Pioneeer DVR-533 and DVR-633 slower burn speed setting.

[sapiendut]

When I want to do HDD -> DVD-R one-touch copy (or through copy-list), is there a way for me to lower the burn speed to max of 4x?

According to the manual it will read the DVD-R prior to copying and try to push the copy to its maximum speed. Currently I'm using 8x Ritek but the recorder is pushing it to 12x. That's something I do NOT like. I believe in slower burning and specially the "never burn faster than the rated media speed" rule.

So again, is there a way to cap the burn speed to no faster than 4x?

[ekmek]

From what I've seen, there's no way to put a cap on the recording speed - I wish there was. I think I'm having the same problem - the recorder usually reads the DVD correctly (8x) but it seems it sometimes tries to go faster, causing the copy process to crash. The only alternative I've found is 1x through copy-list. As nice as these units are, they seem to lack a few basic features e.g. a copy speed limiter and a hard drive format function. Makes you wonder if the Pioneer engineers actually use these things.

[sapiendut]

How do I do 1x through copy list? I can't seem to do it at 1x even through copy list if the total of the list is less than actual disc space (when no re-encoding needed).

PS: When recording to HDD, is there a way so I can automate chapter breaks?

[ekmek]

When you get to the last screen, the "Start Copy" button (on the right hand side) is highlighted in orange. Above it are 3 or 4 other buttons - click on "Recording Mode" and a menu pops up. If you choose anything other than "High Speed", the copy will be made at 1x. This works even if you choose the same mode as the recording was made at e.g. original recording was made in SP mode and you use SP recording mode for the transfer.

I haven't been able to figure out the automatic chapter breaks. In Initial Setup/Recording the default HDD Recording Format is Video Mode On and the Auto Chapter (Video) is set for 10 minutes - seems it should then insert automatic chapter marks, doesn't it? I'm beginning to think this is a bug on Pioneer's part - if not, then they need to update the manual and/or the menu .... and send us each a 633 as compensation for our troubles.

[sapiendut]

LOL!

I did as what you've described, but when recording to HDD, I can't seem to find a way for the auto-chapter to work.

Yesterday I recorded a 2-hour show (RF input) directly to HDD on SP mode. Then after after cutting the start and the end of it (I recorded 1 minute early and end 1 minute late) I transferred the show to DVD-R using high-speed recording. The result? I got one title that's 2 hours long with no chapter break whatsoever. Aaaargh!

[Seeker47]

LOL!

I did as what you've described, but when recording to HDD, I can't seem to find a way for the auto-chapter to work.

Yesterday I recorded a 2-hour show (RF input) directly to HDD on SP mode. Then after after cutting the start and the end of it (I recorded 1 minute early and end 1 minute late) I transferred the show to DVD-R using high-speed recording. The result? I got one title that's 2 hours long with no chapter break whatsoever. Aaaargh!

Could it be that Chapters are only an option when you're recording directly to the DVD burner ? (I have the 520H, but have only read scattered portions of the manual so far.)

[sapiendut]

It seems to be... but it's illogical, no?

[donpedro]

I have 630 (EU version) and this is what I see...

1. Recording to HD does not create chapters at all

2. You can add chapters on HD manualy

3. If you erase section in the middle of the HD recording, it will create chapter mark

4. Chapter marks that are manualy created on HD recording will be transfered on DVD only if you use HighSpeed transfer. Otherwise automated chapters (for example 10min) will be crated.

There might be more into it (Video or VR mode) but I did not played enought with it yet. If I remember corectly, Panasonic works same way so it looks more like "standard".

[sapiendut]

Thanks, Don Pedro, next time I'll try to get rid of all the commercial breaks in the hope that it will create chaptering by doing so.

[OldeMan]

I have a Pioneer 531. Great machine, if you're willing to spend a little time learning how it works. I think this is true of all HDD recorders.

It will not create automatic chapters when recording to hard disk (HDD). It will when recording from external source directly to DVD.

It will not create automatic chapters when doing a high speed dub to DVD.
However, real time conversion dubs do create automatic chapters. If you record to HDD (in xp or xp+ mode) and then do a real time conversion dub to DVD (in SP or whatever) it will then create automatic chapters on the DVD.

I love the time saving high speed dub, so I record to HDD in a mode that will fit on a DVD, then edit it: trim ends, select thumbnail, and manually add chapters. An 8 minute HS dub, erase from HDD and I'm done.

I have several non-HDD DVD recorders, but the flexibility and picture quality of this HDD Pioneer is spoiling me. I don't use the Pioneers EPG. My Time-Warner digital cable box's VCR Commander function is able to control recording on the Pioneer.

[donpedro]

Thanks, Don Pedro, next time I'll try to get rid of all the commercial breaks in the hope that it will create chaptering by doing so.

You can add chapters also without erasing sections. There is function from menu to add chapters without editing.

[Seeker47]

I have a Pioneer 531. Great machine, if you're willing to spend a little time learning how it works. I think this is true of all HDD recorders.

It will not create automatic chapters when recording to hard disk (HDD). It will when recording from external source directly to DVD.

I love the time saving high speed dub, so I record to HDD in a mode that will fit on a DVD, then edit it: trim ends, select thumbnail, and manually add chapters. An 8 minute HS dub, erase from HDD and I'm done.

It should also be mentioned that there is a choice to be made in "Initial Setup" (on the Pioneer) that will establish your default for creating chapters, for the situations where chapters can be made automatically.

The procedure you mention above is one I'd follow just for the more important items I xfer off to DVD. Because I'm either in a hurry, or feeling too lazy. It does make sense to trim both ends of your recording -- esp. for those cable channels that like to cram in a bunch of promos at either end, making the start & end times kind of approximate -- as this reduction in Rec. time may get you a slight bump in PQ on the DVD.

[sapiendut]

Seeker47, when recording to HDD, even if you choose auto-chapter option, it's not going to do it for you. At least not on the 633 and the 533 I own.

[donpedro]

Seeker47, when recording to HDD, even if you choose auto-chapter option, it's not going to do it for you. At least not on the 633 and the 533 I own.

same for 630

[Seeker47]

Seeker47, when recording to HDD, even if you choose auto-chapter option, it's not going to do it for you. At least not on the 633 and the 533 I own.

Yes, as I thought I mentioned earlier, this looks to be for the DVD recording side only. As others have noted, there are some curious design oversights in these devices. Some are much more minor, but still odd. For example, why have Close Quotes in your Titler section, but no matching Open Quote marks ? I keep finding more details like this.