Kid-proof your PVR: Tv-onics DTR-Z500HD Freeview+ HD recorder

It wasn’t that long ago that my dear son snapped the lid off my MacBook (and no I didn’t have him adopted, though it was a close-run thing), so I well know the perils that face the latest gadgetry in the homes of people with small people running about.

One suspects that the good folk at TVonics may have had the same problem, as they have just come up with a new PVR that it claims can stand up to the rigours of family life.

The DTR-Z500HD Freeview+ HD recorder is a chunky looking smooth-edged box in black, which does look as if it is pretty durable. It’s based on its predecessor, the Z500HD, but has the added benefit of a new aluminium casing, which as well as protecting its innards from your rugrats, also makes it pretty sturdy if you’re short on space and have to resort to stacking your TV-related gadgets.

Other features include HDMI switch technology which lets you connect two HDMI devices (a DVD player and games console perhaps) to the TV with fewer untidy
cables, series and trailer recording to make recording programmes a bit simpler, and two USB ports. It also delivers Dolby Surround Sound, and has Parental Control features.

Andy Carr, CTO, TVonics, commented: “Anyone with kids knows that nothing, especially gadgets, is safe when they’re playing. TVonics has therefore designed the DTR-Z500HD to withstand family life.”

TVOnics will also be launching a new software upgrade for new owners and those who have the DTR-HV250 to include a Dolby Surround Sound upgrade and EPG upgrade. It promises more upgrades in the near future.

The TVonics DTR-Z500HD Freeview+ HD costs £224.99 from John Lewis and Comet as well as the TVonics’ web store, where you also get a two-year
warranty.
www.tvonics.com/product_support/