DVD Recorder Recommendations

Ron Thorne · February-14th-2006, 03:10 AM

I'm delving into yet another new (to me) technological "jungle" and could use some assistance.

While I fully realize that I have somewhat of a learning curve ahead of me, no matter what my choice, I'd appreciate some helping hands from those with previous experience.

I've seen the writing on the wall, and realize that the days of VHS tapes are numbered, along with tapes of other formats. So, in an effort to get ahead of things a bit, and to preserve some family archives, along with some other tapes from various sources, I'm embarking on a learning process prior to buying a standalone DVD recorder.

I discovered this site tonight, which seems to have a good deal of information, but I want as many angles as possible while wading through this maze.

We currently have a Toshiba DVD player, and I plan to use our best quality Mitsubishi VHS recorder/player for the VHS transfers.

Here are my immediate goals:

• Record VHS, VHS-C and Hi-8 video tapes to DVD

I realize that a DVD Recorder may have other implications in my near future, but for now, I'm most interested in archiving some special images easily and properly.

Thanks~

Pete C · February-14th-2006, 07:10 AM

It sounds like you don't need a machine with VHS, but the big question for dubbing is, does your VHS have S-video or component color output, or are you stuck with RCA plugs for composite only? That'll make a difference on image.

I bought a simple VHS-DVD dubbing machine about 1.5 years ago. I think what you'll want is one with a good hard drive for editing & TIVO-like features. I still don't know the pros & cons of +R vs. -R, but I believe some companies (maybe Sony) can handle both.

Make sure you have a firewire input for external media (like cameras).

Check the user reviews on Amazon in the category.

If you want a plain vanilla recording deck without hard drive, you should be able to get a very good one in the $200-300 range.

bluenoter · February-14th-2006, 12:58 PM

Ron--

See this short thread: VCR Problem. It turned out to be partially relevant (I think) and contains more of Pete's comments on VHS-DVD dubbing machines, etc.

Pete C · February-14th-2006, 01:06 PM

Way to go, Rita the Human Hyperlink!

bluenoter · February-14th-2006, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete C

Way to go, Rita the Human Hyperlink!

To the tune of "Popeye the Sailor Man":

I'm Rita the Human Hy (perlink),
For all but the kitchen sink . . .

Ron Thorne · February-14th-2006, 09:01 PM

Thanks, Pete and bluenoter.

Actually, I may need to get a combo DVD/VHS unit after all. I now realize that our Mitsubishi, while a great deck, does not have S-video or component outputs.

The education and hunt continues.

Pete C · February-14th-2006, 09:13 PM

Except for the fact that the VHS transport broke down after about 100 hours of transfers (under warranty), I think the Sylvania dubbing deck I have is surprisingly good, and amazingly easy to use.

It's down to $180 at Amazon--$100 less than I paid, with free shipping. But if you buy it, buy an extended warranty.

Search for Sylvania DVR90VF DVD Recorder/VCR Combo. Actually, this is porbably a later model than mine.

I use it both for dubbing and recording off a digital cable box.

Ron Thorne · February-14th-2006, 10:29 PM

Thanks again, Pete.

jaka · January-30th-2008, 01:03 PM

Up 2 years after, for recommendations for a DVD recorder to match my new equipment.

I need something quite simple, HDMI connection, 1080p compatible, HDTV tuner included and a hard drive.
Found some Sony or Toshiba models that seem to offer this, but I don't have any feedback on these.

Someone with experience on the subject?

tippy · December-4th-2008, 12:21 PM

My dvd player has stopped playing Netflix dvds and I think it's because I need a new one (didn't even make it two years!). I need something that will play much used DVDs but that is affordable because I am going to trash it when I leave NY in August. My tv is one of the last tube models I think - though has inner HD channel capabilities so I don't need to look at it from high tech pov - just want it to be good value that will play much used dvds.

What do you think about this?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance

Although I prefer black - who cares.

Any ideas about this dvd playability problem?

tippy · December-4th-2008, 12:23 PM

oh I don't need a recorder - just a player.

groover · December-5th-2008, 09:45 AM

Tippy, the only difference between Netflix DVDs and retail DVDs is that, like all rentals, they've been abused before they get to you.

