Stylish looking and packed with storage space, the TVonics DTR-Z500 is bursting with features that make this affordable digital video recorder a candidate for anyone’s home cinema line up.

Although the DTR-Z500 boasts an impressive 500GB of storage (about 250 hours – more than ten days!) and a great set of features it is sadly lacking in the area of high definition output. Whereas a number of the DVRs in the same price bracket support HDMI output for your HD television, generally along with software upscaling, it is the only feature missing from this otherwise superb recorder.

TVonics DTR-Z500 in Conclusion

A great looking digital video recorder with a great set of features and even green credentials. However the lack of a HDMI output is a real failing for an otherwise great machine.

If you have an older non high definition television set, or the screen size is below 32 inches, then the DTR-Z500 is a great buy, particularly if bought from John Lewis where you will get an extra years warranty for free. However if you have a large high definition TV, I would recommend the Humax PVR9300 which costs around the same and offers many of the same features but has that all important HDMI output.