Just received a Pioneer 530H-s with 80g HDD for Fathers Day.

[blinky88]

I have been wanting a Pioneer DVD Recorder for some time now but the prices in Australia are almost twice the street price in the USA. Needless to say I didn't have the $$$ to buy and was hoping to pick one up sometime in the future secondhand on ebay.

After spinal surgery that didn't turn out as expected and left me horizontal 18 hours a day and also a major heart attack which resulted in a very successful triple by-pass operation last year the gift really was a big surprise.

Personally, I wouldn't have paid the asking price in Australia after seeing the price they are selling for in the USA, I would have eventually have bought a cheaper alternative .... that said, I'm really happy with the gift but disappointed about the $$$ spent by my kids.

Anyway I have a lot to learn about using the machine and would really appreciate any tips from members with the same model ..ie.. things to avoid doing etc.

[Frobozz]

Those are great kids!

My biggest advice is to keep the manual close by. You will find yourself re-reading parts of it often during the first month of use as you try to make sense of all the options.

[p_l]

Just curious, why is Father's Day celebrated in September in Australia?

[blinky88]

Have no idea, maybe because Mothers Day is nine months later, that's my best shot.

[BrainStorm69]

Have no idea, maybe because Mothers Day is nine months later, that's my best shot.

That would make sense.