ILO DVDR04 problems w/ not reading discs on other players/pc

[BlackGT]

I am completely new to this, and much of the jargon I have read on this site in the past week is way over my head, so please be patient with my question. I received the ILO for Xmas and have it hooked up to my TIVO and everything I record (all have been on DVD+RW discs) plays on the unit itself fine (although the six-hour mode quality is jerky). I recorded my first six-hour mode test (a one hour show) and it would begin to play on my wife's HP laptop, and then stop at the 43 second mark. If you tried to select chapter 2 or fast-forward, it would roll the chapter numbers by extremely quickly and go back to the menu screen. I then tried it on our cheapo Symphonic player and it would not play at all (see 2-hour recording at bottom). I then tried a disc I had done with multiple recordings in the 4-hour mode (one was 2 hours 25 minutes, the other three are about 4 minutes each) and both the PC and Symphonic played them with no problem (*these were all tested after I read the posting here about titling). I figured, okay for the price of the ILO, I'll just have to record in 4-hour mode max. I had already dubbed off several episodes of a sitcom for a friend (six in all at 22 minutes each) in the 4-hour mode before I read the posts here about titling each recording, and he has been unable to get this to play on a PS2 or his desktop (don't know brand). Will be getting that one back today to see if titling fixes, and whether it will play on my other players. Last night I dubbed a show (using the +RW that came with the unit) in 4-hour mode (came to 43 minutes without commercials), titled it, and tested it on the PC and Symphonic, no problems. I then recorded the next episode in the same manner on the same disc (came to 41 minutes w/o commercials) and this episode would not play on the PC, but would on the Symphonic, what gives. If this helps, I believe the build date on the ILO is September '04 (could have been August, don't remember for sure and I’m at work), and I am not experiencing the "white line" problem some have mentioned, except on one recording when it was played on the PC, but several recordings have been pixilated somewhat across the top when played back on the PC and Symphonic. I have only tried the 2-hour mode for one recording (22 minutes w/o commercials, and this was the disc that had the problems with the 6-hour mode at top of this post, so I erased it and recorded this to make sure it wasn't a bad disc) and the picture quality was great on the other players. Thanks in advance for any assistance you folks can give to a total novice.

[kupton]

I know Playstations can be picky about the kind of media. What kind of discs are you using?

[BlackGT]

The disc is a Sony DVD+RW, but again, it was not titled when I gave it to him, so I won't be able to see if that was the trouble with it until perhaps tonight. Also, I did not check this disc on my other players (it was the first thing I recorded...), so it may have other issues as well.

[mracer]

You are not the only person who has had this problem. I had to return mine as this was one of several showstopper problems for me with the DVD04. I reported on December Dec 27, 2004 in this forum:

"ILO (LiteOn) DVD04=audio out of sync to video, audio is recorded in MP2 format, poor build quality, no stereo tuner, DVD+RW will not play on other DVD players, very loud drive noise during playback"

Here is the thread:

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=250299

[EvilWizardGlick]

If anyone would ever bother to read the manual they would discover that the +RW's need to be TITLED! The process is explained on page 23. They will NOT be playable in other recorders until they are.
I have posted the same explanation seven or eight times, essentially everytime the complaint arises.
And, every recorded disk will NOT play in every single player. It doesn't matter what the brand name of the recorder is.
That said go here
http://www.techolio.com/forums/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=7&sid=9fc98c3f81dd29a32b3f363baaeebc91
Plenty of questions answered and fixes.
Most of the DVDR04 problems are user related. Some are due to bad product, but that happens to ALL manufactured products. Some issues are compatability.
But overall the Ilo's are worth every penny, and in general saves one hundreds of dollars.

[BlackGT]

I believe I recall reading your post (as I have searched this site extensively on the ILO unit over the last week or so). I am not having a terribly loud sound from the unit, just a little high pitch sound during recording, but the TV volume pretty much covers that up. I understand that the compatibility problem exists for recordings from many of the units from a couple of years ago, but isn't HP part of that whole +RW Alliance or whatever it is? I naturally assumed that it would read these recordings with no problem. I am sure I will rarely, if ever, view these on the laptop (I'm not into all the editing and such...yet). Again, the cheap Symphonic has read more of the recordings that the HP laptop has, but if I cannot record items and view them elsewhere later or give them to friends, then I will obviously be disappointed with this bargain buy. I have waited for prices of recorders to come down since they hit the market, and my wife went out and got this one based solely on price (that, and I had pointed it out at Wal-Mart 5 or 6 times before Xmas...uh, and she’s really tired of the VHS’s I keep…). We just don't have the budget for a more expensive unit, so I must make this one work for me. I have not contacted the company about these issues, as I have found in the past it helps to post to a forum like this and get more feedback and information before taking that step.

