WOLF retro DESIGN REVIEW. 10th April 2024
A beautiful piece of junk, or does this still have purpose?
A retro review usually study products that are at least over ten years old from a present-day WOLF design perspective. While the technology and fashion of the period influence design, and are taken into consideration, great design ideas will transcend their eras to be timeless.
Interesting and factual information may be provided, but our review aims to deliver insight from the perspective of a designer’s mind and eyes.
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Slab of forgettable silver?
Introduction
Product Focus
As with most reviews the focus is on the design and its evolution within the industry. The functioning systems and sound quality are not necessarily considered.
Product description
The Sony RDR-HX900 from 2004 was one of Sony’s first ever consumer level DVD recorders with built in Hard disk.
Price and Availability.
After 20 years these units are starting to fail and you can find them on eBay between $50 and $150 depending on condition and functionality.
Additional information
The player in this review has a faulty hard disk, but we could still use it as a CD player.
Review.
First impression/ Delight
At first it looks just like any other DVD player but upon closer inspection you do notice that this is something of quality. And classy and clean piece of machinery.
Exterior Design Review
The body is encased in a satin finished aluminium case. The front face is beautifully finished in brushed aluminium and returns across the top by roughly an inch. The corners are further rounded to soften the overall look. On the front there is a dark band in Perspex across the middle. The disk tray door is the same width as this band and placed symmetrically in the centre.
Craftmanship.
The face plate is impressive and expressed on the sides as being 5mm thick. This is visually substantial and highlights the build quality. The finish on the rest of the body is with quality paint and we like that even the screws on the sides are customised with the same coating.
The buttons feel firm and responsive and the polished chrome finish contrasts nicely against the brushed face.
FUNCTION- Experience.
The right end of the Perspex band ends with a unique circular controller finished similarly to the satin body. Above this dial and slightly to the left are a row of small buttons which are a little too small in our opinion. Below them are two buttons for DVD and HDD functions that light up attractively in purple and orange. The left end of the Perspex band has an LED display that communicates information clearly.
Desirability / Collectability and what to look for.
These can generally be found on the second-hand market for a bargain. It’s unlikely that they will ever become collectable so there is no rush to find yourself a mint in box example.
WORD OF THE WOLF
While most of the technology in this unit is relatively redundant it can still be useful for those who want an attractive CD or DVD player. We coupled ours with a silver vintage Sony Amplifier from the 70’s and somehow, they seemed to match fairly well.
WOLF DESIGN EXCELLENCE SCORE = 5.7
Disclaimer
The information in this review is intended for informational or educational purposes to provide readers an understanding of how something may be seen from a certain design perspective. In this case it is from the view point of WOLF DESIGNS. As design is subjective this review should only be considered as an independent opinion. Information further to being of an opinion is provided to the best of our knowledge based on our own research at the time of doing the review. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or inconsistencies and reserve the right to change or update any content as appropriate.
The final responsibility of the design resides with the original manufacturer.