ILO DVDRO4, $150 may be good deal.

[NightWing]

Hum.... I am wondering if the tunner is getting decent filtered voltage from the power supply? I have noted horz lines { only on it } and tonight during the debate { Hey was watching the game! : } saw faint verticle lines going right to left just passing through the tunner into one of the aux on my tv.

It could also be just a weak cheep tunner. In that you need a decent signal into it. Else it go nuts.

If I can get ahead on some clients stuff. May pop a scope on the DC lines to see if they skimped on the PS. Else if possible power the tunner from a good bench supply.

Been running double recording feeding off of a Monster ballance spliter. One to the DVDR04, another to the Pioneer 220 etc. The Pioneer does not have this strange stuff.

Still looking for a cheep RF mixer with stereo output for some of these test.

EDITED: HUH? Will be going to Radioshack???? Looks like they have one for 35! So we can finally put this Stereo or not queston to bead!

[bobcat56458]

Good find Herbyg, the insert chapter mark works on the DVDR04 also.
To bad you can't hide a chapter that contains a commercial on the
DVDR04 recorder. You can edit those commercials out if you insert
chapter marks at the beginning, and end of the commercials. Then
edit the DVD on your computer using DVDDecypter to rip that disk by
Unchecking the chapters that contain the commercials. Then you decrypt the video using IFO Mode to your hard drive. You then use the program MPEG-VCR to change that VOB file into a MPEG2 file you can author using DVDLab, or another DVD authoring program into another DVD without commercials. Before you convert the VOB file to an MPEG2 file using MPEG-VCR you will want to fix any errors that the decrypted VOB video stream contains using an MPEG-VCR tool "MPEG GOP Fixer". One good use of being able to manually insert chapter markers with the ilo recorder is if you are saving your DV camcorder video to a DVD, you can manually insert the chapter points where a scene change happens. On another note, I do not have the "Just Fit" option with my DVDR04 recorder, wish I did as it is a good way to maximize the bit rate a movie is recorded to the DVD, (your not stuck using the factory preset quality settings, HQ, SP, EP, SLP).

[tkhk]

Hi all,

I've got a question about my iLO DVDR04. When I record something onto a DVD+R I can play it on all my other DVD players after I finalize the disc. If I put something on either the supplied DVD+RW or Memorex DVD+RW I cannot play them on any other player other than the iLO (there is no way to finalize the DVD+RW).

If I copy the original DVD+RW to another +RW, or +R on my computer and Nero Burning ROM, the copy of new +RW or +R disc will work fine on all my other DVD players. I contacted iLO support and they responded back with:
Try playing the dvd disc on your computer. Also make sure your dvd player can read the dvd+vr format, which is the way the disc are saved as.

I guess the question is: after I make the copy with NERO why does the copy work, isn't it also also +VR format? Isn't the DVD+R in +VR format as well? The only difference is that +R can be finalized then it will work, and I think Nero finalizes the +R and +RW copies as well. Is the problem that I can't finalize the original +RW with the iLO?

I did return my orignal recorder to Walmart about this issue, but then re-bought it the next day because the price and quality were good. If this is the inconvenience, I can deal with it for this price and that's the other reason I bought it again.

[DavidEC]

Hi all,

I've got a question about my iLO DVDR04. When I record something onto a DVD+R I can play it on all my other DVD players after I finalize the disc. If I put something on either the supplied DVD+RW or Memorex DVD+RW I cannot play them on any other player other than the iLO (there is no way to finalize the DVD+RW). .....

I am able to 'Finalize' my DVD+VR disc's so that they can play on three out of four DVD set-top players
_also_ it is my understanding that many are having troubles with the current 'Memorex' DVD+RW

Its my understanding that these are the DVD+ standards:
DVD+R
DVD+RW
DVD+R/DL
DVD+RW/DL
DVD+VR
DVD-ROM [for data storage on your computer not to be confused with DVD-RAM]

The DVD+VR is used by many.. but not all ..set-top DVD+ Recorders.