[mracer]

EvilWizardGlick,

I read the manual when I owned a DVD04, and I just re-read the manual posted on the ILO website. If you would be so kind, please tell me the page number again of the ILO DVD04 English manual where it says I must title a DVD+RW in order for it to play on another DVD player. I cannot find that anywhere in the manual.

Your stupid non-reading friend,

mracer

[BlackGT]

Hey, how about let's not flame on my post, please. I do not have my manual with me at work, and my computer will not allow me to open it from their website, but I know titling is mentioned on pg.23 (because I read the manual), but as to whether it says that the +RW will not read on other machines without doing this, I do not recall (because I didn't attempt to memorize it). I picked that titling tip up from reading posts here. In my initial post, I state that clearly. I was aware that not all machines will read these recordings, but why would the PC read only the first of two recordings on the same disc, recorded in the same mode. Again, I recorded one program in 4-hour mode, titled it, and tested in the PC and the Symphonic. It worked perfectly. I then recorded and titled the next program in the same manner on the same disc, and the PC would not read it, but the Symphonic would. Does anyone know, with the information I have been able to provide, what the cause might be?

[EvilWizardGlick]

I believe I recall reading your post (as I have searched this site extensively on the ILO unit over the last week or so). I am not having a terribly loud sound from the unit, just a little high pitch sound during recording, but the TV volume pretty much covers that up. I understand that the compatibility problem exists for recordings from many of the units from a couple of years ago, but isn't HP part of that whole +RW Alliance or whatever it is? I naturally assumed that it would read these recordings with no problem. I am sure I will rarely, if ever, view these on the laptop (I'm not into all the editing and such...yet). Again, the cheap Symphonic has read more of the recordings that the HP laptop has, but if I cannot record items and view them elsewhere later or give them to friends, then I will obviously be disappointed with this bargain buy. I have waited for prices of recorders to come down since they hit the market, and my wife went out and got this one based solely on price (that, and I had pointed it out at Wal-Mart 5 or 6 times before Xmas...uh, and she’s really tired of the VHS’s I keep…). We just don't have the budget for a more expensive unit, so I must make this one work for me. I have not contacted the company about these issues, as I have found in the past it helps to post to a forum like this and get more feedback and information before taking that step.

You can try this. When the Ilo had the Mv sensitivity problem I recorded everything to +rw, so I would not waste the +r's. I then ran the +rw's through DVDFAB (copy whole disk), on the computer, and recorded them to +r.s
You still need to name the file, and there will be a blank extra title.
This worked very well and may increase compatability.
If you check out the forum at the site listed, they have a link to updated firmware and hacked firmware. If you have not updated you should.

[BlackGT]

I appreciate the advice, um, but here is where my ignorance will shine bright. I am assuming you must have a DVD burner with your PC in order to do this, right? If so, then that's a no go for me. Not only would I not have the extra time to learn all the set-ups for that and do the multiple recordings, I simply don't have the dough to invest in any other equipment. I suppose I will try the firmware upgrades this coming weekend if I have time, and see if that has any effect. Maybe I am expecting too much from this stuff, but I still can't logically understand why one out of two recordings won't play from the same disc recorded the same way, but at least I know not to use the 6-hour mode anymore. Oh, I forgot to mention that I changed the setting to region 0 (per posts here) after that first recording that my friends PS2 and PC would not read (yes, the untitled disc). Would that really have much effect on compatibility?

[mracer]

Black GT, The problem is the DVDR04. The DVDR04 apparently makes non-standard DVD+RW recordings. My testing showed the DVDR04 recordings will not playback on some DVD players that CAN playback DVD+RW's made on ANY other DVD recorder or PC DVD burner. My advice to you is to take that DVDR04 back to Walmart and get another DVD recorder that works without giving it's owners tons of grief, like a Panasonic, Pioneer, or Sony.

In addition: Nowhere in the DVDR04 manual does it say you must title a DVD+RW in order to play it on a DVD player...AND no other DVD recorder requires any such title procedure.

