Zenith XDR413 DVDR/VCR

[dnr71180]

Anyone know anything about this recorder? Best Buy listed it in thier ads, but doesn't have one in stock (just a dispay model). The Zenith Web page doesn't acknowledge its existance.

[tommyoz]

I went to bestbuy to check it out cause the ad didn't really tell you much.
All I can add is that it's a DVD-R/RW recorder. They had one in stock.

[MachineMan]

I have the Zenith XBV343 DVD/VCR combo (not recorder). I only have good things to say about Zenith's latest line of DVD products. It kicks-Ass over the Sony DVD/VCR combo I had before.

[shabubu1]

I purchased the XBR413 and have been using it for a couple of weeks now and really like it...Still trying to figure out all of the options...
The recording quality is great...No problems or complaints yet, other than it didn't like the Ritek DVD-RW's I got from Meritline....I swapped them out for Optorite DVD-RW's and it's going fine!

[tag]

I purchased the XBR413 and have been using it for a couple of weeks now and really like it...Still trying to figure out all of the options...
The recording quality is great...No problems or complaints yet...

Glad to hear you're having good luck with this model thus far.

Regardless, how bizarre is this? Absolutely no information on the Zenith web site and a Google search for the model returns all of about a dozen hits with one of those being a link to 1-877camcorder.com which shows the model as "Due Out in April". Sheesh!

I can only add that I've actually seen one in BB, it appeared to be rather well built and has DV in.

[Bosko]

So you bought a Zenith 413 combo recorder too huh? Well, welcome to my nightmare... I bought my first one in January and in less than a week it turned out to be defective. It wouldn't record in the DVD mode. When I tried returning it to the store for a replacement I had to wait a month for the store to restock. I looked everywhere on the internet to see what information I could find on this unit but it seemed not to exist. A month later when I received another unit I found out that it had another problem. During timer recording in the DVD mode I was getting a "Copyright" error window which would cause the unit to stop recording. I would arrive home from work and see that the programs that I thought I had recorded had been stopped. I called Zenith and they told me that it was the big three networks (ABC, NBC and CBS) emitting a copyright signal and that there wasn't anything wrong with the Zenith 413. Next they told me that it was the disk that I was using so they sent me a Ritek DVD-RW disk which the Zenith rejected. There are a few other negative things about the 413 that are worth mentioning such as it gives off a lot of heat and a faint burning smell, long startup times and comes with a non-universal remote. It can only control four or five brands of TV.

Not wanting to take a chance of getting another lemon from the store I decided to drop off the 413 at an authorize Zenith station for repairs. They told me it might take two weeks to repair. The problem that I described to them was a very common one with DVD recorders so they said.

Why pay $500.00 plus for a Zenith DVD/VHS recorder that only records in VHS when my JVC VHS (cost less than $200.00) does the same job? If the Zenith service center doesn't fix it then its back to the store for a full refund. I had hoped to use the 413 to transfer my old VHS tapes to DVD and do away with daily recording on VHS.

Bosko

[tag]

....I decided to drop off the 413 at an authorize Zenith station for repairs. They told me it might take two weeks to repair. The problem that I described to them was a very common one with DVD recorders so they said.....

Geez! Which problem did they say was a "very common one" with DVD recorders? The burning smell? Excessive heat? Long startup times? "Copyright error"? Bad disks?

This does not sound good!

[Bosko]

Geez! Which problem did they say was a "very common one" with DVD recorders? The burning smell? Excessive heat? Long startup times? "Copyright error"? Bad disks?

According to the techs at the Zenith service center all of the above was a common problem with most DVD/VHS combo recorders. My concern was the "Copyright" error window which was preventing me from recording in the DVD mode. I could live with the excessive heat and other things as long as it worked properly. Something inside the unit was picking up a "Copyright" signal even while recording basic TV channels. I could understand the "Copyright" error if I was trying to copy a pre-recorded DVD but reruns of "King of Queens"? Come on give me a break! I really hope that the service center fixes it because its a good looking unit. Too bad that they didn't test it more before unleashing it on the public.

Bosko

[tag]

....I really hope that the service center fixes it because its a good looking unit. Too bad that they didn't test it more before unleashing it on the public.

Yes, that is too bad. I hope they fix your unit.

