Sony RDR-HXD995

Sony's DVD/HDD recorders have been improving considerably of late, in terms of both features and performance.
This positive trend is continued by the Sony RDR-HXD995, a 250GB HDD/DVD recorder that complements Sony's Bravia TVs.
The smartly-styled machine totes Freeview and analogue tuners, a choice of GuidePlus or standard Freeview EPGs, and – exclusive to the decks tested here – a CI slot for pay-TV services. If you're after Setanta Sports, you're already off to a good start.
The HXD995 is Freeview+ certified; its GuidePlus EPG will automatically record complete series, too, and can control an external set-top box (e.g. Sky) with an IR blaster.
Flexible DVD deck
Naturally, the HXD995 sports an HDMI port. This features remote control via HDMI CEC, and scaling up to 1080p – there's also a 576i output option.
All recordable and rewritable DVD formats, including dual-layer, are supported. However, while DVD-RAMs can be played or dubbed from, they can't be recorded to.
In terms of overall recording flexibility this Sony tops the lot. In addition to six preset recording modes is a user-definable 32-step manual mode. With effort, you can determine the optimal manual setting for each source.
Jukebox
The Sony RDR-HXD995 will rip CDs to the HDD, although it won't identify the album or any tracknames.
To prevent your jukebox becoming a disorganised mess, you'll need to name the tracks with the onscreen keyboard. But you can copy MP3 files and JPEG images to the HDD from memory devices plugged into the front-panel USB socket. The HXD995 also supports playback of such files (and DivX content) stored on CD/DVD-ROMs.
A second USB socket allows a PictBridge-compatible printer to be plugged into the HXD995. Hard-copy of your favourite photos is therefore possible without recourse to a PC. Groovy.
Back-up your recordings
Hard-drive editing is supported, enabling you to delete unwanted adverts and programme segments. As well as reclaiming capacity, this ensures pro-looking self-made DVDs.
Previously exclusive to Pioneer's recorders is an excellent DVD 'back-up' function, which works by copying the (recordable/rewritable) original to a temporary 'image' file on the HDD. Only DVDs made with Sony recorders can be backed up, though.
Auto set-up is a doddle, and the HXD995 should prove simple to use for novices, while enthusiasts will appreciate the multitude of menu adjustments. The best of both worlds, then.
Top quality recorder
DVDs appear texturally-rich and benefit from stunning yet natural colours.
With the appropriate mode, recordings are as good as the source allows – our Tech Labs frequency response measurement for the Sony's XP mode shows a mere 0.04dB drop at 4MHz. The lower settings are fairly mediocre, but that's par for the course.
Oh, and the interactive 'red-dot', if present, ends up being recorded, which could confuse old grannies.This is an excellent recorder from a brand at the top of its game.
My only complaint about the Sony RDR-HXD995 is that digital TV dropouts were more frequent than expected. Maybe a sample problem, or could a lack of sensitivity be to blame?