[BlackGT]

Mracer, do you have any particular recommendations that would not greatly exceed the $150 for the ILO (I notice the Wal-Mart site has several others, but they jump over $100 to the next one up from the ILO, a Pioneer I believe)? I don't mean to poor mouth, but I'm so tight, I wouldn't have spent the $150, but my wife has known for years that I wanted a DVD recorder. Hell, I've needed (not just wanted) a component audio CD recorder for years (I still have nearly 3,000 albums and hundreds of tapes in my collection) and have played in bands for years with the need to make CD copies for practice and to record at gigs, but I can't find one of those for a decent price that doesn't get ripped apart on forums, so I'm still holding off. I know, I know, if you want something to be carefree and just work, sometimes you have to spend a little more. The picture and sound quality (as far as I can tell with my limited equipment) seems very good from the ILO. I have only been recording to it for a couple of weeks, so I don't want to give up on it just yet.

[mracer]

BlackGT, I'm sorry but I don't think I have an answer for you. The cheapest DVD recorder I can recommend to you is the Panasonic DMR-E55, which is $224.99 at Circuit City.

BTW, does the GT in BlackGT mean you have a Black Mustang GT. I love Mustang GT's. We have a Silver 01 GT and a Red 00 SVT F-150 Lightning. We're big Ford performance fans.

[EvilWizardGlick]

I appreciate the advice, um, but here is where my ignorance will shine bright. I am assuming you must have a DVD burner with your PC in order to do this, right? If so, then that's a no go for me. Not only would I not have the extra time to learn all the set-ups for that and do the multiple recordings, I simply don't have the dough to invest in any other equipment. I suppose I will try the firmware upgrades this coming weekend if I have time, and see if that has any effect. Maybe I am expecting too much from this stuff, but I still can't logically understand why one out of two recordings won't play from the same disc recorded the same way, but at least I know not to use the 6-hour mode anymore. Oh, I forgot to mention that I changed the setting to region 0 (per posts here) after that first recording that my friends PS2 and PC would not read (yes, the untitled disc). Would that really have much effect on compatibility?

The 1097 firnware update also updates the drive. Prior to using it my Kenwood would not play the Ilo's properly. It would pause and stutter once a minute. Now disks play fine.
My Ilo disks played out of the box on the pc, two Sony's, Skyworth and an Apex. Just the Kenwood caused problems. DVD+r's that is. I had the problem with DVD+rw's not playing, but an e-mail to tech support cleared up that they need to be titled. Now they play fine.
Ps2's are supposed to be touchy for reading recorded disks anyway. The Pc should play the titled disk. Considering that Ps2's have problems playing the same disk all the time, ask my son about that one, I would not base your choice on that alone.
The Ilo is a good inexpensive burner. Nothing more.
I use s-video in without a problem. I have burned twenty or thirty disks, again without a hitch ( except for the macrovision false flag issue, which is repaired in the firmware update),
Region setting should have NO effect on compatability.
It could be the dvd brand itself. I use mainly Ridata, but have used Maxells without a problem. Try burning a dvd+r and finalizing it see if it makes a difference.

[carter2004]

I have the ILO also but the HD model. (hard drive) I have been using the Philips plus r disk and the maxell. I have the sony but havent tried them yet. But the Philips and Maxell both play in many other recorders including the PS2 without any problems. Now I am assuming the same dvd burner is in both ILO units but I am not sure.

You will find somewheres on the ILO site or do a search on this site with a list of compatible disks.

Also you are going to need a cd burner to download the firmware upgrades to work. Read the instructions on this process also.

Still waiting for new update that was supposed to come out on Jan 5.

I would only use 2 hour mode if you are going to burn a movie. 4 hour mode is okay but the quality is much better in 2 and 1 hour mode.

The only problem I have had is the digital out on the front when I was recording from a camcorder the audio didnt record properly. (it was out of sync with the person speaking like a delay) I never had this problem before.

And as many have stated the ILO is good value for the money slight bugs and all. I have been very happy with my hard drive model except for the tuner not being stereo.

You have 90 days to try it out so if it doesnt fit the bill bring it back before your 90 days are up. :P

[BlackGT]

Mracer, does that stand for Mustang Racer? Yes, mine is an '85 GT, daily driven over 30 miles / day. Last of the four barrels and no computer (uh, should I not be bragging that point on this site?), world Class T-5 (from the factory no less), and just rolled over 207,000 miles. '71-'73 Mach 1 style hood with open scoops and SVO rear sail panels are the only mods. She has never left me stranded (unless you count the Wal-Mart batteries, but that's hardly the cars fault...). I'm waiting for the '05 GT's to become trade-in's so someone else can take that depreciation and allow me to upgrade to a nice 300 hp automatic . If she ain't got a V-8 pushing from behind, I ain't a'drivin' her, know what I mean.
Back to topic (cause I'll talk cars all day w/o hesitation). I did go to the ILO site and look at the recommended media list...didn't recognize any of the brands, and they sure aren't in any store in my town. Matter of fact, the Sony +RW's were the only ones I could find in my town (of course I am in the middle of Deep East Texas, so...you know, we do have a Wal-Mart...). I'm not up for ordering large spindles off the Net yet, so I'll just have to keep my eyes open here for now. I suppose I will indeed need to do the firmware updates this weekend if possible and keep trying from there. I do appreciate everyone's feedback on this topic and will keep you posted as to the update outcome.