I just find it extremely bizarre that a search for this model on Yahoo! returns all of 4 links and one of those is completely unrelated while another is to a retailer which shows the model as "Coming soon". No press releases, reviews, specs, or any mention of the model anywhere on the internet or even on Zenith's web site.

[tommyoz]

In my opinion, I would just get my money back. I have tried 4 different DVD recorders and all but 1 had some kind of defect. The only reason why I returned the 1 that worked was I was not happy with the quality.
I would hang on to my money, they don't have this thing down yet.

[tag]

In my opinion, I would just get my money back. I have tried 4 different DVD recorders and all but 1 had some kind of defect. The only reason why I returned the 1 that worked was I was not happy with the quality.
I would hang on to my money, they don't have this thing down yet.

I understand you've had some bad luck with these things but I think we have to acknowledge that, all told, tens of thousands (probably more) of standalone DVD recorders have been sold. The blanket statement, "they don't have this thing down yet", ignores myriad users who have burned dozens, hundreds, and perhaps even thousands of disks without experiencing any anomalies.

[tommyoz]

I understand you've had some bad luck with these things but I think we have to acknowledge that, all told, tens of thousands (probably more) of standalone DVD recorders have been sold. The blanket statement, "they don't have this thing down yet", ignores myriad users who have burned dozens, hundreds, and perhaps even thousands of disks without experiencing any anomalies.

That is why I started by saying "In my opinion".

[Bosko]

(Please read my earlier postings.) "Copyright error window"

Zenith service center,

I took my recorder to the local Zenith service center on 3/8/04 and this is what they had to say when I called today.

"We are still unable to find the problem with your DVD/VHS recorder. Please check back with us in another week."


Bosko

[dnr71180]

I dunno, I went and bought one after my original Post. Works great, have never had any problems. Records shows off TV, dumps from my TIVO and have copied over several VHS Home Videos with no errors.

[Bosko]

I dunno, I went and bought one after my original Post. Works great, have never had any problems. Records shows off TV, dumps from my TIVO and have copied over several VHS Home Videos with no errors.

I'm glad that your XBR 413 is working for you.

Could I ask a favor of you please? Try recording in the "Timer Record" DVD mode using different TV channels and times and see if the "Copyright Error" window appears. The VHS timer record worked with no problems.

Thanks
Bosko

[shabubu1]

Bosko,

I'm having the same problem with recording TV to DVD...I thought I screwed up the timer (even though I know it showed programming for 1hr)....It recorded 3 minutes and cut off...
Please keep me posted if yours is fixed!!!!
Thanks for the great info!!!!![/quote][/b]

[Bosko]

The "Copyright Error" demon strikes again!

As I mentioned in my previous posting I took the unit to an authorized Zenith service center for repairs on 3/8/04. Almost two weeks later with no word from the service center I decided to give them a call. It turns out that the service center receptionist didn't know that the unit had an "Exchange Only" policy from Zenith. So my DVD/VHS recorder was just sitting there at the service center collecting dust!

My advice to you is to get a refund or exchange ASAP!

Two days ago I picked up my third replacement XBR413. So far so good but I still don't trust it!


Bosko

[charliewb]

I bought an XBR413 about two weeks ago. I was one of the early purchases of the Phillips DVD+R recorder well. There is no question that the recording quality of the Zenith is light years ahead of the Phillips. I am really happy with most aspects of this recorder.

However, I have been working with zenith tech support on a problem with the DVD-R recording. If I only record part of the DVD, the unit does not recognize that there is any room left to add additional content (ie, reads 0 minutes left and refuses to record further). Tech support has spent a lot of time working with me and sorry they do not have a specific fix and of course would like to blame the DVD blanks. But for others who may experience this problem there is a work around that they suggested that is working for me. With a new blank disk, record a very short segment, like a minute. Then delete the title. You'll lose that minute of record time but from then on the unit recognizes that there is space left on the disk I can continue to record until I finalize.

I was wondering how many others have this as an issue? I have been using Fuji DVD blanks. Zenith would not recommend any particular brands but I did learn that the LG brand that comes in the box, while not available as LG in the USA, is the same as the COMPUSA brand they sell. I'm going to try those blanks and see if the problem is still there.

[charliewb]

I would add that zenith tech support spent considerable time with me and has been very responsive and courteous. I have called probably 5 times and have reached a tech all but once when I got a recorded call back.

