A new array of digital video recorders has entered the marketplace replacing the traditional VHS-tape and DVD recorders. Their innovative recording features offer much convenience to consumers.
In a market survey, the Consumer Council has covered 13 models of digital video recorders with internal hard disk of 320GB to 500GB memory, with prices ranging from HK$ 1,690 to HK$ 6,990.
Complaints received by the Consumer Council in the past two years related to digital video recorders were mainly on the product claims, sales practices and maintenance services.
The current issue of CHOICE highlighted two complaint cases:
A complainant bought a digital video recorder in early 2008 for HK$ 2,850, which claimed to contain a 250GB internal hard disk. When the internal hard disk was full with recorded programmes last year, the complainant took it out from the recorder only to find that the memory size of the hard disk was only 160GB instead of 250GB as claimed. He complained to the manufacturer and asked for a replacement but was refused. Disgruntled by the false claim of the product, the complainant sought assistance from the Consumer Council. The manufacturer finally agreed to replace the original hard disk with 250GB version for the complainant.
Another case involved misrepresentation in the promotional materials. A complainant bought a high definition (HD) digital video recorder and later found that the recorder failed to record HD programmes in pay TV with HD quality. He enquired and learnt that the pay TV signal could only be recorded in standard definition format. He lodged a complaint to the Council for the misleading promotional information. The agent admitted that the product was technically unable to record HD programmes from pay TV stations in HD format and offered to change for another product which was accepted by the complainant.
Different digital video recorders possess different features. Potential buyers are advised to take heed to those functions and choose with care the models that best suit their needs:
- Video recorders with dual digital tuner are capable of recording and displaying programme on two different channels simultaneously, offering flexibility and convenience to consumers.
- Most of the digital video recorders are equipped with a "time shift" function, allowing users to postpone the viewing of a live TV programme at a later time. Users should take heed to the duration of time shift and the useable capacity in the hard disk.
- The hard disk storage for digital video recorders ranged from 160GB to 500GB which can perform long hours recording. The storage for 500GB hard disk is estimated to hold up to 60 to 80 hours of HD programmes.
- Consumers are advised to check the product specifications before purchase. Most of the manufacturers or their agents do not provide on-site maintenance, installation or software upgrade services. Users may be required to bring their video recorders to the service centres for assistance.
- Digital video recorder is an expensive item. Be a smart consumer and to reduce electronic waste, if you have a set-top box which possesses recording function, just connect an external hard disk or USB flash drive for recording your favourite programmes.
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