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Off Topic – Pro DVD recorder
I have about 2000 VHS tapes to convert to DVD. I am lookiing for a unit that has multiple input options (IEEE, composite, component, S-video) in a NTSC domain. I wanted to poll the Cow Community to see what they are using or would recommend.
JVC was making the BD-X200U but that does not seem to manufacturing that unit anymore. I have been reviewing the LG 299HWL and LG RHF99WS, the Panasonic DMR-EZ27K and the Sony RDR-GXD455.
The LG and Panasonic have most of the features I want. The Sony lacks the IEEE input.
Would you buy any of these of recommend something else?
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7 Replies
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The deal killer is the Firewire input. While some units have a FW connector, it’s only for output.
I’d look at Lite-On products and forget about the FW input. Very cheap at Costco.bogiesan
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We have the Panasonic Consumer model DMR-ES15. It works perfectly for all our dubs.
Be VERY wary of units with Firewire inputs. I’ve had two of them and we never used that input because it added another really bad layer of compression on top of the MPEG-2 compression. Almost like it was making a bad DV codec translation and then making the MPEG 2. Composite, S-Video and Component always looked better than Firewire inputs.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.STOP STARING AND START GRADING WITH APPLE COLOR The new Color Training DVD now available from the Creative Cow!
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I had a philips 985 something with all the above inputs that was a great machine but the firewire died and then it died but not after paying for itself. These are discontinued 1st generation units so I wouldn’t recommend one now. I’ve been searching for an equivelent since.
I had a Sony RDR-GX315 ( or something like it and I would warn you to avoid it. You could not easily copy the files on a computer. I finally discovered that if I used +RW media I could copy the files and replicate the discs on my computer. I gave it to my brother to watch movies on. This was common on a few of the sony models of the same era.
I currently use a Philips 345SH with a hard drive in it. There is no component input but the firewire works pretty good. The main reason for this is it automaticly limits you to the Best quality setting of 1 hour per disc.
FYI: Most of these vcr type recorders use a compression scheme that gives you CBR or VBR at high data rates and 500 lines resolution for 1HR; 1.5HR; and 2HR settings (reducing only the data rate for each subsequent duration step). Once you go below the 2HR setting you also drop to a 250 line resolution and you take a real hit in quality here.
I agree with the other posters in that firewire has never encoded to mpeg2 very well. Going from analog to dvd – composite, s-video or component are the best bets. DVD’s are all about component so if you can go in component you are off on the right foot.
Hard drives are really nice to have as you can edit after capture in case you get back late from lunch, fall asleep on number 999 etc.
The pioneer LX-1 is probably the best unit out there but the price is around $5000.00 for a basic model.
Thanks for the post, I’m looking for a new unit with component in also.
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Hi,
we use an LG DR4921, have had it for over 2 years an it works great. And it has all the input you require.nick
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[nick Price] “we use an LG DR4921, have had it for over 2 years an it works great”
Hi Nick, is this the correc t model number? a google search came up empty.
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I have one of LGs off-brand Ensignia units, just fantastic, everything you want. Got it at Best Buy for less than 200 bucks.
I also have a Panasonic 3040 FW burner which has a 40 gig hard drive in it, super machine and it could be for sale.
Have a wonderful day.
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Will check tomorrow rennie, but i imagine they ont do that exact one now, but am just bigging up LG really!
nick
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