[Bosko]

[quote="charliewb"]
If I only record part of the DVD, the unit does not recognize that there is any room left to add additional content (ie, reads 0 minutes left and refuses to record further).
I was wondering how many others have this as an issue?

Charlie,

I have the same problem that you have only I use a Memorex DVD-RW disk for daily use. In order for my DVD-RW to record properly the first test recording that I did (ten minutes) must be left on the disk. If I erase the entire disk clean then it won't recognize the additional space. I only use DVD-Rs for programs that I plan to keep like two hour concerts and so forth. My third XBR413 is working fine.

Oh, by the way the techs at Zenith know as much about this unit as we do. Don't let them play the blame game with you like they did with me.

[me]

I have read that it is exactly the same unit as the GoVideo 4940 DVDR-VCR, which there is also a thread about here, and sells for less than the Zenith unit.

[Christobal]

I am VERY happy with the output results of this machine with regards to VHS conversion to DVD-R PQ.

No serious problems here, other than....

The major reason I bought this machine is the fact that I have 50+ VHS home videos that need to be rescued from tape. All the tapes are 2hr extra high grade Fuji brand.

After the first couple of conversions, I noticed that the tapes usually run to about 122 actual minutes (2 free minutes!! yay!!). The newly recorded DVDs recorded in SP barely make it to the 2 hour mark, much less the extra 2 minutes. Of course, I've had to use the computer to splice things together, but I usually have to edit out a couple of the more boring minutes so that everything will fit on one DVD-R.

Is this a problem with the Zenith's compressor, or is this the nature of all DVD recorders?

Also, has anybody done any comprehensive comparisons to the composite vs. s-video inputs for archiving? Specifically, is it really worth unplugging everything and having my wife nag me because cables draped all over the front of my entertainment center so I can record using the bone-headed front only s-video input. Or, can I just comfortably use the convenient ane permanent rear composite input for my Tivo and keep the peace?


Thanks everybody,

C

[me]

The major reason I bought this machine is the fact that I have 50+ VHS home videos that need to be rescued from tape. All the tapes are 2hr extra high grade Fuji brand.

After the first couple of conversions, I noticed that the tapes usually run to about 122 actual minutes (2 free minutes!! yay!!). The newly recorded DVDs recorded in SP barely make it to the 2 hour mark, much less the extra 2 minutes. Of course, I've had to use the computer to splice things together, but I usually have to edit out a couple of the more boring minutes so that everything will fit on one DVD-R.

Is this a problem with the Zenith's compressor, or is this the nature of all DVD recorders?

C

I don't have this machine, but recently purchased a different DVDR-VCR combination, the Sansui DVD4005, available only at a Sears store, or Sears online. (See other thread about it.) (It costs less than the Zenith or GoVideo, $399.) (Doesn't have the DV1394 input though, for those who want that feature.)

I have recorded from VHS or TV at the highest compression setting, SLP, 6 hours, and the resulting output is good. Since you are starting with VHS, which doesn't have so high a quality to begin with (yes, even if they are on "extra high grade" Fuji tapes) (and especially home movies), it really doesn't make sense to record them to the "higher quality" (lower compression) settings. Experiment with it yourself. Record the same tape to SP, LP, and SLP and see if you notice a difference in the resulting DVD. (If you use a DVD-RW for the test, you can erase it afterwards, so as not to waste space for a test.) Let us know the result.

[mtlandis]

I am glad to hear that most people aren't having problems with their XBR413. I, however, am one of those people who is having a lot of problems. I waited a long time to purchase my unit. Mainly because I am a single, working mother of 3 and cannot justify that kind of expense on myself. Finally my income tax refund came in and the bills were paid so I splurged on myself. For the first 36 days I was extrememely pleased with it. Then, without warning, it stopped working. The first thought through my head was the snide question the Best Buy salesperson asked me when I refused the $200 extended warranty. He asked me what I was going to do if the unit broke on the 31st day. LOL I don't go in for conspiracy theories and I don't believe Best Buy "rigged" it in anyway.

