Would you consider purchasing this Pioneer 640H-s mod version?

[NiteLite]

I ran across this site thinking I was at "samsclub" but it's "samstores".
I wondering if anyone is familiar with this site or these type of mods and how they hold up.
I would really like to have another Pioneer 640h-s but totally in the dark with the company or if these are safe buys.
The info states;
"Hybrid VBR (Variable Bit Rate) recording", it also states below that "Records in 5 speeds XP/SP/LP/EP/FR". FR would mean the Flex recording as with the regular 640, correct?

Although I have a Pal/Ntsc player and dont need it I would consider buying it for a replacement or backup for my 640 which is a really fine machine.
Anyone see any "bewares" or things that might cause you to see red flags with this purchase?
Really appreciate anyone that can spare a couple minutes to give me an opinion.
I'm in USA so Ntsc would be my record mode.
I see the dreaded TVGOS is with this unit which wasnt with the regular version of the 640h-s. (Electronic Programme Guide (EPG GUIDE Plus+™) Not sure why this feature was added since the original bypassed it.
Again, any info greatly appreciated. These are the sites where available:

http://www.samstores.com/details.asp?ProdID=6993#

http://www.220-electronics.com/dvdrecorders/pioneer640.htm

I have seen 220 before but havent done business or know anything about them either.
samstore: $479 + $19 shipping.($498.00)
220 Electronics: $485 + $20. shipping.($505.00)
So price difference is not a concern. Reliability with the mods and company reliability is the major concern.
Regards,
NL

Just noticed these have 250mb HDD. The originals had 160mb HDD.

[lordsmurf]

I bought something from http://www.220-electronics.com about 2 years ago, and had no complaints.

[NiteLite]

Thanks LS-for the info. From what I have searched last night people mostly share your findings.
I noticed the 640 looks exactly like their 630 and does not look like the regular 640 I have now.
I guess they either got their site wrong or they are using the 630 as the 640.
Guess I should call and confirm indeed if it has the 640 looks and guts instead of a modified 630 with the 640 model number on it.
Always something...
Regards,
NL

[Seeker47]

Although I have a Pal/Ntsc player and dont need it I would consider buying it for a replacement or backup for my 640 which is a really fine machine.
Anyone see any "bewares" or things that might cause you to see red flags with this purchase?
Really appreciate anyone that can spare a couple minutes to give me an opinion.
I'm in USA so Ntsc would be my record mode.
I see the dreaded TVGOS is with this unit which wasnt with the regular version of the 640h-s. (Electronic Programme Guide (EPG GUIDE Plus+™) Not sure why this feature was added since the original bypassed it.
Again, any info greatly appreciated. These are the sites where available:

http://www.samstores.com/details.asp?ProdID=6993#

http://www.220-electronics.com/dvdrecorders/pioneer640.htm

I have seen 220 before but havent done business or know anything about them either.
samstore: $479 + $19 shipping.($498.00)
220 Electronics: $485 + $20. shipping.($505.00)
So price difference is not a concern. Reliability with the mods and company reliability is the major concern.
Regards,
NL

Just noticed these have 250mb HDD. The originals had 160mb HDD.

All their models for quite some time have offered the Variable Bit Rate recording feature. The apparent re-inclusion of TVGOS, conspicuously dropped after the 53x series, seems strange indeed.

You might want to take a look at this thread over on AVS:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=814139

There are these international NTSC / PAL models available (645 and 745 ?). One has a 250G HDD, the other a 400G. (Also, I may have seen a modded 640 available somewhere -- can't recall.) The specs on them look interesting, particularly since the standard 640 has all but disappeared now. I think the two models I referred to go for $850. and $1150. respectively, so your price quote sounds out of whack. The big issue, apart from price, is whether these models -- and even more likely these dealers -- happen to be on Pioneer's approved list for warranty service. It could be a big problem for you down the line.

Incidentally, I also have the stock 640 and think it one of the 2 or 3 best models that was on the market. (Though I still prefer the 520, for certain user interface reasons.) You should also read up on the firmware bug for Titles in Timed Recordings, if that matters to you. There is a fix available for it, but Pioneer's limitations on making it available have been unacceptable to quite a few users, myself included. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8498393#post8498393

[NiteLite]

Seeker47,
Thanks for the info and links.
You reminded me of no warranty. $500.00 is a lot to pay and not get a warranty other than 220's mod warranty. As far as the unit I'm sure Pioneer wont touch it.

You should also read up on the firmware bug for Titles in Timed Recordings, if that matters to you. There is a fix available for it, but Pioneer's limitations on making it available have been unacceptable to quite a few users, myself included.

Yeah, I read that sometime back and packing up the unit and risk shipping it back to Pioneer and then back to me gives opportunity for HD damage and other problems.
Dont know why Pio wont send it to customers by disc.
Anyway, thanks everyone...well, both of you for taking time to respond. It's appreciated.
Regards,
NL