The Humax PVR-9150T DVR has a hard disc drive capacity of 160 GB, and broadcasts signals through a cable, or a terrestrial transmitter. I would love to know what is different between the 9200 (which doesn't suffer from this problem) and the 9150/9300 which do. Whilst Sky+ is accepted as the Daddy in the digital recording arena, can Humax offer a subscription free alternative?

It's worth pointing out that with a fairly new, but inexpensive wide-band aerial aligned on the Ridge Hill transmitter (30+ miles away but visible from the aerial on a clear day) we get a strong digital signal on all channels. Series record option saves having to remember to set it each day or week for a particular programme - a nice feature. The layout of the otherwise excellent Remote control is spoilt by the microscopic legends for the buttons under the sliding cover. The left-hand side of the fascia flips down to reveal key controls, including playback, record and navigation buttons, and a radio/TV mode toggle. The 9150 uses a IDE CE type drive near impossible to get now and most likely you won't get a larger drive.I am very impressed with the machine in general although I have still to try many of the facilities.

Also compared to another box I've got with better 'Accurate Recording' I prefer the Humax as at least it has always recorded something as opposed to forgetting to record at all. Gran, being Gran uses the numeric pad, she press's 1, to get BBC1 and 5, to get Five and she's happy. A relatives 9150 has also started doing a similar thing although they leave there's powered on it forgets the schedule if it is in standby for anything more than a few minutes. For anyone such as my parents, not used to technology and finding it difficult to learn new things, then perhaps not, unless you have someone there to set it up for you regularly. Channel access is covered in 4 ways, using the Guide, channel List (remote button giving a dropdown list), channel rocker button or direct access through the numeric pad.

The machine is still under guarantee, so if it is a fault I might get a new machine or a cash refund. My Humax remote cover lasted less than 30 seconds before I removed it, and I hadn't even switched the box on yet!

I did try showing her the 'i' button on the remote to get around this but again, too many presses required. After a run through with me and small period of around a week, she got used to it and found it quite simple to understand.BEFORE REMOVING THE COVER UNPLUG EACH AND EVERY CABLE FROM THE HUMAX AND WAIT A MINIUTE OR SO BEFORE REMOVAL.