Set Top DVD Recorder - Suggestions?

PeterT · 12-28-2008, 05:09 PM

I am in the market for a set top DVD recorder. These are the "must haves":

HDMI output/upconvert w/o "stretching" the image to 16:9
DVD+R/W
<=150USD

Suggestions?

TIA

PeterT · 12-28-2008, 11:06 PM

double post, see below...

PeterT · 12-28-2008, 11:11 PM

What about this one? It seems to meet my requirements:
Toshiba | D-R560: DVD Recorder with Built-In Digital Tuner
Amazon.com has it for <150USD:
Amazon.com: Toshiba DR560 1080p Upconverting DVD Recorder with Built-in Tuner: Electronics

Any experience with it?

The one outstanding unanswered question I have is: If I connect the D-R560 to my 16:9 aspect ratio HDTV via HDMI and play one of my DVD movies (upconverted to 720p or 1080p), will it allow me to view the DVD in its original 4:3 aspect ratio, with sidebars? Or, will it force the aspect ratio to be "stretched" to 16:9?

traveler · 12-29-2008, 07:16 AM

Don't HDTV monitors have controls to switch between 4:3 and other resolutions like computer monitors do?

But you're right, the DVD source should do it. Try calling the Pre-Sales Department at the manufacturer's office.

An important feature to me is: Does the Set Top Unit record the Closed Caption track or Secondary Language Track? I like to record international programs. Analog never had a problem recording the CC track. Also I like to shut off the sound and read the track sometimes (like during some phone calls).

__________________
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traveler · 12-29-2008, 07:33 AM

I just looked at the link for your unit. What do you think they mean by this:

"*This product is not made or sold for unauthorized use of copyrighted works, and it is only intended for recording and playback of authorized content and any other lawful use."

So ... For example:

Can you record an NFL Football game to watch later while you're out for the afternoon? Can you record a movie to watch later? How about the TV show LOST? These all have copyrights. I think even the news has a copyright. And if you do record it, will you be watching it later in black and white or as it was intended to be watched by the audience at the time of broadcast?

Timeshifting and quality is also important.

__________________
Asus X48 Rampage Formula / Intel Q9450 2.66 @ 3.2 / 2 x 2GB OCZ Reaper HPC PC2 8500 / VisionTek Radeon HD3870X2 OverClocked Edition /
Western Digital Raptor X Hard Drive / Two Western Digital Caviar RE2 WD5001ABYS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drives /
Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi Elite Pro 7.1 / Creative Gigaworks S750 7.1 Speaker System /
Lian Li 343B cube case / PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Crossfire Edition

Rick_EE · 12-29-2008, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by traveler

I"*This product is not made or sold for unauthorized use of copyrighted works, and it is only intended for recording and playback of authorized content and any other lawful use."

I am 99% sure you can record tv with that. That was a Supreme Court ruling. They mean copying DVD's and stuff.

PeterT · 12-29-2008, 09:38 AM

Yes, they are referring to copy-protected sources, e.g. DVD.
I emailed Toshiba customer service with my question. Let's see if I get a response...

traveler · 12-30-2008, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterT

Yes, they are referring to copy-protected sources, e.g. DVD.
I emailed Toshiba customer service with my question. Let's see if I get a response...

OK ... but ...

If you receive the broadcast signal in 1080p from OTA or via cable or satallite, will it record in 1080p to watch later? And watch again in say 5 years? And take the disk to your brother's house to watch?

__________________
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Western Digital Raptor X Hard Drive / Two Western Digital Caviar RE2 WD5001ABYS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drives /
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Lian Li 343B cube case / PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Crossfire Edition

PeterT · 12-30-2008, 09:40 AM

No, since it is DVD, it records in standard definition.

PeterT · 12-30-2008, 08:42 PM

FYI.
I received a response from Toshiba customer service:
_______________________________________________
Dear Peter:

Thanks for writing!

Yes, you will be able to watch the DVD in 4:3 screen size.

For further assistance, please write back or call our Customer Solutions Department at 1-800-631-3811. They are available Mon-Fri, 8AM to 7PM Central time.

Deandre
Toshiba Customer Service
______________________________________________________

Sounds like it will work.

