LiteOn Progressive Scan DVD+R/RW LVW-5101 DVD Recorder w/ TV or Camcorder Input Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The LVW-5101 was my first dvd recorder. I figured 139.99 was a bargain considering how new the technology was.

Unfortunately, the unit developed quirks right away like the clock that runs way too fast, picking up a few minutes every day.
Sometimes the unit stopped in the middle of a recording session and sometimes it started recording when it wanted. Either way it wasted my money because the disc was ruined.

Now it ruins discs that have been recorded but not finalized byoverwriting automatic formating because it does not recognize recordings made by itself. And it confuses dvd+r with dvd+rw, thereby ruining the disc.

I must say I am pretty sour on the Lite-on brand.

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Product Description:
LiteOn's LVW-5101 DVD Recorder sports convenient features that make it a snap to create great-looking DVD recordings of your favorite TV programs and cherished home videos. ----- This sleek, slimline recorder is as easy to use as it is to fit into your home entertainment center. ----- Fumbling with videotapes to find available space will be a thing of the past: when you insert a recordable disc, DVD Recorder tells you how much recording time is left and knows exactly where to begin recording. ----- Use erasable DVD+RW discs to record and view TV shows over and over, or make permanent recordings on inexpensive write-once DVD+R discs for playback on any compatible DVD player. ----- You can record your favorite TV shows, edit out the commercials and watch them in pure digital quality whenever you want! ----- Features progressive scan technology for sharper resolution and image quality, DVD+R/RW format for broad compatibility with existing DVD and CD players, one touch recording, Easy Track Navigator for simplified editing and playback, and full function remote control. ----- In addition to DVDs and audio CDs, the LVW-5101 is also compatible with VCDs, SVCDs, JPEG still images, and plays MP3 audio files. ---- A unique feature among DVD recorders, the LVW-5101 comes with a DV-Link connection port that allows you to connect the recorder to a digital video camcorder and digitalize video clips into DVD format that can be preserved forever. ---- You'll get impressively clear video playback from this progressive-scan DVD player. ----- The back of the LVW5101 has the following connections: RF in/out ports, S-Video in/out, RCA in/out, component-video out, digital out, and optical out. ----- Includes: Lite-On LVW5101 DVD player/recorder, remote control, 2 "AA" batteries, RCA connecting cable, and user's manual. ----- Warning: This product is not made or sold for the unauthorized recording of copyrighted works, including unauthorized recording from prerecorded copyrighted movies.

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Toshiba DR560 1080p Upconverting DVD Recorder with Built-in Tuner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a review of the Toshiba DR560 Upconverting DVD Recorder with built in high def tuner.

BACKGROUND:
I bought this unit to handle a few needs with one piece of hardware:
1. I wanted a high def tuner for my tuner-less Sharp Aquos 26" LCD TV (purchased in 2007 before the new rule requiring tuners in TVs!)
2. I wanted to be able to take old analog home movie footage and transfer it directly to DVD with no editing.My old VHS tapes were approaching their shelf life limit.
3. I wanted to upconvert standard 480 resolution DVDs to make them look better on the Sharp TV.

SETUP:
The setup of the device was simple.I hate the fact that manufacturers still don't include HDMI cables with hardware that costs this much.So I grumbled for a minute and then purchased an HDMI cable for it (don't get me started on how most electronics stores charge an obscene price for digital cables!I bought one at a large discount retailer).All I had to do was connect the HDMI-out from the Toshiba to the HDMI-in on my high def Sharp.That's it.No audio plugs needed.I like having just a one wire connection.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS:
For the remote control I don't have many complaints.It does not appear to be capable of controlling my TV - I didn't see anything in the guide about programming other devices.Someone please comment and correct me if I'm wrong on that.The keys are not lighted.

When I first started the player I went through the simple setup prompts.The instructions said I might need to hit the HDMI button on the remote to match up to the display of my TV, but it automatically selected 1080 for me.(there are lighted 480, 720, and 1080 indicators on the player itself, so you can tell what mode it is in)If you are not connected via HDMI then these lights don't function.I initially tried a component video connection and noticed that the resolution selection was not available.

When I first opened the DVD tray I thought I had activated a paper shredder!It is the loudest, oldest sounding motor noise I have ever heard from a DVD player.To me it sounds like it is straining just to open the tray.I hope that holds up long term.

I found the disk read and startup time to be a little long.

