DVD recorder advice please...
Discussion
Mornin' all,
Looking to buy a DVD/video recorder combo. Want to record to disc not hdd so that I can archive and play dvds in laptop.
Seems a bewildering market out there, (isn't it always) so need some advice on what features to look for and what I should be paying.
Can you help me, guys?
Looking to buy a DVD/video recorder combo. Want to record to disc not hdd so that I can archive and play dvds in laptop.
Seems a bewildering market out there, (isn't it always) so need some advice on what features to look for and what I should be paying.
Can you help me, guys?
Do you have an existing video player?
If so I would advise going for a HDD/DVD recorder like the Panasonic DMREH50 - I have one of these and the advantages IMHO are that the HD makes editing stuff you already have on video easier and that you can then selectively transfer to DVD for other use.
Although many DVD/Video combos will do a good job of copying VHS to DVD, if you want to be able to archive/backup pre-recorded VHS tapes they will have problems due to copyprotection such as Macrovision.
I am busy archiving all my old videotape onto DVD (I even have some Betamax !) and I'm using one of these:
www.icos-tech.com/products/analogue.html
To connect the video players to the HDD/DVD recorder using scarts. It enables excellent quality backups to be made. (I must stress that the device is designed for transferring your OWN videotapes etc to DVD or making backup DVD, and NOT for ripping things off)
Prof Beard
>> Edited by Prof Beard on Sunday 30th October 09:35 - made cock-up with url
>> Edited by Prof Beard on Sunday 30th October 09:37
>> Edited by Prof Beard on Sunday 30th October 09:37
If so I would advise going for a HDD/DVD recorder like the Panasonic DMREH50 - I have one of these and the advantages IMHO are that the HD makes editing stuff you already have on video easier and that you can then selectively transfer to DVD for other use.
Although many DVD/Video combos will do a good job of copying VHS to DVD, if you want to be able to archive/backup pre-recorded VHS tapes they will have problems due to copyprotection such as Macrovision.
I am busy archiving all my old videotape onto DVD (I even have some Betamax !) and I'm using one of these:
www.icos-tech.com/products/analogue.html
To connect the video players to the HDD/DVD recorder using scarts. It enables excellent quality backups to be made. (I must stress that the device is designed for transferring your OWN videotapes etc to DVD or making backup DVD, and NOT for ripping things off)
Prof Beard
>> Edited by Prof Beard on Sunday 30th October 09:35 - made cock-up with url
>> Edited by Prof Beard on Sunday 30th October 09:37
>> Edited by Prof Beard on Sunday 30th October 09:37
Thanks for that.
No, I won't be copying copyright stuff (much). Being a motorsport anorak I've got tapes of GPs going back to the early 80's, and if they've survived I'd like to get them onto dvd before they all totally drop-out. Plus, I often like to keep recordings of fave programmes - like the entire series of Auf Wiedersehen Pet fr'instance.
(Interestingly, there are two building sites in Brum that are German - every man-jack is german, all their vehicles are german, their materials are german, all delivered by german trucks - a turnabout from the 80's though, eh?)
The video player I have now is old and shagged out. Our dvd player is one we won in a raffle. Basically, its about time we put our hands in our wallets and spent some bloody money! We need a new tv as well, but the thought of trying to sort out if we want plasma or lcd and all the rest of it means that can wait for a bit.
I want a dvd machine that will also play jpeg cds. Do they all do that nowadays or not, and what do I need to look for in this regard? I want a nice all in one unit, don't want cables trailing around.
Haven't a clue where to begin. Help!
No, I won't be copying copyright stuff (much). Being a motorsport anorak I've got tapes of GPs going back to the early 80's, and if they've survived I'd like to get them onto dvd before they all totally drop-out. Plus, I often like to keep recordings of fave programmes - like the entire series of Auf Wiedersehen Pet fr'instance.
(Interestingly, there are two building sites in Brum that are German - every man-jack is german, all their vehicles are german, their materials are german, all delivered by german trucks - a turnabout from the 80's though, eh?) The video player I have now is old and shagged out. Our dvd player is one we won in a raffle. Basically, its about time we put our hands in our wallets and spent some bloody money! We need a new tv as well, but the thought of trying to sort out if we want plasma or lcd and all the rest of it means that can wait for a bit.
I want a dvd machine that will also play jpeg cds. Do they all do that nowadays or not, and what do I need to look for in this regard? I want a nice all in one unit, don't want cables trailing around.
Haven't a clue where to begin. Help!
heebeegeetee said:
Thanks for that.
I want a dvd machine that will also play jpeg cds. Do they all do that nowadays or not, and what do I need to look for in this regard? I want a nice all in one unit, don't want cables trailing around.
The Panasonic range seem to be the most versatile, but you need to check the specs of each model - its usually clear in the websites. My does photo CDs etc.
