Info and forum posts by 'JSG'

RE: Buying a DVD Recorder

I have the Sony DVD recorder and have virtually the same setup as you (i.e. sky+ and another DVD player which I only use for the 5.1 surround sound).

The sony has both optical and coaxial outputs so should work with any home cinema system. If your surround sound system has both of these as inputs this means you can use the optical input for your sky+ box and the coaxial input for your DVD recorder.

Recording quality is excellent but so to is playback (some DVD recorders are not very good when it comes to playback quality).

The multi-format is useful - I have found that my portable DVD player will only playback DVD+R so I would have been stuffed if I had bought one that just did DVD-R.

This item was edited on Friday, 12th August 2005, 11:46

Can you get audio from a DVD onto PC in .mp3 or .wma format

I have Sky+ connected to my DVD recorder - I want to copy off a radio broadcast using my DVD recorder - and then import the audio onto my PC so that I can listen to it on my mobile phone (which can play .mp3 or .wma files).

Does anyone know what the best way is to go about doing this?

RE: Sky Plus to DVD

Most DVD recorders without a hard disc will let you do editing if you are using +RW / -RW / RAM discs directly on the disc itself.

So you can edit out the adverts / start / finish directly on the disc (thats what I do when recording from sky+ to DVD).

RE: Recording formats

There is no easy answer to this.

Most DVD players will play DVD+R and DVD-R but some will play just one of these formats and others will play neither!

I have a dual format DVD recorder (Sony GX300), which records both formats, and have found DVD+R to be the most compatible for me when playing back on my own and friends DVD players.

I would suggest getting a dual format DVD recorder, which will record to both DVD+R and DVD-R - that way you can create both types of disc and test them out.

RE: Help! - which DVD recorder with HDD...?

welcome back phelings under your new guise!

RE: Sky Plus to DVD

If you already have sky+ I don`t see the point of buying a DVD recorder with built in hard disk - you would be wasting money and would be better spending it on a better DVD recorder without hard disk.

I have sky+ connected to a Sony GX300 DVD recorder and that is perfect - I use the copy facility to select a number of recordings to go to the DVD. If you want to edit out the adverts / start / end of programmes you can use +RW or -RW discs and then use the editing facilities of the DVD recorder.

I would recommend a DVD recorder without hard disk - and if you want to edit out adverts make sure it has editing facilities to allow you to do this (the Sony GX300 will let you do this on -RW discs).

This item was edited on Friday, 13th May 2005, 11:15

RE: R+ plus or R-minus ?

I have the sony gx300 recorder which supports both +R and -R.

In my experience the +R discs are more compatible - I have two DVD players and a portable DVD player - the +R discs will playback in all of these whereas the -R discs won`t play in my portable DVD player.

When I have created DVDs for friends & family - the +R discs have been more successful than -R discs for them being able to play back.

RE: DVD recorder...Sony or Panasonic?

I choose the Sony because it came out top in the review of the top ten DVD recorders in a magazine at the end of last year - although the panasonic E55 did come second, so I guess that is also a very good recorder.

And thats the point - I only commented on the Sony as thats the one I have and use, and it is very good for me. I doubt Paull or Phellings have even used a Sony DVD recorder, yet they are quick to critisize!

For me Sony was a brand I trust - I have had a Sony TV for over 15 years and it is still going strong.

And I don`t think that my portable DVD player is faulty - its like Phellings says some players won`t play +R and some won`t play -R. So what was good about the Sony was I could try both types of disc and found one which worked for me.

This item was edited on Tuesday, 12th April 2005, 09:51

RE: DVD recorder...Sony or Panasonic?

I haven`t noticed any noise myself - but mine is locked away in a glass fronted cabinet (to stop the 3 year old son from messing with it!)

RE: DVD recorder...Sony or Panasonic?

I have the Sony GX300 and am very pleased with it, and would certainly recommend it.

The recording quality is excellent, as is the playback - you won`t need a seperate DVD to play back your recordings, or prebought DVDs (some DVD recorders are not so hot when it comes to playing back DVDs).

Plenty of useful modes - 1 hr, 1.5 hrs, 2 hrs, 3 hrs, 4 hrs and 6 hrs.

The 1.5 hour mode is very useful - and is still of high quality. I have even archived episodes of 24 at 4 hour mode - and it is still perfectly watchable (better than VHS quality).