SPECIFIC IMPRESSIONS:

UPCONVERTING DVD PLAYER:
I put in a DVD - "Star Wars Attack of the Clones" - to test the upconverting video quality.I was immediately concerned with how loud the motor was in spinning up the DVD.But my worry went away once I hit "play".Once you start playing the movie the motor noise goes away and is very quiet.

To test the upconverting quality I played a scene from the movie on the DVD player, and then switched over and played the same scene on an Xbox 360 connected to the same TV via a component video connection.To my untrained eye the upconverted picture was brighter and had a slightly higher level of detail.So I was satisfied with it.

DVD RECORDER:
I have only used DVD-R recording media.Once I try a DVD+-RW disk I will update this review.But using the DVD-R was very user friendly.You pop in a blank DVD-R disk and the machine has it ready to go in a few seconds.No interaction needed.

I then hooked up a VCR using the RCA video and audio ports (the recorder included RCA and S video cables).There's one set of inputs on the back and one on the front.I used the back ones because it was just as convenient for me.

Before recording I went into the DVD recording options menu and selected it to do automatic 5 minute chapter breaks.

All I had to do what hit play on my VCR and hit record on the DVD recorder.A little red disk of light displays on the panel so that you know it's recording.Going from memory I believe the recording quality options were 1 hour, 2, 4, 6, and 8.

I was able to record successfully from both VHS and a HI-8 Camcorder feeds (both using the RCA jacks).

Once the tape finished I hit stop on the recorder, and it finished writing the recording very quickly (less than one minute for 2 hours of recording).I then had the option to edit the title that appears on the menu, which is not the most intuitive process using the remote control.I had also expected it to create a DVD menu with chapters for every 5 minute break, but it only had one menu selection.When playing back the disk it did skip 5 minutes every time I hit the Chapter+ button.

As a final step I "finalized" the DVD to make it able to play on other DVD players.I tested the disks on a circa 1997 Sony DVD player, and also a 2005 Toshiba.DVDs that I created from VHS played fine on both players, but the DVD I recorded from the Hi-8 tape source would not play correctly on the 1996 DVD player.It played fine on the 2005 player.I still need to test more Hi-8 recordings to see it that was an isolated problem or not.

UPDATE 05/30/08: I think it's just my 1997 Sony DVD player that just can't handle DVD-R media very well.After replaying VHS source and HI-8 source videos, they are both hit or miss as to whether they play correctly.I don't think this will be an issue for most people with newer DVD players.

I still need to test recording from a mini-DV digital source.

HIGH DEF TV TUNER:
I have a large UHF antenna mounted in my attic receiving local HD quality broadcasts (see my other reviews for that).I ran a coaxial cable from that antenna down to the DVD recorder and connected it to the antenna-in port.Then using the same HDMI-out feed to the TV I was able to tune in and watch local digital broadcast stations.I watched the season finale of American Idol on it (David vs David), and the picture quality was excellent.Changing channels does take about 2 seconds, as another reviewer said.That is a little slow, but I am willing to put up with slow channel changing for free high def!

Overall I would rate this DVD Recorder 4 of 5 stars.It certainly does serve the three needs I outlined at the start of this review.

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Product Description:
DVD Recorder with 1080p Upconversion with Built-in Digital Tuner

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Sony DHG-HDD250 30-Hour High-Definition Digital Video Recorder (250 GB) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)[This review is based on experiences with the DHG-HDD250; the DHG-HDD500 is identical, except that it is $150-$200 more expensive and has two 250GB hard disks instead of just one.]

If you're anything like me, you're likely looking at this Sony unit because TiVo doesn't make DVR that can receive high-definition (HD) broadcasts. (And the fact that TiVo has been dragging its feet on HD is one of many reasons that the company is not long for this world.)I bought the Sony DHG-HDD250 to replace my old TiVo box, and although there a few small things I gave up in the process, I'm mostly happy with my new Sony.

First and foremost: QUALITY. Watching live TV on the Sony unit is *almost* as good as watching TV with my TV's built-in ATSC tuner. The colors are slightly less-vibrant and there are a few more compression artifacts, but this is to be expected, and not terribly noticeable. Recordings are first-rate, and infinitely better than any low-def DVR, VCR, or even DVD recorder. And with the HDMI output, you can have a pure digital connection from the DVR to your TV. Probably the only quality issue is the confusing "Format" button on the remote, which allows you to stretch or shrink the video to display correctly on a 16:9 widescreen TV.It works, but it responds very slowly, is inconsistent, incomplete, and hard to figure out. Why they didn't include a simple "zoom" feature (like every TV on the planet) is beyond me.

