Liteon 5005 vs 5006

[nirmala]

Is VCR+ feature the only difference between 5005 and 5006 models? Are there any other audio/video format/quality differences between them?
I have shortlisted the following recorders in the $150-$200 range , for basic dvd recording (a few VHS tapes, 8mm Camcorder tapes and recording tv shows):-
1)Liteon 5005/5006
2)Panasonic DMR ES10S
3)Pioneer 220S

Iam leaning towards Liteons for their all-write capability, hacks/firmware upgrades and DV inputs. Any suggestions as to which is better of the above choices?

[solidsnake]

I think the vcr+ is the only difference between the two, but from reading posts on here about it, the vcr+ system in the liteons suck, they say it takes several button pushes just to get to the vcr+ menu, instead of just pushing one button on the remote to access it. I have the 5005, dont expect the best from it, in fact I would bet its the worst of those 3. But probably also the cheapest, I got mine for 99.99 which is the absolute only reason I bought one. I'm warning you about the liteons, they have lots of problems, at least moreso than the others probably.

[trhouse]

May I ask where you got one for $99? Was it a refurb?

[solidsnake]

oh it was a early bird special on presidents day I think, it was only 6 hours at compusa. Probably a 1 time thing

[nirmala]

Most of the forum folks including lordsmurf think liteon quality(video) is better than panasonic. I think quality wise pioneers are the best , but they seem to write to Dvd -r/-rw. They don't offer firewire input unless you pay $300+.

[lordsmurf]

The heatsinks, fans, motherboards and drives may be different, depending on the productin dates. In addition to features. Some firmwares even include 3-hour without a hack being needed.

The 5005 units have 5005 boards, usually, while the 5006 may have 5001 boards inside.

[nirmala]

Since many folks don't seem to be recommending Liteon, do you think Panasonic DMRE-S10 will fit the bill? Looks like Panasonic will record to more media formats. I don't have a whole lot of VHS tapes to transfer.

[lordsmurf]

Since many folks don't seem to be recommending Liteon, do you think Panasonic DMRE-S10 will fit the bill? Looks like Panasonic will record to more media formats. I don't have a whole lot of VHS tapes to transfer.

If you ONLY use 2-hour SP mode, it'll be fine. Anything longer, get a different machine.

Even then, I'd still suggest the JVC or LiteOn for VHS work. And maybe the Pioneer.

[nirmala]

most frequent operation on the recorder will be recording tv shows to dvd(an hr/two per day). I just worried about the reliability of the liteon units. I typically don't replace electronic equipment in 3-4 yrs and don't like the idea of sending it to repair. So I tend to stick with Sony/Hitachi for equipment quality/reliability. Also I don't buy electronics goods over $100 online. It is hard to find Pioneer or JVC in stores at good prices(they seem to carry combo or high-end models).
Lordsmurf - I have another question. I have Pal VHS tapes that won't play on my NTSC TV/VCR. If I insert the tape in my current NTSC VCR and connect to one of the Liteon inputs, will it be able to record it intO NTSC DVD?

[nirmala]

Does Liteon 5005 record only DVD-VR formats? Or does the user have control over DVD-VR/DVD-Video like Pioneer 220 ? Once I finalize the DVD in my recorder, I want to be able to play in my other DVD player or computer.

[lordsmurf]

LiteOn does DVD+VR which is a DVD-Video sub-spec. It's standard DVD-Video resolutions and is CVBR bitrate. MP2 audio.

You can buy an ILO unit from Walmart for about $140. ILO is a LiteOn clone (Walmart's name brand for LiteOn units). Or the Pioneer for about $185. Either one of those are my suggestion for you. Low cost, totally reliable, and easy to return if needed.