Plus it records onto both +R / +RW and -R / -RW discs - this was very useful for me as I found out that my portable DVD player only supported +R discs!

RE: URGENT REQUEST Panasonic DMRE65EBS OWNERS The manual says -R discs record ONLY in 4:3 aspect

It is likely that what this means is that the widescreen flag won`t be saved onto the disc - the content will probably be recorded 16:9 and will playback 16:9 - but you may need to manually set your TV to widescreen mode rather than the DVD doing this for you automatically.

Nero - trying to get 16:9 broadcast into NeroVision but it always comes in 4:3

I have the Nero Reloaded software (version 6) - which includes NeroVision express.

I want to use this to get the video off a DVD I created in my DVD recorder in 16:9 format. The DVD plays on the PC in 16:9 format - but when I import it into NeroVision express it gets converted to 4:3 format - and if I then burn this to disc the resulting DVD is squashed.

I have the video options settting set to 16:9 - does anyone know where I am going wrong, or is this a bug in the Nero software?

RE: Panasonic DMRE85 Advice please

I think the point is that DVD+R and DVD-R will be most compatible (will play on most players)

DVD+RW and DVD-RW will play on a vast majority of DVD players.

DVD-RAM is not likely to be very compatible with other DVD players.

My recommendation would be to go for a recorder which does both + and - and then you can determine for yourself which will play in your player. I would recommend the Sony RDR-GX300 which does DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW.

For me DVD-R works in a recent dvd player, but not an older dvd player or portable dvd player; DVD+R works in all of my dvd players - so I stick with the +R / +RW format as it works best for me.

RE: Panasonic DMRE85 Advice please

From DVD faq:

Quote:
How is DVD+R/+RW related to competing formats like DVD-R/-RW/-RAM?
DVD+R/+RW, DVD-RAM and DVD-R/-RW are all rewritable DVD formats, however, only DVD+R/+RW is designed from the start to be compatible with existing DVD-ROM drives and DVD-Video players, both on a physical as well as on a logical level. This means that a DVD+R or DVD+RW disc recorded in a DVD+R/+RW video recorder can be played in virtually all DVD-Video players or DVD-ROM equiped PCs, and that any DVD+R or DVD+RW disc recorded with data on a PC DVD+R/+RW drive can be read by most DVD-ROM drives.

DVD-RAM uses a totally different kind of physical recording method, which is absolutely incompatible with DVD (hence, it can hardly be called `DVD`). No normal DVD player will be able to read DVD-RAM discs, even if you use the newer DVD-RAM version without a cartridge housing.

DVD-R and DVD-RW were initially not designed to be used as a DVD-compatible recording solution. DVD compatibility was added at a later point, however since the formats were not developped for this purpose, they do not offer the level of compatibility and flexibility (while remaining DVD compatible!) that DVD+R/+RW offers. Furthermore, DVD-R/-RW is less suitable for data applications as well due to a number of technical limitations (such as the inability of random access writing). For a very extensive comparison of the various formats, please refer to Comparison with DVD-R/-RW Video Recorders and Comparison with DVD-R/-RW PC Drives.

The DVD-RAM and DVD-R/-RW supporters have announced numurous compatibility programs for their DVD players (such as "DVD-Multi" and "VR support"), however only a small minority of players will include these (costly!) additions. DVD-RAM/-R/-RW lies the burden of compatibility on the player, while DVD+R/+RW lies the burden of compatibility on the recorder itself.

RE: Panasonic DMRE85 Advice please

The panasonic uses DVD-RAM (rewritable) or DVD-R (write once)

DVD-RAM discs are unlikely to play back in other DVD players, or on a DVD-ROM drive on a computer. These are the only discs on this player that would be editable.

DVD-R discs are likely to play back in other DVD players and DVD-ROM drives - but they are write once and lack the editing capibilities of other types of discs.

DVD+R (write once) and +RW (rewritable) are the most compatible types of disc as they follow the DVD-Video standard, although DVD-R (write once) and -RW (rewritable) will probably be compatible with most modern DVD players - i.e. I have a very old DVD player which will play DVD+R and +RW but won`t play any DVD-R or -RW.

Hope that helps!

RE: PROBLEMS WITH MATSUI DVDR100.

I have to say, you get what you pay for.

Good brands like Sony, Panasonic and JVC may cost more - but you know you are getting a quality product.

