Sony RDR-HX900

Sony RDR-HX900 Recorder Review

The ultimate digital audio/video recording device, Sony's versatile Sony RDR-HX900lets you record to a choice of formats (DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW) and even stores audio/video programming--everything from television shows to camcorder footage--on its internal 160 GB hard drive. Now you can record your TV programs to the hard drive using an advanced onscreen program guide and archive your favorite shows or movies to long-lasting DVD, dubbing at up to 24x normal speed (depending on your recordable media and your recording mode). There's even an IR blaster for satellite and cable-box control.

The Sony RDR-HX900's compatibility with DVD+RW/+R and DVD-RW/-R discs gives you the widest selection of recording and viewing choices available.

Sony RDR-HX900's recorder also incorporates several picture-improvement technologies, which you'll benefit from whether you're viewing from the HDD or creating enhanced DVD recordings.

An easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) grants easy recording from broadcast programs via off-air antenna, cable, or satellite receivers. When recording to the built-in hard-disk drive (HDD), you'll be able to record and store up to 204 hours--that's more than 8 straight days, mind you--of your favorite TV shows and movies.

The Sony RDR-HX900 can record at HQ+ mode in the hard disk drive, which offers approximately 1.5 times greater resolution than the highest possible bit-rate recording on DVD. The HQ+ mode, along with Dynamic Variable Bit Rate, provide outstanding picture quality. It's especially beneficial when recording quick and complex-motion images or playback from the HDD.

The Sony RDR-HX900 also provides hassle-free connection with compatible camcorders through its front panel i.Link interface (for DV/D8 connection and easy tape-to-disc content transfers). In addition to granting simple camcorder hook-ups, the i.Link (DV/D8) interface gives you operational control over the connected camcorder via the supplied Remote Commander remote control. You can even copy the entire contents of your DV or D8 tape by selecting the convenient 1-touch dubbing feature.

The recorder offers advanced editing features for content originating on camcorder tapes. The 2 basic options consist of either downloading the entire contents to a DVD disc and then editing the content in non-linear fashion right on the disc, or more traditional linear editing directly from tape.

The Sony RDR-HX900 also features Time Base Correction, pre-frame noise reduction, and pre-video equalizer technologies that rebalance and equalize video content before it's recorded onto a DVD, improving the original source content even before the encoding process begins. In the output phase, the Sony RDR-HX900 recorder combines frame noise reduction, block noise reduction, and video equalizer technologies to produce a rich and textured visual with minimal picture interference from background artifacts or distortion.

Finally, the recorder offers proprietary DVD playback technology called Precision Cinema Progressive, which incorporates Pixel-by-Pixel I/P Conversion technology to augment and balance DVD-video elements. You'll need a high-definition or HD-ready television to appreciate this process. A 12-bit/108 MHz video D/A converter ensures exceptional picture quality for an unforgettable viewing experience, while audio decoding occurs at an amazing 192 kHz/24-bits.

What's in the Box?

Sony RDR-HX900 DVD recorder/player, remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual, stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable, and an RF coaxial video cable.

What Features Does the Sony RDR-HX900 Have?

� Color: Silver and black

� Disc capacity: 1

� Region playback: Compatible only with discs coded for Region 1 and for All Regions

� Progressive scan: Yes (Precision Cinema Progressive)

� 3:2 pulldown detection: Yes

� Hard-disk drive: Yes

� Hard-disk capacity: 160 GB

� Memory card slot: No

� Playback formats: DVD-Video (NTSC), VCD, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, red book CD

� Recording formats: DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW

� Recording duration: DVD (variable bit-rate recording): 60 to 360 minutes; HDD: up to 204 hours of audio/video programming

� High-speed dubbing: Yes (HDD to DVD, up to 24x)

� Editing capability: Yes (linear/non-linear, with camcorder control when using i.Link interface)

� Firmware upgradeable: No

� Noise reduction: Yes (Block Noise Reduction)

� Aspect ratio control: Yes

� Dialog enhancer: No

� Integrated receiver: No

� Front-panel operation: Yes (remote not required for use)

� Quick play: No

� Multi-angle viewing: Yes (with applicable discs)

� Horizontal resolution: Greater than 500 lines

� Video DAC: 12-bit with 108 MHz processing with NSV

� Audio DAC: 192 kHz, 24-bit

� HDCD decoding: No

� Video signal-to-noise ratio: Information not available

� Audio signal-to-noise ratio: 115 dB (analog audio output)

� Dynamic range (video): Information not available

� Dynamic range (audio): 103 dB (DVD), 99 dB (CD)

� Chapter preview: Yes (and title preview)

� Custom bookmarks: No

� Frame advance: Yes

� Still/freeze frame: Yes

� Jog/shuttle dial on unit: Yes

� Forward/reverse play: Yes

� Karaoke: No

� Multilingual support: Yes (English, Spanish, French)

� Remote control: Yes

� Picture zoom: Information not available

� Recording capability: Yes

� Picture enhancements: Digital video equalization, digital video enhancer, block noise reduction, pre-frame noise reduction, Time Base Correction

� Advance recording: Yes

� One-touch recording: Yes (using i.Link interface for DV/D8)

� IR blaster: Yes (for cable-box control)

� Reverse-frame step: Yes

� Slow motion: Yes

� Instant replay: Yes

� Instant search: Yes

� Text display: Yes (DVD/CD Text)

� VCR capability: No

� Audio outputs: 2 stereo analog (left/right), 2 digital (1 optical, 1 coaxial)

� Digital output resolution: 48 kHz, 16-bit

� Audio inputs: 2 stereo analog (left/right) RCA

� Headphone jack: No

� Video outputs: 1 RF, 2 composite-video, 1 component-video, 2 S-video; also offers 4-pin DV control output

� Video inputs: 2 S-video, 2 composite-video, 1 i.Link digital video input, 1 RF

� NTSC tuner: Yes

� Surround-sound output: Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel passthrough

� Simulated surround sound: Yes (4 modes)

� THX-certified: No

� Front-panel inputs: Yes

� Power input: AC 120V, 60 Hz

� Power consumption: Information not available

� Warranty: 1 year parts and labor

Conclusion

The Sony RDR-HX900 DVD recorder is the perfect addition to your home Theater. Featuring a 160 GB hard disk drive, you can record and store up to 200 hours of your favorite TV shows. The RDR-HX900 also features his DVD recorder features DVD+RW/+R, DVD-RW/-R DVD recording compatibility, and up to 24 times High Speed Dubbing from Hard Disk Drive to DVD. The timer recording feature takes the hassle out of recording your favorite TV programs through an easy on-screen program guide.

This DVD recorder also provides seamless integration through its front panel i.LINK(R) interface for DV/Digital 8(R) Camcorders connection for easy tape to disc content transfer. DVD+RW/+R, DVD-RW/-R DVD Recording CompatibilityOver 200 hours recording on 160 GB; high capacity Hard Disk Drive (at SLP mode)Dynamic VBR High Quality Dubbing from Hard Disk Drive to DVDUp to 24 times High Speed Dubbing from Hard Disk Drive to DVDChasinging playback for watching a show from the beginning while the show is still recording (Hard Disk Drive and DVD-RW VR Mode only) HQ+, the Optimum Bit Rate Recording on Hard Disk Drive for Superior Picture Qualityi.LINK(R) Interface for DV/Digital 8(R) Camcorders On-screen TV Program Guide (EPG) Cable Box/Satellite Receiver Control

Best DVD Recorder Reviews Rating

7/10

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