DVD Recorder to use as a pass-thru TBC? Need HELP

[lordsmurf]

I ordered from UK, and i live in Sweden, as you may know, the power outlets are different,
But i Think, that the Voltage is within acceptable range. UK uses 240V i think, and Sweden is set to 230V, but on my LCD TV, it says 240V. And i read that EU has some standard where the voltage can go from about 210-245V or something like that. Does that mean, i can just use it without a Voltage changer, and just change the cord so it fits the power outlet?

It's all 220-240. USA is 110-120.
But even then, it operates beyond that, or under that. Power here is a fixed 126V for whatever reason.
Batteries switch on/off twice per day to eliminate the +6V build up.

Use a plug shape adapter.
Run the VCR on a UPS anyway -- never plug into a wall or a "surge protector".

[zerowalker]

Okay, from what you have been using, i think all European that use 50hz (i think all does?), are compatible.
It´s just the change in the connector that is the issue.

But will ask one that knows about electronics to be on the safe side.

Oh, but how is it in the U.S, do you have like these Round Plugs, and Flat plugs?

Cause we can use the Flat Plugs in a Round Plug outlet, (it´s always Round Plug outlets in houses).
But we can´t use Round Plugs in Flat Plug outlets (extenders etc may use these).

Not sure what the difference is, but the Round plug does have a Metal thing, so i am guessing some kind of Ground thing.
But no idea why we have two different kinds, and they are still made.

It´s not an issue, as with your different old connectors and new, but was wondering if you also have different kinds of the same plug.

[sanlyn]

Two common voltage types in the U.S.: almost all heavy-duty business, industrial and home equipment use 220v (air conditioners, washers/dryers, office building water heaters, elevators, etc..) - but home tv, stereo, lamps, PC's, small appliances use 120v. The connectors are different.

I don't think you'll have a major problem connecting a PAL unit from the UK. Those Toshiba + Panasonic models from 2003-2006 were used all over the world.

[zerowalker]

Lordsmurf, why shouldn´t i plug my VCR into the wall?
I always have it in the wall, along with my PC, Monitor etc.

[sanlyn]

I believe lordsmurf refers to the common practice of connecting power cords from PC, TV, Recorders, etc., directly to the wall power socket. That's what most people do, but it's not the safest way to power valuable components. Others use a cheap "surge protector" to protect components from power spikes and sudden on/off power surges. The cheap "protectors" are exactly that -- cheap. He refers to the safest way, which is to connect cmponents to a UPS emergency power supply that doesn't cut off if the power fails. UPS units keep power going for several minutes to over an hour (depending on how much money you spend). This avoids not only power spikes but also the sudden on/off that can ruin equipment. At least you have time with the UPS to turn components off normally.

That's up to you. I have two types of power protection. One is an expensive power surge protector device that shuts off if a sudden on/off situation occurs, and stays off until it's manually reset. The other type is a UPS emergency battery that keeps power going for an hour. The cheaper multi-plug power devices that most people use are not very effective. Better than nothing (or almost nothing), but not effective.

[zerowalker]

Oh i see, it´s very rare to have the power fail here, and if i am going to test the DVD right of the bat, i will try it in a different room.
So currently i see no real use of UPS for me, but i see what you are getting it, you can never be to safe with valuable equipment, and that is indeed very true.

[lordsmurf]

It's rare for the power to fail here, too.
But that one rare moment can blow everything you own in a millisecond.

I'd rather spend $50 now, than $$$$ later.

[zerowalker]

Yeah but, does the thing really die from the power off, are is it the power spike?
Cause i got these, Flip protectors against those, not the old stuff where the thing blows off to turn of the electricity.

[Brad]

Look for Toshiba D-R3, D-R4, D-R5, D-KR3, D-KR4, D-KR5, the RD-"XS" series (tend to be expensive), Pansonic ES10, ES15, ES20, and Panasonic hard-drive DVD recorders made between 2000 and 2005.

I forgot to mention: one benefit of using these recorders for pass-thru is that most consumer VCR's don't have s-video outputs. Panasonic and Toshiba DVD machines had excellent composite-to-svideo converters and decent y/c comb filters. So, even without the tbc, the y/c cleanup in itself brings an improvement.

I decided to buy one of these to check out, and I ended up with the D-KR4. Sad to find out that it and the later models in the D-[K]R* line don't do 3D Y/C like the first two models did.

[Bartoloni]

Has also the philips dvdr 3480 something like a frame-sync/tbc inside like the 3475 ?