Home > Consumer Reviews > LG RHT497H 160Gb HDD Digital TV/DVD Recorder

I bought one of these and it looks good, the pics are great and its easy to set up and use, I mostly use it to record series via the EPG and I really liked it for a few days - BUT!!! it worked perfectly for a few days, then it failed to record an episode of a series, then it missed a couple more episodes, then it started recording channels that had not been selected, then it randomly changed from XP to lowest resolution, after a few weeks there was only a 50% chance it would record as programmed at all, the retailer happily did a swap but this too developed the same problem after a couple of weeks and I've now just received my third brand new LG RHT497H - if this one fails I'll have to get a different model, any advice?

Update - the third one has now also failed - basically all three worked perfectly for 1-2 weeks then start losing programmes and go downhill fast!! Sadly I'll have to return it and get another make and model - three out of three with the same problems has to be more than coincidence.

Like some people I had been toying with the idea of upgrading to A Virgin V+ box to allow pre-programmed recordings direct onto a hard drive but due to a decline in my spends couldn't face committing to the additional monthly charges.
This was definately the next best thing. I am delighted with the machine, its very sleek & stylish and easy to operate.
The only negative thing which I forgot to research prior to the purchase is that its not a multiregional player, so I still have to watch region 1 dvd's on the machine in my bedroom.
It offers many options after recording and will even allow you to delete part of the recording and keep the rest which is great especially if you love X-Factor like me and like to keep the last 10 minutes of the show each week.
I would definatley recommend this product to anyone looking for a DVD Recorder!!

After using the LG for a couple of weeks the unit failed. After turning it on it continuously attempted to set itself up but couldn't. So I sent it back and replaced it with a Sony.

Purchased two weeks ago and have put it through it's paces somewhat.

The unit looks the business with a nice clean front panel. Basic controls are hidden behind a drop down panel.
Just one oddity... the open/close drawer button is at the other end to the drawer itself, while the power button is above it.

Recording to HDD seems to work very well and, unlike my previous Panasonic disc-based recorder, appears to adapt to slight schedule changes - grabbed all of MOTD last night despite it being delayed by Proms coverage.
Series recording is possible and it's recorded Mock The Week for me twice, once again adapting to a schedule change.
Odd thing... if you watch through the unit as it's recording, the subtitles appear on-screen though they don't appear when you watch the recording back unless you turn them on.

Have tried quite a few xvid/divx data discs & normal DVDs and have had no problems; no stuttering, skipping or decoding artefacts. Picture looks very nice to me through my 32" LG flatscreen, which the remote also operates basic functions of.

The remote has comprehensive controls but is a little fiddly - small buttons and tiny labelling - but nonetheless will become intuitive after a short time.

Overall I am happy with the purchase.
Excellent value for money.

Easy to use its childsplay!
Simple to record from Freeview with its 8 day guide, pauses live tv, & playback quality is excellent. Team up with a LG tv for a great package