Sony DHG-HDD250 30-Hour High-Definition Digital Video Recorder (250 GB)

Sony DHG-HDD250 30-Hour High-Definition Digital Video Recorder (250 GB) Review

Sony DHG-HDD250 30-Hour High-Definition Digital Video Recorder (250 GB) Feature

• High-definition-capable digital video recorder with 250 GB storage: 30 hours of HD programming or up to 200 hours of standard content
• Includes NTSC and ATSC tuners; a perfect match for bringing off-air HDTV reception to HD-ready televisions and monitors
• Pause, rewind, and record live high-definition TV; record one program while watching another; HDMI/component-video outputs
• CableCARD slot accommodates digital cable decoder cards; Memory Stick PRO media slot lets you enjoy digital photos and MP3 music
• Measures 16.9 x 3.3 x 14 inches (W x H x D)

Tired of viewing your high-definition programming at standard-definition resolution just so you can watch it at a time of your choosing? Kiss your VCR and your other DVR goodbye and say hello to Sony's DHG-HDD250, a digital video recorder that's fully high-definition capable in its reception, storage, and playback. It features built-in NTSC and ATSC (DTV) tuners, so even if your television is merely "HD-ready," the DHG-HDD250 will pull HDTV content right off the airwaves, with no monthly fees. You can use the recorder to pause, replay, and rewind live HDTV programming, too.

Even if you haven't invested in a high-def set, you can use the DHG-HDD250's 250 GB hard drive to store up to 200 hours--more than a solid week--of standard-definition (SD) programming for instant viewing on your analog TV. The device stores at least 30 hours of maximum-bit-rate high-definition content.

And, when paired with a CableCARD digital decoder and a digital cable subscription, the DHG-HDD250 is your gateway to encrypted high-definition (HD) and standard-definition (SD) digital cable services. A Memory Stick PRO media slot makes it easy to enjoy playback of your digital photos and MP3 music files.

The recorder comes with the TV Guide On Screen interactive program guide for easy program searching and automatic scheduled recording (where available). The guide displays shows and channel lineups that are customized to your location, delivering a week's worth of rolling listings via TV broadcasts. Whether your display has a standard 4:3 dimension or a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, the DHG-HDD250 offers multiple display formats and flexible aspect-ratio settings for personalized reproduction of all broadcast formats on a wide variety of TVs.

Connections include a choice between a direct-digital HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) or component-video (Y Pb Pr) high-definition outputs; several standard-definition analog outputs for connection to VCRs or analog TVs; a USB port, and a Control S port for connection and operation with other Sony equipment.

HDMI is a lossless, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface to link the recorder with a compatible high-definition TV or monitor. HDMI supports standard-definition (SD), enhanced definition (ED), or high-definition (HD) video, plus multichannel digital audio--all using a single cable (supplied). It transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports up to 8-channel digital audio, with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and requirements.

What's in the Box
DVR, a multiple-device universal Remote Commander remote control, remote batteries, a component-video cable, an HDMI video cable, an HDMI-to-DVI adapter, an audio/video cable, an S-video cable, a Control S cable, a G-Link (IR blaster), and a user's manual. Pause, rewind and record live high-definition TV with Sony's DHG-HDD250 High-Definition Digital Video Recorder. This digital video recorder can record at least 30 hours of high definition and up to 200 hours of standard definition video. The DHG-HDD250 features HDMI or Component high definition outputs and multiple standard definition outputs. Recording your favorite TV show is as easy as highlighting the show title and pressing OK. Avoid the hassles of subscription fees and equipment rentals by recording and playing high-definition television with the DHG-HDD250. Sony includes a built-in subscription free electronic program guide that displays shows and channel lineups that are customized to the viewer's location. A full week's worth of rolling listings are delivered via TV broadcasts, so there's no fees and no special connection required. Analog cable and over-the-air reception Flexible format outputs and aspect ratio settings for a variety of monitor types and broadcast content Multiple Device Universal Remote Commander(R) remote control Dolby Digital 5.1 channel audio decoding with digital optical audio output Multiple display formats for best quality video reproduction with diverse display types and broadcast content Simultaneous video output from high-definition and standard-definition jacks V-Chip Parental Control Configurable Favorite Channels list Unit Dimensions (WxHxD) - 16.94 x 3.26 x 14.05 / Weight - 11.24 pounds Inputs and Outputs - Composite Video Output - 2 / S-Video Output - 2 / HDMI Output / Digital Audio Optical / Cable Input / Antenna Input / HDMI or Component (YPBPR) Output / USB Port / Control S In / CableCARD Slot