Toshiba D-R150 DVD recorder

Posted by T3 Online on Mon 29 Oct 2007

Toshiba's newest recorder draws a blank.

Like the Panasonic DMR-ES10, this records to DVD-RAM so you get some Sky+ type features like being able to pause live transmissions and return to them later.

The unit works with DVD-R/RW discs, but not DVD+R/RW, and the recording quality is not as good as other machines. Even at the highest quality setting, gradual shifts in colour look congealed, and it struggles to capture smooth pictures from fast-moving footie matches or speedy action sequences in Prison Break.

If that gets you riled, the menu system and remote control will have you boiling. The poorly laid out screens of the former are tricky to navigate and matters are not helped by the ugly graphics, while the cluttered remote becomes increasingly annoying the more you use it. This recorder isn't a complete disaster, but there are much better ones for the price.