DVD Recorder: Polaroid DRM-2001G tests

[fast.jo]

I posted a region free hack that worked on my "K" prefix serial numbered unit in the DVD player hacks section. I successfully played a couple of Region 2 DVDs. I tried a BUNCH of different ones before this one worked. Apparently, Polaroid changed something in the latest players that makes the older hacks not work.

Just what I needed too !

Great since I did post a request like that 2-3 months ago but no answer ...

Thanks again Jon.

[jonlowe]

For those looking for a better manual than what Polaroid provided, check out:

http://www.denver-electronics.com/UploadetFiles/154/25/DHD-161,_UK.pdf

A very similar unit. Doesn't have component in (has SCART instead), but the menu structure is identical.

Jon

[The_Knife]

Got a question on recording formats. Vhelps original test report stated this:

"** The Recordings Form Factor setup..
There is no (VR vs. Video Mode) setup option. The way the unit works is like this.
Depending on what you put into the unit, -r; +r; and -rw; the unit will set the
form-factor to (Video Mode) ..while if +rw, will put into (VR mode) automatically.
I guess this is why +rw disc's don't have to be finalized, because they are by
default, form-factored to VR Mode. "

Can anyone else confirm or deny this ? I understand the VR mode is some odd mutation but is the Video mode truly the DVD-Video standard ? Thx.

[elfdez]

Hello everybody.
I have the 2001G for nearly 2 months now, and I just tried for the first time to record to Dv input from Digital Camcorder, I found that it records OK with my Sony TRV70, but when I try to record from a recently purchased Canon ZR500 it shows (Copy protection cannot copy)of course these are home videos, switching the tape to the Sony, same thing, I called Polaroid and of course they don't know. This happens when try to record to Disc or HDD, I can see the video but it won't Record. My unit Serial No is a G.
Some input will be appreciated.

[camlachie]

Has anyone tried to connect the Dv input on the front to either a didgital cable box, or a Vcr.
I have a Dvhs JVC DH 40k and am trying to connect to the unit, It reconizes the vcr and when i hit the record button it starts the playing of the vcr but no signal is coming thru to the Poloriod unit.
Has anyone had any sucess?

[jonlowe]

THE DV input will only work with camcorder type of input. It won't accept HD input, only NTSC (and maybe PAL) camcorder output. Same interface, but completely different data streams.

Jon

[camlachie]

THats what i THought but still wanted to try,,,,
Well atleast i have been able to record HD 5.1 on a S-Vhs Video tape thru my Dvhs Deck.....

[ekuth]

Gah! Okay, needing help.

Bought this puppy today after looking around.
Bought it specifically for the component (RGB) in capability.
I have a DirecTV HD receiver, I know how to hook things up correctly.

Problem is this:

Everytime I switch to the YUV input, I get a scrambled signal or no signal, or it flickers in and out. This is with my HD reciever set to either regular or HD channel. have tried all the available resolutions and formats. I got a partial, darkened pic using the 480i/p setting on my HD Reciever. Trouble is, by partial I mean it was like a split-screen with a big green line down the middle of the pic... that's the best I could get. 720i/p, 1080i would not display at all. Just the purple/green/blue scramble.

SVideo displays all modes flawlessly, but I don't want SVideo, dangit!

I've checked all my wires, ect- everything is correct.
Direct connection from the RGB output on the HD reciever to the RGB input on the Polariod.

Anyone else having this problem? Or do I just have a bum unit.

I'm seriously puzzled, as I'm the guy other folks call to set up their home theatres...

Any help appreciated!

[jonlowe]

The component inputs on the 2001G ONLY accept 480i. 480p into the component inputs on the 2001G will give the effect you describe. I have a Samsung 360 Directv receiver that I use only for an OTA HD channel my cable carrier doesn't carry ( I don't have a dish at all). It puts out what it calls 480i/480p, but it only puts out 480i over the s-video or composite outputs. Component is 480p, with no way to force it to 480i. My cable box, a Scientific Atlanta 8300HD, can put out 480i over component, so I use that to transfer programs to the 2001G. I use 4801 over svideo from the Samsung box to feed the 2001G.

