Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I purchased this unit to replace an non ATSC tunered Sony DVD recorder (RDR-GX330). In comparison to the 330 the 455 is perhaps not as well built despite being over $65 more expensive. Both have fans built in and you will hear them if you don't have the unit inside of a cabinet. As a DVD recorder it is functionally very similar to the previous generation Sonys. The supplied remote is basically the same as the 330 uses with one extra button to control analog/digital switching. Also it will record HD programming but downconverts the signal to SD, for HD recording you will need to wait for the Blueray recorders to arrive.
Ultimately I am going to return the 455 because of the ATSC tuners performance. Switching betwen channels is very slow in comparison to analog and the Samsung DTB I have also used. I was unable to get the Sony to go directly to a channel by punching in the channel number. Picture quality is good on OTA digital channels but is perhaps not as clean looking as the Samsung DTB(if only the Samsung put out the menu on composite video I would have kept it). In comparison to the Samsung the Sony lacks a signal strength meter which I consider essential for determining antenna direction. For those used to it the Sony also lacks even the most basic form of TV guide. Due to lack of guide the Sony feels very much like a VCR. As such I would say the 455 would be a good option for those upgrading from a VCR but might be a dispointment if you are used to the advanced features found elsewhere.
To summarise the Sony RDR-GXD455 is merely an ok performer as DVD Recorder. It is definitely a version 1.0 product from Sony as far as ATSC intergration goes. If you are upgrading from a VCR it should be one to consider on your list. If you are considering an upgrade to get the ATSC tuner I would wait for the next years model.
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Product Description:
A DVD Recorder that allows you to easily preserve your memories or record favorite terrestrial HD programming.
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