What DVD recorder do I buy help needed

[4romseyavenue]

I am an absolute novice with regard to DVD recorders. So any help appreciated.

I have NTL and would like to buy a DVD recorder. I would like it be able to record NTL channels and freeview channels. So do I have to buy one with freeview tuner. Would this have to be connected to an aeriel as freeview signal is poor in my area.

I would also like to play MP3 files on it as well. I did say I was a novice.

What DVD recorders are compatible with NTL and a new LCD TV I am about to buy. Or are all DVD recorders compatible.

Is there anything I should know before buying? If you can think of anything to help or recommend please let me know.

I did say I was a novice.

Regards Bill

[Hom3r]

If your not desperate I'ld wait for a Hi-Def compatiable one to buy.

If you can't wait get one with a Hard Drive buit in (80Gb+), this will allow to take out adverts.

For freeview you will need an aerial, If the freeview signal is weak in your area, you will need to talk to a local aerial installer, to find out what they recommend - if you need a high gain amplified aerial it may not be cheap.

There is nothing 'special' about NTL TV output from a digital box, and all DVD recorders will be capable of connecting via the scart socket.

Bearing in mind that true HD or BluRay recorders won't be around in affordable form, for a while, you may want to consider if the recorder is one that can do the playback upscaling, designed to make existing DVD content more compatible with 'HD ready' LCD tv sets.

[Shaun]

We have Phillips ones (non HDD as we already have Sky+) and they are great - both are +r and I've not found a player that won't play the disks created on them.

[Russ]

Moved to Science and Technology.