That being said, I get very good quality over the svideo from my Samsung box into the Polaroid. The high quality HD source makes all the difference. The 2001G can only record 480i in any event.

Jon

Gah! Okay, needing help.


Problem is this:

Everytime I switch to the YUV input, I get a scrambled signal or no signal, or it flickers in and out. This is with my HD reciever set to either regular or HD channel. have tried all the available resolutions and formats. I got a partial, darkened pic using the 480i/p setting on my HD Reciever. Trouble is, by partial I mean it was like a split-screen with a big green line down the middle of the pic... that's the best I could get. 720i/p, 1080i would not display at all. Just the purple/green/blue scramble.

SVideo displays all modes flawlessly, but I don't want SVideo, dangit!


Any help appreciated!

[Bondiablo]

has this model been discontinued already? doesn't seem to show up anywhere right now. at least not in the US.

[ekuth]

Just bought mine at Wal-Mart, so not as far as I know.

And even using S-Video, the quality is impressive.

[mdoublem]

Maybe you can find one but my Polaroid broke down right around Thanksgiving time. Returned for a full refund from Wal since it was only 2 month old but they were out so I could not exchange. I've checked about 3 other Walmarts in the L.A. area and have never gotten in again. Just checked my local Wal on Jan 12 and they've still got the display up but no new stock. I suspect they're done. But I'd snap one up if I could find a boxed version.

[lordsmurf]

vhelp, can you confirm that Polaroid is 720x480 in 3-hour mode?
And only 4-hour is 352x480?

[vhelp]

LS,

Sorry for not gettin back to ya sooner. I was taking a break from these
forum boards. And pleas don't take it personal, that I didn't respond
with an answer to your inquiry

Well, the way I've been reading around here, it looks like you decided to
take a chance on this model, and you took a chance and picked one up.
So, I guess you have your answer.

I only use mine for my HDTV receiver recordings. I've been mainly
recording my tv series, "Lost". I don't really like the other lower
settings, because it uses lower quality setup, and with my noisy
Analog Cable, they don't mix very well. I -do- however, record
in the HQ setting from my analog cable, and then re-encode them
again, incorporate IVTC whenever possible. That's the only time I
use the Polaroid with my analog cable. (I think that digital cable
and satellite might do better in the lower set ups, but I don't know
for sure)

People mainly talk about the Toshiba brands, but I wanted a HDD unit
that I could afford and comprimise in features found in other units.

-vhelp 4204

[lordsmurf]

Actually I have not tested 3-hour mode yet. The 2-hour and 4-hour was to my liking. I left my JVC DR-M100 attached to the same tv, and they share a split cable signal (one on digital box, one analog). So I get the best of both worlds.

[flez]

Some questions.......

Why in on of the pictures above has someone got the HD out of the unit on a long cable, has someone found software to be able to read the HD in the pc?

Has anyone got another remote to work this unit, I dropped my remote now the unit is unusable until I can buy a spare or a one for all, but one for don't really list this unit (its a sampo designed machine, sold under lots of names, but only this latest poloroid has the guardian, other models have a usb in)

[vhelp]

flez,

Just find a store near by that sells "universal" remotes. Look for those
that have the [menu] button (or most buttons) on it. This will usually
clue you in on it having extended features support for DVD Recorders.

Then, you only have to program (put in the matching code) to make your
Polaroid work with the remote. This may take several attempts. I had
to do this with my JVC vcr's remote, because I was getting really tired
of juggling two or tree remotes, and after 6 years of this nonsense, you
get tired of it. Anyway. My JVC remote did not have a listing for my
GE tv set, but I used an RCA code, and I can now operate the TV with the
JVC remote, now. So, you have to do a little research.

Philips usually sell these.

-vhelp 4209

[Lightsluvr]

I asked this on another thread - but haven't received a response. I am intrigued by this recorder, and am hunting for a new or refurb. I found several on eBay but the "canned" specs used by the sellers do not mention component inputs. Did Polaroid do away with the component input in later versions, or did they just "drop" the mention of component inputs from their specs? Has anybody purchased a 2001G where the component inputs was disabled or missing?
Thanks.