Currenly when you use NERO it is converting the file from DVD+VR to DVD+RW.

Of course I could be wrong.. but this is the info as I understand it.

--David

[JasonK]

Talk to Ilo.

They had me try changing bitstream to PCM. This didnt help - still audio glitches every 30 seconds after it gets a ways into the video.

They had me try using the "restore" feature. This didnt help at all either.

They said their unit doesn't do it.

They said the website is a mistake where it says "LP" mode

They took my serial number and email address and said they would contact me within 48 hours.

I don't mind the unit not having a stereo tuner, but I can NOT accept this audio problem. Time shift isn't safe to use either - and lower quality. I might just go ahead and take mine back to exchange.

[haub]

I just received a firmware update from Ilo. I'm in the process of installing now and will check the audio glitch in HQ on the HD. Once I make sure the update is stable, I'll take email requests to send it out. It's 3mb so it's too large to post.

Let me know if there is anything else you want me to check for on the update. Here's to glitch free recording I hope

[JasonK]

haub, ilo sent the firmware update to me also, except it was too big.

They said their webmaster is posting it to the website soon.

But if you get it tested and find out it doesn't help, please let us know so you can save us the trouble.

[JasonK]

That was fast.

Here it is:

http://www.ilohelp.com/download/firmware/WMJA1178.D20

Here is the additional information they sent me which is worth knowing:

>Please use the attach firmware to update your system. Keep in mind that
>anything that is currently recorded on your hardrive will not record
>properly onto a dvd disc even after the update. Any files that are save to
>the hardrive after the update should work fine.
>
>Please save the file to your PC, Unzip it and burn the wmja1178.d20 file
>onto a cd-r disc. Make sure you close/finalize the disc and then insert
>into your ilo unit. The unit will prompt you with a question of wether you
>want to update it or not, click on yes and when it is done updating it
will
>let you know.

[haub]

DO NOT INSTALL THE FIRMWARE UPGRADE:

I installed the upgrade...it made more problems than it fixed. Now the counter goes backwards...as an example at 15:30 into a playback (new recording on HD) it starts counting backwards. It still has the audio glitch as well, just not as predictable as before. I started noticing it around the 17 minute mark.

That's about it for me. I asked for one last response from Ilo. Then this thing is going back. I don't want to have a relationship with my recorder...I just want it to work properly and reliably.

[JasonK]

OH bummer, that's what I was afraid of.

I would think they could resolve the counter problem pretty easily. They came up with this firmware very quickly after calling and complaining today, so maybe they will quickly provide another update.

That's really disappointing that the audio glitch is still there. At the 17 minute mark, does it start occurring every 30 seconds just as before... or does it remain unpredictable and random at that point?

[haub]

it's pretty random now...but with the counter going haywire...it's also pretty difficult to keep track of the time that the glitch occurs. There's also video glitches now also. I've boxed mine up and it's going back tomorrow.

Can anyone recommend a decent dvd player with hard drive that's stable out of the box. The last player I owned was a Philips DVDR985...what a piece of sh*t that was.

[rant]
I think it's retarded that companies are allowed to put out these crappy, not-tested recorders. I'm a QA engineer, and basic testing is all it would take to verify that this firmware was crap. I mean pretty ridiculous that the factory firmware was released that way and that the manual didn't even match the features. Although admittedly, what did I expect for $270? Too good to be true, and it is!
[/rant]

[JasonK]

Video glitches. That's pretty sad that their "fix" made things even worse. I'm about to box mine up also.

At least my experience with this one made me realize some features I would want in my next one...

like time shifting at best quality
stereo tuner
being able to watch one program while recording another

Maybe one of those Tivo models would be a good (not the subscribtion based type of Tivo.)

[NightWing]

Huh. Could be they sent you the one for the base non HD. Going to their site. It shows that one is for the DVDR04.