PeterT · 12-31-2008, 10:03 AM

Now I just have to decide if I should get the Toshiba D-R560, which is in my price range (150USD), or one of the following, which are both more expensive, but have additional features and/or better quality: PHILIPS DVDR3506/37 or Panasonic DMR-EZ28K.

Newegg.com - TOSHIBA D-R560 DVD Recorder with Built-In Digital Tuner
Newegg.com - PHILIPS DVDR3506/37 DVD Recorder w/Progressive Scan and 1080p HDMI
Newegg.com - Panasonic DMR-EZ28K Progressive Scan 1080p Up-Conversion DVD Recorder

I would really like to get the Panasonic, due to it's additional features and better quality reputation, but it is more than I want to spend... Decisions, decisions.

Any opinions and/or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.

PeterT · 01-01-2009, 03:04 PM

Hey traveler,
FYI. Based on one of the reviews, it looks like this Panasonic does CC:

Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Panasonic DMR-EZ28K 1080p Upconverting DVD Recorder with Built In Tuner

PeterT · 01-04-2009, 09:18 PM

Bump for traveler. Not sure if he's seen the last post regarding CC on the Panasonic.

traveler · 01-05-2009, 12:05 AM

Thanks.

I'll check it out.

__________________
Asus X48 Rampage Formula / Intel Q9450 2.66 @ 3.2 / 2 x 2GB OCZ Reaper HPC PC2 8500 / VisionTek Radeon HD3870X2 OverClocked Edition /
Western Digital Raptor X Hard Drive / Two Western Digital Caviar RE2 WD5001ABYS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drives /
Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi Elite Pro 7.1 / Creative Gigaworks S750 7.1 Speaker System /
Lian Li 343B cube case / PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Crossfire Edition