LL

[vhelp]

Lightsluvr,

Did Polaroid do away with the component input in later versions, or did they just "drop" the mention of component inputs from their specs? Has anybody purchased a 2001G where the component inputs was disabled or missing?

Doubtful. I think the person who told you (that it didn't have input)
was basing what he saw in the manual. The manual only mentions component
output. But, rest asured, that the Polaroid does have a component input
as well. Only Wal-Mart stores have the DRM-2001G model. I can't
vouch for the spin-off or look-alike's. If you seriously want the unit
for the component input, then go for this model. You can always return
it if you are not satisfied.

-vhelp 4211

[flez]

Only Wal-Mart stores have the DRM-2001G model. I can't
vouch for the spin-off or look-alike's.

But you are, the poloroid _is_ a spinoff, its made by sampo, badged by packard bell, eltax etc and now much later, by poloroid.

Admittedly its now got tv guardian, but I dont think tvg was worth waiting for, and would have thought taking the USB connector off a step backward as well, it should be on the front, next to the component front input.

[InXess]

Polaroid's manual shows both in- and out- component terminals in their depiction of back panel.

[next]

Only Wal-Mart stores have the DRM-2001G model. I can't
vouch for the spin-off or look-alike's.

But you are, the poloroid _is_ a spinoff, its made by sampo, badged by packard bell, eltax etc and now much later, by poloroid.

Admittedly its now got tv guardian, but I dont think tvg was worth waiting for, and would have thought taking the USB connector off a step backward as well, it should be on the front, next to the component front input.

The front is composite not component.

Only the Polaroid is distributed in North America. Philips sells something very similiar (3455)but at the sme time it is very different.

The other similiar models are mostly for for European distribution. The have SCART connections for example. Denver also has a model out. Are these closer to the Philips or the Polaroid? Not sure.

The Polaroid does not have USB. I can live with that based on everything else it offers.

[flez]

Err, what does it offer that a usb version does not?

I'm missing something I think with the english-anglish varients of things like composite-componet ?

Mine has analog video and s-video(analog but seperate wires for luminance and colour) and RGB (never tested the rgb)

[Lightsluvr]

Thanks for the reply... I scarfed up the display of the 2001G at my local Wal-Mart...30% off. Thought I would see what it will do and decide whether it is worth keeping... Really interested to see how it performs with my Directv HD receivers. I have the D* HD DVR, but looking for a recorder to supplement the DVR.

Will report back. Love the idea of replacing HD with a 250 gb.

LL

[Bridge]

Sampo! Hmmm, I saw a sampo DVD recorder with component inputs sold for one week at Aldi's about two years ago.

[flez]

Sampo! Hmmm, I saw a sampo DVD recorder with component inputs sold for one week at Aldi's about two years ago.

emm, are you sure, because netto(uk) did the denver(sampo), I thought aldi did one that was like the mustek.

Sampo is a cheap producer, but the stuff usually is reliable and works well, check out the old area 450 site.


its unusual for netto / aldi to use the same supplier, they usually have an exclusive deal / distribution thing in place, although you do sometimes see them same smaller item, ie screwdrivers from same manufacturer, just in different colours.

[Lightsluvr]

A new replacement remote is available on the Polaroid website. My cost about $13 delivered. It works quite well.

LL

[flez]

I found my old denver dvr-150 remote, the only difference was it had an extra row of buttons and the functions printed on the case did now match the function you got when you pressed the button, then I had one of those wonderful ideas, swap the board into the other case....

So, problem solved, I know have a working remote, and with an led swap for an led from an old tv remote, I now have better range and a good angle, no more using gunsights to line the remote to the receiver.

Seems the problem is not in the dvd player or the design of the remote, but just that they are using some very poor led's

Do an led upgrade, you wont regret it.

[flez]

Oh and one4all are doing a code for it, they have emailed me and said its 1321 for my kamelion 6, but that my remote needs an upgrade, now working on getting that done.

[Fused0ne]

I have a question if someone can answer it please.

Is it possible to rewind a program that is currently recording? For example lets say a timed program starts rec at 7pm and I am not home at the time. Lets say I get home at 7:15pm and would like to start watching what I had programed to rec and not wait til its done rec. I try to rewind while its rec but nothing happens.

Can you not rew while recording?