Well, to make a very long story short, here's the basics of what happened after that....
3/20/04 - called Zenith customer service, told to take to authorized service center.
3/22/04 - told by service center that Zenith told them the unit had to be returned to Zenith. I was told by Zenith that mailing labels were on the way.
3/27/04 - told by Zenith that mailing labels were never sent and to take to authorized service center.
3/29/04 - went to service center and had them call Zenith. After call, service center agreed to repair unit.
3/31/04 - service center told me that spindle motor was defective. Part could take 3 or more weeks to arrive. Zenith told me they had sent shipping labels on 3/30/04, that I should not have taken machine to service center.
4/3/04 - labels arrive in an envelope postmarked 3/31/04.
4/5/04 - unit picked up at service center
4/6/04 - unit picked up by Airborne Express
4/9/04 - Zenith could not confirm receipt of unit, but generally it takes 2-3 weeks to ship a new one back. They made a note to contact me when the new one ships.

Ok so by my calculations, it will be the end of April or the beginning of May when I receive my new unit. That's about 6 weeks after it broke in the first place. In the meantime, I am out my DVD recorder and my VCR. As of yet, Zenith has not offered me any compensation for my time or my inconvenience. LOL I haven't even received an apology.

I thoroughly enjoyed the ease of use with the XBR413 as well as the quality of the DVDs. However, I am starting to think that I would have been better off with a unit that was perhaps harder to use and had l0ower quality. At least that machine would still be working.

[mtlandis]

I was wondering how many others have this as an issue? I have been using Fuji DVD blanks. Zenith would not recommend any particular brands but I did learn that the LG brand that comes in the box, while not available as LG in the USA, is the same as the COMPUSA brand they sell. I'm going to try those blanks and see if the problem is still there.

When my unit was working, I did not have this issue. As a matter of fact , on several DVDs, I recorded 3 separate TV shows. I never experienced the problem you describe. Maybe the brand of DVD does have something to do with. I was using Memorex 4X DVD-R.

[mtlandis]

The "Copyright Error" demon strikes again!

It turns out that the service center receptionist didn't know that the unit had an "Exchange Only" policy from Zenith.

Bosko

Actually, I was told by Felicity at Zenith's customer service that a memo was distributed to all customer service reps on February 2, 2004 that stated that the XBR413 was NOT and exchange item and that it was to be fixed by an authorized service center. LOL However, if you read my post, you will see that I eventually had to return mine to Zenith to be replaced.

[Bosko]

mtlandis,

When I was experiencing problems with my first two XBR413 recorders, Zenith and their service center had me running through hoops just like you. I basically did everything you did step by step. It wasn't until I got tired of staring at an empty entertainment center in my living-room where my approx., $500.00 Zenith DVD/VHS recorder should be, that I decided to do something. I called the manager of Best Buy and informed him that I wasn't interested in dealing with Zenith or their service reps with a product that was less than a month old. I also informed him that I wanted an exchange or a full refund. Best Buy agreed to exchange my recorder regardless of the their 30 day return policy. I'm happy to report that my third XBR413 recorder is still working properly. (I still don't trust it.)

Bosko

[charliewb]

An update on DVD-R blanks for the XBR413. The blanks that ship with the unit are not available in the US, but after several discussions with tech support they learned that the Compusa brand is the US version of the same blanks. I tried a set of those blanks (which were on sale at the time) and my experience is that sometimes they worked and sometimes I had the same problem in not being able to record more than once. I have taken to recording 20 seconds, and then deleting the title, on every DVD-R I use - with about 25 DVD-Rs recorded I have had only 1 failure since. It's a work around, but it does appear to work.

I also bought the unit to transfer VHS tapes, most of which are recorded in SLP mode, which gets me 6 hrs on the tape with low resolution. Whatever compression schema is being used actually enhances the quality of the picture when transferred to DVD, even when recorded using the 4 hour LP mode. The tapes hold my edited home movies. I still have the raw DV tapes and will see what that looks like when I start archiving them on DVD.

Don't want to jinx anything, but it is working well for me so far.

[mtlandis]

Bosko,
Thanks for the response. Seems I am in the same boat as you. I got my original machine back on April 21. The factory had replaced the entire DVD drive. It worked beautifully until last night (May 8). I started experiencing the same problems. I called Zenith right away and spoke with Ian - a really nice guy. He didn't know anything about any memo saying the repair shop had to fix it. He told me that labels would be sent out to me immediately to ship it back.

Incidentally, I have spoken with Best Buy several times and they absolutely refuse to take the machine back. The first time it went down was more than 30 days after the original purchase. The manager at one of their stores even went so far as to tell me that I should have bought the extended warranty ($199).

Anyway, we will wait an see what happens. I can be very patient and understanding but once I reach my limit - there is no stopping me.