Looking for a DVD recorder and need a bit of advice please

[Thomas Davie]

Ok, first off I'll state that I'll be using my computers to do most of the editing or adding to DVD compilations using Ulead's DVD Moviefactory 3 and TMPGEnc Dvd Author. So I guess that means I need a unit that produces good compatibility.

I've heard f a number of different ways of getting your recorded video from DVD +R(W) to the computer; 1) A straight copy and rename VOB's to MPG's, and 2) Ripping via a program (say DVD Decrypter). Is this generally how people do it? Am I wrong, right? Are there other, perhaps better methods?

The recorders that I've seen that have caught my eye so far are;

1) The LVW-5001 by Lite-On (I am aware that the 5005 is supposedly aroudn the corner)

2) The Cyberhome CVHR1500

3) The Philips DVDR75

Any ideas, ino, hints or tips?

thanks for ideas

Tom

[fwd1]

There should not be incompatibility issues between the selected software and any DVD burner.
for how it's done: see guides on this site and referred ones.

[BobK]

I mainly use 2 methods depending on what I need to do with the video and how much time I want to spend on it:

1- Rip the disk to the hard drive with DVDDecrypter (file mode), then open the folder with TMPGENC DVD Author and use directly from the vobs.

2- Rip to the hard drive with Decrypter, open the folder with TMPGEnc DVD Author, check the box that says "Copy the clip video data to the HDD". DVD Author then converts the DVD files to a DVD compliant mpeg file on the HD which can be opened by any other program that accepts mepg2 files.

Personally I want a DVD recorder with a hard drive (at least 80 G) that will write from the hard drive to a -RW disk (or +RW). So far the only ones I've found that will do that are Pioneer. Everything else I've looked at with a hard drive will only write to a -R or DVD RAM. I could probably just buy a DVD RAM reader for my computer, but I don't want to spend more money to get something that takes up more room in my case and sucks up more power in an already slightly underpowered system.

[seb]

I have a DVDR70 and use TmpegEnc DVDAuthor (TDA) and MpegVCR.

I don't see any point in ripping the whole DVD+RW to the hard-disk first. I just start TDA, start a new project, select Add DVD Video and browse the DVD+RW directly. I select the individual title(s) I want to use and copy the clip data to the hard disk at that point. TDA creates a mpg file in a temp folder. I then quit TDA (don't bother saving project) and use MpegVCR on the MPG file to clean it up and remove adverts etc. TDA has simple editing function built in, but it's pretty crude and not frame exact like MpegVCR.

Then restart TDA, new project, add the edited MPG(s) and away you go. Has always worked smoothly here. I don't know about the other recorders you mention, but would have the thought that the process should work the same.

[lordsmurf]

My 5 step process:

1. Apex DRX-9000 on DVD+RW
2. Rip IFO with DVD Decrypter to HD.
3. Edit VOB with Womble MPEG VCR, save as .MPG file.
4. Demux files in TMPGEnc. Have AC3 and M2V.
5. Author in DVDit! PE

Perfect DVDs.

[Thomas Davie]

Thanks for all of the replies. I'm fairly comfortable with the process of ripping and editing that you have all greatfully listed. I guess I should have been more clear. Are there any preferences for any one of the 3 DVD recorders I've listed, or others? Similar in price, not going above, say $450 US before tax is added in )because I'll pay a second tax when coming across back into Canada).

As always, quality of build is important, since to return it is a 2.5 hour drive (unless I buy at a Walmart, and then I could easily return to a Walmart up here in Canada).

thanks again for your help.

Tom

[tommyoz]

The recorders that I've seen that have caught my eye so far are;

1) The LVW-5001 by Lite-On (I am aware that the 5005 is supposedly aroudn the corner)
2) The Cyberhome CVHR1500
3) The Philips DVDR75

Any ideas, ino, hints or tips? thanks for ideas

Tom

Tom, I have experience with 2 of the above mentioned.

1) The Cyberhome CVHR1500 - I bought one for $249.00 at walmart and would not play any DVD's or recognize DVD+R/RW. Brought it back and tried another. The constuction of the machine was weak. The discs really get hot compared to the next one I bought. I felt it was not consistent with it's DVD structure. I had trouble ripping and reauthoring a few discs. Some would be recognized and others wouldn't. No, it was not my media or DVDRom's.

2) The Philips DVDR75 - I just picked this one up for $407.00 at Best Buy so I can't speak about this one too much. I will tell you that my first 2 recordings went well and I've had no problems with reauthoring so far. It also has component video in. I like this one a lot so far over my previous 2 (Cyberhome and Sansui). People have said that the manual is very confusing. I found it easier to just navigate with the remote and only go to the manual for specifc information.

[tommyoz]

Tom,
It appears by your 3 choices that you are looking for a DVD+R/RW recorder. The one that lordsmurf listed Apex DRX-9000 is one also.
I think this one goes for between $300 and $400.

[spiderman2k1]

I like Panasonic record's sound in DD2.0 and keep's close caption subtitle's. I also use a LG DVD burner on my PC to read DVD-RAM