About Dvd Recorders

• Superior video and audio quality
• Easy-to-handle and smaller form-factor disc media
• Random access to video chapters without rewinding or fast-forwarding
• Onscreen multilingual subtitles and labeling not available on VCRs
• Reduced playback wear and tear
• High-quality digital copying, with little or no [generation loss]
• Improved editing, at least on rewritable media
• Playlisting
• No risk of accidentally recording over existing content or unexpectedly running out of space during recording
• Easy to find recordings due to chapter menus

• [Digital video]
• [Digital video recorder] (DVR)
• [DVD]
• [Optical disc recorder]
• [Videocassette recorder] (VCR, video recorder)

• How to Choose a DVD Recorder

Dvd recorders

Questions and Answers

dvd recorders?

Q) can you please tell me if these new dvd recorders that record onto a disc,can the disc be erased and then recorded on over & over again like a vcr recorder,or can you only use them once . thanks

A) yes you can re record a dvd disc but only if the recorder you are using is compatible with re writable dvd discs and has the ability to record onto these discs also. look for the letters dvd rw on the machine you are considering and also on the blank discs you purchase.

Is normal dub better than high speed dub on HDD DVD recorders?

Q) I wondered whether the general principle of slower than maximum speed burns being best when using a PC also applies to HDD DVD recorders. I have a Panasonic DMR-EH50. Most of the time it is set to high speed dubbing capability, but if time was not of the essence for a transfer to DVD I wonder if dubbing at normal speed might optimize the quality of the burn. If this is a dumb question - my apologies, I have more anxiety than knowledge in such matters.

A) not really a fan of dub music at all i'm afraid. regardless of the hardware used to play it.

A question about DVD recorders with hard drives, If I record a programme off the telly on the Hard drive?

Q) do the machines let you transfer it onto a dvd disk so I could lend it to a mate? or if not can you also just use them to record direct to a disk like a normal DVD recorder? any info would be very helpful thanks. Also any recommended DVD hard drives? I live in the U.K. so any shops would be great.

A) yes you can record to disc well on mine you can check out the specs on the dvd recorder you want ive got samsung dvd recorder yes you can record staight to disc and to the harddrive

What dvd recorders are compatible with my sky box?

Q) I'm looking for a sony dvd recorder with the pause live tv function to hook up to my sky box... thanks

A) Check the following sites:- Amazon.co.uk: Sony RDR-HXD870 - DVD Recorder With 160GB Hard Drive - With Freeview - Black: Electronics & Photo Pause Live TV ... usb for pictures/music and you can hook up ... Help: connecting the 870 to my Sky box. 6. 4 hours ago. 2 Questions (both about Virgin Media) ... www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-RDR-HXD870-Recorder-160GB-Freeview/dp/B000OQ7878 - 222k - Cached 2.LG LGDVB418 HD (scaled) DVD player info thread [Text View] - AVS Forum Yes My TV setup is: Sony Trinitron Widescreen 30" CRT with a DVI input, with ... I was looking for a player with HDMI output and this was about the only model ... www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/archive/index.php/t-426637.html - 188k - Cached 3.Slashdot | Sony to Add TV Tuner, DVR to PS3 ... TV set, DVD or video recorder, digital box, PC, laptop or mobile phone - TV ... I'm fairly sure you'd have to hook up one of these two boxes to a PS3 to allow ... games.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/08/24/125228&from=rss - 136k - Cached 4.How not to buy a DVD Hard Drive Recorder [Archive] - PC World Forums ... I can't get the friggin' thing tuned in to my (new 42" Sony LCD :thumbs: ) tv! ... Sky), but most of the set-top box variety don't actually have a DVD recorder ... forums.pcworld.co.nz/archive/index.php/t-75525.html

Do DVD-Hard Drive Recorders allow you to transfer recorded programmes onto a PC for subsequent editing?

Q) Hi, I live in Britain and am interested in purchasing a DVD recorder with hard disk drive (DVR ?), but frustratingly I'm unable to find out for certain whether you can record TV programmes onto the recorder's hard drive in a PC-compatible format and then transfer the file (via a USB connection, for example) onto a PC for editing prior to burning it onto a DVD. I can't find a yes or no to this question in any manufacturer's published specifications, and shop staff haven't a clue when I ask them (surprise surprise!). This piece of detail is a deal-breaker for me so I'd be delighted to hear of any such devices sold in the UK which offer this facility. Many thanks in advance for your suggestions!

A) I am able to do this with windows media center.

What's your experience of Panasonic DVD recorders?

