Toshiba RD-XS35 first impressions, comparison to XS34

[gshelley61]

Hey, all -

Well, I've had this Toshiba RD-XS35 for a couple of days and can confidently say that it is identical in operation, features, functions and encoding (recording) quality to the XS34. It is really an XS34 with improved styling. The TVGOS system bugs seem to be fixed now, and they have added some options in the setup area for folks that have satellite set top boxes. Of course, the YG12 firmware update from Toshiba fixed the XS34 problems with TVGOS (I have two of them and they both work fine).

As I work with the unit a bit more, I'll post some more observations.

[Marvingj]

First let me say that this machine for the price is simply AMAZING the RD-XS34. The RD-XS35 looks like a exact copy. They change the grill a little but not that much. I curious to see if Toshiba change anything beside the grill.

[gshelley61]

First let me say that this machine for the price is simply AMAZING the RD-XS34. The RD-XS35 looks like a exact copy. They change the grill a little but not that much. I curious to see if Toshiba change anything beside the grill.

So far the XS35 is basically identical to my XS34's other than the front panel cosmetics (which are more refined). All the user functions, features, options, the GUI, even the fan noise are exactly the same.

[davideck]

How would you rate the XS34/35 with respect to the XS52/KX50? Other than the Input Black Level adjustment, are there any other Picture Quality differences?

[gshelley61]

I have not had a KX50 or XS52 on hand to test. I did have a XS32 for a short period of time... the recording quality was excellent, other than the input black level being fixed for 0 IRE sources (no setting for 7.5 IRE)

I think that series uses the NEC encoding chip, too.

[ArtemisG3]

I just got the RD-XS35 a couple weeks ago. I'm pretty happy with it, but I have noticed that the DVD's it burns do not play in all DVD players. Yes, I have finalized them. What I end up doing is ripping them to my Mac, opening the folder in myDVDEdit which fixing the problems, and re-burn it to disc.

Can anyone tell me where to see how much recording space is left on the HDD? It's not on the Content Menu as it is on some other recorders.

I have only been recording in SP mode so far, because a 2 hour recording will just fit on a DVD in SP mode.

[gshelley61]

In the DVD Recorder Operation setup menu, make sure you have DVD Compatible Mode set to Main. Also, I transfer from the HDD to DVD in the Edit Menu (top right button under the remote control lower cover). Under the Edit Functions is DVD-Video Creation. Make sure you are using top quality DVD-R blanks like Taiyo Yuden.

While you have the remote control lower cover open, you will notice a Remain button. Push that and you will see how much time is left on the HDD at your current User Record Quality setting.

[ArtemisG3]

thanks for the info