Bang & Olufsen's DVD 2 player / recorder packs a hard drive, too

Sure, DVD recorders with built-in hard drives aren't as captivating as they once were, but when you put Bang & Olufsen's sexy spin on it, we can't help but take notice. The DVD 2 not only plays back standard DVDs, but it also touts a built-in analog TV tuner to capture programming on either a writable DVD or on the 250GB HDD that's built right in. Additionally, it supports the Guide Plus+ EPG, includes a timer for scheduling recordings, and outputs imagery via HDMI. No word on pricing or availability just yet, but do click on for more drool-worthy shots.

[Via Slashgear]

[fernando @ Aug 22nd 2007 11:44AM]

The design is truly unbelievable, but it won't surprise me if this is overpriced by 300%, much like the rest of B&O products.

[Solomon @ Aug 22nd 2007 11:59AM]

Analogue tuner? You've got to be kidding... Never mind the looks, this is no-class trash wearing some makeup.

[sr1329 @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:15PM]

Well those in the know wouldn't expect anything different from B&O. This stuff is really for pretty boys. If you want something that is expensive and actually performs then you look into maybe Krell, or McIntosh, or Lamm. Of course there are better values than those, but if you absolutely need show off factor then those are much better.

[The Aggie CEO™ @ Aug 22nd 2007 12:04PM]

ANALOG tuner!?!?!?!

What is their problem!?!?!

[ander.esp @ Aug 22nd 2007 12:05PM]

i hope that the hard drive is upgradeable or has USB. 250gb is just not enough for my viewing pleasure.

[Bumpman @ Aug 22nd 2007 12:24PM]

More inputs might make it worth the extra money, but for now it's probably all fur coat and no knickers.

[John Williams @ Aug 22nd 2007 12:27PM]

Nothing says "I'm a successful 80's Wallstreet Trader" quite like B&O products.

[Dorf @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:24PM]

My only regret is...that I have...boneitis!

[Brado @ Aug 22nd 2007 12:50PM]

This is what a B&O saleswoman had to say about their products. "Sorry if I sound conceited, but Bang & Olufsen products are perfect in every way, but only the very special can attain it." Hahaha. Mind you she was almost Leeloo from Fifth Element perfect herself.

I'd say apart from usually being instant design classics, there is nothing much to B&O, but their items with the acoustic lens technology are almost worth its price.

[Chase @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:15PM]

I love their design ethos, and their speakers sound pretty amazing...but yes, very expensive...but compared to a lot of audiophile quality stuff, then it seems priced right - compared to some $15,000 turntables that exist out there - think about that...it plays records....for $15k....beyond that, however, is that the tuner was included as an addition...sure it can record from the built in, but it has to be able to record from other sources...a lot of DVRs don't have a digital tuner built in....the tivo series 3 for $800 has dual-tuner capability, supports digital, but you'd have to buy 2 cablecards to do it...looks like poo...and has no dvd recorder...granted the B&O unit will be wayy more expensive, I think it will sell well in the mid-level "prosumer" audiophile category.

[sr1329 @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:37PM]

Real audiophiles don't buy crap like B&O. Take a listen to some overpriced B&O crap and listen to some real audiophile stuff in same price category and you'll see immediately why B&O is for people who like to look at their stuff, not listen to it.

[Chase @ Aug 22nd 2007 4:54PM]

@sr1329 you might want to re-read what i wrote...i was comparing it to audiophile grade equipment...not placing it in the same category. That is also paralleled by my stating "mid-level "prosumer" audiophile category" - meaning its better than most, just not really quite there. Sure, it is expensive and you are paying for style, but that has value for some (myself included). They also, however, have pretty amazing customer service...they're one of the few companies i know that support their products up to 10 years past their discontinuation...that's pretty amazing... Try getting customer support for your RCA dvd player from 1997...prob not going to happen.

[Joern @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:29PM]

This is the european version, that has an analogue tuner. There is no guide plus service in the US. Not sure if they will do a local adoption or not. Many products never make it to the US.

[silverblackvoid @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:02PM]

overpriced crap with ordinary features crammed in a pretty metallic box.

[Wolfticket @ Aug 22nd 2007 3:47PM]

Predicted price point: One miiiiiiiilllllion dollars.

[Dan @ Aug 22nd 2007 7:48PM]

I'm guessing this will start at sub-$100 prices.

[beauty @ Aug 23rd 2007 3:43AM]

i have read this topic. i think this player is good.

[Holger @ Aug 23rd 2007 4:52PM]

Well I know the innards of B&O equipment aint up to scratch, but if you want something that doesn't screw up your nice living room then it's a good choice... for some people it's not jsut the sound that counts... but also that it looks ok when standing in the living room or that your wife/partner doesn't find it hideous.

[Perrey Z. @ Aug 24th 2007 1:04PM]

A DVD recorder in 2007? has B&O ever heard of Blu-Ray or HD-DVD? I'm guessing the MSRP for this puppy will be... $12,000., cables, instructions and pride (or shame) of ownership are extra.

[Tafkas @ Oct 26th 2007 5:56AM]

B&O don't jump on bandwagons for fun, they usually wait a few years untill a technology has proven itself.

[Goldfrog @ Aug 24th 2007 8:44PM]

You guys really take the cake. Just because you can't afford nice equipment. B&O has both looks and function as main features; oh, and integration! Gosh I've seen some mix and matches on shelves with cables everywhere with half a dozen remote controls (ones for lights too) on the coffee table. As someone above wisely said, it's important to keep your partner happy and one remote!!

On price, the DVD 2 is $2150 (includes GST) in Australia (about $US 1720).

[Bad Droid @ Sep 3rd 2007 10:58PM]

silverblackvoid wrote:

"overpriced crap with ordinary features crammed in a pretty metallic box." I'll agree with you there. Take it from a Audio/ Video Integrator of 20 plus years. I’m the guy who makes this crap work and B&O hasn’t made a solid piece of gear since the 8000 system from the 80’s. Even that was a bunch of teak wood glued onto a shiny box.

[akutoboy @ Oct 1st 2007 1:23AM]

Why?

[erg4000 @ Oct 6th 2007 7:26AM]

It's their concept of integration and the simplicity of human interface design that makes people love B&O. Audiophiles who are fed up with complicated and fragile high end stuff choose B&O. Compared to most high end show-off stuff, B&O has a slick and plain design. Picture quality of their video panels have always been exemplary for the market. B&O lovers don't care about HD capacity. B&O's Beosystem 3 is a nodal point for all kinds of digital sources. And you only need one remote controll.

[John de Jong @ Oct 26th 2007 5:03AM]

Is there anything more special about this DVR besides the design than the original Philips crappy product it originates from?