If you plan to use it for anything off-air as well, I'd strongly advise the DVD/HDD route. Recording to HDD is quick and easy (no hunting for blank discs and then waiting for them to load while your fave prog ticks by), and if you want to transfer the programme to DVD you just dub it across. I have the Sony RDR-HX510 and would recommend it to anyone.
However if you ONLY want to make DVDs from VHS then your first idea might be best as to do it with the Sony is (I think) a two-stage process, ie VHS>HDD>DVD.
Also, one thing I've learned the hard way is - don't buy cheap media. Stick to a good brand like Fuji.
However if you ONLY want to make DVDs from VHS then your first idea might be best as to do it with the Sony is (I think) a two-stage process, ie VHS>HDD>DVD.
Also, one thing I've learned the hard way is - don't buy cheap media. Stick to a good brand like Fuji.
Bought one of these recently.
Superb bit of kit.
Forget the fact that it isn't a "brand name"
User interface an absolute doddle.
You can edit your recordings from the Hard Drive before dumping to DVD (ie remove the junk before the start, and the junk at the end of a timer recording, plus remove the ads if you want)
Plus it records on DVD+ and DVD-
Does the "pause live TV" thing as well.
Very impressed so far.
Edited to add:
You can record direct to DVD as well, rather than HDD first, then DVD.
>> Edited by meeja on Sunday 30th October 10:37
Superb bit of kit.
Forget the fact that it isn't a "brand name"
User interface an absolute doddle.
You can edit your recordings from the Hard Drive before dumping to DVD (ie remove the junk before the start, and the junk at the end of a timer recording, plus remove the ads if you want)
Plus it records on DVD+ and DVD-
Does the "pause live TV" thing as well.
Very impressed so far.
Edited to add:
You can record direct to DVD as well, rather than HDD first, then DVD.
>> Edited by meeja on Sunday 30th October 10:37
Prof Beard said:
The Panasonic range seem to be the most versatile
Panasonics are not multi region though. At least the one I've seen isn't (DMR-E85H) and Panasonics aren't easy to unlock either. They also have a lengthy startup procedure.
Another option by the way, especially if you're mainly going to use the DVD recorder function to archive VHS, is rather than buying the sort of unit that sits in the TV cabinet is to buy one that plugs into your PC. Iomega do a DVD burner with integrated capture card for instance. Plug the VHS into the drive, plug the drive into the PC via USB, and off you go. Means it's very easy to edit videos with the PC. You can also record from the TV, and it also doubles as a backup device - backup the PC's hard drive to DVD. And you don't need to chuck out the existing DVD and VHS players, just whip it out when you need it! It records +R, +RW, -R, -RW and dual layer discs.
munky said:
The Panasonic range seem to be the most versatile
Panasonics are not multi region though. At least the one I've seen isn't (DMR-E85H) and Panasonics aren't easy to unlock either. They also have a lengthy startup procedure.
Another option by the way, especially if you're mainly going to use the DVD recorder function to archive VHS, is rather than buying the sort of unit that sits in the TV cabinet is to buy one that plugs into your PC. Iomega do a DVD burner with integrated capture card for instance. Plug the VHS into the drive, plug the drive into the PC via USB, and off you go. Means it's very easy to edit videos with the PC. You can also record from the TV, and it also doubles as a backup device - backup the PC's hard drive to DVD. And you don't need to chuck out the existing DVD and VHS players, just whip it out when you need it! It records +R, +RW, -R, -RW and dual layer discs.
I bought mine ready multiregioned from here:
www.rgbdirect.co.uk/referrer.asp?SKUNumber=103515&ReferrerCode=4
very good service and quick delivery, over a £100 cheaper than a fixed region one from somewhere like Amazon
Prof Beard
Good site - duly bookmarked! 
I just think in his case, if he doesn't need the HDD part there's no point him paying extra for the combined DVD/HDD drive. May as well get a standalone DVD recorder, or a USB DVD burner with integrated capture card, or a VHS/DVD recorder combo if there is such a thing.
As for someone mentioning Macrovision protection - there are ways around this
I just think in his case, if he doesn't need the HDD part there's no point him paying extra for the combined DVD/HDD drive. May as well get a standalone DVD recorder, or a USB DVD burner with integrated capture card, or a VHS/DVD recorder combo if there is such a thing.
As for someone mentioning Macrovision protection - there are ways around this
munky said:
As for someone mentioning Macrovision protection - there are ways around this
AS I said in my first post, the mist elegant solution to Macrovision I've found is:
www.icos-tech.com/products/analogue.html
and very cheap too - works splendidly
Fair enough, I was thinking more along the line of video stabilisers. e.g. for £20 www.sonel.com/
munky said:
Fair enough, I was thinking more along the line of video stabilisers. e.g. for £20 <a href="www.sonel.com/"><a href="www.sonel.com/">www.sonel.com/</a></a>
The box I have seems to do a good job on the signal, so I guess it also contains circuitry like the sonel. My box was 40 something quid, so I guess the sonel is a better buy if macrovision etc isn't an issue? Although I note the sonel also claims to deal with macrovision interference - do have direct experience of it?
