So I ordered a JVC DRM10S, questions...

[Bix]

Questions, questions:

1.The unit I ordered was a clearanced customer return recorder from Vanns which had been serviced by JVC. Since it was serviced, will I experience the "LOADING" problem?
2.Could someone better explain what exactly "Power Save" mode is?
3.I've read that while DVD-RAM is supported, it doesn't work too well with the unit. Could someone elaborate in regard to that?
4.Any suggestion for what brand DVD-RWs to use?

Thanks,
-David

[gshelley61]

One would assume that since the unit was serviced, the "loading" flaw was fixed. You won't know for sure until you get it, though. If you got it from Vann's, they have an excellent reputation - so, if you have any problems they will most likely take care of you.

Power Save mode simply mean that when you shut the unit off, it shuts all the way off. It comes defaulted in a standby mode that allows for quicker start-ups. In Power Save mode, it takes maybe half a minute for it to go through a boot up routine before you can use it. I use the Power Save mode myself.

I've recorded using DVD-RAM on the JVC... it works just fine as far as I can tell. For video conversion, I always record to DVD-RW in standard DVD-Video format anyway. I've found that method (regardless of DVD recorder brand) to be less problematic for trimming and re-authoring to final DVD-R's on the computer. Plus, there are virtually no DVD players that can handle VR format recordings... meaning you can't take a freshly recorded VR disc from your recorder and play it back on your standalone player. Finalized DVD-Video format recordings will play just fine (assuming your DVD player can read -RW's and/or -R's). The VR format feature is intended to be used for time-shifted viewing (using your DVD recorder like a mini TIVO).

Use top quality name brand -RW's for your recordings. Don't use the cheapie no-name discs. Try one brand at a time if you like to see which you prefer.

[Bix]

Power Save mode simply mean that when you shut the unit off, it shuts all the way off. It comes defaulted in a standby mode that allows for quicker start-ups. In Power Save mode, it takes maybe half a minute for it to go through a boot up routine before you can use it. I use the Power Save mode myself.

I run my cable through the line in on the Panasonic DMR-E30 I have now (which I'm selling when the JVC comes ) If I generally don't turn it off, or just use standby mode, will that help avoid the "Loading" error if it wasn't fixed already?

I've recorded using DVD-RAM on the JVC... it works just fine as far as I can tell. For video conversion, I always record to DVD-RW in standard DVD-Video format anyway. I've found that method (regardless of DVD recorder brand) to be less problematic for trimming and re-authoring to final DVD-R's on the computer. Plus, there are virtually no DVD players that can handle VR format recordings... meaning you can't take a freshly recorded VR disc from your recorder and play it back on your standalone player. Finalized DVD-Video format recordings will play just fine (assuming your DVD player can read -RW's and/or -R's). The VR format feature is intended to be used for time-shifted viewing (using your DVD recorder like a mini TIVO).

Use top quality name brand -RW's for your recordings. Don't use the cheapie no-name discs. Try one brand at a time if you like to see which you prefer.

I already have a RAM disc that I use in my Panasonic so I'm familiar with how it works. When I record (either off Digital Cable, VHS, or Betamax) I then copy the DVD_RTAV folder to my HDD, import to TDA, and author w/ menus. If the JVC records in its (apparently) superior video quality to the RAM w/ no issues, then I can deal with the formats fine.

[gshelley61]

If I generally don't turn it off, or just use standby mode, will that help avoid the "Loading" error if it wasn't fixed already?

I don't know, but I would think if yours has the faulty resistors that are apparently the cause of the "loading" issue, then eventually it will crop up. Mine has worked perfectly fine in both power modes.

[Bix]

So I'm reading through some other threads, and it looks like I'll still need DVD-RWs if I wanna record more than 2:00 because the LP mode records in non-standard resolutions on RAM discs. What's up with that?