New DVD Recorder

[ctowndu33]

Really cool site everyone! I am looking to get into the whole DVD recording and I am pretty much lost. I really like Panasonic but am leaning towards the Pioneer. But, neither have really what I fully want. Some of those things

Record all 5 formats
Duel Layer recording
Internal HDD
Editing capabilities
Firewire
High speed dubbing

How are the DVR capabilities of these? Are they able to maintain High Def? I have a SA 8300HD from Time Warner, will that still work? I heard somewhere that the TV Guide on the Pioneer can't record higher channels, is that true? It would kinda suck if I can't record my HD and HBO channels because they are in the 500's.

Sorry for all the questions, but after beginning to look into purchasing a recorder, I never realized there are so many different characteristics. I look forward to being around on the forum in the future! Thanks for the help in advance!

[redwudz]

I use a Pioneer 633-HS that I've been happy with. Have you read this thread on the 531-HS?
https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=279460

And welcome to our forums.

[handyguy]

There aren't too many recorders doing DL, that should narrow your search a bit.
https://www.videohelp.com/dvdrecorders

[trhouse]

This unit is the first I have tested that does dvd-ram, dvd-r, dvd-rw, dvd+r, dvd+rw, dvd-r DL, and dvd+r DL.

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=296530

More are coming.

http://bobkart.gt3times.com/PDF/Panasonic%202006%20DVD%20Recorders.pdf#search='pan asonic%20dmres35v'

[TBoneit]

None of them can tune and decode your HD channels.

None of them can record HiDef Tv as HD. The best they will do is DVD Spec of 720 by 480 resolution.

Nothing can tune the Digital Cable channels at this time. On most cable systems, channels from 100 and up are digital. Most cable channels are scrambled and can not be tuned and recorded. The only channels you could tune and record without a cable box will be the same ones any TV can watch without a cable box. You can pretty much presume that will be very few channels.

Assuming your cable box puts out a standard Def tv signal that is not flagged as copy protected then you could record as standard definition and will of course lose some quality depending on how much you try to put on one disk. Some cable companies are flagging channels as never record.

[ctowndu33]

Thanks for the help everyone! I really appreciate it! Those Panasonic that are coming out look awesome! Do we know when they are expected to hit the U.S.? I love Panasonic and have had really good luck with their products so far (that should cause some controversy for my second post!). I like the 1080i up conversion, looks like they have firewire, record all formats, and duel layer. The only thing that I am leary about is that I was expecting to be able to record from the upper channels. Sounds like this isn't going to happen. I really appreciate the help from everyone!

[handyguy]

DL disks still aren't very affordable.

[trhouse]

In July, 2004 it was reported that a double layer disk was about $15 each, a single layer about $2. By the end of last year, it was about $6 for Verbatim double layer, single layer TY disks about $0.30. I just bought a 20 pack of Verbatim dvd+r double layer for $30 with rebate or $1.50 each vs TY for about $0.25 each but it takes about two TY's to equal a double layer so the price ratio has dropped to 3:1 from 10:1 in about five months. Based on history, it would seem top quality DL may be available for <$1 with rebates in about 4-5 months.

[handyguy]

That would be nice but its also about speed rating. Cheaper disks are slow.

Also have to consider that not all dvd players can deal with those DL disks you write.

[trhouse]

You have a point. I have been testing different brands of DL. Some like the Fujifilm ( made by Ritek version ) will play in many but not all players. It will only play on one side in some players.

You have a point about speed too. The Verbatim I have on order is,

17-130-997 DVD+R DL VERBATIM|95123 20PK 8X R 1

which is 8X.

In the comparison earlier, I was referring to the price 4X TY media for $0.25/disk. 8X TY is about $0.31 per disk so the gap is closer to $1.50 versus 2*$0.31 = $0.62 for single sided media.

I am doing a big multi-family project to convert old ( going back 20 years ) VHS and VHS-C tapes to dvd. The relatives want the job to be done with more DL disks so I am trying to accommodate them. They are paying for all the media. Even at $2-3 per disk for DL they still want it. Someone else made a point that if you are copying commercial material, it does not make sense to pay that much. In this application, $2-3 is not so much for someone's memories. I do try to find media that is maximally compatible for them, so here is hoping Verbatim comes though.

[strongbad]

I don't like DL blanks. They have that pause/hiccup during the layer change that absolutely ruins it for me. You don't notice it at all on pressed DL's (although some people say you don't notice it because they use a technique where they use a still image during the layer change to minimize layer change visibility--whatever!). I hate watching a basketball game and all of a sudden during an incredible dunk, the stupid layer change freeze occurs ruining the moment.

[trhouse]

I noticed that too. There is a definite hesitation at the changeover. Fortunately because I am capturing home video, I can just make sure not to record through the changeover, but have it stop short and on the second layer start a different clip.

[DVWannaB]

Yes, I agree with you guys on the DL layer-break issue. My Sony Hx715 has a slight pause at the layer-break. I use only Verbatim DVD+R DL media.

What I have found tho', in a recent test, is if I burn my capture with VSO CopyToDVD, the layer break is handled flawlessly. DVD Recorder manufacturers have done a poor job of implementing the layer break burn in their machines. For everyone who has a DL capable DVD Recorder should report this to the manufacturer and demand that they fix this.

[trhouse]

Here is the DVDInfoPro description of the Verbatim dvd+r DL, inkjet printables available from Newegg for $30/20.



They are MKM, but made in Singapore not Japan.

A few more photos of what you get.

[lordsmurf]

DVD Recorder manufacturers have done a poor job of implementing the layer break burn in their machines. For everyone who has a DL capable DVD Recorder should report this to the manufacturer and demand that they fix this.

No shock here. DL support was more likely than not an afterthought. You just bought into it too early. I've been extremely wary of this for months now.

On the other hand, Sony DVD recorders are not very good. I wonder how well LG's DL burning works.

[DVWannaB]

lordsmurf,

Yes, I am afraid you are right about the early adopter theory. This, I didnt expect and had never seen anyone post it here as a "thing to watch out for" on DL recorders. Hopefully, this thread will serve as a "heads-up" to would-be DL DVD recorder buyers.

Unfortunately, it is not a problem isolated to Sony. As I am now finding out, they all have this problem. If anyone has seen one that has implemented this feature flawlessly, please sing out LOUD.

Lordsmurf, which recorders are you rocking with these days?

[trhouse]

Here is a test of that Verbatim dvd+r DL, inkjet printable disk from Newegg for $1.50 after rebate. The test was not a continuous recording. The Panasonic ES35V cannot record continuously through the layer change. It stops and requires the first layer be "closed" not the same as "finalized". That works for me since I am compiling clips but will be a problem if recording a single long title is required. The changeover automatically creates a second title in the Direct Navigator. In this test, 2 hours and five minutes were recorded in FR mode to layer 0, and 2 hours to layer 1. The Verbatim made in Singapore looks good.

[lordsmurf]

Lordsmurf, which recorders are you rocking with these days?

JVC DR-M10S and JVC DR-M100S are the main two I use.

Panasonics, LiteOns, and some other lesser known brands get much less use, and several of them I've outright just loaned out to family because they did little more than collect dust, sit on a closet shelf, or act as a doorstop.