Pioneer 220-S DVD-R media questions????

[budz]

I got a problem with using DVD-R media. The 220-S doesn't allow me to initialize the DVD-R media in the VIDEO MODE. But it does allow me to with a MAXELL DVD-RW disc. I've tried 4x MAXELL DVD-R & TDK 8x DVD-R and it doesn't work. Am I doing something wrong here? I did use a MAXELL DVD-RW disc in VIDEO MODE without any problems. I did a conversion from vhs to dvd. I'd like to record directly to the DVD-R disc but it won't let me for some reason. I don't want to use VR mode.

I am beginning to wonder if the unit I received is defective or was repackaged and sent out as brand new. I suspected this because the owners manual looked worn.

If I am missing something I would appreciate the help. Thanks in advance!

[gshelley61]

Do you have to initialize blank DVD-R's? That's only required for re-recordable media, I think.

[Frobozz]

Right. The Pioneer does not initialize DVD-R discs because they can only be video mode. Simply insert the discs and burn to them. The -RW disc must be initialized so the Pioneer knows if it is to be video mode or VR mode.

[vhelp]

@ budz

I haven't tried any -R disks yet in my ongoing usage w/ the 220-S.
After hearing your issue above, I think that I shoudl give this a try now.

I'll let you know what happens. I'd hate to make a coaster for nothing.
But, I'll find something to transfer (maybe a VHS tape) or something.

I'll let you know the results, later, when it's finished.

FWIW, below are the disks that I'll be test-runing:

BRANDx: Staples
Qnty: 25pk -R disks
Speed: up to 8x

-vhelp 3218

[ChachiFace]

What write speed can the Pioneer 220-S go up to? (2x, 4x, 8x, higher?)

I just got mine but not sure what write speed of discs to get. Also, is there any firmware out there that I would need? thanks...

[lacywest]

What write speed can the Pioneer 220-S go up to? (2x, 4x, 8x, higher?)

I just got mine but not sure what write speed of discs to get. Also, is there any firmware out there that I would need? thanks...

Duh ... 2x, 4x, 8x, higher? ... does it matter ?? It will take 2 hours to record a 2 hour movie.

If the movie is 2 hours long ... what point does 8X speed make.

I use CompUSA El Cheapo 2X for my Panasonic E50S ... now when my 220-S arrives ... I might find out ... it don't like CompUSA brand of DVD-Rs.

Maybe someone else has some input on using 8X to use in DVD Recorders but ... no real advantage.

The quality of the type of media will be the concern ... CompUSA DVD-R 2X ... some say will be unreadable .... months later.

I put dates on my DVDs .... if a DVD becomes unreadable ... I will have a date on them ... to help validate that information.

[vhelp]

Well, as soon as I set up my VCR (its my center unit for everything)
I'll see. The brand-x Staples is rated at (up to) 8x, though I did
thought they were 2x speed. So, I'll let you all know.

As I said, my VCR is the center of attention. It gets all the connects
that I need, when I'm working on a project. Because I now have a dvd
recorder, that was the final straw that broke my cambles back. Now, I'm
stumped how to get things shown on my TV set, when I need everything runing
INTO my vcr. My vcr serves as out OUTPUT device
.
I'm using a a 4 port switch box, but that's not helping me. I'm missing
something here. But, for now, what I do is run the output of my dvd recorder
(220-S) into my dv cam (DV-L820U) for the viewer. Then, I finally pump it out
to my dvd recorder - pretty pathetic I know
.
But, I don't know what else to do. I can't keep disconnecting my VCR all the
time - - sorry for the OT here

-vhelp 3219

[ChachiFace]

Yeah, that makes sense. I'm just used to writing to disc from the computer so was thinking that way. At least now I know.

[lacywest]

Yeah, that makes sense. I'm just used to writing to disc from the computer so was thinking that way. At least now I know.

CompUSA had a sale a few days ago ... 100 pack for $20 bucks ... I don't think you will be happy with those.

They are the silver ones and are not Princo and the quality of them are/is ... are really bad ... worse than Princo.
------------------------------------------------------------
The ones I've been using are the 50 pack ... that are white with grey writing on them ... made by Princo .... yes yes ... cheap cheap.

They work okay on my Panasonic E50S but ... but screw up when I try to archive something on them with my Lite-On PC DVD Burner.

[budz]

Thanks for all the replies! I appreciate all the advice and comments. I'll try just putting in the DVD-R disc and see what happens. Crosses my fingers but not my eyes!

[ChachiFace]

One quick question (sorry of the topic)....

