Updated reviews on the JVC DR-MH30S Recorder

[jossy]

Did anyone see any further reviews on the JVC DR-MH30S Recorder, problems..etc.etc

[DVWannaB]

I have had one for about 6 weeks now with extensive use. And it is working out like a charm. I love it. No hang-ups at all, besides the manual. Dont even bother using it, its garbled nonsense. I have manged to figure things out myself, with trial and error.

I had read on this forum that it does not do accurate cuts. NOT TRUE. The cut points are EXACTLY where I put them, and it even allows me preview my cuts and I can accept or delete my cuts. This is a great little unit.

[jossy]

I know that the picture quality is superb, crisp and sharp even in LP mode But the manual is Terrible!!

[peteshoes]

I just purchased one of there after months of decision making!

I was waiting for the freeview versions to arrive, Sony only managed it with their non HD version and annoyed my by not including in their 900/1000 range.

I actually purchased a fusion 100 HD freview recorder, but that was complete rubbish - great idea, twin tuners and all that, but useability was hopeless!

So, sorry to go on about the past - did not want to pay the £500 quid for the Sony 900 160gig unit, found this one going for £375 (after a bit of negotiation) prices have dropped again already.....but the reviews made my mind up for me so I took the plunge!

Now I was a bit concerned to say the least when I found it did not have RGB in on the scart (only out) as that was a key requirement, however after recording many programmes off Sky & freeview I realise it does not matter - the picture quality is superb as the reviews suggest - I honestly cannot see a difference between the original digital broadcast or the recording - this is true for XP & SP mode, so I can happily get 63 hours of recording done with no noticible loss of quality - smart!

BTW the Fusion 100 bow offered compression, but is would do it offline (overnight!) an the results in any compressed state were not watchable - really pixel ridden!

When recording in LP mode (120 hours ish) it is not bad - better than video quality, but there is a slight fuzzy edge, thus I would not use unless out of space....umm not going to happen on this size disk often.

Now if we start taling features - it is brilliant, my mate bought the Sony 900, if you wany top quality, RGB in, composite in - this is the one without question.

However for toys including: picture in picture, moving thumb nails with sound and function, ability to divide recordings, multiple menu outputs...........the JVC wins hands down!

The manual is a bit confusing as others suggest - but it does sort of work when you get your head around it...

Now - for info, to solve my integrated freeview problem, as I only get the free Sky channels...

I use my Sky box for normal viewing, but purchased additionally a Sagem ITD64 for freeview as it has 7 day epg (and a nice one at that, not like the rubbish impossible to read one on the Fusion 100) and a timer mode - this is another feature in the JVC unit - although it has a sattelite x-mitter control included, it does not turn your sat box on/off. So you can use the Freeview box to turn on/off for upto 6 programmes, this in-turn will automatically turn the JVC box on/off in sync and record the programmes onto the HD or DVD disk. Works really well.

Anyway, I'm about done so hope this helps some of you out there, please shout if you have any questions....

P