12-28-2008, 05:09 PM	#1
PeterT CUSL2...GA-EP45-UD3P...? Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Sunny Florida, USA Posts: 2,647	Set Top DVD Recorder - Suggestions? I am in the market for a set top DVD recorder. These are the "must haves": HDMI output/upconvert w/o "stretching" the image to 16:9 DVD+R/W <=150USD Suggestions? TIA __________________ Proud Member: Team-CUSL2 - 'The Old School Crew' Asus Eee PC 1000HE, 1x2GB Corsair DDR2 667 GA-EP45-UD3P, Q9550, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, EVGA 9800GTX+ 512MB GA-EP45-DS3L, E7200, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, Asus EAH4850 TOP 512MB P5B-D, E6600, 4x1GB Crucial Ballistix DDR2 1066, EVGA 8800GTS 512MB P4P800-D, P4 2.4C, 4x512MB Mushkin DDR 400, ATI AIW X800XT 256MB TUSL2C, P3-S 1.4, 2x256MB Corsair XMS150, ATI 9800PRO 128MB, TB Santa Cruz CUSL2, P3 1.0, 1x256MB & 2x128MB Corsair PC133, Asus V7700D 32MB, SB Live! * Please join ABXZone and participate *
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12-28-2008, 11:06 PM	#2
PeterT CUSL2...GA-EP45-UD3P...? Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Sunny Florida, USA Posts: 2,647	Re: Set Top DVD Recorder - Suggestions? double post, see below... __________________ Proud Member: Team-CUSL2 - 'The Old School Crew' Asus Eee PC 1000HE, 1x2GB Corsair DDR2 667 GA-EP45-UD3P, Q9550, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, EVGA 9800GTX+ 512MB GA-EP45-DS3L, E7200, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, Asus EAH4850 TOP 512MB P5B-D, E6600, 4x1GB Crucial Ballistix DDR2 1066, EVGA 8800GTS 512MB P4P800-D, P4 2.4C, 4x512MB Mushkin DDR 400, ATI AIW X800XT 256MB TUSL2C, P3-S 1.4, 2x256MB Corsair XMS150, ATI 9800PRO 128MB, TB Santa Cruz CUSL2, P3 1.0, 1x256MB & 2x128MB Corsair PC133, Asus V7700D 32MB, SB Live! * Please join ABXZone and participate * Last edited by PeterT; 12-28-2008 at 11:12 PM..
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12-28-2008, 11:11 PM	#3
PeterT CUSL2...GA-EP45-UD3P...? Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Sunny Florida, USA Posts: 2,647	Re: Set Top DVD Recorder - Suggestions? What about this one? It seems to meet my requirements: Toshiba \| D-R560: DVD Recorder with Built-In Digital Tuner Amazon.com has it for <150USD: Amazon.com: Toshiba DR560 1080p Upconverting DVD Recorder with Built-in Tuner: Electronics Any experience with it? The one outstanding unanswered question I have is: If I connect the D-R560 to my 16:9 aspect ratio HDTV via HDMI and play one of my DVD movies (upconverted to 720p or 1080p), will it allow me to view the DVD in its original 4:3 aspect ratio, with sidebars? Or, will it force the aspect ratio to be "stretched" to 16:9? __________________ Proud Member: Team-CUSL2 - 'The Old School Crew' Asus Eee PC 1000HE, 1x2GB Corsair DDR2 667 GA-EP45-UD3P, Q9550, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, EVGA 9800GTX+ 512MB GA-EP45-DS3L, E7200, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, Asus EAH4850 TOP 512MB P5B-D, E6600, 4x1GB Crucial Ballistix DDR2 1066, EVGA 8800GTS 512MB P4P800-D, P4 2.4C, 4x512MB Mushkin DDR 400, ATI AIW X800XT 256MB TUSL2C, P3-S 1.4, 2x256MB Corsair XMS150, ATI 9800PRO 128MB, TB Santa Cruz CUSL2, P3 1.0, 1x256MB & 2x128MB Corsair PC133, Asus V7700D 32MB, SB Live! * Please join ABXZone and participate * Last edited by PeterT; 12-28-2008 at 11:22 PM..
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12-29-2008, 07:16 AM	#4
traveler Where to next? Join Date: May 2001 Location: South Florida Posts: 18,491	Don't HDTV monitors have controls to switch between 4:3 and other resolutions like computer monitors do? But you're right, the DVD source should do it. Try calling the Pre-Sales Department at the manufacturer's office. An important feature to me is: Does the Set Top Unit record the Closed Caption track or Secondary Language Track? I like to record international programs. Analog never had a problem recording the CC track. Also I like to shut off the sound and read the track sometimes (like during some phone calls). __________________ Asus X48 Rampage Formula / Intel Q9450 2.66 @ 3.2 / 2 x 2GB OCZ Reaper HPC PC2 8500 / VisionTek Radeon HD3870X2 OverClocked Edition / Western Digital Raptor X Hard Drive / Two Western Digital Caviar RE2 WD5001ABYS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drives / Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi Elite Pro 7.1 / Creative Gigaworks S750 7.1 Speaker System / Lian Li 343B cube case / PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Crossfire Edition