Q) How does the built-in Freeview digital tuner compare to stand-alone digital tuners? When making a recording to DVD is there a finalizing period when 'stop' is pressed, and if so how long is it? I'm in a quandry whether to go for one with a digital tuner and/or hard drive or not. Hard drive models are much more expensive, is it really worth it for every-day recordings? I rather hoped I'd get more response, seems either hardly anyone here has them or just is too busy trying to get them to work to answer my question! ;-)

A) Generally anything by Panasonic is excellent. I have a Pana DVD recorder with RAM capability, where you can live pause and rewind while you are recording, similar to Sky+ . There is a pause when you stop recording, but that does not show on the playback, it is purely a memory function. The tuner inside a Pana PVR is excellent and easily stands up in a test against other freeview boxes. In fact, I would go so far as to say it is better in many ways, and has a built in gain for reception. Hard drives are the way forward and I would give a definite "yes" to anyone asking if it is a good idea or not. Hope that helps

Anyone Know Of A Good Forum For Discussing Problems Related To Technology Such As TV and DVD Recorders?

Q) Would like to be able to discuss technical problems relating to TV, DVD, Home Cinema, etc.

A) A good forum to use would be www.hometheatershack.com/forums. and www.hometheater.about.com/mpboards.htm

Can DVD recorders record 2 programmes at the same time on different channels?

A) nope they can't, but if you have dual tuners you can watch one while recording another

Do upscaling DVD recorders, upscale what they have recorded?

Q) Getting a Philips with HDD. Will it do it or do they in general?

A) They record in standard definition and upscale on playback.

DVD recorders do you have to watch the same side when recording?

A) if it is only single tuner you leave the dvd on the channel you want to record and put your tv on the channel you want to watch.

DVD recorders?

Q) I'm looking to record my VHS tapes onto dvds. I've seen in stores different recorders that are inexpensive, can anyone tell me what the quality of the images once transfered onto dvd is like? Does getting a high end recorder and dvds matter? I neglected to say these are just shows from TV, not home movies or anything like that.

A) Obviously some will be better than others, but it only matters if you want to use low bit rates (compress as much as possible). I recommend you use the highest possible recording quality especially if you ever plan to watch them on an HDTV. In terms of quality, it can't be better than the original

are dvd recorders or vhs recorders that connect to the tv illegal to use?

Q) I would like to know if it is illegal to use dvd recorders or vhs recorders to record tv shows on tv on to dvd. I am really confused if it is ok or not.

A) No, it is not illegal. In fact, there was a decision by the Supreme Court some years ago that such recording for your own private, personal use was a "fair use" under the copyright laws. However, defeating copyright protection schemes on TV signals is not legal. Some TV signals carry copy protection signals which prevent copying them or sometimes permit a copy, but prevent a copy of the copy from being made.

How can I find ratings on DVD Recorders?

Q) I am looking to buy a DVD Recorder and would like to see rankings on all the recorders available so I can determine what features I would like and what I am most likely to pay. To do this I am hoping to find several sites that offer their opinions on rankings.

A) Sometimes the reviews at C|Net are worth reading. They recently updated their top DVD recorder reviews: http://reviews.cnet.com/4521-6531_7-5021437-2.html Consumer Reports has reviews but I've always taken their ratings with a grain of salt. They aren't audio and videophiles. http://ratings.consumerreports.org/DVD_Recorders.htm Another place to go to dig up raves and dirt on particular models is AVS Forum: http://www.avsforum.com/ One thing to consider is a DVD recorder with a hard drive which is a DVR also. This allows you to record several shows and watch them independently and archive only the shows you are interested in archiving to a DVD. http://www.humaxusa.com/Product_frames.html

Which DVD recorders have both component in and component out?

Q) Component meaning YPbPr, analog high def 720p/1080i, three RCA cables usu. Red, Green, and Blue if I remember right. I'm NOT asking about Blu-Ray or HD-DVD, because those high definition technologies are still establishing themselves. I know that DVDs can only carry 480p. Also, any receiver/DVD recorder combos out there? Yeah, but my device sends an SD signal through a component interface, so I would like it to be able to connect to the DVD recorder with a component in.

A) Phillips and Sony are the only models I've seen.

How do DVD recorders deal with long/large recordings?

Q) Hello I don't know anybody who has ever owned a DVD recorder but I'm interested in them. I need to get some feedback on how they generally operate. I want to record sporting events in SDTV (720p) that run for 4 hours or longer per event. Usually these recordings take up around 8 GB via my computer's DTV card. This means the file size will be greater than fits on a standard, cheap, easily purchased blank DVD holding 4.37 GB. Dual layer DVDs are too expensive and it's very hard to find DVD-R DL media where I live. Do DVD recorders burn recordings greater than 4.37 GB to a single DVD? If so, how? Do they re-compress the video quality down until it will fit? If so wouldn't this take a very long time? Secondly, how long do DVD recorders usually take to burn a full DVD? I may be weird but the idea of starting a 'burn' on a DVD recorder then waiting longer than a few seconds for the burn, is bizarre but is that the normal experience?

