the virtues of hard drive recording to the masses, millions of people have been dramatically changing the way they watch TV. With the ability to pause live TV, make masses of recordings to the hard drive and then archive the best to DVD, the Toshiba RD-XS32 was one of the most popular combined models in this market. It shared top honours with Pioneer in the ease of editing stakes, and added a good AV performance including progressive scan output to become the choice of the serious user. Continue Reading...