How do you select if you want to record in video mode or vr mode? I didn't find that anywhere in the manual. I have the settings to initialize my dvdrw discs in video mode but does that mean if I put in a dvdr it will automatically record in video mode?

i only want to record in video mode (for now) b/c of the compatiblity. I don't see a button or anything that lets you select whether or not you record in video mode or vr mode.

thanks in advance.

[lacywest]

One quick question (sorry of the topic)....

How do you select if you want to record in video mode or vr mode? I didn't find that anywhere in the manual. I have the settings to initialize my dvdrw discs in video mode but does that mean if I put in a dvdr it will automatically record in video mode?

i only want to record in video mode (for now) b/c of the compatiblity. I don't see a button or anything that lets you select whether or not you record in video mode or vr mode.

thanks in advance.

One person says he takes his DVD-RWs and initializes them first ...... several at a time. That way when something come on worth recording he doesn't have to worry about losing any time doing the initialize routine ... they're ready to record on.

[ChachiFace]

thanks for the response, but what about dvdr discs? are those automatically recorded in video mode?

[budz]

thanks for the response, but what about dvdr discs? are those automatically recorded in video mode?

I'll find out after I'm done with recording. You have a good point there ChachiFace. I didn't see where I could choose VIDEO MODE. I'll post later when the 2 hour 30 min. recording is done. I have many dvd players to test this disc on.

[sync]

thanks for the response, but what about dvdr discs? are those automatically recorded in video mode?

Frobozz answered this above:

The Pioneer does not initialize DVD-R discs because they can only be video mode. Simply insert the discs and burn to them.

[budz]

I burned the dvd-r disc with no problems in playback. Thanks again for all the replies. It is appreciated.

[vhelp]

Well, I did my first test run w/ a -R disk. And, it passed w/out any
issues. I played it in my AD-1500 player. On the AD-1500 player, you
sometimes, you have to press the play button, but it just depends.
No menu will show, when you first pop in a -R disk, but you *can* go
to it. Make no difference for a menu though (at least not for the
ad-1500 player) Anyways.

@ budz

I think that your problem was probably related to the -R disk you were
trying to dvd record to. It may have ben 'glitchy' or something.
But, I'm glad you got it working fine (so far) today.

Also, on the -R disk issues ...

When playing on the AD-1500 player, it did not skip, as it did for the
Memorex brand of -RW disk I have been using. I think that it's -RW
or Brand-related (ie, my Memorex experience)
.
In addition, I think that it may also have something to do with the
player. It is on the old side. So, I think that some things may not
work so great with *todays* level of technoligies (-R and -RW style of
discs. I think/theories, that they may have changed their process a little
in this area, and that seems to account for the 'glitches' w/ my older
Apex dvd player) That's my theory anyway.
.
There is also the 220S units writing method that may be the cause as well.
I have a feeling that it's not 100% spot on. None of my menus ever show
up in the AD-1500 player, neighter when I play it in PowerDVD.
On the plus side, software'wise, Subtitles show up (in white) when
I choose Subtitle under PDVD. They play on top or bottom. User control.
So, even though you don't specify in the 220S unit, it seems to capture
Subtitles in VCR (VHS) tapes
.
I verified this, when I played it in my iLO drive. If it plays fine, and
I can fast FW/RW w/ no problems. But, in my AD-1500 player, it hickups
or studders if I try and fast FW (2x) or fast RW (2x) and anything else
faster will cause it to freeze, until you press play or Next Chapter.
.
So, my bet, is this. If you have an OLDER player model, that
chances are, you will have issues. You'll be lucky if you can play
some things (given this setup)

FWIW..

-->

-vhelp 3220

[vhelp]

@ chachi

The 220S unit defaults to Video Mode when a -R disk is inserted. Also,
the manual stated that as well. That it auto default to Video Mode.
VR mode is specifically for use only within the unit itself, to take
advantage of certaine functions, that are not incorporated in normal
DVD (ie, commericial movies, for instance) VR mode is a special mode,
just for dvd recorder, and none of those special functions are found
in regular dvd players. They simply aren't there.

One more thing, but regarding -RW disks ...

When you insert a -RW disk, the pre-initialization step will be
dependant upon what you set for the defaults when inserting disks.

You have the option to set as default:

* VR mode, or
* Video Mode

Found here: menu/initial setup/recording/DVD-RW Auto Init./.. [VR / Video Mode]

Notice how there is no setting for -R disks

So, if you set for VR mode, then, when you insert a -RW disk, it will
initilzie to VR mode.
.
But, if you set to Video Mode, and when you insert a -RW disk, it will
initilzie to Video mode.

EDITED - by vhelp

-vhelp 3221

[ChachiFace]

Grazia! I think I just found out but your replies verified it.