DVD recorder or Tivo

[marcb515]

I'm contimplating getting a second Tivo (used with lifetime subscription), but am also considering just getting a Panasonic DMR-EH75, which has an 80GB HD.

Basically, this second unit will be used to record other programs while Tivo is recording in the same time slot.

Anyone here own a DVD recorder, and how do you like it?

Any opinions or suggestions?

[tazzftw]

Try the combo Tivo/DVD Recorders. But if you're looking solely for a way to record two shows at once (and not really a DVD Recorder), get a TiVo Dual Tuner. Although it sounds like you want lifetime.

[classicsat]

If you know where and when something is on, a non-tivo DVR is fine.

[jlb]

The "used TiVo with lifetime"............are you getting it from a friend/coworker type of situation or are you getting it from eBay? If eBay, please be very, very careful. There are all kinds of scams out there.

[mattack]

Anyone here own a DVD recorder, and how do you like it?

Check out the DVD recorder forum
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&forumid=106

I have a Toshiba XS32, AND two Tivos. I would have GLADLY paid extra money for the Tivo interface on a DVD recorder, except that you can't do the two things that I think are important:
1) be able to edit recordings before burning to DVD (both removing commercials, and saving ~5 minutes from an hour show.. both of which I do frequently)
2) be able to record shows to DVD at different times. That is, put a new show on a DVD once a week, then finalize it (make it compatible with regular DVD players) when it's full.
With the Tivo, you have to put all shows on in one session.

Plus, from what I've read, there's no way to even tell how many will fit on a DVD. If you choose too many shows, then you're asked to put in another DVD.. and the shows will span across DVDs.

One other thing that I think is nice is that I can play at 1.5x with sound on my recorder. It's useful for talking head type shows, news, sometimes things like Nova. Basically anything but sitcoms or dramas.

It's certainly nowhere near as completely reliable as a Tivo, but since it offered me more features that Tivos don't, I bought it instead.

[gastrof]

I'm contimplating getting a second Tivo (used with lifetime subscription), but am also considering just getting a Panasonic DMR-EH75, which has an 80GB HD.

Basically, this second unit will be used to record other programs while Tivo is recording in the same time slot.

Anyone here own a DVD recorder, and how do you like it?

Any opinions or suggestions?


The disadvantage of a TiVo/DVD machine is that you can't edit your recording before burning the DVD.

As I understand it, the Panasonic machines do let you edit first.

I've got a stand alone DVD recorder that's connected by A/V cables to my TiVo and I'm TOTALLY satisfied with the results.

If you were to get a machine that's an all-in-one, if anything your results should be even better. (Digital transfers.)

I can't speak for that Panasonic machine you mention, but my Panasonic VCRs were always dependable. (Still have it, in fact. Don't USE it any more.... :D )

[robomeister]

For reference, the six TiVo/DVD writer models are:

Pioneer DVR-57H (120GB drive)
Pioneer DVR-810H-S (80GB drive)
Toshiba RS-TX20 (120GB drive)
Toshiba RS-TX60 (160GB drive)
Humax DRT400 (40GB drive)
Humax DRT800 (80GB drive)

The first four models come with Lifetime TiVo Basic (3 days of guide data, no subscription required). All are pretty hard to find in stores. You can get all of these units on Ebay, but finding one with a Lifetime TiVo Plus subscription is difficult.

The Pioneers are 2xx models which have faster USB hardware (helping with MRV transfer times) and don't seem to suffer from the 7.3.1 software slowdown. I own several of these units and have noticed no slowdown nor have random reboots.

The Toshibas and the Humaxes are based on the 5xx platform which have slower USB hardware. The Toshibas have a firewire or i-Link connection to link a camcorder directly to the unit. I can't remember if the Humax units have this ability.

Burning a DVD is extremely easy, if you don't mind having the commercials included. And you get a TiVo menu and the guide info for the shows you burn, which is nice, too. Personally, I don't mind having the commercials included, but this is a deal breaker for some.

Good luck on eBay,
robomeister

[btwyx]

As I understand it, the Panasonic machines do let you edit first.They do. I got a Panasonic recorder because I needed a multistandard one (mine does PAL as well as NTSC). The thing I really notice about it is its not a TiVo. The interface is slow and laggy and just not as polished as a TiVo.

The Panasonic will probably work just fine, you might just wish it worked better.

[alansplace]

I'm contimplating getting a second Tivo (used with lifetime subscription), but am also considering just getting a Panasonic DMR-EH75, which has an 80GB HD.

Basically, this second unit will be used to record other programs while Tivo is recording in the same time slot.

Anyone here own a DVD recorder, and how do you like it?

Any opinions or suggestions?i own a Toshiba RD-XS32S 80 Gig DVR/DVD burner. i bought it before i got my first tivo. it replaced my JVC DR-MV1 Dual Tuner VCR/DVD burner as my primary TV recorder at that time. well since then it has become my 1st backup unit (not set to record anything, but ready to go if needed) as i now have 2 TCD540040 TiVos and a TCD649080 DT TiVo and with these three tivos i can record 4 programs on 4 different channels at the same time. the JVC serves as my backup DVD player/recorder and as my VHS player/recorder. in my opinion get a DT TiVo.
--
Alan :D