Pioneer Recording Modes? (Do they have 3 hour mode?)

[BobK]

For anyone who owns a Pioneer standalone DVD Recorder- does it have a 3 hour mode? In particular I'm thinking about getting either the 420 at Costco's or the 520HS.

[Bodyslide]

Here's a few reviews:

420
https://www.videohelp.com/dvdrecorders.php?DVDnameid=548&Search=Search&list=1#comments

520
https://www.videohelp.com/dvdrecorders.php?DVDnameid=535&Search=Search&list=1#comments

[BobK]

Thanks. I've already read all the reviews. My only question (which I missed if it was covered in reviews) is whether or not it/they (Pioneers) have a 3 hour recording mode.

[sync]

Yes. They have 32 modes and one is 3 hours.

[BobK]

Thank you.

[sync]

I forgot to mention that the 3 hour mode is half resolution.

[lordsmurf]

I forgot to mention that the 3 hour mode is half resolution.

It's 352x480, as well it should be at that bitrate.

[gabe]

MN15 3hour 352*576 9,5kbps VBR (TMPGDVDauthor)

[sync]

MN15 3hour 352*576 9,5kbps VBR (TMPGDVDauthor)

Sounds like the PAL version.

[gabe]

Yes it's PAL

[gabe]

MN18 352*576 150 min
MN19 720*576 140 min

At MN18-19 changes resolution

[steve2713]

I'm curious about these Pioneer recorders also. Am I correct in the understanding that using those 'MN' settings will not result in standard compliant DVDs, as in if I used the MN19 setting to record something to the HD, then burned it to a DVD, it would not be playable on most DVD players? Am I correct? The ability to go to 2hr 20min, for example, is really a nice feature instead of going straight to 3hr mode, but if it isn't compatible with anything, then it takes most of the advantage out of it for me

[sync]

All the modes are DVD compatible.

[steve2713]

I must be confusing the 'MN' settings with the 'VR' mode I've read about somewhere, whatever the hell that is... I'm just confused now

[gabe]

steve2713

if you're in DVD Video mode and after recording finalise,
it is in DVD standard.

[EPlay]

I must be confusing the 'MN' settings with the 'VR' mode I've read about somewhere, whatever the hell that is... I'm just confused now

The "MN" setting refers to Manual setting -- where instead of choosing a preset such as SP or LP, you "fine tune" it to the best quality for the length of your recording. (I always calculate the estimated program time MINUS commercials first, so I can get the best quality possible for the actual program content when burning to disc.)