Entry level stand alond DVD recorder

[Gazzadfc]

I am after an entry level DVD recorder to mainly record off TV but also to transfer footage from my MINIDV camcorder straight onto disk. The ones I have looked at only record using the DVD+ format but will playback both formats. Now to make DVDs so that our sports team can watch them I cant afford to make a mistake with compatability problems and I believe DVD- is the best choice, the thing is I have not seen a decent machine (yet) which can record using either both formats or just DVD-.

Anyone any suggestions?

[salami]

Check out the Lite-On LVW-5005.
They currently have it here for $263.

[andyp1]

I have a Philips DVDR75 which as you probably know uses DVD+R/RW.
Taking the footage off the +RW and burning it to -R on PC is easy to do .
Asuming of course you have a DVD Burner on your PC.

[piano632]

Try a Sharp recorder like the DV-RW2, but now replaced with the DV-RW3. They are -R and -RW and have bi-directional firewire like Pioneer models, but cheaper. In fact, I opened up my Sharp DV-RW2 and found a Pioneer DVR-104 burner inside. Mine has worked flawlessly for months now.

[Gazzadfc]

Thanks for all that.

The liteon LVW-5005 looks a great prospect but I have been having problems trying to source it within the UK, does anyone know if it is on sale within the UK? or is it worth buying one from the states and having it shipped out provided it would work over here?

[andyp1]

I'd check on any potential problems reguarding PAL/NTSC if you were to import one also you would want region free or a reliable region crack.

[davewave]

The LiteOn LVW-5005 DVD Recorder is for sale on www.blankdiscshop.co.uk from the 17th June 2004 for only £199.99.
I was thinking of buying one, are they any good?

[lordsmurf]

The LiteOn is in the top 3 in terms of quality. I put the JVC models at #1.

[sunderland]

lordsmurf when you said you put it 3rd have you tested it. as ive been considering one of these. but the only draw back is it doesnt have rgb input and output.

[lordsmurf]

lordsmurf when you said you put it 3rd have you tested it. as ive been considering one of these. but the only draw back is it doesnt have rgb input and output.

Another drawback: random firmware errors. You can get video jitter (destabilization of interlace) on some videos from time to time (VHS conversions). But it's rare to happen. Some units never show it. Mine shows it on one tape I tried to convert (though dozens others have been fine). LiteOn is trying to fix this for next time (I post on the LiteOn forums, Banitc gave us a good response on this). A few units show it all the time (I'd just return those units).

Also, it uses CVBR, which is low max VBR. The 4-hour is not so hot, though still better than a Panasonic. The 2-3 hour modes are best.

Benefits: There are also hacks on my site for this that disable MV, add 3-hour mode, and make it region free. Very nice.

It's an awesome machine, but not quite perfect. I found the JVC to be closer to perfection.

[sunderland]

thanks for the info lordsmurf it would be nice to have a look at your site

[lordsmurf]

thanks for the info lordsmurf it would be nice to have a look at your site

The full DVD recorder reviews section is under construction now, but you can access the LITEON firmware info here:
http://www.digitalfaq.com/reviews/liteon.htm
This is for NTSC only.

For PAL, you'd have to look at this message board in the LITEON 500x section:
http://220.130.29.146/ikonboard.cgi?s=7c87c3f6cffb6285ae4f9f84af76a355;act=SC;c=2

[sunderland]

thanks lordsmurf will have a look