Your opinion of the Pioneer 220S

[TraGreg]

We are about to buy a DVD recorder for the TV and didn't know where to start. Our limit is $250 and we want one to basically make DVD's from our VHS-C camcorder (not digital) and to transfer home movies from VHS to DVD and to occasionally record movies from the TV to DVD. So basically, we don't need it to do cartwheels - nothing fancy.

From what I've been reading it seems the Pioneer 220S seems like our best bet for our budget of $250.

What brand dvd-r's and dvd-rw's work in it?

What is your opinion of it and do you recommend it for what we need or what other model do you recommend. Thanks in advance for your help!

[lordsmurf]

Its great. Buy one.
JVC, LiteOn, Pioneer ... all good choices.

[nickyboy4]

I bought the 220 last week and can highly recomend it.
It is simple to use, is loaded with great features such as playing at the same time you record from the same disc.
It is 248.00 from Walmart and they have a 90 day return policy.
While the JVC and Lite-on units are also nice most report the Pioneer to have the least problems requiring repair.
I feel it is the most bang for your buck, a quality product.

I use the Fuji 2x -RW's(made in Singapore, MCC) and the Fuji 8x -r's made in Japan. So far they burn perfect and play in my Sharp and Panisonic players. Stick with quality media, it is worth it.

[NightWing]

The only thing you worry about with this unit is what to record on it and not about problems with the unit.

As stated its super simple to use. Fix and Variable record time. Mutiple ways to time record. And fix/user preference on filtering input signal. A tunner that is stereo and does not add junk to the signal.

Best thing is look at the reviews on it under DVD Recorder. Simply it just works!

[Forum Troll]

I love mine. I use Ricoh and Memorex DVD-RW discs.

[Epicurus8a]

I've been using a Pioneer 210s for 6 months or so and just bought a Pioneer 420H-s with an 80gig hard drive (for storage and editing). Both machines have been flawless so far and are a true joy to own. Both machines record DVD-R, DVD-RW. Also, they both have the option to record in VR mode* (for editing) with an RW disc. Editing is well thought out, and a breeze! The best feature by far is the manual (VBR) bit rate selection.

*NOTE: VR mode isn't supported by most stand alone players, although I'm sure Pioneer will be happy to sell you one.

As far as media goes, check Lordsmurfs link, nomorecoasters.com
Taiyo-Yuden is generally recognized as the best, while Princo is often rated the worst. Use the links on the left to help you decide which one(s) to try.

[TraGreg]

From what I can tell, the Pioneer 220S does not have a firewire input? Please excuse me if I'm not phrasing correctly or using the right words, I'm a newby in this department. Does this mean I won't be able to plug my digital camera into it or plug my vhs-c camcorder into it? It's very important that I be able to plug my non digital vhs-c camcorder into this and make dvd's of our home movies. I want to be sure I can do that with this unit.

Can someone please tell me will I be able to plug my digital camera or my vhs-c camcorder into this unit?

[Frobozz]

Your original post stated that your camcorder was not digital. In this case you connect it to the DVD recorder using the analog inputs. If you have a digital camcorder then your quality is improved by copying via a Firewire connection, although you can still copy via the analog inputs. The Pioneer 320 has Firewire and I've heard the 220 is the same machine but without Firewire.

When you copy via Firewire with the Pioneer, you can use the Pioneer's remote to control the operation of the digital camcorder, which you of course cannot do via the analog connection.

[TraGreg]

Excellent explanation and I understand completely. Thank you so much. What about a digital camera...same thing?


And just clarifying..if I eventually upgrade to a digital camcorder and have the pioneer 220s, I'll still be able to transfer using the analog plugs right?

[nickyboy4]

Correct