Pioneer Dvr-633H, 640H, and previous model comparison questions?

[Razortceps]

So does anyone know what the reviews are on the 640H and how it compares to the 633h? Also how does it compare to the 520H and 533H model...no need to compare it to the 420 model, I already know the differences behind that particular model. Also when did the 640H come out? And finally one of the most important questions of them all is what does the following mean cause I read it on a site selling the 640H. Besides not being sure what the following means, does it also apply to the old generation models as well?

"*This unit has only an ‘analog’ broadcast tuner so it will require a converter box after February 17, 2009 to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna, because of the nation’s transition to digital broadcasting on that date, as required by Federal law."

Oh out of curiousity will I be able to record my Video games though the RCA cords or does it not have a place to plug those in so I can record my games through it?

[Frobozz]

The 633H was a good idea gone bad when its TVGOS proved to be extremely troublesome to most owners. Pioneer stopped supplying that model in the middle of the model year and therefore was selling no recorders for several months until the 640H was released in June. So far I've read very good reports about the 640H. There's a long thread of user reports at the DVD recorders forum at avsforum.com.

The 640 adds some nice features such as the ability to transfer your audio CDs and JPEG photos to its HDD. Pioneer scrapped the TVGOS so the channel and recording selection is more like the 420 you're familiar with. (By the way, the 520 is the same as a 420 except it also has a Firewire DV input/output).

What is lost with the 640 is there is no Firewire DV link on this unit. The remote control also is redesigned so that many functions are under a cover. I don't care for that approach and would use my Harmony remote instead of Pioneer's remote if I purchase this model.

Compared with a 420/520 you get a larger HDD with the 640 and Pioneer's improved MPEG encoder which records at higher quality especially in the longer recording rates. You also get faster dubbing, dual-layer media support, ability to record to more kinds of media, and DivX playback capability.

Until the 640H came out it was my opinion the 520H was Pioneer's best-ever consumer DVD recorder. The 520H still is Pioneer's best with a Firewire DV link but the 640H is better in most all other ways.

I have the older 510H which is meeting my needs very well. I keep trying to talk myself into buying the 640H but I part of me wants to wait to see what happens with HD technology.

The statement you quoted about the tuner is true for every DVD recorder on the market today. The tuner is just like the one in your TV (or the 420) in that it can only tune analog and not digital channels. In the future a converter box will be needed for existing TVs, VCRs and DVD recorders to tune digital transmissions.

You'd record the games using the line input on any of the Pioneer recorders.

[Razortceps]

You'd record the games using the line input on any of the Pioneer recorders.

Thats the thing though check it out the specifications on the 640-H Frobozz:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/product/details/0,,2076_310069745_30308927...tailsComponent

My Xbox has composite cords (Red/Yellow/White) and this unit doesnt have any composite inputs only SV ones which is a real bummer because now I cant connect my Xbox through it right? And on a side note I really dont care to buy an SV cable for the Xbox is one is made. I mean is composite cords going out of style or something, why doesnt this unit have them....thats crazy dont you think. Any making sense of this matter and if I am right or not would help thanks.

Btw did the 420 and 520 allow you dont connect composite cords to them?

[Frobozz]

The specs on that page are incomplete. If you click the Documents tab on that page and then download the Owner's Manual you'll see on page 16 that both of the rear inputs have S-video and composite video connections. The front input also has both.