Sony SVR-S500 review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: Richard Arrowsmith

Reviewed on: 25 September 2006

Tags: Sony, Sony SVR-S500, usability, thumbnails, outputs

We like:

Sleek styling; dual TV tuners; decent digital images; excellent recording performance across all quality modes

We don't like:

Sparse connectivity; no CI card slot; frustrating usability

You might also need:

RGB Scart cable; analogue stereo cable; RF aerial cable

CNET UK judgement:

Sony's SVR-S500 is an excellent, if slightly expensive, 80GB PVR that features a pair of integrated TV tuners for simultaneous watching and recording. If you can ignore some functionality flaws then recording and playback performance is outstanding

Full review:

Although hard drive PVRs are growing in popularity, there are still relatively few models that feature dual integrated TV tuners. Sony's SVR-S500 is one of the exceptions that has the benefit of letting you watch one programme while you record another -- although unlike some designs you can't record two programmes at the same time. Continue Reading...