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12-29-2008, 07:33 AM	#5
traveler Where to next? Join Date: May 2001 Location: South Florida Posts: 18,491	I just looked at the link for your unit. What do you think they mean by this: "*This product is not made or sold for unauthorized use of copyrighted works, and it is only intended for recording and playback of authorized content and any other lawful use." So ... For example: Can you record an NFL Football game to watch later while you're out for the afternoon? Can you record a movie to watch later? How about the TV show LOST? These all have copyrights. I think even the news has a copyright. And if you do record it, will you be watching it later in black and white or as it was intended to be watched by the audience at the time of broadcast? Timeshifting and quality is also important. __________________ Asus X48 Rampage Formula / Intel Q9450 2.66 @ 3.2 / 2 x 2GB OCZ Reaper HPC PC2 8500 / VisionTek Radeon HD3870X2 OverClocked Edition / Western Digital Raptor X Hard Drive / Two Western Digital Caviar RE2 WD5001ABYS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drives / Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi Elite Pro 7.1 / Creative Gigaworks S750 7.1 Speaker System / Lian Li 343B cube case / PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Crossfire Edition
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12-29-2008, 09:38 AM	#7
PeterT CUSL2...GA-EP45-UD3P...? Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Sunny Florida, USA Posts: 2,647	Re: Set Top DVD Recorder - Suggestions? Yes, they are referring to copy-protected sources, e.g. DVD. I emailed Toshiba customer service with my question. Let's see if I get a response... __________________ Proud Member: Team-CUSL2 - 'The Old School Crew' Asus Eee PC 1000HE, 1x2GB Corsair DDR2 667 GA-EP45-UD3P, Q9550, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, EVGA 9800GTX+ 512MB GA-EP45-DS3L, E7200, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, Asus EAH4850 TOP 512MB P5B-D, E6600, 4x1GB Crucial Ballistix DDR2 1066, EVGA 8800GTS 512MB P4P800-D, P4 2.4C, 4x512MB Mushkin DDR 400, ATI AIW X800XT 256MB TUSL2C, P3-S 1.4, 2x256MB Corsair XMS150, ATI 9800PRO 128MB, TB Santa Cruz CUSL2, P3 1.0, 1x256MB & 2x128MB Corsair PC133, Asus V7700D 32MB, SB Live! * Please join ABXZone and participate *
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12-30-2008, 09:40 AM	#9
PeterT CUSL2...GA-EP45-UD3P...? Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Sunny Florida, USA Posts: 2,647	Re: Set Top DVD Recorder - Suggestions? No, since it is DVD, it records in standard definition. __________________ Proud Member: Team-CUSL2 - 'The Old School Crew' Asus Eee PC 1000HE, 1x2GB Corsair DDR2 667 GA-EP45-UD3P, Q9550, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, EVGA 9800GTX+ 512MB GA-EP45-DS3L, E7200, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, Asus EAH4850 TOP 512MB P5B-D, E6600, 4x1GB Crucial Ballistix DDR2 1066, EVGA 8800GTS 512MB P4P800-D, P4 2.4C, 4x512MB Mushkin DDR 400, ATI AIW X800XT 256MB TUSL2C, P3-S 1.4, 2x256MB Corsair XMS150, ATI 9800PRO 128MB, TB Santa Cruz CUSL2, P3 1.0, 1x256MB & 2x128MB Corsair PC133, Asus V7700D 32MB, SB Live! * Please join ABXZone and participate *
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12-30-2008, 08:42 PM	#10
PeterT CUSL2...GA-EP45-UD3P...? Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Sunny Florida, USA Posts: 2,647	Re: Set Top DVD Recorder - Suggestions? FYI. I received a response from Toshiba customer service: _______________________________________________ Dear Peter: Thanks for writing! Yes, you will be able to watch the DVD in 4:3 screen size. For further assistance, please write back or call our Customer Solutions Department at 1-800-631-3811. They are available Mon-Fri, 8AM to 7PM Central time. Deandre Toshiba Customer Service ______________________________________________________ Sounds like it will work. __________________ Proud Member: Team-CUSL2 - 'The Old School Crew' Asus Eee PC 1000HE, 1x2GB Corsair DDR2 667 GA-EP45-UD3P, Q9550, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, EVGA 9800GTX+ 512MB GA-EP45-DS3L, E7200, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, Asus EAH4850 TOP 512MB P5B-D, E6600, 4x1GB Crucial Ballistix DDR2 1066, EVGA 8800GTS 512MB P4P800-D, P4 2.4C, 4x512MB Mushkin DDR 400, ATI AIW X800XT 256MB TUSL2C, P3-S 1.4, 2x256MB Corsair XMS150, ATI 9800PRO 128MB, TB Santa Cruz CUSL2, P3 1.0, 1x256MB & 2x128MB Corsair PC133, Asus V7700D 32MB, SB Live! * Please join ABXZone and participate *
