JVC vs Pioneer for HD model?

[humbled]

Considering Pioneer 520 vs JVC MH30, the latter now at Crutchfield for $450, would be interested in opinions. Used to have Panny E80, died, just getting around to replacing it. I've read enough here to know that P and JVC, among others, have superior chips these days. Have not been able to find MH30 reviews, and Lordsmurf site's section of DVD recorder reviews is apparently undergoing revision, so thought I would seek comments here (from him and of course all others). Thanks.

[Neuron]

I would go with JVC. Pioneer is OK, but JVC's PQ looks better to me. IMO

[piano632]

You can read a few comments on the JVC here:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002V240G/qid=1117427055/sr=8-1/ref=sr_...onics&n=507846
http://reviews.cnet.com/JVC_DR_MH30___DVD_recorder___HDD_recorder/4852-6505_7-31156425.html?tag=tab

A few places even have it for under $400, but I've never heard of any of them so be cautious.

[donpedro]

One information that might help....

In PAL world, JVC record PAL only. Pioneer records PAL and NTSC.

[humbled]

I'm NTSC only.

What concerns me in part are the reports of problems (e.g. freeze ups)with JVC. Does anyone know if product has been improved since introduction, by firmware or otherwise?

I'd like to have DVD-RAM as I had with my Panny, but I can read my old discs into my computer if I want to retire them. If the image quality difference between JVC and Pioneer is trivial, then it would come down to features and reliability.

[gshelley61]

JVC image recording quality is better than Pioneer, but the Pioneer offers input video adjustments for black level, luma, chroma, hue, Y/C separation, noise reduction and detail. Although the color and hue correction range is too limited for restoration work, the other adjustments (especially black level) are definitely very nice to have.

If the JVC had these features, it would be unbeatable because of it's superior recorded image quality, IMHO. I personally use a JVC with a professional proc amp to adjust black level, luma and color prior to recording. I've had several Pioneers, and while they are very good machines (especially because of the additional features I mentioned), the JVC makes a cleaner, smoother recording with fewer MPEG2 artifacts.

[tommyoz]

I got the same deal from Crutchfield a couple of weeks ago. I also have a Pioneer DVR-310 (non HD model) and in my opinion The JVC is better. The only Pioneer feature i've used from the ones that gshelley61 is talking about,
is the audio level adjust.

The only thing that I was not too happy about with the JVC is the tuner. I've had to use a seperate tuner with composite outs.

Also, I know that there were some mention about a loading problem on the JVC. I think LS had mentioned it depends on where it was made. Maybe gshelley61 can comment further on this. The one I got from Crutchfield was made in China.

[Neuron]

I'm NTSC only.

What concerns me in part are the reports of problems (e.g. freeze ups)with JVC. .....

I'm DR-M10S owner. Using this machine enough often. Never experienced any " freeze ups" and/or "Loading..." problems (whatever they are). Good quality machine with an excellent video PQ quality. I'm thinking to get MH30 now.

[sync]

JVC image recording quality is better than Pioneer, but the Pioneer offers input video adjustments for black level, luma, chroma, hue, Y/C separation, noise reduction and detail. Although the color and hue correction range is too limited for restoration work, the other adjustments (especially black level) are definitely very nice to have.

Anyone one know if the 520 replacement still has these input adjustments? The 233 doesn't, except for Y/C separation.

[piano632]

Also the MH30 supposedly has a (sort of) 2-pass encoder (they call it "bitrate optimizer") if you record to HDD at XP then dub to DVD at SP, LP, etc. It's tempting to get one at that price, but knowing Blu-Ray and/or HD-DVD are coming at the end of the year (well maybe)...

[mn072065]

Hi. I have been watching this thread and wondering if the Pioneer PRV9200 would be better than the JVC MH30. Can anyone give their opinion on these? I have been planning on buying a DVD recorder but I'm trying to make the right choice. I had asked Lordsmurf for his opinion since i'm a newbie, and he mentioned as his opinion that JVC might be better for video. Again I just want to make the right choice, thanks all.

[piano632]

The Pioneer PRV9200 costs ~$950. You could buy 2 of the MH30's for that price. JVC makes a professional recorder for *only* $3,180

http://www.ggvideo.com/jvc_bd-x200u.htm

[mn072065]

I know the price is hefty, but I probably can get it for $800 even. I just wanted to know if quality is better. I will not go higher than 800 since that is my limit. Again looking for quality in picture. Thanks again.