Pioneer DVR 225-s

[candyman56]

I just picked this model up on Sunday at Best Buy for $270. Does anyone know if this is a good recorder?

What type of media works good with this recorder? Sony, Memorex....

Thanks

[Epicurus8a]

I own a Pioneer a 420H-s (with an 80Gb HDD) and a 210s. Both machines have been absolutely flawless, in my opinion. (The manual bit rate setting is one of the coolest featues!) I can only assume your machine will be equally as nice.

As far as media is concerned, I always use Taiyo-Yuden for myself, and Prodisc for "giveaways." I suggest you buy Tayio-Yuden, Maxell, Fuji, TDK, or SONY. Whenever possible, check the packaging for the words "Made in Japan." If it says "Made in Taiwan," you're getting a disc from some unknown manufactorer. You can always check the ID Code after purchasing, but then it might be too late, and you'll be stuck with lesser quality discs. Never buy Memorex, Princo or generic "house brand" discs - while they may work okay now, they are generally considered to be less reliable later on. If you buy from one of the VIDEOHELP sponsors, you can usually find discs that are better and cheaper than you can find in your home town.

The lists on the left will help you evaluate recorders, players, discs, software, and more. Good luck!

[AlecWest]

Never buy Memorex, Princo or generic "house brand" discs - while they may work okay now, they are generally considered to be less reliable later on. If you buy from one of the VIDEOHELP sponsors, you can usually find discs that are better and cheaper than you can find in your home town.

Just an additional note on media. I'm using Memorex DVD-R's right now. And, they're burning and playing great. But you're probably right in your recommendation not to buy them. The media ID for my disks indicate they're RitekG05's. And, according to VideoHelp's sponsor:

http://www.supermediastore.com/dvdmedia.html

Ritek's are ranked as highly as Taiyo-Yuden and Prodisc:



But the problem is that Memorex buys from different manufacturers all the time. I lucked out buying a stack made by Ritek. But next time around, I might not be so lucky. In short, there is apparent "inconsistency" in the quality of Memorex discs since it all depends upon who made them. I won't be burning all that many DVDs myself so I can afford to be choosy. Taiyo-Yuden will be my next purchase.

It's a shame that "truth in labeling laws" can't be extended to DVD media, requiring that all packages indicate a media ID on them.

[candyman56]

Should I stick with SONY then? Best Buy has a 50 pack of DVD-R's for $20.00.

[Synergy]

Should I stick with SONY then? Best Buy has a 50 pack of DVD-R's for $20.00.

The trick about buying DVD-R media in retail store is to stock up when they are on sale, and buy only brand names such as Maxell, Fujifilm, TDK, Verbatim and Sony. If you can find "made in Japan" on the package, then grab them since they normally have better QC. The good thing about buying from B&M store is that you can exchange them easily if the discs fail (very rare occasion) withiin 30 days.

[candyman56]

Does the TDK offer better quality over the SONY brand?

[Synergy]

Does the TDK offer better quality over the SONY brand?

Knowing the history and which OEM made their media in Taiwan, I'd say I trust TDK DVD-R's quality better than Sony's. But I've also seen "made in Japan" Sony DVD-R sold in my local Best Buy store, which I'd choose over any made in Taiwan media. Buy you may have to try them out to find out your own preference.

[candyman56]

I bought a pack of SONY today, but it says made in Taiwan. I checked a few other brands while there and they also said Taiwan.

Are discs that are made in Taiwan that bad?

[Frobozz]

I haven't had any disc I've used with my Pioneer DVR 510 give me any trouble and most (if not all) are from Taiwan. I've mostly used TDK but they were bought at different times in different sized packages. I've also used Verbatim, Maxell, Imation, Fuji (which came with the Pioneer). I think it will be harder to find the ones that don't work.

[Epicurus8a]

Perhap I should have hilighted the words "generally considered". I am not saying all discs from Taiwan are trash, I'm merely saving they are often considered "B" quality or lower. The Ritek G3 (Taiwan) was a great disc, but their newer products aren't as good as Taiyo-Yuden, etc.

Everything in life is subjective, and DVD discs are no different. It's like asking the question: "Which kind of music is better, Rock or Jazz?" The answer depends on your perspective, and thats why I refered to the "lists on the left." So people can form their own opinions.

The bottom line is this: If it works for you, then it works for you.

[nickyboy4]

When it comes to dvd media, stick with Made in Japan. If the Sony, Maxel or Fuji say made in Japan, Grab them, made in Taiwan leave them

[candyman56]

It's funny, because when I bought the pioneer it came with 1 FujiFilm DVD-R and 1 DVD-RW packaged in the box. When I look at each of the cases, it says


MADE IN JAPAN


I hope the SONY 50 pack that I bought will be still useful even though it says made in Taiwan. I wish there was one standard with DVD recorders and Media. What a headache.