THE INTERFACE.The menu system is not complicated, although not as friendly and cheerful as TiVo (it's faster and sharper-looking than TiVo, though). The Sony unit is much, much more configurable than any TiVo, and that configurability comes at a bit of a cost. Be prepared to read the manual to figure out how to record programs and set up the channel list, for instance. Thereafter, many things (like recording shows) are actually easier to accomplish (albeit more difficult to learn) than on a TiVo. Example: in the Guide, press and hold the Record button for one second to record a show.Press Record again to record it repeatedly (same time, same channel).That's it - no wading through multiple screens, like on TiVo, to set up a simple recording.

THE GUIDE.The Sony uses the free TV Guide on-screen system (what used to be called GemStar, I believe) to get program data (off the air!) and display TV listings on the screen. This means you don't have to extend a phone cord or network cable to your DVR; just plug it in to your wall outlet, attach your antenna or plug in your cable card, and leave the unit powered off overnight. Each night, the DVR gets program data for the current day and the same day next week, which means it'll take six days after you take it out of the box before the listings will be fully populated. (Tip: listings come from an analog station in your area, so make sure not to exclude your analog stations from the listings until you find out which one is broadcasting!)

The guide not bad, but not great, either. It's pretty easy to use, but suffers from a few really idiotic design decisions. For instance, there's no direct way (on-screen) to show the listings for a different day (e.g., Tomorrow, next Wednesday, etc.), except for holding the "right" arrow button on the remote to cycle slowly through each hour of listings until you eventually end up on the correct day.The only shortcut is to press some numbers on the remote (e.g., 2 and then 4) and then select "hours ahead" from the menu that appears to jump 24 hours into the future.In other words, there's no "Tomorrow" or "Yesterday" buttons on the remote or on the screen.And there are many little annoyances like this, although it works okay once you get used to it.

But the DHG's guide also has some really nice features, such as the grid (which TiVo never could manage to include on their units), and even a keyword search; you can even save your searches!You can also get alphabetical listings to find the show(s) you want, and you can even filter the list to show only HD content, only movies, only comedies, etc. Also, recordings can be grouped by show, so you don't have to wade through a long list of recordings to find the recorded show you want to watch.

SEASON PASS.One of TiVo's best (and simplest) features was the Season Pass; I could tell it to record West Wing, and no matter what time and on what channel it appeared, TiVo would record it.Alas, the Sony unit DOES NOT HAVE A SEASON PASS feature; I don't know why the folks at TV Guide couldn't get this simple feature to work. You can have the DHG record multiple episodes of a show, but ONLY if they're broadcast at exactly the same time and on the same channel.If West Wing is an hour later one week, or if it's syndicated on another station, the DHG will miss it unless you manually ask it to record those episodes, too.

There are some other TiVo features absent from the DHG that I don't miss at all, such as "Recommendations" (a feature that fills up your hard disk with junk you don't want), and the "Thumbs Up" and "Thumbs Down" buttons that are supposed to influence the aforementioned recommendations (almost as effectively as TiVo's marketing partners).

OVERALL.The DHG-HDDxxx is the only DVR on the market that doesn't require an expensive digital cable subscription or satellite dish; since I get all my HD broadcasts for free with a $20 rooftop antenna, this was a must.It's also quite a nice unit; well made, attractive, and it works well.If you want an HD DVR, you'll probably be very happy with the Sony DHG-HDDxxx once you get used to it's quirks.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony DHG-HDD250 30-Hour High-Definition Digital Video Recorder (250 GB)

