DVD recorders

[bill2975]

I've read a number of opinions here about which DVD recorder is the best, and some prefer Pioneer, or JVC, or ILO, or Sony, or Panasonic, etc.

Forgetting recording quality for the moment, which DVD recorder gives the very best picture when playing commercial movie DVDs?

I'd like to use whatever DVD recorder I buy as the player for watching movies. I currently have a Samsung 841 that I'm using for playing DVDs, but the green tint seems overpowering sometimes. There must be better players than the Samsung 841.

Does anyone have an opinion about which recorder provides the best picture when playing movie DVDs, assuming the recording operation is at least adequate (I'm only planning to use the recorder for archiving programs from my DirecTV HD DVR)?

Thanks,

bill2975

[linetest]

Of the options you listed, the iLo is probably the worst for playback. The LiteOn and iLo have a thing for green. Despite reports of the latest firmware fixing the issue, I still saw a little too much for my liking. The rest should deliver excellent playback.

[trhouse]

This is only a partial answer to your question. There have been dvd players such as the JVC XV-N410BK and Pioneer DV-578A that have had 12 bit digital to analog converters ( DAC's ). The DAC converts the digital information on the dvd back into analog form for your TV. The more bits, the finer the resolution.

The only brands of recorders with 12 bit DAC's are Sony and Panasonic at this time. Most others are 10 bit resolution. Panasonic customer support indicated that the advantage is only noticeable when playing back factory disks.

[donpedro]

The only brands of recorders with 12 bit DAC's are Sony and Panasonic at this time. Most others are 10 bit resolution. Panasonic customer support indicated that the advantage is only noticeable when playing back factory disks.

Pioneer DVR-920H uses 14-bit/108 MHz + HDMI out

Also... only new line of Panasonic is using 54MHz/12-bit older models are 54MHz/10-bit.

[lordsmurf]

For PAL content playback in USA (NTSC), the LiteOn series is easily the best player around. But for NTSC on NTSC, you'd do better getting a dedicated player.

[bill2975]

Thank you for the responses so far.

To clarify LS' comment, I'd only be playing Region 1 DVDs.

bill2975

[samijubal]

I'd agree with LS, buy a seperate player, they're cheaper and last longer. I use 2 XV-N410B players too, they work great, have direct drive spindle motors and 12 bit converters. I just bought 2 of them on e-bay a couple of weeks ago for $20, $10 each. Now I've got a spare if anything goes wrong with one of the other 2.

[bill2975]

Just as a followup for those who were kind enough to read and respond to this thread - I purchased a Sony RDR-GX300 yesterday from Circuit City. They knocked $50 off the price when I asked if there was anything they could do, since Amazon had it for $320.

Archived 6 HD programs to DVD yesterday when I got home (DVD-R). Setup was simple, and I recorded the first two as HQ, the next four as SP.

Wow! No problems! You can obviously see a difference when comparing HD versions to the 418i version recorded on DVD, but they still look great! I think the HQ looks better than the SP recording, but the SP recording is still totally satisfactory, particularly compared to VHS.

Last night we watched "Collateral", "Wind", and "Under the Tuscan Sun" on the Sony (how's that for a triple feature? <grin>), and the terrible green "push" from the Samsung DVD-HD841 was gone. Colors were great, especially on a Pioneer Plasma monitor.

The Samsung goes back to Costco tomorrow.

Thanks for the various suggestions.

bill2975

[trhouse]

Between the Panasonic and Sony, I would have recommended the Sony for its playback. The Panasonic has a 12 bit/54 Mhz DAC, the Sony 12 bit/108 MHz. The higher speed gives the Sony an advantage.

Technical points aside, the most important thing is that you are pleased with the performance.

[robguy]

Do you want a recorder that plays well, or do you want a player that plays well?

The respondents thus far to your original question seem to think you want a player that plays well.

The argument of "What's best?" is a never-ending question and, in the end, is counter-productive. Do your own research and decide for yourself.

Go to the usual sites: sony.com, panasonic.com, etc.

In the end, it will be you who makes the decision.