PVR - just a glorified VCR?

[Ext User(denisdavidvalente@hotmail.com)]

HI all,

I've been reading up on PVR's with a view to buying one. I have
borrowed a Strong PVR and after using it for a few days I've come to
the conlusion that really the PVR (based on current models) are little
more than a glorified VCR - i.e I can set timers to record programmes I
want to watch and then watch them.

Am I wrong?

Ideally I would love a PVR with connectivity to a PC (USB, Firewire or
Ethernet) so I can copy my photos, MP3's and Divx movies onto it. Then
I have a single device in my home with my photo and music collection,
recorded TV programmes as well as any Divx movies I have. Then you
have a Media Centre without the complexity, endless firmware upgrades
and problems.

Does such a PVR exist? I beleive DGtec have a PVR / DVD Recorder with
Divx support, but I am not sure if that means divx playback off the HDD
or off DVD's, and I have also been warned of the UI and reliability of
DGtec products.

I beleive that the Topfield PVR allows you to copy photos and mp3s
across, but no div support at this stage. Does any current PVR get
close to the functionality of a media centre, but without the hassles -
or should I bite the bullet and buy a Media Centre?

Denis