Best DVD Recorder (home, not PC) for the money??

[dalek7]

So, I'm looking for advice on a new DVD recorder with a hard-drive for the $250 or less range.

I have an iLo, but the damn thing's started doing that bit where it doesn't recognize blank media (or the systemn freezes when trying to format said media).
I hear that a lot of newer units are much more compatible... this true?

So, what's the best DVD recorder unit, DVD- or + r with a hard-drive, on the market these days, for the $250 and under range, and where do I find it? Its gotta be something that won't start spitting out blank discs in a year or two...
PS- I'm living in AZ, so NTSC, etc etc... Also, just to reiterate, this is for a home DVDrecorder, not for a computer.

Thanks all, and I look forward to everyone's advice.

[lordsmurf]

I'd look at the blank media first. What are you using? Garbage media will give the same problem on any machine. It has little to do with compatibility, it's more often just a bad quality disc.

[dalek7]

Sorry.. forgot to put that bit...

Actually, the media worked for a while, then quit... each brand that I've tried, most of them on ILO's compatibility list. First few discs may be fine, then, after a while, the unit freezes during format. Some brands don't work at all now, or ever. I've also tried resetting the unit to factory stats, firmware, and lens cleaners.
Its the recorder, as far as I'm concerned.

[trhouse]

Unless I am mistaken, iLo is the only brand with a hard drive in the $250 or less category unless you include used, older, refurbished, or eBay units. I am not even sure how you got the iLo for that since Walmart has them listed for $278.

[lordsmurf]

Forget that "compatibility list" non-sense. Read up about good discs at www.nomorecoasters.com

I still say you're likely overlooking the real problem here.

Again, what blank media are being used?

[dalek7]

Never said I got the ilo for $250... Just trying to replace it, if I must, for that or less... but understood, and such words do not bode well.

Meanwhile, the media being used:

Recorder takes DVD+r(w) only.
TDK 4x used to work fine, now only about 1 in 10 will prep.
Verbatim 16x worked fine, now only 1 in 7 prep.
Fuji won't even load in the friggin' thing... it just spits 'em back out.
Memorex 16x are doin' ok... 1 in 3 or 4 will currently prep, depending on the machine's temprament...
Hope these are the details you're looking for... thanks.

[trhouse]

You might want to download freeware DVDInfoPro. It can help identify the manufacturer of the disks you are using. Some of the companies you named sell product made by others under their brand so you never know, without testing, whose media you are using.

[Higgie]

I also have an Ilo, been using it for over 12 months now. The only time I had a problem similar to the one in this thread is when I changed my media. I went back to the Philps 041 dye under different brands and it works flawlesly every time, so I would agree after my experiences that the problem is within the media you are using.

[dalek7]

Philps 041 dye

OK, where can I find that media, and under what monikers/brands...?


Thanks

[FulciLives]

I would go with the Pioneer DVR-640H-S but the price is more like $350 US Dollars.

However I have last year's Pioneer (the DVR-531H-S) and it works great ... many people that have it love it ... and from what I hear the new DVR-640H-S is about the same ... but with a bigger HDD (160GB).

Pioneer is built well ... work well ... excellent quality image and sound etc.

In short no quirks like other brands ... some "off" like Lite-On ... some even "big" names int he industry!

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[trhouse]

OK, where can I find that media, and under what monikers/brands...?

Fair question but the answer is not easy. The relationship between marketing companies ( companies that stick their logo on someone else's media ) and manufacturers change quite a bit. Start by clicking on the "DVD MEDIA" tab at the left. A company like Memorex has had at least ten different vendors including Philips. That is why it is best to test with the freeware.

Even worse are some companies that "borrow" other manufacturer's media ID code. I have some media with a Taiyo Yuden media code but it is awful compared to the real thing. They were $2.50 for a spindle of 50 so not much lost.

[lordsmurf]

You should try some SONY DVD+R media.
Or MAXELL "made in Japan" DVD+R media.
Or VERBATIM DVD+R media.

I still say your problem is disc choice.

Are you a smoker? If so, maybe you killed the laser. Smoke severely damages optical equipment.

[jfharper]

I would go with the Pioneer DVR-640H-S...
In short no quirks like other brands ... some "off" like Lite-On ... some even "big" names int he industry!

Thanks for that...I was looking to buy a new DVD/HDD unit too, and had no idea what I should spend...the less the better. I was considering the Lite-On HD-A740GX at costco for $300, but was reluctant because of no reviews and it being an "off named brand."

I would rather spend $50 more to get something with a good name, comes with a recommendation from someone who requents these posts, and has good reviews behind it...thanks again.

[FulciLives]

I would go with the Pioneer DVR-640H-S...
In short no quirks like other brands ... some "off" like Lite-On ... some even "big" names int he industry!

