Which Lite-On to choose?

[twister6]

While waiting 2 days to start posting here, I did read a lot of posts, but still have a few questions. I definitely will be purchasing Lite-On (or iLO) model, that's for sure. I do want to buy from the store, in case if I need to return, so all the prices listed from my local stores. Also, my primary use will be to replace a VCR, so I would like to get a clean 6 hour recording, and copy my DV tapes. Here is a list I came up with:

1) LVW-5006 - $179 - $50 rebate at Radio Shack = $129 (difference from 5005: VCR+) is it Discontinued?, records +/- R

2) LVW-5005 - $179 (Circuit City), $169 (CompUSA), is there "over 2-hour" picture-jitter problem? records +/- R

3) LVW-5001 - over $229 (Target) - records +R only. Similar to $149 iLO DVDR04 - is there any picture-jitter recording problems?

4) iLO DVDR04 - $149 (Wall-Mart) - same as above

Of course, 5006 for $129 is the best price, considering its also +/-, but I have a feeling its being discontinue because they are throwing in $50 rebate. But, if its the same as 5005 (identical?) than should I get it? Also, 5001 seems to be the latest model (sound like they go in descending order), but why pay extra $80 when I can get an identical iLO cheaper?

Than, a final BIG questions: since it has firewire 1394 input, would I be able to connect it to my computer and use it as external DVDR drive?

Sorry for all the questions, and hopefully you can help me since everybody here seems to be very knowledgeable!

Thanks in advance!!!

[solidsnake]

I own both the liteon lvw-5005 and ilo dvdr04, and I honestly can't tell a difference as far as picture quality, or problems, b/c both of them suffer from jittering images, audio out of synch on slp recordings, front inputs are crap. I did alot of research as you seem to have, indeed the only difference i saw between the 5006 and 5005 is the vcr+. Of them all I would go with the 5006, if you dont mind the rebate. The ilo04 is good too, just doesnt record to cds or dash dvd media. If its not a huge deal to you to use those features, maybe the 04 is good enough for you. I thought it would be cool to record to cds, I've used the feature a few times lol. But I do use dash media with the 5005, I like the compatibility of recorded discs on other dvd players more with dash media. Dont bother with the 5001 at target, thats a ripoff

[linetest]

The iLo (DVDR04) is currently selling for $118 and some change at Walmart. The website still shows the higher price.
Alot of stores are running out and replacing with the DVDR05 which, from the the feedback I've seen, is not recommended as it's apparently made by Cyberhome, not LiteOn like the DVDR04 is. So hurry, while supplies last, if you want the DVDR04.

[twister6]

Thank you for all these comments, maybe DVDR04 is the way to go now? I assume I will need front inputs (the one giving a problem to some) to record from another VCT through RCA cable. But, than I can always exchange it, if there is a problem.

How about using these DVD Records to back up stuff from PC, is it possible through firewire 1394 connection???

[siskiou]

Actually, the ILO DVDR04 is down to $98 and a few cents now!

I just returned mine in favor of a Liteon 5045, because I really missed having a harddrive, but apart from that (and that I couldn't play the finalized R+dvds on my laptop) the ILO performed just fine.

[FKrueger]

If the ILO is down to $98 at our Walmart, I am getting a 2nd ILO make it my 3rd DVDR, and my +R's play in my laptop just fine.

[cbkilner]

How about using these DVD Records to back up stuff from PC, is it possible through firewire 1394 connection???

The Firewire port on a DVR looks only for DV signals, like those coming from a camcorder. Some NLE programs allow you to export video to a DV camcorder (export to tape) - and some DVR Firewire ports will accept this as an input to record to DVD. As such, some DVRs can be used to burn edited DVDs from a PC.

There are also some data backup programs that are meant to back up PC data to a DV camcorder over Firewire, but these can't be used to backup data to DVD since the DVD-recorder encodes the DV data stream to MPEG.

[noki]

anyone have a source for the DVDR04? Wal-Mart just has the 05 now.