Pioneer DVR-210 and DVR-310 mystery solved

[sullen]

After seeing numerous 210 players for sale on Ebay, I finally emailed Pioneer regarding the difference between the 210 and the 310. This is the replay I received:

"Hello Richard Simms,


Pioneer model DVR-210H is a derivative model of the DVR-310 which is manufacture solely for Costco, all specifications and features are the same.

Thank You

Pioneer Customer Service"

So there is your answer.

[FOO]

I believe everything marketing tells me

[curtw]

After seeing numerous 210 players for sale on Ebay, I finally emailed Pioneer regarding the difference between the 210 and the 310. This is the replay I received:

"Hello Richard Simms,


Pioneer model DVR-210H is a derivative model of the DVR-310 which is manufacture solely for Costco, all specifications and features are the same.

Thank You

Pioneer Customer Service"

So there is your answer.

I decided to become a guinea pig, and snagged a 210 from eBay. I'll report back as soon as I've tested it. Based on the box specs, I suspect that this may not have the "chase play" capability of the 310, but never having tried TiVo myself, that's a shortcoming that I could live with (especially at a price $150 less than the 310!)

[curtw]

Pioneer model DVR-210H is a derivative model of the DVR-310 which is manufacture solely for Costco, all specifications and features are the same.

I received my DVR-210-S last night. It does indeed appear to be functionally identical to the 310. The operating manual is the same as the one you can find in the "manual links" sticky, with the exception that the title page lists both the 310 and 210. There's nothing in the manual for *any* feature that says "310 only."

I only had time to test the i.Link/FireWire input last night, and it captured flawlessly (to Memorex 2x -RW). I'll post more here as I discover it. I would try to add this recorder to the database, but can't find an official Pioneer link.

The seller on eBay listed these as "new, open-box," and I got mine at his reserve price of $220. I see that he's listed others with some cosmetic damage, and those appear to have a reserve of $205. This is an incredible bargain!

[sullen]

You won't find a link on the Pioneer website because they don't discuss this model. As they told me in the email, this unit was designed, perhaps repackaged is a better word, for Costco. I think that it is akin to Cendyne selling Pioneer DVD Burner drives at cheaper prices so that they can reach a wider market. I have been involved in another topic discussing the rebate for the 310 that applies to units bought from an authorized dealer, but the best price before rebate is $389 and then $289 after. I would suggest that when you have a chance to test all of the functions that you put your review of this unit as a new topic like: Pioneer DVR-210s Review so that everyone can find it easier. Thanks for keeping me/us current with this unit and I look forward to you full review.

[donpedro]

I would suggest that when you have a chance to test all of the functions that you put your review of this unit as a new topic like: Pioneer DVR-210s Review so that everyone can find it easier. Thanks for keeping me/us current with this unit and I look forward to you full review.

Definitely good idea. I will add comment that it is same as 310 into my list.