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Sharp brings an end to family Christmas TV viewing arguments with TU-R160H twin-tuner DTR (20/10/2006)

Digital TV Recorder includes two Freeview tuners and 160GB hard drive allowing simultaneous recording of one digital channel and viewing of another

Sharp Electronics (UK) Ltd has announced the arrival of a Freeview twin-tuner digital DTR (digital TV recorder) available in the run-up to Christmas - meaning families will no longer have to argue about what to watch and record during the peak festive viewing season.

The Sharp TU-R160H - a stylish, slimline silver and black deck with attractive blue function lights - is a welcome addition for any home wanting the benefits of multiple digital Freeview channels. The added convenience of an 8-day EPG (electronic programming guide), for easy planning and timer programming, means parents will no longer have to rely on the kids to set the timer. It also offers up to a generous 80 hours' recording capacity.

Should the phone start ringing during a favourite TV show, the TU-R160H's ingenious 'Chasing Playback' feature ensures that nothing is missed. The user simply pauses the live broadcast for a few minutes, and, once the phone call is over, can start watching the programme from where they left off. This is also known as time-shifting.

If the viewer wants to keep an eye on the football scores, or simply check when a programme being recorded is due to end, they can choose to switch on the TU-R160H's handy 'Picture In Picture' (PIP) function. This allows them to view the second channel within a small display (without audio), while retaining the sound with the main picture.

Unlike some other DTRs, Sharp's model also permits the user to record subtitles with their programmes - an important feature for the deaf or hard of hearing.

With soaring electricity costs and the need to reduce carbon emissions, Sharp endeavours to lessen the environmental impact of its products at the design stage. Consequently, the TU-R160H offers an incredibly low power consumption rate of 0.5W in Standby mode, compared to similar products on the market that can consume more than 15W.

Uniquely, this model also runs more quietly than its competitors thanks to its clever internal design, which has eliminated the need for a cooling fan. Where most products can become noisier over time due to the build-up of grime and dust on the fan, this will never be a problem for the Sharp TU-R160H.

Ning Ning Cheang, recording media product manager, Sharp, said, "The majority of UK households have experienced the excellent channels available through Freeview, and now require more choice when it comes to viewing, playback and recording. With the Sharp TU-R160H, users are able to record terrestrial digital channels and timeshift their favourite programmes (record and play at the same time) - but they can also now watch one Freeview channel whilst recording another. Furthermore, we can offer the unique benefits of exceptionally low power consumption and positive features such as Subtitle Recording, making this a very desirable option for most families."

TU-R160H key features:

- UHF Digital Twin Tuner - 160GB hard drive (with up to 80 hour recording capacity) - Easy to install and operate - 8-day Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) - Ability to record one digital channel while watching another digital channel - Chasing playback / time-shifting - Low power consumption (0.5W on standby) - Quiet operation - Subtitle recording - Picture in Picture function (PIP) - Two scart connections (1 x RGB, 1 x SVHS), CVBS out, audio out, RS232 - Optical out

Retail availability

The Sharp TU-R160H will be available from the end of September 2006 in the UK from electrical retailers including Currys.Digital, Comet, John Lewis, Littlewoods Home Shopping, Argos, CWS and independent stores.

www.sharp.co.uk