Thanks for that...I was looking to buy a new DVD/HDD unit too, and had no idea what I should spend...the less the better. I was considering the Lite-On HD-A740GX at costco for $300, but was reluctant because of no reviews and it being an "off named brand."

I would rather spend $50 more to get something with a good name, comes with a recommendation from someone who requents these posts, and has good reviews behind it...thanks again.

The AVS FORUM has a DVD RECORDER section and there is a huge thread over there about the Pioneer DVR-640H-s and I only sampled it (the thread is huge) but it seems that the 640 is basically the same as the models from last year (like the DVR-531H-s that I have) ... a few gripes from some because it does some things a bit different but overall seems the same to me.

There is also a thread over there saying that the Pioneer DVD reocrders of 2005 (like the 531/533/633) were the best HDD models of 2005 ... and owning one I must agree.

If you want to see some still images from recordings that I did with my Pioneer DVR-531H-s then take a look at this thread below:

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=284140

I have some cable TV capture pics (both analog and digital cable) and some pics from a VHS that turned out rather good I think even though it was an old VHS tape recorded from analog cable long ago using a "nothing special" Panasonic 4 Head Mono VHS VCR.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[jfharper]

I know, I started reading it and got crossed eyed about 4 pages in...but that is a lot of info, and if those guys have gone thru that machine with a fine tooth comb, then I feel pretty good about the purchase. Besides, it seems like 80% of the top rated DVD recoders in the video help list are made by Pioneer.

Thanks for the pics thread. I mainly wanted my money spent on the wisest unit.

[lordsmurf]

I was considering the Lite-On HD-A740GX at costco for $300, but was reluctant because of no reviews and it being an "off named brand."

LiteOn is far from an "off named brand". You're just not familiar with it.

LiteOn has been creating optical recording devices for well more than a decade now, and they've long been top rated drives. Some of the very first "burnproof" drives were made by LiteOn.

LiteOn selected LSI Logic chips too, very well known video chip maker, to partner with, in creating their DVD recorders.

To make their machines even more appealing, they provide them at lower costs than others, mostly because they use their own burners (one way costs are cut).

[JohnnyCNote]

LiteOn is far from an "off named brand". You're just not familiar with it.

LiteOn has been creating optical recording devices for well more than a decade now, and they've long been top rated drives. Some of the very first "burnproof" drives were made by LiteOn.

LiteOn selected LSI Logic chips too, very well known video chip maker, to partner with, in creating their DVD recorders.

To make their machines even more appealing, they provide them at lower costs than others, mostly because they use their own burners (one way costs are cut).

Have you used this particular model yourself? I'm considering replacing my ILO & Pioneer 210 with the Lite-on. I'll confess that I had problems with the 1st LiteOn 5001 I had, and later I got a 5005 and couldn't get the firmware to update, but I really don't need a hackable one at this point. I like the idea of dual layer compatibility since, unless I've got it wrong, I should be able to fit more material on a disk than on a single layer.....

[dalek7]

Can someone give me a link to the best blank media that they can recommend? Somewhere I can order it online without spending too much...
I just need to buy a spindle of something and try it to decide if it really is the media and not the machine, but I don't want to scour the world looking for the 5 or 6 'best' that have been mentioned above...

[FulciLives]

Can someone give me a link to the best blank media that they can recommend? Somewhere I can order it online without spending too much...
I just need to buy a spindle of something and try it to decide if it really is the media and not the machine, but I don't want to scour the world looking for the 5 or 6 'best' that have been mentioned above...

Here is a link to Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-R discs ... the best of the best ...

http://www.rima.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=R&Product_Code=1736-1...ode=TAIYOYUDEN

100 pack is $29.99 + shipping or you can get a 50 pack for $16.00 + shipping

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[LCSHG]

[ dalek7 ]

I assume by your posts that you have a ilo RHD04
I have 2 of them both some 1 1/2 yrs old and have burned many disks. I also have a R04 that is converted to a 5005x
I use Verbatim disks 2x to 16x and all work just fine. I have also used Maxell and Memorex
I have not had any problems with any
The verbatim is the only 16x disk that will run at 16x in a PC. [that I have used]
In the ilo, disk speed over 4x will make no difference in the operation speed.

If the ilo will not burn a verbatim disk and the laser is clean you have problems.
The DVD drive can be replaced

The RHD04 is well worth the effort to save it but if you do wish to get rid of it
I would buy it sight unsean

PS don't buy a Liteon from Costco without checking first. they have the Media Tek chip and are not the same as the liteOn with the LSI chip.
If you replace the DVD drive I will buy the old DDW 451s


Check these sites

http://www.techolio.com/forums/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=7&sid=223ead107dd5ab9559c3bf58cd16475d

http://www.normediasolutions.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=12






Check these to sites

[dalek7]

Hey Guys,

I have an ILO DVDRHD04, which used +R discs, so I ned a different link.

