Toshiba SD4200 Digital Progressive Scan DVD Player, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For under forty dollars and free shipping this is a great value.It is a basic DVD player with a basic remote.We have had this for about 3 months and have had no problems.It actually handles scratched DVDs better than the Sony DVD player we have.The controls on the face of the unit are just the basics which makes it nice for children to use.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba SD4200 Digital Progressive Scan DVD Player, Black

Product Description:
Digital DVD player

Want to read more honest consumer review about Toshiba SD4200 Digital Progressive Scan DVD Player, Black now ?

Toshiba RS-TX20 DVD Recorder with 120 GB TiVo Series2 Digital Video Recorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a pretty nice unit.120GB hard drive, which means 32 to 141 hours of recording capacity depending on video quality.MPEG encoding artifacts become pretty apparent in motion scenes at medium quality (94 hrs) so I'm sticking with High for most recordings, which means 46 hrs storage on the hard drive.Of course the great positive here is that you can archive to DVD the stuff you want to keep.There's no editing of the material before you burn, but if you have a PC at home, you can always rip the DVD and probably edit more easily there.This unit, as well as the Pioneers, has a major advantage in that it comes with TiVo basic (3-day program guide, no "season pass", "wish lists" or home media features) so you don't have to pay TiVo the $13/mo subscription unless you really want that stuff.

A few nits:
* menus can seem pretty slow at times, as does the program guide
* does not display amount used/free on hard drive
* even "live tv" is displayed with "best" compression (i.e. not the native line-in signal)
* DVD burns are only at the same quality you originally recorded the show
* remote is too symmetrical; i've pointed it the wrong way 3 times already!
* $100 rebate requires perhaps 10-12 weeks of premium TiVo subscription

As for the HD complainers, come on.How many people are even receiving HD content, let alone recording it?Since the dawn of analog videotape, home recording options have always been inferior in quality to broadcast/prerecorded-content.I agree that if you have satellite HD, it's much more compelling to go with an integrated DVR/converter box that can save the programming in its native format.But most of us don't live in that world.We just want to time-shift our shows.I had been using a VCR up till now and this is much better. I don't doubt there will be better recorders in the future, but this is a nice combo IMHO.

BTW, I suggest doing a websearch/price-compare as you may not find your best deal here (hint hint).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba RS-TX20 DVD Recorder with 120 GB TiVo Series2 Digital Video Recorder

Product Description:
Toshiba's RS-TX20 Digital Media Server is two high-tech components in one: a full-featured DVD recorder/player and a TiVo Series2 digital video recorder with free TiVo Basic service included with purchase. The unit's high-capacity, 120 GB hard-disk drive (HDD) stores up to 140 hours of audio/video storage (depending on the quality level you select), while DVD recording gives you the option for archiving your VHS and camcorder footage and for easy recording of your favorite TV programs. A convenient, front-panel DV input (IEEE 1394) is perfect for quick transfers of camcorder material onto the hard-disk drive and then to DVD.
The unit also comes with a 45-day free trial of the TiVo Plus service so you can try features unique to the TiVo Plus service, including the ability to search for programs by title, set up Season Pass recordings for your favorite shows, and create actor, director, and keyword WishLists searches.
With TiVo Basic Service included and without paying a subscription fee, you can record your favorite TV shows onto the HDD and watch them on your schedule. You can also record content from the hard disk drive to a DVD media (DVD-R or DVD-RW--does not record to DVD-RAM discs) quickly and easily. The easy-to-use TiVo interface can automatically create a DVD menu for easy navigation. DVDs can be named according to your program selections, or you may manually enter a title.
This is a great DVD player, too. Whether your living room is currently home to an HDTV or you're merely thinking of "someday," the RS-TX20 will deliver the full potential of your commercial DVDs. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, gives you higher resolution and sharper images than standard 480i signals while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. Toshiba's Digital Cinema Progressive feature (3:2 pulldown detection and reversal) digitally corrects frame distortion in film-based material to display a film-frame-accurate picture.
The recorder/player offers 1 set of ColorStream Pro component-video outputs (selectable for 480p/480i), 2 composite-video-based AV inputs, 1 S-video input, and 1 RF coaxial input (for an antenna signal or a feed from an older VCR or cable box). A set of left/right analog-audio outputs channel audio to Dolby Pro Logic receivers and stereo televisions, while both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's Toslink optical digital-audio output for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver.
The DVD drive is fully compatible with your MP3 and WMA music CDs and will even play discs full of your favorite JPEG digital photos for ready-made slide shows right in your living room.
A supplied IR blaster cable for cable-box and satellite receiver control (C3 Control) connects to the back of the recorder and transmits an infrared (IR) signal to change channels on your cable or satellite box, as needed, for advance recording--freeing you from having to pretune the correct channel ahead of time.
The included, no-fee TiVo Basic service features a 3-day rolling program guide, TV "Trick Play" features (such as the ability to pause and rewind live TV), instant replay/instant skip, and manual recording capability with repeat function. The unit is fully upgradeable to the TiVo Plus Service (subscription required: $12.95 per month or a "product lifetime" fee of $299 that's good for as long as your RS-TX20 remains operational), which includes TiVo's Home Media Option for remote (online) scheduling, access to MP3/JPEG digital media files from your PC, and multi-room viewing with no additional TiVo receivers.
What's in the Box
DVD/HDD recorder/player, a remote control, remote batteries, an IR blaster cable, a user's manual, a stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable, and warranty/registration information.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Toshiba RS-TX20 DVD Recorder with 120 GB TiVo Series2 Digital Video Recorder now ?

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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba DR560 1080p Upconverting DVD Recorder with Built-in Tuner

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

Want to read more honest consumer review about Toshiba DR560 1080p Upconverting DVD Recorder with Built-in Tuner now ?

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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba DR570 DVD Recorder with Built in Tuner, Black

Product Description:
DVD Recorder with Built in Tuner

Get 19% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Toshiba DR570 DVD Recorder with Built in Tuner, Black now ?