Best DVD Recorder w/ Hard Drive?

[haub]

I've had the Ilo 80gb recorder and am taking it back to walmart after several bugs and a firmware upgrade that made things worse.

Now that I'm completely frustrated, I'm wonder is there such a thing as a reliable dvd recorder with a hard drive to purchase?

I come from the philips dvdr 985 piece of crap camp that can't record anything mind you. Now been to the Ilo camp which has too many glitches to mention...so I need bigtime help. Been out on the normal sites searching through user reviews and it seems like there's always someone dissatisfied.

Is this technology just not reliable yet?

[Frobozz]

I'm certainly not an expert as I've only had one model, the Pioneer DVR-510H-S, for three months but I think it's wonderful. I've tested every feature and haven't found a glitch. There's a lot of customization available. The only problem I experienced was the hard drive crashed on my first one a couple days after I brought it home. The dealer replaced it and this one has been flawless. I bought one for my son as well and he hasn't had any problems. I bought the DVR810 (with TIVO) for my daughter and hers works perfectly, too. Then again, it's only been three months.

[haub]

should I stay away from DVD-R/RW since it sounds like the newer models have CPRM restrictions now...ie...recording from hbo and cinemax?

I've read that implementing CPRM on DVD+R/RW is more difficult. I was looking at the Toshiba RD-XS32, but people can no longer record HBO/Cinemax since HBO rolled out it's CPRM implementation in June.

Are recorders that we buy today going to be a waste of money in 3 years since everything will be CPRM?

[lordsmurf]

CPRM? I don't think so. Nothing different than normal.

[handyguy]

recorder reviews:
http://www.videohelp.com/dvdwriters

[Frobozz]

This may be common knowledge, but here is what the Pioneer manual says about CPRM recording:

"You can record copy-once broadcast programs but you cannot then make a copy of those recordings. CPRM recordings can only be made on CPRM-compatible DVD-RW (ver. 1.1 or higher) discs formatted in VR mode or on the HDD."

[haub]

here's a thread that mentions the problems with just recording the source of hbo w/ cprm http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...highlight=cprm

My Ilo (that I'm returning) doesn't have an issue with recording to HD or DVD+RW from HBO. I'm wondering with the newer DVD-R/RW recorders if this is embedded now? and if it will become more prevalent with time

[spiderman2k1]

Im very happy with Panasonic E80 Pioneer is good but the 510 has problems backing VHS tapes.

[Capmaster]

I know Lordsmurf will beat me about the head and shoulders with his JVC owner's manual, but ..

coughcoughcoughPanasoniccoughcoughcough

[haub]

i might have to stick it out with my ILO a little longer as I'm thinking I'm better off with the DVD+R/+RW format. I'm definitely not buying another Philips after my experiences with the 985R.

Are there any DVD-R/-RW recorders out there that don't have CPRM restrictions?

[lordsmurf]

I know Lordsmurf will beat me about the head and shoulders with his JVC owner's manual, but ..

coughcoughcoughPanasoniccoughcoughcough

[DereX888]

"Best DVD Recorder w/ Hard Drive?"

Like there are 100s of models available or somethin LOL...

[josse]

Wait for the new JVC DR-MH30S

[Eileen]

, the Pioneer DVR-510H-S, for three months but I think it's wonderful. I've tested every feature and haven't found a glitch. There's a lot of customization available. The only problem I experienced was the hard drive crashed on my first one a couple days after I brought it home.

hi, i had sent a note to this list regarding the pioneer dvr-510h-s due to
difficulties i was experiencing. sad to say it is now back at
pioneer for the 3rd time. when i called to check on the repair progress
i told them if they can't fix it properly i want a new one. tell me,
what happens if the hd crashes?

each time i return it, it is due to other issues. oh, that reminds me, i
better make my twice weekly call to see how things are going. it
seems to be out of my house, more than it's in.

eileen

[handyguy]

what's important to me is a tv program GUIDE. Some have them, some don't. Makes it easier to record programs & see what's on. Sort of a tivo effect for recorders.