But yeah, I use verbatim, (have cleaned the lense) & they're not working, so I think the machine's got problems.

No idea how to change the DVD drive, tho... how to go about it, where, how much it might cost, etc... this hardly seems a worthy notion if I can buy a more up-to-date or compatible machine for the cost of fixing this one (assumedly), so/but I'm still open to more information, please...

Would sell the machine, happily, to buy something else, but again I need more info...

THANKS

[FulciLives]

Here is a link to the Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+R discs ... I don't use them myself ... but the word is that they are the best of the best when it comes to +R discs.

Here is the link ---> CLICK HERE

I know that Verbatim DVD-R discs are nearly as highly regarded as Taiyo Yuden DVD-R discs but I have no idea if Verbatim DVD+R discs are good or not.

I thought I read that it is fairly easy to change out the DVD drive from a Lite-On as I think they just use a "standard" computer model Lite-On DVD burner. So you might be able to get a burner for like $40 and fix it up yourself.

However this week (from 07/16/2006 thru 07/22/2006) BEST BUY is selling a Lite-On DVD recorder (stand alone unit) for $89.99

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[LCSHG]

[ delek7 ]

The ilo IS a +disk machine only
The sites I gave discuss the Ilo and give a very good discription on both DVD and HDD drive replacement.
My R04 has a LDW 1693s as a replacement drive both RHD04 units have had a temporary DVD drive replacements.
The have all worked fine.
I am going to assume that the DVD drive is defective but it could be something else.

At any rate if you should decide to get rid of it, or the drive. Please let me know by PM or post

[dalek7]

LCSHG - sorry, I missed think the links at the bottom of your post, so I'll have to check those out...
And I was posting the fact that I needed +r discs to a previous poster... sorry for the COM mixup.

FulciLives - Thanks for the link... I will look into that.

So, you guys seem to reccommend the lite-on recorders a lot (do they make a stand-alone model with a hard-drive?).... And Pioneer, but all of their models that have hard-drives are mega-pricey... More food for thought....

Will look into all of the above... thanks!

[dalek7]

LCSHG

Well, upon initial inspection of the threads you provided me, this sounds like a much bigger headache to change out mechanical components of the machine than I am willing to suffer through (unless you think there is an easier version of the solution that I have simply not come upon in said threads yet).
Anyways, so far I'm still looking at buying a new machine (although I might try that last media link I was given first)...

[MJA]

buy it from costco if you can,so u can return it any time. bestbuy only 14 days

[LCSHG]

[ dalek7 ]


Some pf the LiteOn units and Ilo-04 series [which is LiteonLiteOn] are now discontinued.
They did have attributes I wanted and they are a good machine. They are somewhat cranky
And do not always behave.
If I didn't want these attributes. If CP were not an issue with me I would most likely get a different unit like Pioneer, JVC, etc

The 04 units produce [my opinion] as good a picture as any but as said are cranky.
I think you should carefully weigh your options and check the DVD drive [if that is the problem] It is really not that hard or a problem
Check this site and thread
http://www.techolio.com/forums/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1868
There is a lot of info, with questions asked and answered

There is one issue, The drive replacement I used is a LDW-1693s anfd it works fine on all functions. The 1693s is discontinued all drives below that are reported to work fine, The later ones [160p and up] are reported to have lost some functions ,as FF

For me the RHD04 is worth the repair, but might not be for you
Again if you decide to sell it let me know

[next]

Best for the money?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=675487&page=1&pp=30

Not the best but a heck of a bargain. And it works very well. Plus hard drive is standard ide so it is very easy to upgrade.

[LCSHG]

[ next ]

Plus hard drive is standard ide so it is very easy to upgrade.

Yes and NO

As an example. My ilo RHD04 has a 80 gb IDE HDD, To upgrade it, to say a 160gb HDD, I would have to take the 160 drive tp a PC and format it for the full 160 gb. Install the proper dir. and files for video. Because this is a standard FAT 32 the unit may be a little slower. Should one ever do a total erase on the ilo, by default the ilo will format the 160 gb drive to 80 gb and LITEONFAT. To get back the 160, would require the PC process again
I believe that most recorders follow this

While it is somewhat easy. A full erase on the unit is not possable and could lead to fragmentation issues. Many have mounted the larger HDD outside the case

[SCDVD]

I have a LitoOn 5005. I would rate it as a decent machine for the money. It's a pretty basic machine without a hard disc but it works well. It's a earlier model which I installed the hacked firmware on that ignores Macrovision and adds a three hour recording mode. I have found that it does a better job with +R media. There is another issue with DVD recorders. By definition, you are copying at 1X speed. Some media seems to perform better at 1X than others. When you find a particular type of media that works well on your recorder, it's a good idea to stick with it.