Product Description:
Tired of viewing your high-definition programming at standard-definition resolution just so you can watch it at a time of your choosing? Kiss your VCR and your other DVR goodbye and say hello to Sony's DHG-HDD250, a digital video recorder that's fully high-definition capable in its reception, storage, and playback. It features built-in NTSC and ATSC (DTV) tuners, so even if your television is merely "HD-ready," the DHG-HDD250 will pull HDTV content right off the airwaves, with no monthly fees. You can use the recorder to pause, replay, and rewind live HDTV programming, too.
Even if you haven't invested in a high-def set, you can use the DHG-HDD250's 250 GB hard drive to store up to 200 hours--more than a solid week--of standard-definition (SD) programming for instant viewing on your analog TV. The device stores at least 30 hours of maximum-bit-rate high-definition content.
And, when paired with a CableCARD digital decoder and a digital cable subscription, the DHG-HDD250 is your gateway to encrypted high-definition (HD) and standard-definition (SD) digital cable services. A Memory Stick PRO media slot makes it easy to enjoy playback of your digital photos and MP3 music files.
The recorder comes with the TV Guide On Screen interactive program guide for easy program searching and automatic scheduled recording (where available). The guide displays shows and channel lineups that are customized to your location, delivering a week's worth of rolling listings via TV broadcasts.Whether your display has a standard 4:3 dimension or a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, the DHG-HDD250 offers multiple display formats and flexible aspect-ratio settings for personalized reproduction of all broadcast formats on a wide variety of TVs.
Connections include a choice between a direct-digital HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) or component-video (Y Pb Pr) high-definition outputs; several standard-definition analog outputs for connection to VCRs or analog TVs; a USB port, and a Control S port for connection and operation with other Sony equipment.
HDMI is a lossless, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface to link the recorder with a compatible high-definition TV or monitor. HDMI supports standard-definition (SD), enhanced definition (ED), or high-definition (HD) video, plus multichannel digital audio--all using a single cable (supplied). It transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports up to 8-channel digital audio, with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and requirements.
What's in the Box
DVR, a multiple-device universal Remote Commander remote control, remote batteries, a component-video cable, an HDMI video cable, an HDMI-to-DVI adapter, an audio/video cable, an S-video cable, a Control S cable, a G-Link (IR blaster), and a user's manual.

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ReplayTV 3030 Digital Video Recorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)ReplayTV is well worth adopting early and often.It took a while to set up the system correctly -- due, I confess, to my anathema toward manuals no matter how simply written (and ReplayTV's is quite lucid).The customerservice couldn't be better.They took at least a dozen calls as I workedmy way through the setup and each time answered the phone quickly, knewwhat to do, and to a person exhibited a cheerful Job-like patience with meand the process.Wish that all customer service personnel were so welltrained!
Others have already commented on the features... the biggestdraw for me is the ease of use and the ability to create theme channels.Ifound VCRs to be fussy monsters ("plug and play," my arse).Thisis one technological advance long overdue.I can't wait to see what otherinnovations lie in the pipeline.
I took away a star because the screengives off a blue triangle in the lower right hand corner whenever I play arecorded show.It's not a huge distraction, but worth noting.
postscript:AOL bought out TiVo, yet another reason to choose ReplayTV.

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Product Description:
Item number 129414, Grading is cover/record: VG/VG+ using Goldmine standards. 197?,thirty-second radio promo spots,RV/Campers,Bank,Furniture,Car Wash,slrw,sm tear ol,swoc Please see seller profile for abbreviation descriptions.

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NEW LG ALL MULTI REGION CODE ZONE FREE DVD RECORDER PLAYER VCR COMBO WITH DIGITAL ATSC TUNER and HDMI 1080p Upconverting (Remote Control Included, Free HDMI Cable) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Once again LG comes out with a superior product.This combo recorder was a replacement for my analog unit, which still works fine.I just wanted to upgrade to HD with the 1080P upconversion capability.I tried several DVDs in this unit.The first was was the old Errol Flynn classic, "Robin Hood."OH MY GOD!I've watched this movie numerous times and I've never seen it like this.Some of the scenes were so crisp, it looked like 3D.Then I put in "Back to the Future II."Outstanding picture. But wait...there's more!

I record a couple of T.V. programs for the wife every week.They had a marathon one day, so I went through the day's episodes and there were several we had seen.I scheduled the times I wanted the recorder to record.There were gaps between the times and the recorder turns off after it's recorded the first episode.My old recorder would stay off and I would have to turn it back on.Not with the LG.That thing kept turning off, then back on to record the next time, then off, then on. It was fantastic!The other thing was my last machine would not record the entire 4 hrs. on the DVD in LP mode.It would stop 8 minutes short.Not the LG.That baby recorded every minute. FABULOUS.

Lastly, I just want to mention that I have NEVER opened the instruction manual.I'm no brain surgeon, but I figured it out quickly and with ease.Also, the remote automatically recognized my VIZIO T.V. and will control not only the recorder, but the T.V. too.I didn't have to do a thing.

I have been buying LG products for years for my computer. I have always been happy with their products. I took a chance with this combo recorder and I would recommend it to anyone.I guess the manufacturer realized they had a winner too, because after I bought mine, the price went up $50.GREAT machine!!