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12-31-2008, 10:03 AM	#11
PeterT CUSL2...GA-EP45-UD3P...? Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Sunny Florida, USA Posts: 2,647	Re: Set Top DVD Recorder - Suggestions? Now I just have to decide if I should get the Toshiba D-R560, which is in my price range (150USD), or one of the following, which are both more expensive, but have additional features and/or better quality: PHILIPS DVDR3506/37 or Panasonic DMR-EZ28K. Newegg.com - TOSHIBA D-R560 DVD Recorder with Built-In Digital Tuner Newegg.com - PHILIPS DVDR3506/37 DVD Recorder w/Progressive Scan and 1080p HDMI Newegg.com - Panasonic DMR-EZ28K Progressive Scan 1080p Up-Conversion DVD Recorder I would really like to get the Panasonic, due to it's additional features and better quality reputation, but it is more than I want to spend... Decisions, decisions. Any opinions and/or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks. __________________ Proud Member: Team-CUSL2 - 'The Old School Crew' Asus Eee PC 1000HE, 1x2GB Corsair DDR2 667 GA-EP45-UD3P, Q9550, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, EVGA 9800GTX+ 512MB GA-EP45-DS3L, E7200, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, Asus EAH4850 TOP 512MB P5B-D, E6600, 4x1GB Crucial Ballistix DDR2 1066, EVGA 8800GTS 512MB P4P800-D, P4 2.4C, 4x512MB Mushkin DDR 400, ATI AIW X800XT 256MB TUSL2C, P3-S 1.4, 2x256MB Corsair XMS150, ATI 9800PRO 128MB, TB Santa Cruz CUSL2, P3 1.0, 1x256MB & 2x128MB Corsair PC133, Asus V7700D 32MB, SB Live! * Please join ABXZone and participate *
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01-01-2009, 03:04 PM	#12
PeterT CUSL2...GA-EP45-UD3P...? Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Sunny Florida, USA Posts: 2,647	Re: Set Top DVD Recorder - Suggestions? Hey traveler, FYI. Based on one of the reviews, it looks like this Panasonic does CC: Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Panasonic DMR-EZ28K 1080p Upconverting DVD Recorder with Built In Tuner __________________ Proud Member: Team-CUSL2 - 'The Old School Crew' Asus Eee PC 1000HE, 1x2GB Corsair DDR2 667 GA-EP45-UD3P, Q9550, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, EVGA 9800GTX+ 512MB GA-EP45-DS3L, E7200, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, Asus EAH4850 TOP 512MB P5B-D, E6600, 4x1GB Crucial Ballistix DDR2 1066, EVGA 8800GTS 512MB P4P800-D, P4 2.4C, 4x512MB Mushkin DDR 400, ATI AIW X800XT 256MB TUSL2C, P3-S 1.4, 2x256MB Corsair XMS150, ATI 9800PRO 128MB, TB Santa Cruz CUSL2, P3 1.0, 1x256MB & 2x128MB Corsair PC133, Asus V7700D 32MB, SB Live! * Please join ABXZone and participate *
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01-04-2009, 09:18 PM	#13
PeterT CUSL2...GA-EP45-UD3P...? Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Sunny Florida, USA Posts: 2,647	Re: Set Top DVD Recorder - Suggestions? Bump for traveler. Not sure if he's seen the last post regarding CC on the Panasonic. __________________ Proud Member: Team-CUSL2 - 'The Old School Crew' Asus Eee PC 1000HE, 1x2GB Corsair DDR2 667 GA-EP45-UD3P, Q9550, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, EVGA 9800GTX+ 512MB GA-EP45-DS3L, E7200, 4x2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800, Asus EAH4850 TOP 512MB P5B-D, E6600, 4x1GB Crucial Ballistix DDR2 1066, EVGA 8800GTS 512MB P4P800-D, P4 2.4C, 4x512MB Mushkin DDR 400, ATI AIW X800XT 256MB TUSL2C, P3-S 1.4, 2x256MB Corsair XMS150, ATI 9800PRO 128MB, TB Santa Cruz CUSL2, P3 1.0, 1x256MB & 2x128MB Corsair PC133, Asus V7700D 32MB, SB Live! * Please join ABXZone and participate *
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01-05-2009, 12:05 AM	#14
traveler Where to next? Join Date: May 2001 Location: South Florida Posts: 18,491	Thanks. I'll check it out. __________________ Asus X48 Rampage Formula / Intel Q9450 2.66 @ 3.2 / 2 x 2GB OCZ Reaper HPC PC2 8500 / VisionTek Radeon HD3870X2 OverClocked Edition / Western Digital Raptor X Hard Drive / Two Western Digital Caviar RE2 WD5001ABYS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drives / Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi Elite Pro 7.1 / Creative Gigaworks S750 7.1 Speaker System / Lian Li 343B cube case / PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Crossfire Edition
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