ON STREREO TUNNER:
Either I work on one system too many today. But if this is correct. The tunner is stereo but mixes as mono on record? The tunner was acting like I was overloading it or slightly off frequency.

Oh the RS Stereo RF Modulator 15-2525 is true stereo out. Just in case anyone want to try it.

[JasonK]

They know it's the hard drive model. I pasted that section above directly out of the email. Note that they are referring to the hard drive. The webmaster is the one who posted that update link to the website, not anyone in tech support or development, so he probably doesn't know what he's doing.

I am not installing it yet and have emailed ilo about what I read here.

[haub]

it was for the HD version. It addressed the audio giltch initially on the hard drive, but then it came back and created other problems on the machine. Mine is going bac today and I'm going to go for the Toshiba RD-XS 32 I think. Most the stuff I've read on it is positive, minus a black level problem. I'm going to shop around in stores today so that I can easily return it.

[Saltydog]

Wow, this has been a long link. I've periodicly read and reread so I may have missed somehting, but going back to the beginning, is there really any diff between this Ilo unit (nonHD) and the Gateway AR-230? They are both LiteOn 5001s, WITH FANS, are they not? And has anyone had success with the hack to enable a 3 hr record mode? I just want to convert family VHS-C, and while my head says buy the JVC my wallet says 'no'.
Thanks,
SD

[telemike]

I have the DVDr04 ($150) and it seems to work ok. When iLO releases a firmware update hopefully someone can hack it for mv removal and 3 hour mode. It can be made region free. It does seem that it is not dolby digital 2.0 as it says dolby pro-logic when i play it in my other player. The quality is not bad considering it's $150. I paid $260 for a terapin vcd recorder 2 years ago. The 6 hour mode is not better than the terapin. The terapin used a winbond mpeg-1 encoder chip which was the best at the time for mpeg-1. I am using the 4 hour mode to record old "I love lucy" shows for my wife and they look pretty good.

[Tersanyus]

Seems odd to me that the firmware linked above, which is available on the ilo site, is listed for the non HD version. But that might jsut be the webmaster not knowing that. If you select the HD version is says there "are no firmware updates available at this time." But the firmware file is clearly there when you select the non-HD unit.

Also seems quite fast to me that there is a firmware update available already. This unit has been available for what, barely a month, and a firmware update is out already? This may also be a good indicator that the company is listening and will fix issues fast.

I think we should all have a little faith. iLO seems to be a responsive company. While they may not understand what people tell them they do reply. These units may have to go thru some growing pains till they get the firmware right but I think they may be able to do it in time. Quality control may be the issue as well but who knows.

Personally, I am not having issues with my non-HD iLO. I really don't want to upgrade the firmware without having a backup of the original firmware that came with the unit. Has anyone used this firmware on their non-HD iLO??

Also, at least now that a firmware update is available some good people may be able to work their "magic" on it.

[telemike]

Will that firmware work on the non-HD DVDR04? Can someone hack it?

[haub]

Yeh, I am happy that they are responding quickly and working. I just feel like putting together a firmware upgrade that is worse than the original and sending it out is kinda asking for trouble. It doesn't take but an hour of someone's time to test the defects on the firmware before releasing it. The firmware is specifically for the HD version...the webmaster listed it incorrectly on the site. I had it emailed directly to me from Ilo for the problems that we reported with the audio glitch.

Now that I'm shopping for another recorder, I'm coming to the realization that CPRM is becoming an issue on certain broadcasts especially with DVD-R/RW machines. So now I'm torn on what to do. See this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=27e1e8ca9569a8afcf9240306fe2ec37&threa...highlight=cprm

I currently don't have CPRM issues on the Ilo so maybe I should just hang on for a while (or return now, and buy again later). I asked Ilo to send me the original firmware if possible so that I could go back to it, waiting for a response. Or maybe, I should just say screw the HD and get the $150 Ilo unit. I'm definitely not going back to Philips to keep DVD +R/RW

[D.A.R.J.R.]