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Product Description:
The versatile LG Super Multi-Region DVD recorder/VCR with digital tuner is a DVD recorder, a VCR, and a digital TV tuner-all in one space-saving unit. Record from DVD to videotape, and videotape to recordable DVD, all at an up-scaled rate of 1080p. The built in tuner supports both Digital High Definition Channles and Analog Channels. SUPER MULTI FORMAT DISC RECORDING Record to all current DVD disc formats with Super Multi Format Recording: DVD??R /DVD??RW/DVD+R Double Layer/DVD-RAM USB MEDIA PLUS Digital music, photos and video with USB Media Plus. 1080p UP-SCALING Superior image quality and convenience with DVD/VCR 1080p up-scaling via HDMI output DIGITAL TUNER Watch and record digital broadcasts from antenna or cable connections DIGITAL CABLE/SATELLITE BOX CONTROLER Easy scheduled recording from most digital cable/digital satellite boxes with Set-Top Box Controller DIGITAL CAMCORDER INPUT Convenient recording and editing from digital camcorders with DV(1394) Input Recording LG SIMPLINK??? Allows for convenient control of other LG SimpLink products using the existing HDMI connection

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LG RC897T Multi-Format DVD Recorder and VCR Combo with Digital Tuner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a satisfied owner of an LG HDTV, I bought this DVD/VCR combo recorder fully expecting to be likewise happy with the quality of the images produced by another LG product. Unfortunately, I had to box it up for return the same day I got it. The problem with the product is one that I hadn't anticipated, but which further very specifically-targeted reading online revealed as a known problem with LG's DVD recorders. That problem is what various message-boarders and bloggers call "image over-processing". Translate that as "too much anti-aliasing" (image-smoothing) or "too much blur". And it was not just on the recorded images. For the minute you switch from the LG TV's internal tuner to the LG recorder's internal tuner, there's an instant layer of "smoothing" that is pronounced enough to be distracting. ...I am talking, depending on your threshold of sensitivity to such things, a potential headache-inducing level of fuzziness.

If you purchase this product hoping to use it to archive your family videos, no way it can do them justice. If you plan to use it as a down and dirty digital era VCR, grabbing episodes of shows you intend to record over once you watch them a single time, it is really not quite servicable for that. All this keeps pulling me back to one head-shaker of a question: What were the people at LG thinking? At nearly three hundred bucks, the quality of the LG RC897T is a major disappointment.

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Product Description:
Super Multi 1080p DVD Recorder+VCR Combi, D2A Tuner, LG Simple Link, USB Media Plus, STB Control

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Zinwell ZAT-970A Digital to Analog TV Converter Box Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased the two major timer event schedulable/programmable converter boxes available as of this date: the Zinwell and the DTVPal Plus (enhanced version of the DTVPal or TR-40 CRA). These are some of the major problems and advantages of each.

The biggest problem I have with the Zinwell is that the remote control is the flimsiest and cheapest control I have ever seen with any product. The down arrow button is already having problems responding to pressing after only a few days. It usually takes several years before buttons on a remote control begin to go bad, and I am concerned that this one will not even be working a year from now. The text labels on the buttons are rubbing off and becoming harder to read.

The biggest problem with the DTVPal Plus is the reception. The Plus is supposed to have enhanced reception over the prior models which were famous for bad reception, but in my area it gets a couple less UHF channels than the Zinwell and often has severe breakup on the ABC affiliate and two other channels (even with an amplified antenna). Perhaps this will be less of an issue if digital signals get boosted in February.

The Zinwell has 8 timer events to 5 for the DTVPal Plus. The Zinwell lacks a recurring M-F weekday scheduling option. Both devices make you go through several menus to get to the timer scheduling. The DTVPal Plus has an awkward event scheduling process that takes you through two screens. The Zinwell has its own awkwardness-it makes you choose a channel from a list of station call letters rather than channel numbers! The Zinwell also requires confirmation at the end of the timer scheduling process, and defaults to Cancel making it easy to accidentally cancel your timer event, so watch out.

If you like on-screen program guides, the DTVPal Plus has a fuller one than the Zinwell, and you can even schedule timer events direct from the program guide with the DTVPal Plus. The DTVPal Plus has an annoying download each time you turn on the converter box, but you can cancel the download.

If you get a Zinwell, do not throw out the manual. Zinwell has unfortunately set a password on some of the channel functions, so you will need to look up the default password in the manual if you try to access these functions.

Do not expect much support. Both companies took several days to respond to an inquiry and gave canned answers that did not address my question. After supplying follow-up information, neither company got back to me. There are several other issues and quirks with both devices.

(--some updated notes 9/16/2009 after a few months of using--)

The Zinwell picture quality has been nice. Occasionally, I have had an issue with the Zinwell audio and video getting slightly out of synch (as also reported by some other reviewers)-but doesn't bother me and turning off and on puts them back in synch.

