Cyberhome DVR 1600 "ZU" is a Dual Format Recorder

[shatner]

I have fully tested a Cyberhome DVR 1600ZU with Bios 05.56/090N Manufactured April 2005 and the unit supports recording to BOTH DVD+R/W and DVD-R/W. This of course is contrary to the box and documentation (it says DVD+R/W only) but the chipset inside (Zoran Activa 100/Vaddis 5R) does support Dual-Format Burning, so apparently the DVD-R/W feature was not disabled. NOTE that DVD-RW is in VIDEO mode only (no VR Mode option available).

I know that there may be other "versions" of the DVR 1600 on the market (possibly a DVR 1600MU or a unit with a May 2005 Manufacture date with a different Bios), so be sure to check the small white label on the side of the box before you buy if you want this "hidden" feature.

This should also be the same for the iLo DVDR05, which comes in an "MU" and "ZU" model and is a rebadge of the DVR 1600. I'm willing to bet that the DVDR05ZU Model will also be Dual Format.

[lordsmurf]

Encoder chipsets are not format-restrictive. The video encoder chips have nothing to do with how data is written to the discs, it merely follows instructions on resolution and bitrate (in addition to any NR it may have).

[KDH]

The "MU" model is perhaps the newer model with a later manufacturing date and 8 hour recording..........

perhaps the dual format loophole has been closed on the newer model.There may only be limited numbers of "ZU" models out there.......?

More on this

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=544417

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=546473

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=546455

http://www.techolio.com/forums/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1261

[KDH]

Incidently the Cyberhome's on sale in Europe are different again (not just addition of Scarts-the front of the machines are different as well)

http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0007WU1GO

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0007WU1GO

[ALRAREKA]

I purchased the Cyberhome 1600 at Target for 97.00 yesterday. I have one complaint. I can't record more than 1hr 59 minutes on a DVD+RW,DVD+r,or DVD-R in the SP (2 hr) mode. (I didn't try a DVD-RW since I don't buy them.) When I insert a new disc, it will initialize it and tell me that there is 127 or 129 minutes available in the SP mode.
But I have tries the various types 3 times each (using different brands-Memorex. Khypermedia, Imation, CompUSA) and the machine will stop recording at around 1hr 59 minutes (give or take a few seconds) and tell me that the disc is full.
My cousin bought one the same day had the same results, and has already returned his.

Does anyone else have this trouble??

[oldfart13]

It's probably a safety margin so you don't try to put too much on the disc before you finalize it. These machines are for the general public after all and not for video geeks...

[solidsnake]

my 04 usually lets me record sometimes a minute over the "remaining time", I'd take understating the time left than overstating it