I bought the Sony RDR-GX300 (based on reviews in magazines where it came out top) - and am very pleased with it.

So I recommend getting a refund, then buying a quality DVD recorder.

RE: New Panny DVD Recorder Models

thats a very old model - the newer models (i.e. ones on sale now) get 10/10

http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews81660.html

This item was edited on Wednesday, 9th March 2005, 14:31

RE: New Panny DVD Recorder Models

Quote:
http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews68810.html
God the panny comes out well compared to the to the Sony.

Strange - the sony gets 10/10 from all the people who reviewed it... so I don`t know how that comment can be correct.

P.S. the panny did not get 10/10 from all the people who reviewed it!

RE: DVD Recorder, I`m Confused!

Why is it every time someone asks for some advice on a dvd recorder to buy it ends up being a fight between -RW and RAM? It is quite pathetic really.

From what I can make out BOTH -RW (vr mode) and RAM offer pretty much the same functionality, and are BOTH likely to be incompatible with most DVD players.

Does anyone really need the advanced editing features of these anyway?

Personally, providing I can erase segments from a recording (e.g. start and end of programmes, adverts, etc.) and retitle a recording thats fine. I can do this on my dvd recorder on all disc types, even +R and -R (yes I know the erase doesn`t remove it from disc in this case - but that doesn`t bother me. And if I need that I could use -RW or +RW discs - or RAM if my recorder supported that format).

The original poster wanted advice on a DVD recorder and mentioned the sony GX300 - why not offer advice on what DVD recorders are good (with valid reasons) rather than having a slanging match?

I personally find the sony GX300 a very good recorder and a very good player - I read several reviews and the thing that impressed me about the sony was that not only was the quality of recording very good, but playback is superb also - these same reviews basically said that the playback on most DVD recorders (panasonic E55 included) was similar to a budget DVD player.

So if you want a single box, to record and playback DVDs in superb quality (which surely is the most important consideration?) get the sony gx300 - yes Phellings I know you will say it is more expensive - but then the quality of playback means I don`t need a seperate DVD player - which would cost me more!

And you still get the editing capabilities if you use -RW discs with this player.

RE: DVD Recorder, I`m Confused!

I would certainly recommend the Sony GX300 - it is a very good recorder.

It writes to +R, +RW, -R and -RW. In -RW mode you can time slip (i.e. record one thing while watching another on the disc), and perform advanced editing.

The main thing that impressed me with this recorder was the picture quality - which is absolutely superb - even transferring videos to dvd come out very good indeed.

It is also very well connected (RGB in and out) as well as progressive scan outputs and digital audio outputs (coaxial and optical).

The only thing is it is about to be superceded by a new sony model - so not sure how available it will be in the shops at the moment.

RE: Dvd Recorder Recommendation Please

I didn`t purchase a budget DVD recorder - I spent £250 on mine! - I bought the Sony GX300 because it got good reviews, and offered excellent picture and sound quality on recording (which to me was most important, and I haven`t been disappointed!). It also records onto both + and - formats.

Time slipping isn`t important to me - I have sky+ for that. I would also say that if this is important for you, you should invest in a dual hard disc / dvd recorder instead. I do have the option of time slipping on my DVD recorder if I want it using the -RW format. (and yes I can confirm that it works!)

I also wanted a recorder which made discs that were compatible with other players - we have a portable DVD player which we use on car journeys to keep our son entertained - RAM discs would not play in this; all of the other formats (both + and -) do. The DVD player in the spare room will play + and - discs but again RAMs are a no go!

Similarly on the PC most DVD ROM`s will read + and - (even -RW in VR mode!) but don`t support RAM.

If you only ever want to play discs on the DVD recorder - then fine - get a RAM drive.

The cost of discs was not a major consideration, but I did want to archive stuff from sky+ quite a lot, so being able to purchase the cheaper -R and +R discs was important. There is a big difference between 20p per disc and £1.50 per disc!