The biggest problem I have had with regular use of the Zinwell is that scheduled recurring events (weekly, etc.) get messed up regularly so I have to constantly monitor them. The Zinwell loses the channel on the recurring events and resets the channel to the highest station number. (I believe this is the most commonly reported major problem with this device.) Periodically it loses the recurring events completely and they need to be reentered. One-time events also get corrupted sometimes, although less often. Even the most popular 5 star review of this box by couchbum, in the Comments link, acknowledges that the timers fail periodically.

The DTVPal Plus tends to run hot, so I have propped it up at an angle to give it some cooling space. I have had a disturbing problem a couple of times where the DTVPal Plus would not power on-had to unplug it from the power source and plug it back in again, and then it resumed working.

Since they boosted the digital signals after the transition, the DTVPal Plus weaker reception has not been a problem and it now gets all the channels that my other converter boxes get. (However, I live in an urban area and have an amplified antenna, so the weaker reception may still be a problem for many people.)

The DTVPal Plus regularly loses timer events and is very unreliable. I have found two specific sequences of timer events that cause it to consistently drop events. The DTVPal Plus timer issues have been far more numerous and problematic than those with the Zinwell. I used several VCRs over two decades and never had a device malfunction on its timer events or spontaneously change the selected channel. Not sure why it is so difficult for these digital boxes.

I get the best results with both devices by setting timers the morning of the same day as the programs. Setting timers a day or more in advance of the programs increases chances for timer event corruption.

Although the on-screen station program guide for the DTVPal Plus is robust, it has an inadequacy. The normal program guide access turns off audio and video while you are browsing the guide, so you cannot hear or watch television as you peruse it. To view television as you browse the guide, you cannot use the Guide button on the remote but must use the directional buttons to access the guide-but the guide still overlays much of the screen (semi-transparent).

In the clock settings, the Zinwell has no daylight savings on/off, while the DTVPal Plus does allow you to control daylight savings. The Zinwell has the advantage that you can manually set the time, while the DTVPal Plus does not allow you to. If you manually set the time in the Zinwell, I found it loses 1-2 minutes per week and also loses the clock time completely if power goes out even for a second (most devices will hold the time for 2-3 minutes in a power outage). I have mine on a UPS (backup battery) to keep it from losing time in a brief power outage. At least the Zinwell allows you to control the time if you want to. (Early in the digital conversion both boxes were keeping erratic time so clock options were important, but digital time signals have improved enough now that using automatic time is generally fine. This has made the options of manual time setting and daylight savings much less important but I have included this info for those interested.)

The DTVPal Plus has one bright spot: it handles poor signal quality well. The two aspects of reception are signal strength and signal quality. While the DTVPal Plus does not pick up low strength well, it does handle poor signal quality very well. There are a couple of minor stations with poor quality (but adequate strength) that my Zenith and Zinwell cannot receive but that the DTVPal Plus picks up. In my experience, it also has less dropout from other things that reduce signal quality, such as splitting the antenna feed or electrical interference.

One other small plus I have found with the DTVPal Plus: it operates from my old universal remote (as a SAT box), which allows me to control all my devices-very, very handy. None of the other converter boxes that I have will work with this old universal remote, although I have heard that some of the newer universal remotes can control converter boxes. This somewhat makes up for the fact that the DTVPal Plus has no buttons on the box and can only be operated by remote control. (However, it may be too sensitive-it also turns on when I press the fast forward button on one brand of VCR remote!)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Zinwell ZAT-970A Digital to Analog TV Converter Box

Product Description:
Digital TV Converter Box with Analog Pass-Through

Get 20% OFF

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MAGNAVOX H2160MW9 HDD and DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)TIP: read the "original review", then SEE the update history at bottom
** 05/05/2010 UPDATE newly released firmware update to correct the E19 error
** 11/10/2009 UPDATE: "workaround" for the known "Finalize disc bug fix")
** 9/25/2009 UPDATE regarding my defective unit)
--------------------------- MY ORIGINAL REVIEW ---------------------------
The Magnavox H2160MW9 is is a mixed bag of fantastic abilities and a few disappointing failures rolled into one product. My 4-star rating is very generous, considering the negatives.

If you've invested time doing research on HDD recorders, then you know how limited the choices are. With further research, you'll find that the problems I'm having are not isolated incidents. Google the model number and you'll see.