[EvilWizardGlick]

I would only use 2 hour mode if you are going to burn a movie. 4 hour mode is okay but the quality is much better in 2 and 1 hour mode.

The only problem I have had is the digital out on the front when I was recording from a camcorder the audio didnt record properly. (it was out of sync with the person speaking like a delay) I never had this problem before.

Do you know that the hacked firmware, for both the Hd version and the non-hd, has macrovision removed and three hour mode.
In the regular and hacked firmware for the R04 the dv in problem has been fixed.
Site for Ilo users by Ilo owners.
http://www.techolio.com/forums/phpBB2/v ... 3baaeebc91

Firmware download page, with regular and hacked versions and instructions.
http://www.ss3f.com/ilo/

[Harpmaker]

Hi BlackGT;

I noticed in your original post that you are recording or dubbing programs "without commercials". I assume that means you are using the PAUSE key on the remote to do this. This may be part, or all, of your problem. Just for the heck of it, try recording without pausing and see what happens. I know commercials suck (at least most of them), but leaving them in to get a playable disc may be the lesser of two evils.

[carter2004]

Evilglick- Thanks for the info on the hacked version for the HD model. I didn't know a hack had come out for the HD model. Great news because that was one of the reasons (digital in/firewire) I bought it. I was considering returning it because of the audio glitch when I tried to record from my camcorder. I really love the HD model so it looks like its a keeper!! Thanks for your assitance!

BlackGT- Some of the brands listed I did not recognize either and Walmart does not have much of a selection. Phillips and Maxell have worked well as I mentioned and I got a spindle of Phillips (50) for 24.00 on sale at Office Depot. I did notice that Walmart has the ILO disk but I think they were only -r. Check your Walmart. I did find some of the other brands on the compatible list at places like Office Depot, Circuit City and Best Buy in case you have them in your neck of the woods. (I am in South west Louisiana)
Good luck with your recorder, if you get the updates I am sure you will be very happy with it. The macrovison hack could prove interesting for you if you want to backup copyrighted movies.[/quote]

[BlackGT]

Harpmaker: Yes, I was refering to pausing the recording to cut commercials on those (I was trying to get 6 episodes on the 4 hour recording mode by trimming the fat), but the first 6-hour mode test was a straight through, little over one hour recording, so... I suppose I'll do the updates.

carter2004: Thanks for the other store suggestions. Honestly, I avoid our Circuit City and Best Buy like the plague... I didn't even think about our Office Depot (never much need to go there).

EvilWizardGlick : Appreciate your posting the ILO hack link here (easier for me to find this weekend). What is the difference between the update versions (other than the unit serial number difference)? The ones at bottom state "hacked", are the ones above that the factory releases?

[EvilWizardGlick]

Evilglick- Thanks for the info on the hacked version for the HD model. I didn't know a hack had come out for the HD model. Great news because that was one of the reasons (digital in/firewire) I bought it. I was considering returning it because of the audio glitch when I tried to record from my camcorder. I really love the HD model so it looks like its a keeper!! Thanks for your assitance!

I'm not sure if the hack for the HD model fixes the DV in. The hack removes mv and gives you three hour mode.
The DV fix may have been in the only the R04 firmware.
But I seem to recall that prior to the hacks someone was using the dv of the digital cam as a passthrough for mv material. I think that was the HD model as well.
You probably post the Dv question to the Techolio forum. Most there have the Hd model. I don't.

[EvilWizardGlick]

EvilWizardGlick : Appreciate your posting the ILO hack link here (easier for me to find this weekend). What is the difference between the update versions (other than the unit serial number difference)? The ones at bottom state "hacked", are the ones above that the factory releases?

Yes. Hacked are only hacked/altered versions of the official releases.
So far anyone installing the hacked hasn't had any problems.

[Guitarman]

Slight correction.......

The hack for the HD04 ONLY disables Macrovision. It hasn't been hacked yet for the 3-hour mode. Still working on that one.

I will also clearly mark the officail firmware releases on the site to make it easier to distinguish them from the hacked ones. Others have got them confused before.