Pioneer DVR-7000 vs. PVR-9000

[Warrior8445]

Pioneer DVR-7000 vs. PVR-9000


I'm hoping someone can give me an accurate answer. What are the differences between the Pioneer DVR-7000 and the PVR-9000? Let me be specific. I am interested in video (universally compatible) mode only. I want to know if the menu appearence on the 7000 is similar to the 9000...meaning the blue screen list of chapters that is constructed by using the remote. I asked a customer service rep. at Pioneer who said that there is no chapter listing with the 7000. Other info. from the web tells me the machines are identical except for the physical color of the cabinet and the video input connectors. Anyone know the truth?

Also, the 9000 has some kind of some kind of software fix listed on the Pioneer website. Should I stay away from this machine?

Are there other desk-top machines with high picture quailty and menu authoring/construction that I can use in a professional environment?

Thanks in advance fro all responses,
Regards,
Rich

[Cornucopia]

Can't speak for the 7000.

The 9000 that I own works great! Very decent compression, even the longer 2hr mode from difficult sources such as VHS or other compressed formats. (and NO, not meaning to say VHS is compressed).

The software fix (unless this has been changed VERY recently) only refers to the firmware update that all Pioneer drives should get in order to safely make use of 4x media (although of course at 1x speed for these slower drives). It's no big deal and I've already done the fix on my drives. Now I don't need to think of that issue anymore. If you'll never get 4x media, you don't even need to do anything.

If you have need of the connections that are available on the PVR-9000 that aren't available otherwise, then go with that. If you are using it for customers, you'll get your money back quick enough.

If you REALLY need the additional pro/industrial menu/chapter/edit, etc capabilities on the recorder (not computer) take a look at Pioneer's new PVR-LX1 (sp?). Wow!

HTH,
Scott

[Warrior8445]

Scott,

Thanks so much for the reply. This forum really works!
I have seen info on the new Pioneer Pro unit. It would be my first choice...but I think it's about $4k! Too much for me. That's why I am looking at the 7000...if it will do chapter headings and menus.

Have you found that the discs you have created were compatible? Do they play on your clients machines? What kinds of blank media do you use?

Also, from reading the forums, I am getting the idea that you can burn a piece of media to a DVD and then extract that file for use on the web or with a non-linear edit system...kind of virtual digitizing. Is this true? Have you done this? How?

Thanks and best wishes,
Rich

[piano632]

If I were you, I would wait a little while longer to buy. The 7000 and 9000 are now 2 years old, and from what I've read they only record with constant bit rate and only give you 1 or 2 hours recording time and no other options. Pioneer is supposed to have 2 new consumer models out anytime now (with variable bit rate and variable recording lengths). The DVR-001h is just a basic unit without a hard drive like so many out there now. But the DVR-002h has a 80GB hard drive and advanced features.

See here:
http://www.avland.co.uk/pioneer/dvr002/
and here:
http://www.1-877camcorder.com/video-dvd-recorders.html

Unfortunately, there are NO consumer standalone DVD recorders that will be able to make personalized menus and chapters like a computer or a true PRO unit (PRV-LX1) can. You can make a basic menu (and chapter points on some machines) and that's about it.

[Warrior8445]

Thank you, Piano.

Regards,
Rich

[Cornucopia]

Yeah, I've been slobbering all over that new unit myself.

Since I do this for a living and have clients that don't understand DVD, I have to guarantee that discs will work (well, as much as possible). Therefore, I use very high quality brands (Mitsui, Taiyo Yuden, Maxell, TDK and a few others). I have only had 2 clients bring stuff back to me saying they can't play the disc. 1 had an old Toshiba, which according to this forum can't play recordable discs, the other was playing on a laptop that had some conflicts. Otherwise, everything's been great. Disc costs are somewhat higher, but "I pass that along to the client". Been authoring (in 1 form or another) since 1998-99 and that amounts to hundreds of titles and thousands of discs. So far so good!
Of course, R is more compatible than RW just about anywhere you go.

Anyway, for the other thing:

I occasionally do what you mentioned (most of the time my SOP is to start from scratch with DV or BetaSP digitizing/capture and then editing and encoding). I record a segment or two, finalize, take the disc to the authoring computer, demux the appropriate VOBs with TMPGEnc giving me the m2v and stereo ac3 files, and pull those into my authoring app, add the frills (menus, branching, chapters, stills, etc), compile a disc image, burn, DONE!

HTH,
Scott

[piano632]

One question I have:
Does the time base corrector on the Pioneer's work just by passing the signal thru the machine, or do you actually have to record to use the TBC. (I know the Panasonic's will do pass-thru, but don't know about the Pioneer's.) The reason I ask is - I have over 125 Betamax & S-VHS tapes I need to edit. I would like to use the TBC on the Pioneer but do the editing on a PC then firewire the edited result back to the Pioneer. It sure would beat having to buy a standalone TBC just so I can edit on a PC. In case you're wondering why I just don't burn the DVD's on my PC, well it's almost 3 years old now and very slow when it comes to rendering MPEG2 video. So my 2 choices are buy a standalone (or) buy a new computer and a TBC. Decisions, decisions!

[Cornucopia]

Well what do you know!

It does do TBC pass-thru, quite nicely!
I just tested and verified it on my waveform monitor/vectorscope. Clips correctly, adds correct phase clean colorburst, etc. Now I have an extra tool in my toolbelt I didn't even know I had. Thanks.

Scott

[piano632]

Well, it's good to know the TBC will come in useful. Though I'm still waiting (...and waiting...) for the DVR-002h. Summer 2003 is what they said and hopefully that doesn't mean the last week of summer - like in September!

To answer the original question about the difference between the 7000 and 9000: The only difference I'm aware of is the 9000 has BNC type connectors for use with broadcast equipment. The 7000 does not have the BNC connectors - just composite RCA and S-video. The average consumer would have no use for the BNC connectors, so there would be no need to buy the 9000. I don't know why the 9000 costs so much more than the 7000, could it only be because it's labeled as PRO and has these additional connectors? Either way, the 9000 is no comparison to the new PRV-LX1 which is TRUE pro gear which allows you to make menus and chapters to your heart's delight. Of course, the drawback is the $3,500 price tag! Not really worth it, considering you can buy a high-end PC and all the software you need for less than half that amount.

[Cornucopia]

There is some comparison between the 9000 and the LX1.
1. The 9000 had a year and a half head start. (It's paid for itself at my place)
2. The differences come mainly in the form of utilization and functionality, but the quality and compatibility of both should be great.
3. The comparison certainly includes price. 9000 sells for $1600 now on many places on the net. LX1 is as you said supposed to be more than double.

I hope that $3500 tag goes down soon, but even so I think it IS worth it. You couldn't get a PC that has all the similar editing and authoring features, AND has Great quality, REALTIME MPG2 and AC3 encoding, AND Great quality TBC and Digital noise reduction, AND DUAL (as in simultaneous) 4x DVD burning, AND remote machine control from an edit bay or NLE, AND Component video IN and OUT, AND is Rock Solid. If you do know of a PC system that does all that for $3500, let me know.

Scott