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Humax PVR-9200TB and 9200TS review

Our rating

4.0 stars out of 5

User rating

3.5 stars out of 5

See all 7 user reviews

What do you think?

Verdict

Whether you buy the black Humax 9200TB and or the silver 9200TS, you'll get a superb Freeview PVR with plenty of useful features and an unusually flexible recording system that allows you to do far more than other competing products

Good

  • Slick design
  • Easy to use
  • Powerful functionality
  • Can record two channels at once

Bad

  • Hideous remote control
  • Very slow to transfer video to a PC

In this review

You might be thinking, 'hold on, the Humax 9200 isn't a new PVR', and you would be right -- it isn't. Humax, however, has discontinued the 9200T and replaced it with two new models known as the 9200TB and 9200TS. The change in model number doesn't just refer to the colour of the machine, though -- Humax has also made some other changes, which allow the new 9200 models to be labelled as Freeview Playback PVRs.

The good news is that Humax hasn't changed the winning formula that made the 9200T so popular, but it has made some nice changes to improve the machine. Owners of the existing 9200T will be pleased to hear that they can access all the new features by downloading a software update.

Design
We think the decision to add a black version of the 9200 was a positive one, and of course people now get to choose the colour they want.

We are pleased to see the inclusion of a decent display on the front of the Humax, as well as some basic function buttons. We like the fact that you can control the player from the front panel -- it makes those moments where you can't find your remote control a little easier.

At the front you'll also see a flap that conceals the slot for the Top Up TV subscription card, and there's a USB 2.0 connection, which enables you to copy files on to and off the PVR.


The remote has an annoying cover that prevents you from accessing all the buttons easily

The remote control that comes with the Humax is the traditional slab of ugly grey plastic -- it's chunky and far too long for its own good. It has one of those pointless slide-down covers that conceals a few buttons, too. The only time a cover is necessary is to hide a button that's capable of launching a nuclear arsenal that will bring about the apocalypse. The Humax is missing the nuclear strike functionality, so the worst you could do is accidentally engage the Picture in Picture function.

Round the back is a pair of Scart sockets, one of which is RGB-enabled to squeeze the best picture out of Freeview. There's also optical digital to connect your surround-sound system.

User reviews7

Add your review

Romin's avatar
4 stars out of 5

Romin 5 December 2008

Good: Easy to plug in and go.

Bad: Nothing much

Comment: Having battled with a Thomson PVR, I guess that any product that actually works without hassle would please me. Intuitive to use, does exactly what it should - a pleasure to own.

ouchiko's avatar
5 stars out of 5

ouchiko 1 September 2008

Good: Recording, Series Link, Picture Quality, Everything

Bad: Interface

Comment: After reading a negative review I wanted to comment and disagree. The picture quality from the Humax both live and recorded is amazing. The flexibility in recording preferences, series linking are great and generally the entire experience of the humax has been nothing but good. I would comment that the interface could use a little work but in reality after a few days you're used to it and it makes no odds to the overall use of the device. If you want a great freeview receiver with amazing recording abilities then get it.

stevesview's avatar
4.5 stars out of 5

stevesview 18 July 2008

Good: Never misses a programme

Bad: Slow EPG update

Comment: After running with Sky and a DVD recorder this is fantastic, it is slow in gathering all the programme data but I turn it on before I need the EPG and then a full week or more is loaded when I want it. The picture is excellent, the logic simple to use, it is a joy to own and use, it's a pity there are not more good TV programmes to watch with it.

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