Very confused. Which is the right DVR for me?

[phildis]

I'm very confused. Please help me choose the right DVR...

Here are my requirements:

A DVR with Hard Drive.
I want to record only the programs from one foreign channel through Dish Network.
I want to make a one-time setting so that it records programs every week automatically. These programs occur at a particular time on particular days of the week.
I want to record tapes from my Digital Camcorder into DVDs. And possible burn SVCDs too.

I have researched a lot in this forum and found out this:

1. Pioneer 633H is the best one except that for DV inputs the picture looks softer ( https://www.videohelp.com/forum/archive/t279460.html ). My question is how bad the picture quality is? Is it better a than a SVCD quality? Is it very noticeable?

2. The JVC DVRs have some good reviews, but it seems I can't set the timer recording for continuous weeks ( https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?p=1380181&highlight=still+big+minus+in+my+eyes+for+jvc#1380
181 ). Are there any other drawbacks in JVC? Which is the best JVC DVR that suits my requirements?

3. The Panasonic has mixed opinions. Many users complain about flicker problems when the finished DVDs are played.
( https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?p=1395746&highlight=has+anybody+else+noticed+...kering#1395746 ) Is it so? Which is the best Panasonic DVR that suits my requirements?

4. The Lite-On 5045 has also mixed opinions and has a bad review at cnet.com. What are the drawbacks here and is it worth getting this model?

[DVWannaB]

Well, like anything else, you should get one that fits your needs best. Keep in mind that there are no "perfect" DVD recorders out there. There are some with many great features while lacking some things you would want that are available on other models that lack great features of others. So there will have to be some give and take in your decision.

The 3 manufacturers you mentioned all have the pluses & minuses. I have a:

Pioneer DVR-520H
JVC DR-MH30s
Toshiba XS-52 (refurb with Black Level bug fixed)
Panasonic DMR-ES10
***Sony RDR-HX715 (on the way - for use with my new HDTV)***

I have listed them in order of my preference (JVC only slightly ahead, maybe even with Toshiba). What I like most about the Pioneer is the input settings. It gives you great flexibility to adjust incoming signal. It has various settings for recording in 5-minute intervals. It is the best of all my machines. I find that the Toshiba & JVC record a great looking picture. The Toshiba needs to be finely tuned to do this, though, through its input settings, which I found are just not quite up to the Pioneer level.

I also like the Pioneer, because I found that the JVC & Toshiba need external help with Digital TV signals (standard definition). For both I have to run my TV signal through a color corrector & video detailer (JVC) and color corrector (Toshiba) get the best possible image. While my Pioneer I dont need any external devices to help with TV signals. I believe its input settings are better than those 2 models.

The Panasonic records a GREAT picture in XP mode. Unfortunately, it cant accomplish near what the others can outside of its XP record setting. So, as a result the Panasonic sits in my lab for VHS conversion only because of its superior jitter control that many older VHS tapes seem to have (thanks to Lordsmurf for finding this and sharing with us).

SO there you go. You may want to get one and try it out and return if you dont like it, until you find one that fits what you are looking for that best fits your needs.

[handyguy]

Just pay your money & take your chances. Those all seem pretty nice. There is more info on left column, dvd recorders.

[phildis]

Thanks DVWannaB for all the detailed info.

I would be recording everything in the highest resolution mode.

I think I would go with Pioneer 633h. Thanks again.

[DVWannaB]

phildis,

just remember to tweak your input setting on the Pioneer. Also keep in mind, you may not get to your optimal setting the very first day out of the box. It is going to take trial and error to get it just right. If you are in NTSC part of the world, make sure to set your Input IRE to 7.5. Makes a HUGE HUGE difference. IRE factory settings is 0.0. Check this site for more important "good to know" things about your machine. Gshelley61 and others on this forum are really good and knowledgeable and willing to share their insight.

[phildis]

Thanks DVWannaB ! Points noted !

I'm trying to hold on for a few more months to see if Lite-On LVW-5045GDL+ comes with better features like mpeg 4 and overcomes most of the existing defects. The fact it can write to all types of discs is very attractive to me.

[trhouse]

I have been looking at the Lite-On too. It only records in VR mode to all disks which is a bit unusual since VR is not compatible with many players. If the VR disk is loaded on a PC for editing and burning to a dvd in video mode it should be fine.

[phildis]

Thanks for the info trhouse !