>> Edited by Prof Beard on Sunday 30th October 17:13
Hello there,
From experience , I don't rate the Panasonic as well as the Sony. I would recommend the latest Sony RDR-HX910 DVD/HD/FREEVIEW recorder.
With the RDR-HX910 you will be able to record, store, listen to and watch your DVD's. Equipped with a 250Gb internal hard disk the RDR-HX910 will allow you to record up to 428 hours of television programmes! The RDR-HX910 has 8 recording options, one of them will let you record up to 8 hours on one standard DVD. It is compatibile with DVD+RW/-RW,+R/-R, DVD+R dual layered discs. Fairly future proof and if you buy dual layer blank disks(VERBATIM being the best ,compatible with most players) you could record twice the capacity of a normal DVD-R/+R (8.5GB as opposed to 4.7GB).I highly recommend that machine.
www.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProduct.action?product=RDR-HXD910&site=odw_en_GB&pageType=Features&category=DVD+Recorder
regards
Barry
PS: There is a same features model the cheaper SonyRDR-HXD710 with a smaller hard drive if you wish
From experience , I don't rate the Panasonic as well as the Sony. I would recommend the latest Sony RDR-HX910 DVD/HD/FREEVIEW recorder.
With the RDR-HX910 you will be able to record, store, listen to and watch your DVD's. Equipped with a 250Gb internal hard disk the RDR-HX910 will allow you to record up to 428 hours of television programmes! The RDR-HX910 has 8 recording options, one of them will let you record up to 8 hours on one standard DVD. It is compatibile with DVD+RW/-RW,+R/-R, DVD+R dual layered discs. Fairly future proof and if you buy dual layer blank disks(VERBATIM being the best ,compatible with most players) you could record twice the capacity of a normal DVD-R/+R (8.5GB as opposed to 4.7GB).I highly recommend that machine.
www.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProduct.action?product=RDR-HXD910&site=odw_en_GB&pageType=Features&category=DVD+Recorder
regards
Barry
PS: There is a same features model the cheaper SonyRDR-HXD710 with a smaller hard drive if you wish
allnighter said:
PS: There is a same features model the cheaper SonyRDR-HXD710 with a smaller hard drive if you wish
And mine, the 510.
This 'up to xxx hours' thing sounds impressive but don't forget it will be compressed to buggery and probably worse than VHS. My 510 has an 80Gb HDD; I record at one setting below Max which gives me about 45 hours. I've never used more than 10 hours; progs either get watched then deleted, or dubbed to DVD.
simpo two said:
This 'up to xxx hours' thing sounds impressive but don't forget it will be compressed to buggery and probably worse than VHS.
True , but even on the highest quality settings 250GB drive is a lot better than 80GB , and yours is only an analogue recorder(5 terrestrial channels MAX) which you will have to replace after the analogue switch off.
Best to be ahead of the game and buy a DVD recorder with a built in FREEVIEW to be on the safe side.
allnighter said:
even on the highest quality settings 250GB drive is a lot better than 80GB
Never filled more than 30% of mine and don't plan to use any more.
allnighter said:
and yours is only an analogue recorder(5 terrestrial channels MAX) which you will have to replace after the analogue switch off. Best to be ahead of the game and buy a DVD recorder with a built in FREEVIEW to be on the safe side.
By 2012 it'll be up for replacement anyway, I should think. Also by then they'll be giving away Freeview boxes for nothing, as Auntie needs to be able to broadcast spin to the masses.
If I was that interested in getting Freeview, I can just buy a box and plug it in, like everyone else.
Nope, I'm sticking with the 510 thanks; very happy with it. And before you ask, I don't need DV either
Also looking at buying first DVD recorder and think I have settled on this one:
johnlewis|www.johnlewis.com/Audio+and+TV/DVD+and+Video/DVD+and+Video/DVD+Recorders/230217886/Product.aspx
Has a built in freeview box so save having to add yet another box with the all the cabling that goes with and quotes a start up to recording time of just 1 second - whilst not strictly a hard drive recorder, from what I gather it does have a small one built in to buffer to in order to get this quick start feature.
johnlewis|www.johnlewis.com/Audio+and+TV/DVD+and+Video/DVD+and+Video/DVD+Recorders/230217886/Product.aspx
Has a built in freeview box so save having to add yet another box with the all the cabling that goes with and quotes a start up to recording time of just 1 second - whilst not strictly a hard drive recorder, from what I gather it does have a small one built in to buffer to in order to get this quick start feature.
allnighter said:
I would recommend the latest Sony RDR-HX910 DVD/HD/FREEVIEW recorder
I upgraded to the 910 from a DVD-only Sony recorder, and can highly recommend it, especially for use with a plasma / projector display
I wasn't bothered about the included hard disk, but am using it quite a lot, as it saves formatting more DVD-RWs than I need to (never seem to have an free one round when there's a programme starting I want to record)
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