Kiss DP-558

Hard disk video recorders will fight for top spot on many Christmas lists this year, but they're not just about recording TV shows - many come with additional features.

The Kiss DP-558 doesn't just operate as a PVR (personal video recorder), it also allows you to play media files stored on a PC, access web pages and play DVDs.

Unlike the Mustek R580, you can't burn DVDs with this model. The player itself is about the same size as a Sky+ box, but looks a lot like its ugly sister. It houses just a single analogue receiver, so you'll need a separate Freeview box if you want to receive digital TV.

Recording is a simple, one-button task and will archive your selection to the 80GB hard disk. You can't change channels while recording as there's only one tuner, but you can choose from six recording quality settings (between 21 and 102 hours total recording time).

Navigating your recordings is easy once you've figured out the remote control. Attaching the player to the internet via the Ethernet socket opens up the EPG (Electronic ProgramGuide) and allows you to browse Kiss web pages for, among other things, internet radio stations.

As the DP-558 has its own IP address, you can also remotely schedule recordings and manage the contents from any computer with an internet connection.

A wireless option is, however, sadly lacking. DivX, mpeg4, mpeg2 and Xvid video are all supported, while connection options include Scart, composite and component video. Digital audio is also available.

Everything considered, the DP-558 has some quality features, but almost £300 is a bit steep for a PVR that can't receive Freeview and has only one TV tuner.

See also:

Topfield TF5800PVR

A Freeview recorder with two TV tuners that can transfer video to a PC  19 Jul 2005

Pinnacle Mediacenter 300i

A good-value all-in-one PVR  17 Mar 2005

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