Recommend a new dvd recorder

[colt4523]

Well it looks like my jvc Dr-M10 bit the big one. I am getting the "loading" issue again. So it might be time for a new dvd recorder. So what is the recommended machine to get. I prefer flex mode, good quality, and I really do not need a hard drive.

[lordsmurf]

Fix it.
"LOADING" is a generic message, and it may be something as simple as using inferior blank DVDs.

You will NOT find a top quality recorder brand new anymore.
See http://www.digitalfaq.com/reviews/dvd-recorders.htm

[colt4523]

I would try another blank dvd but unfortunately I cannot eject the disc or do anything with the machine. Supposedly it was already fixed once when I bought it several years ago.

Is there any information that may help me fix this myself? I assume getting it professionally repaired would not be worth it.

[lowellriggsiam]

I have had to force removed a dvd, once or twice. If you know what you are doing, and are careful, you uplug the unit, & open the case. If you understand how the dvd drive works, you pull up the spindle that holds the dvd in place (it's magnetic) and try forcing the dvd out.

[colt4523]

Alright, I officially have given up on the JVC. I removed the disc and still I get the loading problem. I think I will go the ebay way to get another recorder, so which one should I get? I looked a lordsmurf's recommendations but they all seem to have a hard drive. I do not want a hard drive and I am going to use the machine just for recording tv.

[Brainiac]

Sam's club has a Toshiba recorder for sale. I've never owned this model though:

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=426303

Brainiac

[handyguy]

Why not clean your laser? That's the first thing to try. Open it & do it with some denatured alcohol from ACE or Home Depot.

[jman98]

colt4523 - You have no "Location" information in your member info and your post doesn't say where you live. That's OK as I don't list my location either. However, I have often said that I live in the USA. Your location is really important to your question. Why? In the USA and Canada, DVD recorders are now almost all dead. Almost everybody has abandoned the marketplace. You basically have to get what you can and you have little choice now.

If you live in Europe, you should have a good number of choices. Hard drive DVD recorders are very popular in Europe because PVRs are not popular there, whereas in the USA and Canada PVRs are very popular and here there is very little interest in archiving TV shows for future watching. Almost everyone wants to see a show once and then delete it. Philips made some highly regarded DVD recorders here, but they have abandoned our marketplace so I don't know what's available elsewhere. Your reference to not wanting a DVD recorder with a hard disk makes me suspect that you are in Europe. You don't HAVE to use Ebay. Ever heard of amazon.co.uk?

[colt4523]

I have already tried to clean the laser but unfortunately it did not do anything. Right now there is no disc and the machine and I just get the loading sign for hours on end.

I am in the US.

[orsetto]

The JVC is worth fixing if you're an utter perfectionist and have some specific need for its unique picture quality. Otherwise, professional repair is costly and the machines have a tendency to repeatedly tank with that generic "loading" display. An old JVC is like a Ferrari: if you actually go to the track to race it, its worth every penny of the upkeep, but if all you do is drive it to the mall, its kinda pointless to own one. The notion that there are "no decent recorders left" is somewhat exaggerated: those who say that typically own JVCs or Toshibas made between 2004-2005. These machines were unique, with picture qualities or features that disappeared when they were discontinued. But its a matter of degree: not everyone loved those machines, their superiority is not obvious to average users. Its more accurate to say "there are no DVD recorders left with HDD" except for one Magnavox. If all you want is a time shifting device you really are not going to care, that lone Magnavox has an HDD and fortunately works reasonably well for average needs (if not power users).

Overall "quality" is less important these days than whether the machine can actually record anything. The transition to ATSC digital broadcasting in the USA has thrown a gigantic monkey wrench into the functionality of most recorders: the mfrs can't seem to integrate ATSC tuners with timer recording in a dependable manner. This is one of the major reasons DVD recorders are a dead product in North America: they can't record anymore, via tuner or line inputs. You need to shop carefully and check forums for recommendations of models that are known to record fairly reliably. There are very few such choices, mostly from Magnavox and Panasonic. Of the Panasonics, the EZ-28 is most dependable. From Magnavox, most are reliable at recording but avoid the combo recorders with VHS. If you don't mind buying refurbs, J&R online is currently having an excellent sale on the Magnavox 3505 (dvd only) and H2160 (dvd/hdd). Personally I would opt for the model with HDD if you can possibly afford it: if all you do is watch and erase, an HDD is much easier, durable and better quality than using eraseable dvds.

[colt4523]

Thanks for the info. I really only need a recorder for time shifting. I already converted my vhs so I just want a recorder that can be a vcr. I took a look at J&R but I did not see the Magnavox 3505. Must be sold out?

[orsetto]

Their 3505 sale can be found at http://www.jr.com/philips/pe/PHI_DVDR3505_hy_RB/. Ignore the nitwits who posted bad reviews at J&R: they're complaining because "it can't copy Hollywood DVDs" or "my cable company is staffed by fools who don't know how to connect a recorder". (Having already owned a recorder you know better.) The 3505 is not perfect by any means, but as current models go it at least records reliably and doesn't cost a fortune.

[lordsmurf]

Also worth a read: digitalFAQ.com/forum/showthread.php/broken-jvc-dr-1557.html

And then consider (if you REALLY REALLY want a new one), the Magnavox from Walmart:
Walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10104532
(NOTE: Not available in probably 99% of the stores, BUY IT ONLINE! Site to Store, or Ship to Home/Office.)
Only $229 plus tax..
It's really not too much different than the Philips 3575, but it's surely cheaper AND brand new.