I downloaded the firmware from the website and it doesnt seem to work on my non hard drive unit. I think it is a mix up.

[telemike]

Looks like iLO fixed the download location.

[tkhk]

davidEC wrote:

I am able to 'Finalize' my DVD+VR disc's so that they can play on three out of four DVD set-top players
_also_ it is my understanding that many are having troubles with the current 'Memorex' DVD+RW


How are you finalizing? When I try to finalize an RW all that comes up is the "change disc" on the left side, and "exit" on the right.

I have tried Memorex, Verbatim, and the supplied one, non of them work in my other 3 players (which were all made this year). My other players play +RW's when I copy from the original (created on the iLO) to an new one if copied in my computer using nero.

iLO responded back to me with:

Is the disc you burn with nero the same brand as the one you used in our
machine ?
From what your telling me your unit does read the DVD+VR format but it
seems it cant read it in dvd+rw media. This could be an issue with the lens
on your unit.
Basically each lens can read a certain range of wavelengths(associated with
the type of die that is put on the surface of each disc), I would try the
disc on a different unit(try rca and others at circuit city). If it plays
fine on those then the problem is that your units lens is to sensitive

DID THEY LISTEN TO ANYTHING I SAID? Same +RW media works, on my other players, when copied in my computer from the iLO original and any other time I create video to a +RW.

[D.A.R.J.R.]

DVD+RW discs that are made in these machines dont play in alot of players but the dvd+r discs play just fine. I think it has to do with the DVD+VR format becuase once the data off the DVD+RW is transfered to a dvd+r on my computer they play back fine in all my players.

[Herbyg]

Haub, Don't update with this firmware? What does it supposed to do if doesn't fix the audio glitch? Is there any changes to the interface or menu's? Amazingly, my unit hasn't had the audio glitch lately. Figures. I need to buy some Cd-r's, just ran out yesterday and I will try it out, soon.

[DavidEC]

davidEC wrote:

I am able to 'Finalize' my DVD+VR disc's so that they can play on three out of four DVD set-top players ..... how are you finalizing? When I try to finalize an RW all that comes up is the "change disc" on the left side, and "exit" on the right.....

I just cycle the same disc in the recorder...

I think that the eject/change disc feature is kind of a safety feature to make sure that you have the correct disk in the drive and or the dirve itself must cycle to finalize the disc.

--David

[Herbyg]

davidEC wrote:

I am able to 'Finalize' my DVD+VR disc's so that they can play on three out of four DVD set-top players ..... how are you finalizing? When I try to finalize an RW all that comes up is the "change disc" on the left side, and "exit" on the right.....

I just cycle the same disc in the recorder...

I think that the eject/change disc feature is kind of a safety feature to make sure that you have the correct disk in the drive and or the dirve itself must cycle to finalize the disc.

--David

In the manual it says that you do not have to finalize a CD+RW.

[DavidEC]

davidEC wrote:

I am able to 'Finalize' my DVD+VR disc's so that they can play on three out of four DVD set-top players ..... how are you finalizing? When I try to finalize an RW all that comes up is the "change disc" on the left side, and "exit" on the right.....

I just cycle the same disc in the recorder...

I think that the eject/change disc feature is kind of a safety feature to make sure that you have the correct disk in the drive and or the dirve itself must cycle to finalize the disc.

--David

In the manual it says that you do not have to finalize a CD+RW.

That strange page 31 of the manual says that ti will not record to 'CD's...

--David

[tkhk]

Once you finalize a +R disc it will work in other players, but not before. I would think it would be the same for +RW's as well. So does the Ilo physically finalize the disc? My thought is that when I copy to an RW on the computer, it does finalize it and that is why it will work.

Tim

[lordsmurf]

In the manual it says that you do not have to finalize a CD+RW.

WTF is a CD+RW ????