Did the unplayable DVD's have a lot of visible scratches? Did you try cleaning them with a gentle liquid detergent, and then drying them thoroughly?

tippy · December-5th-2008, 09:54 AM

yes, yes and yes. The thing is 80% of the Netflix dvds are giving me problems - primarily series tv. "Cannot Play" is the message I get the most. Occasionaly "Disc is dirty" so I clean it and then it becomes a "cannot play" disc. I repeated clean the disc. If I keep putting the disc in over and over and over and over, I can often get it to play but who wants to monkey with it for 30 minutes? (But I do.) Last night I must have put a disc in at least 10 times and it wouldn't play even though I had (with mucho monkeying previously) been able to view it night previous. The new release films play well. but have trouble with foreign films - Fanny & Alexander had problems but that's old. But my player was playing my own dvds without trouble until this week so that's when I figured it was the player. I mean if Netflix customers were unable to view 80% of their films, they wouldn't be able to stay in business so anyway, I guess my new player is going to arrive today. I will be able to test the situation tonight.

Pete C · December-5th-2008, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tippy

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance

Looks like a good bet since that model seems to specialize in abused DVDs.

tippy · December-5th-2008, 10:11 AM

yeah, I have a Sony now and I really liked it compared to the old one I had which also didn't last past 2 years. I honestly suspect the Sony I have now has been damaged by the damaged cds. But I am the only one complaining about Netflix cds so I guess that means its me. I will literally be able to find out tonight if the player comes which Amazon said it was scheduled to arrive today. And I only ordered it yesterday afternoon and got free shipper saving. (Nice!)

I remember when discs were first presented as these indestructible items, but I've had cassette tapes last longer. LOL. I am very careful with my dvds (but not my cds, they get stacked on each other).

Pete C · December-5th-2008, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tippy

I will literally be able to find out tonight if the player comes which Amazon said it was scheduled to arrive today. And I only ordered it yesterday afternoon and got free shipper saving. (Nice!)

Are you sure that was the delivery date and not the ship date? I'm surprised they're claiming such quick delivery on free shipping.

tippy · December-5th-2008, 10:24 AM

No, they shipped it last night and it's scheduled to arrive today. (I just double checked.) I am certain during this season they want to get stuff out as quickly and efficiently as possible. Whereas the new Amazon at other times of the year likes to hold my packages to punish me for not buying their subscription shipping program. Sod off I say. LOL.

groover · December-5th-2008, 10:46 AM

I doubt your player was damaged by the bad DVDs, Tippy, but it may be more sensitive than some players. The new one you're getting should be an excellent choice for handling rental DVDs.

I have occasionally had to ask Netflix to send me another copy when a disc is so badly damaged that it's unreadable, which they will do, and they'll send a replacement without waiting for you to ship back the bad one. However, if you're having problems this frequently, your player is suspect.

Lore · December-5th-2008, 11:01 AM

Since some of these posts go back a ways, does anyone have any current tips on gear? I need to digitize a bunch of VHS tapes, but don't own a TV or VCR. I use a Mac. Thank you kindly.

shrugs · December-5th-2008, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tippy

No, they shipped it last night and it's scheduled to arrive today. (I just double checked.) I am certain during this season they want to get stuff out as quickly and efficiently as possible. Whereas the new Amazon at other times of the year likes to hold my packages to punish me for not buying their subscription shipping program. Sod off I say. LOL.

I have two package coming from one order from the same vendor.
The package from Nevada will get to Louisiana faster than the package from Florida.
It all depends on the carrier.

groover · December-5th-2008, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lore

Since some of these posts go back a ways, does anyone have any current tips on gear? I need to digitize a bunch of VHS tapes, but don't own a TV or VCR. I use a Mac. Thank you kindly.

You could get one of those combo DVD-VCR recording units, but then you'll need a TV to monitor it. You'll have more flexibility over editing and chaptering if you just run a VCR directly into your MAC. I'm not that familiar with MACs, but if you don't have A/V inputs, you'll need some kind of interface device between the VCR and the MAC. You may also need additional software for the recording and editing, if the MAC doesn't have a native application for it.

groover · December-9th-2008, 01:11 PM

Tippy, it's also possible that your problem reading DVDs was caused by dust on the laser lens. A cleaning disk can solve that.