FAILURES:
*** DVD player does not - will not play DVD discs: --> see the UPDATE 9/25/2009 <--
I tried 14 discs - 2 from Blockbuster, 2 from Netflix, 4 store bought, and 6 created on my computer.
Most discs are not recognized and will not load. Magnavox will say "no disc". Some will play up to 30 seconds. The record breaker for me - Star Trek Generations, played for 4 minutes before crashing.

*** If you plan on recording or dubbing to DVD disc, there is a known bug; the DVD recorder cannot FINALIZE a disc IF you have ANY upcoming recordings pending in your "LIST". (like a repeating Thursday favorite weekly program) The Magnavox will give you an "E19" error message. This is NOT a problem until you want to play the recorded disc on a different player, such as a computer or a DVD player at a friends house. This problem can be solved by deleting ALL of your pending upcoming recordings ... OR ... if FUNAI, the actual manufacturer of this product ever decides to create a firmware patch, which so far is not likely even though they are aware of the problems. (the older Magnavox models worked fine)
---> SEE the UPDATE 11/10/2009: an easy workaround fix <---

*** Only records one program at a time and NO, you cannot watch a DVD disc movie while it's already recording - even if it's recording in HDD mode (but you CAN WATCH an already recorded program in your saved "LIST" while Magnavox is recording the current aired program). NOTE: for maximum viewing flexibility: connect your ANTENNA CABLE to the INPUT jack of the Magnavox - then connect a 2nd CABLE from the OUTPUT jack of the Magnavox TO the TV INPUT. Now use the TV remote "SOURCE" button to switch between the Magnavox or your TV tuner. In a nutshell, this gives you the ability to use your TV and/or other devices connected to the TV (PS2, Wii, Blu-ray, etc) while the Magnavox is busy recording shows.

FANTASTIC:
*** This model does a flawless job of recording upcoming shows AND will even WARN a family member if they attempt to change the channel while a recording is in progress or upcoming within the next hour.
*** You too can now pause live TV! Imagine being able to go to the bathroom, answer the door, make a call, turn the oven down, all without missing one second of your favorite program.
*** Fire your cable or dish company! No more monthly bills if you're satisfied with your available off-air local channels - absolutely FREE by installing an off-air antenna. (that old antenna on the roof will actually work)
*** Who needs the DVD recorder? Even though it's able to record to a blank DVD disc, why bother when you have a built-in HDD! You'll agree after owning this machine for a while. However... and on the plus side, you can dub from HDD to DVD - to save a copy of a favorite HDD recording. (and send this disc to a friend if you can deal with the "finalize problem")

In summary, this Magnavox is a bit of a mess but there's a lot to like. I ordered a replacement and maybe that DVD player will actually work. The way I see it, I would keep this Magnavox just for its HDD recording ability - EVEN IF it had zero DVD functionality. I'd simply buy and connect an LG Blu-ray disc player. Blame it on China if you wish.

Good luck,
Jeff

---------------------------- UPDATE HISTORY -----------------------------------

~~> UPDATE 9/25/2009:
I'm happy to report that Walmart quickly sent me a 2nd replacement Magnavox which does play EVERY single DVD disc I've tried. (Amazon was out of stock)

I must mention that I'm a loyal Amazon fan, with over 250 orders in 12 months, but Walmart was also very gracious and made it easy to return my defective product (drop it off at any store, including online orders) PLUS they even refunded my $25 one-day shipping cost for the 1st unit! (they don't cross-ship; you buy a 2nd unit, wait for delivery, and return the 1st unit within 30 days)(same as Amazon policy)

~~> UPDATE 11/10/2009 BUG FIX!!! (finalize disc bug workaround) Thanks to Wajo from AVS Forum!!!
In order to finalize a disc WITHOUT deleting all of your upcoming program timers:
1) - Press the SOURCE button on the remote and choose "L3 (DV) input"
2) - Insert the disc, go to the "Disc Edit Menu" and choose FINALIZE.
------- Notes -------
*** It is NOT necessary to delete your upcoming timer programs with this workaround.
*** Do not finalize a disc IF you have an upcoming program to record within the next hour.
- OPTIONS: wait until later OR change/set the clock forward 1 or 2 hours but RISK losing an upcoming recording
*** You can also FORMAT and ERASE RW discs while on INPUT L3.
(tune to L3 BEFORE inserting the disc - it starts automatically)
*** You can DUB several recordings onto 1 disc - depending on the quality/size of recording.
*** Funai recommends using DVD+R or DVD+RW discs rather than DVD-R or DVD-RW

