TV Recorders- Humax, Panasonic or Manhattan? A.K.A- bloody adverts!
Given the changes to how we watch TV nowadays, a mix of live, streaming and on-demand, what’s the best option for recorder on today’s market? The primary benefit of recorders is still clear to see. Skip adverts, pause recordings and retain series not available elsewhere for viewing at your leisure.
You’ll have noticed that as streaming became more common, so the number and length of ads increased! We’re even waiting for Netflix to offer an ‘advert included’ subscription at lower cost in the coming months!
So, to fight the power (and skip those pesky ads) what are our options for Freeview TV recorders that actually work? Here’s our run down of the main options available today.
1. Manhattan (no relation to the project)
Manhattan produce some pretty solid models of TV recorder. Available in your local supermarket they are an entry level option which ticks all the boxes needed.
· Basic model and a 4K Smart model available.
· Twin tuner only
· Freeview catch-up apps available
· No Netflix, Amazon Prime or Disney
· 4K only through Youtube and iPlayer
2. Panasonic (The big name)
The primary offering gives not just a smart TV recorder but also includes a DVD player (remember them?).
· Twin tuner only
· Freeview catch-up apps available
· Netflix, Amazon and youtube
· DVD player built in
· Expensive -£300+
3. Humax
Humax started off making terrible TVs….I mean chunky, terrible things to work on. However these TVs had recorders actually built in. From this Humax went on to develop a variety of TV recorders and arguabley has the more pedigree than crufts when it comes to TV recorders today.
· Basic and Smart options.
· 4 tuners for multiple recording
· Freeview Catch up apps- Bar ITVX!
· Netflix, Youtube, UKTV Play and more .
Summary- so what’s the result?
For basic TV recording the simply answer is that both the Humax (1800T) and Manhattan box (T2-R) give good value for money. Both have a 2 year warranty and come in under £150-00. For context the Panasonic basic equivalent is double in price with only a DVD player extra to show for it. Chances are if you have a collection of DVDs then you’ve most likely already got a capable player….
For smart TV things get a bit more complex. We normally assume everyone wants to use as few remotes as possible…so let’s go with that.
The Manhattan 4K smart- In short. No Netflix, No Chance.
The Panasonic- covers all the bases with a DVD player as a nice extra touch. For those with a high end Panasonic set it’s probably worth the extra £100-00+ depending on spec.
The Humax- The smart version (FVP-5000T) does everything needed for catch up and streaming bar ITV X. However it does offer 4 recordings at once- double the competition.
Verdict;
Save 100-00 compared to the Panasonic and buy a Humax freeview play recorder. A rarely used DVD player in the Panasonic isn’t comparable to the Humax’s spec.
4 recordings at once means realistically you can record anything and everything.
Chances are ITVX is built in to your TVs smart app platform if you’re in dire need, however recording and skipping adverts is the best way to go.
A programmable remote lets you turn on/off the TV from the single remote and control volume directly. Less clutter, fewer adverts, less stress. Humax all the way.
**Note** Full disclosure Humax also produce the Aura (oooh) all singing dancing model. However as this lacks Netflix compatibility at this point, we disregarded it as we did for the Manhattan. Fair is fair and all…