A) This is kind of long, but I hope it helps: I own a Magnavox DVD recorder. I picked it up from walmart for about $100. I have the same desire to record sports programs for posterity. However, to answer your Q, Most recorders have recording mode settings, just like a VCR would (SP, EP, LP etc.). SP is the standard which lasts around 2 hours. The picture quality is good, with very little dither (grainy, blocky pixels). An average sports broadcast is around 3 to 3.5 hours, so for that, you would probably record in EP (3 hrs) or LP (4 hrs). There is a little blockiness, but not enough to distract you from the games. SLP is 6 hours, but you really don't want to record in that mode because it doesn't really capture and show fast moving images well. Use this mode for tv episodes and for maximizing your disc, not sports. The HQ mode is really pristine, except it's only 1 hour total, so that's the drawback there. I test recorded some NBA playoff footage, and it was identical to the satellite images, very crisp and clear. I have a Satellite DVR, so I can record the game on the hard drive, and plan ahead to how I want to put the game on DVD. Note that most, if not all DVD recorders have editing features in them that include menus, title adding, chapter sets, etc. What I do is record the game on a DVD+RW disc, edit it, take out the commercials and other unwanted stuff. You can't go back and save edits on +R and -R discs. If you take the time to edit these and finalize the changes, they won't save on those formats. I found that out the hard way. Record the game on an RW disc (since it's rewritable, kinda like a plastic hard drive), and follow your menu screens to make your disc compatible (so other DVD players can read them). *** I use my PC for the next part.*** Then take that disc (once you are satisfied with your edits) and copy it onto a +R or -R disc. Then you can clean off the RW disc and use it again. Discs take about 20-30 seconds to burn once you stop recording on them.

When I try to record a DVD on Easy CD Creator it says no supported DVD Recorders were detected in your system?

Q) I am trying to record a DVD using Easy CD Creator 5 and a box comes up saying no supported DVD recorders in your system. What does that mean?

A)

Do they sell DVD recorders that record DVD to DVD thats not encrypted?

Q) I have a few old DVD's that i wanna make copies of so that i wont ruin them....they are not encrypted.i can make copies using my CPU...but its just to slow and puts wear and tear on my CPU.Can i buy a dvd player and recorder that will do these functions?if so where can i get it?

A) As far as I know, all DVD Recorders, erm, record DVD s. Unless they are copy protected. No home recorder is legally sold that will automatically rip copy protected DVDs and re- record them, Cause that's illegal.

What types of dvd/cd/vhs recorders will I need?

Q) I would like to start a small recording studio where I will be making copies of dvds, cds and vhs. What types of recorders will I need? dvd/cd recorders? vhs to dvd recorder?

A) www.rimage.com

Are there any brands of dvd recorders where one can record parts of a show?

Q) I own a Panasonic dvd recorder with hard drive. Recording 1 hour straight on hard drive; to copy it on a dvd I must record the whole show. I just can't copy onto dvd bits and pieces of the show from hard drive. Model# Panasonic DMR-E85H

A) I also own a Panasonic DVD-recorder with a hard drive. I can record a whole show or parts of a show. To record parts of the show, I usually record the entire show first onto the hard drive and then go into the directory on the hard drive and Edit that title. For example, I take out all the commercials as well as any Un-funny skits from 'Saturday Night Live'. I cut it down to about an hour or less and then just record what is left over onto a DVD. There is also a way to create chapters on a title, and then take certain chapters and combine them into a playlist. You can then take that playlist and Dub that onto the DVD. To initially record only certain parts of a show without editing anything later, you need to know or predict what part you need and at what time those parts will be shown on the tv. Then all you have to do is set your Recording Timer accordingly. So, if you only want the first 15 minutes of a show, manually set the timer (don't use the tv guide function) and tell it to Record for 15 minutes. For example, Channel 4, 10/14/06, Start: 11:00pm End:11:15pm. I think the first way is much easier. And you do NOT need a new brand dvd recorder. Panasonic makes some of the best DVD recorders out there.

Can current DVD recorders pick up hi-def TV stations?

Q) I'm buying a DVD recorder that will upconvert to my HDTV for good picture quality short of having a true hi-def DVD recorder, which aren't yet available or at least at a reasonable price. Can current recorders pick up hi-def TV stations and record them standard definition? I'm worried that the recorder will be obsolete in 2 years when analog TV stations stop broadcasting.

A) First of all, the 2-year deadline is a joke. They keep pushing it back almost every year. Back in 2002, they originally said analog would be gone by 2005. In 2004, the date was sometime in 2007. Now the public has pretty much accepted that it won't be gone until every TV sold has HDTV capabilities. And for that to happen anytime soon, the prices needs to drop another 25-30%. HDTV broadcasts can be down-converted to standard definition. There will be converters available on the market that can do the conversion (though many HDTV antennas will have it built in). Therefore, I wouldn't worry too much about your DVD Recorder becoming obsolete. DVD technology will be obsolete before your recorder is.