~~> UPDATE 5/5/2010 FIRMWARE UPDATE RELEASED!
Thanks to "ieee488" for discovering the recent firmware update information.
Funai Statement:
"For problems finalizing the disc while a timer recording is intact. (error code E19). This firmware update is for model number H2160MW9A only. If you attempt to upgrade another model or model number of Magnavox DVD recorder, the firmware disk will be ejected. **Please follow the instructions carefully. A failed update may result in voiding the manufacturers warranty."
---------------------------------
DIRECT DOWNLOAD "Instructions" file, READ before installing the firmware update:
- find this file link in my May 21, 2010 post (click "Comments" - bottom right)
DIRECT DOWNLOAD "Firmware" file:
- find this file link in my May 21, 2010 post (click "Comments" - bottom right)
(I had file hyperlinks here but Amazon removed them - they ARE in my post though)

ATTENTION --> I have NOT tested this firmware update. Proceed at your own risk!

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Toshiba DR570 DVD Recorder with Built in Tuner, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm writing this review after a month of use and the majority of the reviews are spot on.I evaluated recorders from several different manufacturers and decided to go with the Toshiba.I have a Toshiba VHS/DVD player combo as well as a no-frills Toshiba 14" CRT style TV which have been reliable for a few years now so I was confident this unit would at least meet those standards (I was not disappointed).The metal cabinet feels solid and the DVD tray isn't flimsy.A flip down door reveals the basic controls (play, stop , forward/reverse, record) as well as front inputs for S-Video, composite video/audio, and a 4-pin IEEE1394 Firewire DV port which you can connect a digital camcorder to.

I first did a test setup by connecting the CATV coax cable to the antenna in and then connecting the DR570 directly to a Sony Bravia LCD via HDMI.Initial setup was straightforward and I let the unit do an autoscan for channels.Scanning for "in the clear" digital channels took awhile (common issue with most QAM tuners) and unsurprisingly, it picked up some channels but not others (the Sony Bravia TV is no different in this regard).My actual setup just uses S-video and audio connectionsfrom my digital cable box (I don't use the built-in tuner).

I used a DVD+RW disc to try some test records with the different quality settings.These settings determine the bit rate (variable bit rate) of the MPEG-2 video stream and what I found is the LP mode (4 hours of recording) offering pretty good overall quality.The only exception is anything with fast action where you will notice a substantial degradation in the clarity during those particular recorded scenes.Both the XP (1 hour) and SP (2 hour) mode will take care of this issue at the expense of being able to record less content on a disc.Both EP (6 hour) and SLP (8 hour) mode offer pretty poor picture quality and are at least for me, unusable.

As others have mentioned, loading a disc can take around a half a minute when either inserting a new disc or powering on the recorder.Rewritable DVD discs need to be formatted first (takes less than half a minute).Recording is quite simple and no different than a VCR.One caveat with many of these DVD recorders is that when you stop recording, you may lose the last few seconds (so I usually just let the recording go for 2-3 extra seconds before pausing or hitting stop). Another note is that unlike video tape where when you hit stop, you can quickly record again, this DVD recorder writes to the disc for around half a minute before you can do any other action.Playback is like any standard VHS or DVD player.If you hit the TOP MENU button on the remote, this will show moving thumbnails of each recording (which Toshiba refers to as "titles").With rewritable media, there are some rudimentary editing tools which allows you to "remove" scenes (i.e. like say if you want to "delete" commercials).Note that you don't gain any extra recording time doing this (the only way to do that is deleting that entire title or completely reformatting the disc).The advanced portion of the manual covers this.

Like all DVD recorders, there is a finalization step which allows the DVD disc to be playable on most any other player (like if you are planning to share it with someone else).The DR570 provides an auto finalization setting so that you don't need to remember to do this once your disc is full.

Programmed recordings is also relatively straightforward and simple.Just like their VCR's, you need to power-off the unit to place it into standby/programmed recording mode.So far, I haven't encountered any missed recordings.

As for media, I've been using Verbatim DVD-R, DVD+R, and DVD+RW without any problems.I haven't yet come across any lockup issues with this recorder.

Like many others, the main complaint is the remote and its dark lettering.I've since memorized the location of the key buttons which I use but compared to the remotes for my Toshiba television (which has a simple but very nice glow in the dark buttons which are big) and VCR's, this thing is pretty bad from a usability perspective (this minus one star).

Overall, I've been very pleased with this recorder and most of Toshiba's recent consumer electronics devices.Whereas some other brands look and feel like disposable pieces of junk at this price range, the DR570 doesn't give that impression and I would definitely recommend this unit to others looking to make the jump from VHS to DVD.

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