DVD Recorder Advice

[Mythos2002]

Hello,

I was trying to help my brother decide on a DVD Recorder. I don't know much about them myself as I prefer to use my PC. That is not an option for him though.

He was looking at purchasing a DVD Recorder with TIVO. He already has a TIVO, but he was going to get rid of it and use this instead. However, I have found two possible reasons not to buy a TIVO DVD Recorder in my reading. 1.) He currently has Directv and there is no mention I can find whether these recorders support Directv or just standard TIVO. 2.) I've seen a lot of posts saying you cannot edit out the commercials or really do much editing at all. He won't be interested if there is no way to do any editing or use it with Directv.

So far, the only thing I've been able to figure out is that it is best to buy a recorder that has a hard drive. Can anyone give me any advice or links on the other aspects I have questions about?
1.) Which brand usually has the best picture quality and reliability?
2.) Are there any good units that do DVD -R/RW and +R/RW?
3.) Is DVD-Ram necessary?

If anyone could advise me on this, I would greatly appreciate this? Thanks.

Mythos

[lordsmurf]

1. JVC has the best visual quality, hands down. This is because of the LSI encode chips, and how the JVC incorporates them. Pioneer and LiteOn come in second. LiteOn also has LSI, though not as good an implementation as JVC did.

2. JVC is DVD-R/RW/RAM. Pioneer is DVD-R/RW. LiteOn in DVD+R/RW, some are even -R/+R.

3. Absolutely not. In fact, I suggest against it. You are required to use VR mode on a RAM discs. VRO is not as compatible or as easy to work with as plain old DVD-Video (Video Mode) format. DVD-Video is -R/-RW only. DVD+R/RW uses DVD+VR, which is similar to DVD-Video mode.

If he wants to edit on the unit (as opposed to on a computer, which is easier), then get a unit with a HARD DRIVE (HDD).

I suggest you avoid Panasonic, Cyberhome and Toshiba.

[Mythos2002]

Thanks for the advice Lord Smurf. That will help narrow things down a bit. If it were me, I would edit on my PC, but he doesn't want to buy a burner for that.

Thanks again.

Mythos

[Epicurus8a]

I've been using a Pioneer 210s for 6 months or so and just bought a Pioneer 420H-s with an 80gig hard drive (for storage and editing). Both machines have been flawless so far and are a true joy to own. Both machines record DVD-R, DVD-RW. Also, they both have the option to record in VR mode* (for editing) with an RW disc. Editing is well thought out, and a breeze! The best feature by far is the manual (VBR) bit rate selection.

From my perspective, -R discs are more compatible with stand alone DVD players, although someone is sure to say +R works better for them.

A year or so ago I tried a Panasonic unit and can not understand why some people rave about them. I was disappointed on many levels. Some of the Liteon units only come with mono tuners, so read the specs carefully.

*NOTE: VR mode is not supported by most DVD players or most software, but that will change as time goes by. (DVD-RAM is not necessary.)

[kenmo]

1. JVC has the best visual quality, hands down. This is because of the LSI encode chips, and how the JVC incorporates them. Pioneer and LiteOn come in second. LiteOn also has LSI, though not as good an implementation as JVC did.

2. JVC is DVD-R/RW/RAM. Pioneer is DVD-R/RW. LiteOn in DVD+R/RW, some are even -R/+R.

3. Absolutely not. In fact, I suggest against it. You are required to use VR mode on a RAM discs. VRO is not as compatible or as easy to work with as plain old DVD-Video (Video Mode) format. DVD-Video is -R/-RW only. DVD+R/RW uses DVD+VR, which is similar to DVD-Video mode.

If he wants to edit on the unit (as opposed to on a computer, which is easier), then get a unit with a HARD DRIVE (HDD).

I suggest you avoid Panasonic, Cyberhome and Toshiba.

Lordsmurf. Can I ask why you suggest he avoid a Toshiba ? I own a Toshiba DR-2 and I'm quite pleased with it..

Cheers

Kenmo

[lordsmurf]

IRE and brightness bugs. Discs look fine played on Toshiba, but not others. Some people swear their's have no problem, so it's either bad eyesight, or something like differing firmware. I'm betting on some of each.

It is also too strict when it comes to anti-copy. It sometimes thinks unprotected broadcasts are protected. This is the complaint I've heard most often.

[handyguy]

"Can anyone give me any advice or links on the other aspects I have questions about? "

Left Column: dvd recorders

[Tattman]

I love my Panasonic EMR30 & EMR75. THEY PLAY ANYTHING DVD-R, +R, VCD. Never has any problems with them. I burn with pioneer108. As far as dvd-ram I use dvd-ram when I don't want to keep what I recorded. You can find these at what I consider cheap prices online, especially the refurbished ones.

[sync]

I've been using a Pioneer 210s for 6 months or so and just bought a Pioneer 420H-s with an 80gig hard drive (for storage and editing).

I'm quite pleased with my Pioneer 220 and am thinking the 420H might be good for my sister. Where do you get them? I can't find a source in the States.

[ejk71]

JVC has the best visual quality, but as for the reliability of JVC, the "loading" bug is a BIG pain in the ass, if you want to, you can take the chance, otherwise I'd say wait for the next generation of the JVC recorders to fix this bg, I returned mine and thats what i'll be doing.

[jrh1194]

JVC, Panasonic & Pioneer are all good choices. Brand names that have been making quality components for years. Avoid Liteon & Ilo. No matter what anyone says... They are cheaper but you will absolutely get what you pay for.

[samijubal]

I dumped my JVC too, it's not what people here make it up to be even without the loading problems.

[Epicurus8a]

I've been using a Pioneer 210s for 6 months or so and just bought a Pioneer 420H-s with an 80gig hard drive (for storage and editing).

I'm quite pleased with my Pioneer 220 and am thinking the 420H might be good for my sister. Where do you get them? I can't find a source in the States.

I bought the 210s (no longer being sold) at Costco. The 420H-s came from Costco onlline ($500). They should still be available, and I believe they will sell them to non-members for a few dollars more. FYI: Costco is not an authorized Pioneer seller, so the Pioneer warranty is void, INSTEAD, Costco offers a full refund for one year if you have a problem.

The 420H-s is identical to the 520H-s, except the 520H-s has DV. You might want to consider this,,, Good luck.