Hi, I am finally coming around to looking at Dvd Recorders, but they are pretty foreign to me...I am not sure what each can do? if they all do virtually the same things (just with different variations and efficiency)? I think I've figured out (and this is what i'm hoping) that dvd recorders do basically the same general things as Tivo and DVR with the extra ability to burn the saved programs to DVD-/+r... Can anyone tell me if I am right in my assumptions and possibly give their opinion on what is a better recorder and why? Maybe I could be guided to other threads easily... by the way I have a HDTV (LCD TV) so I'm looking for high quality recording and playbacks... Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I don't like TiVO because you basically pay them to spy on you. I wouldn't mind if I got the unit and service for free, but you don't. http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2003-06-03-tivo-sells-data_x.htm You used to be able to partially opt-out by calling 1-877-367-8486, but I'm not sure if that's still true. A PVR is essentially the same thing though in some cases they store the content at your cable company. There was a recent injunction regarding this technique against a major cable provider (Comcast, think) so this may no longer be available. DVD recorders allow you to permanently record to DVD and are probably you best all-around option. However, they do obey Broadcast Flags so you may not be able to record some shows e.g. most HBO stuff (I think, though am not sure, TiVO/PVRs may have this limitation as well). They also will not record anything they sense is copy-protected with Macrovision, which can mean home-made video tapes, unless you buy a good unit e.g. JVC, Pioneer, etc. or have a Time-Base Corrector (TBC) a.k.a. a "clarifier" or "stablizer". TBCs are a good investment anyway if you plan on doing videotape transfers, and will remove the Broadcast Flag as well, depending on your hookup, so don't be deterred against DVD recorders. Just plan on spending a little extra if you run into trouble. A homebrew PVR using a PC can give you the best of all worlds - the ability to record to DVD, a built-in hard drive, and fewer or even none of the problems presented by the copy-protection. And higher-definition, if you are willing to put out for higher-end media. But it takes more work and know-how to put one together, and it's usually a little bit more involved i.e. you don't just set the channel and hit Record. Plus, a good remote is hard to find and complicates things.
I have a Panasonic DVD Recorder with the 60g Hard Drive in it and yes it allows you to record to that HDD for future viewing just the same as TiVo. It also allows for recording of the data to a DVD. It does not record protected media such as DVD's or VHS movie tapes, it will record direct from the television to disk. The flagged shows from HBO allow for one recording so if you record to the HDD that is your recording, however if you record direct to disk you may get around it. There are some attachments on the market that allow you to get around this, as it is an analog hole and they are legal. Here is one. http://www.xdimax.com/grex/grex.html
I've been reading more about this, and realize more of what i want in a dvd recorder: HDD space to record on box only, dvd/vcr combo, and the highest quality and closest to Hi-Def as I can get, (and also to be able to record major stations and shows - like HBO... with these things, it seems I need to get a high-end brand name machine and after quickly looking at only a few options that I could find, this one seems the best fit: http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMR..._12/104-0002414-0614301?ie=UTF8&s=electronics I still am wondering if this is overpriced/other machines are just as good but cheaper... if anyone has opinions on whats best it would be helpful.
I've been reading more about this, and realize more of what i want in a dvd recorder: HDD space to record on box only, dvd/vcr combo, and the highest quality and closest to Hi-Def as I can get, (and also to be able to record major stations and shows - like HBO... with these things, it seems I need to get a high-end brand name machine and after quickly looking at only a few options that I could find, this one seems the best fit: http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMR..._12/104-0002414-0614301?ie=UTF8&s=electronics I still am wondering if this is overpriced/other machines are just as good but cheaper... if anyone has opinions on whats best it would be helpful.
I have the older Panasonic DMR E80H it does not have the VCR with it and I got it when DVR's first came out on the market about 3 years ago and it cost a bundle then, but it does produce good results. I am able to take my recorded disks and edit them on the PC to get out commercials and the stupid menu you have to put on you recorded disk, it will record up to 8 hours on a single layer disk, although I don't recommend it the quality is not as good as just going with the two hours, but it is also depending on what you are recording.
@arniebear ... so, if I were to get a DVD recorder, I could make DVD backups with the "stabelizer" for which you provided a link?
Supposedly that is how this works, I read about it over at CDFreaks when someone was having problems recording HBO shows. The person who recommended this said it works.
I've made VHS backups of DVDs using a "stabalizer" which came out pretty damned good but colors not quite right ... was one of the first stabalizers though. I'm tired of making DVD backups on my computer; the damned novelty has totally worn off long ago. These "stabelizers" would allow me to make backup DVDs on a DVD recorder? My new TV doesn't have a video out (what do they call that, an "analog hole"? Still, I have an older TV ... I could figure a way around that if DVD to DVD is pretty reliable with a dvd recorder.
I hang out at videohelp.com and the favor tends to be towards JVC or Pioneer offerings. I have a Panasonic (DMR-E50, no HDD) and the video quality is marginal. Actually, it was great until a firmware update which was necessary to get it to work with modern discs. Because manufacturers generally reuse code (i.e. the MPEG-2 codec) I'd be a bit leery of Panasonics, at least until I get to test one and see how its quality looks.
I will agree on the Panasonic for quality. I got mine when they were new to the market so there was not a lot of choice and I wanted the HDD. I was just talking to a guy who fixes electronic equipment for a living and he is recommending Pioneer, JVC and Samsung as good equipment for Home Theater and Audio. Keeps telling me to stay away from Sony, as it is what he most has to repair.