Another thing that concerned me about RAM was that as it is the least supported format, with only a few recorders and players supporting it, it may become redundant in a few years time - remember VHS and Betamax?

external dual layer, multi format DVD burner for £59.99 - Aldi from 3rd March

Available from Aldi from 3rd March

External DVD Burner - £59.99

Take advantage of DVD storage with this top specification multi format dual layer EXTERNAL DVD burner. Burns DVDs in both `positive` and `negative` formats. A single DVD will hold 8.4Gb of files, ample storage space for movies, images etc. Write speeds: 40 x CD-R, 16 x DVD-R, 16 x DVD+R. Re-write speeds: 40 x CD-RW, 4 x DVD-RW, 4 x DVD+RW. Also burns and reads CDs! Complete with manufacturer`s three year warranty, customer helpline number, Nero burning software (OEM version), firewire cable and USB cable. † Check pack for warranty details. The warranty may be available via the distributor or the manufacturer.

http://uk.aldi.com/special_buys/print.html

RE: Dvd Recorder Recommendation Please

I was just making a point - obviously Brooktop you are completely blinkered and only DVD-RAM will do for you.

I was just giving advice - basically when I was looking for a recorder I discountered DVD-RAM because of the high cost of the discs and the lack of compatibility - it was important for me to be able to load the discs onto my computer, and with DVD-RAM I couldn`t do that. I could do everything with DVD-RW that I could with DVD-RAM, and get compatibility and cheaper discs.

And really - is ANYONE going to ever use a disc 100,000 times - get real mate!

RE: Dvd Recorder Recommendation Please

The problem with RAM discs is the cost - they are about 3 times more expensive than -RW discs, and about 7 times more expensive than -R / +R discs. And that is for the same capacity. RAM discs with double capacity are even more expensive still!

I use bulkpaq -RW discs in my Sony GX300 and these are fine - they allow me to edit out segments of recordings / delete recordings, etc. And you can get 10 discs for £5(compared to £15 for 10 RAM discs!)

I use bulkpaq -R and +R for recordings where I don`t need to edit or delete (i.e. for archiving shows from Sky+) - these are £5 for 25!

Plus RAM discs are not very compatible with PC drives - I can load my -RW, -R and +R recordings directly into my PC using Nero 6 - and then edit and rerecord from there. Couldn`t do that with a RAM disc.

RE: Sony RDR-GX300 to be replaced by RDR-GX210

Where does this leave the GX700?

I thought the only difference between GX300 and GX700 was the DV input?

So surely this new model will supercede both the GX300 and the GX700?

RE: Sony RDR-GX300 to be replaced by RDR-GX210

Are you sure this is a direct replacement - seems odd to go down in numbers.

Perhaps this is a reduced functionality model.

Doesn`t bother me - I have a GX300 and am perfectly happy with it. New models / reduced prices happen all the time!

RE: SONY RDRGX300

I bought a Sony GX300 recently and am very pleased with it.

The picture and sound quality is excellent (which to me is the most important thing!). It records on all formats (+R, +RW, -R and -RW) other than RAM, meaning you get the best in compatibility.

It has RGB in and out and progressive scan connections, along with both optical and coaxial digital outputs - so it is definitely well connected.

Have mine hooked up to video recorder and Sky+ - recording from these is excellent - actually the recordings made from the video recorder seem better than the origional!

RE: Pioneer DVR 320

I would definitely recommend the sony - I am well impressed with the GX300 I have just bought - the GX700 is basically the same but with a DV input.

OK you pay a bit more for sony - but the quality is just superb - I have never seen such a good picture / sound quality from any dvd player I have seen.

Records all formats +R, -R, +RW, -RW which are compatible with other DVD players (RAM is not compatible with most other players).

And you can even time slip on -RW discs (the reason most people give in favour of the RAM format!)

RE: anyone to recommend a good dvd recorder?

I bought the Sony GX300 (it came out top in the digital home magazine I bought)

It records +R, +RW, -R and -RW for best compatibility.

You can time slip the -RW discs (i.e. watch a disc whilst it is still recording).

Picture and sound quality are superb. RGB in and out (to allow best quality connection from sky / freeview box to TV via DVD recorder) - plus progressive scan outputs.

Only thing it doesn`t have is a DV input - if that is important get the GX700 (which is the same but with DV input)

RE: Sony GX300 - can it record widescreen on DVD+R and DVD+RW?

This is quite weird.

Tried recording widescreen on -R disc - and this was fine.

Also tried recording widescreen on +R disc (which manual says is not possible) - and this also seems fine.

Am I missing something? Both the -R and +R seem to play back the widescreen from my sky+ box recordings successfully - so they do sony say in the manual that it cannot on +R discs. Am I missing something?