Page 1 of Questions I wanted to ask about DVD Recorders but was afraid to ask..

Really thinking about getting a DVD Recorder soon and need to know a few (probably obvious..) things..
So, here goes with my questions. Please don`t let it turn into an Anti-RAM, Pioneer/Panasonic/Sony rant. Just answers and advice please..

As I understand it, RAM is probably the most `flexible` disc based system. (I know all about (lack of) compatibility with other systems but just for your own use that`s what I`ve heard.)
[list] [*] So, simply how does it work on a RAM disk?
[*] Assume I`m setting the quality for recordings as allowinf 2hr per disc..
[*] If I have a brand new disk and record something for half an hour and then the next day want to record something else for half an hour do I just put the disc in and record? If I then record another program for half an hour, again do I just put the disc in and record? I`ve now got 1 1/2 hrs of stuff on the disc. If I now want to watch the second program, how do I do it? Is there like a thumbnail thing to enable easy selection?
[*] Right, after I`ve watched the second program I want to record something that`s an hour long. Can I change the quality to fit it in the remaining 1/2 hr slot? Can I delete the second program (making 1 hour of total space) and record it and the recorder spreads it across the disc? I`m assuming so. What if I was using a RW disc though? Can that fill in the gaps or, like a videotape would it start at the right place but record over the third programme?
[*] What is the difference between vr(?) and video(?) mode?
[*] Functions such as `time slip` and `chase play`. Is it only RAM and HDD recorders that can do this? Think that`s not right but is that something to do with the vr mode?
[*] Do the recorders tell me how much space is left?
[*] I`ve heard lots about `editing` functions on the recorders. What exactly is meant by it? Back to RAM, does it mean I could go to a program and sort of `tag` a part of a recording (adverts?) as being not needed and again it becomes useable space? How does that work for -r(w)? What else is meant by `editing`?
[*] I will also want one with a hard disk. The obvious reason is so I don`t have to get up to put a disc in and it can record lots more things but what else does the facility offer?
[*] I`ve seen some recorders now with electronic program guides. Are they any good? Does it just get the info through the aerial (like my iDTV)?
[*] I set my video now by navigating to the programme I want on the TV`s TV Guide and selecting OK (smartlink). Would I lose that functionality but use the Recorder`s one instead?
[*] When a disk is recorded on, say a dvd-r, what files are on the disc? Is it the usual video_ts folder etc.? What about RAM? My PC can read these so is it quite easy to transfer to -r? Or can you copy the contents to the HD and burn back to -r that way?
[*] Assume it`s easy on all systems to record tapes (holiday vids etc.) to disc. Then edit them on a PC with menus, chapters etc. [/list]Sorry if some of these questions seem obvious but I can`t help thinking I`m not the only one just holding back because I don`t know some of the seemingly easy functions.

Ste

This item was edited on Friday, 4th February 2005, 11:36

I`m not too 2up" on the newer ones Ste, but as I know it, here it is:

VR mode is a .VRO single mpeg file recorded to the disc. It used to only be RAM, but I believe VR mode is now available from some RW machines too.
VR mode will allow the chasing playback/time slip/live pause or whatever the hell else you wanna call it! Lol
It`s incompatible with most "playback only" units.
Video mode I believe converts to standard file structure, ending with .TS, .BUP and .VOB files on the disc. This is much more compatible with playback only devices.

RAM Recording:
You record in say, 4 hour mode.
You record as you say, 30 minutes, next day, another 30, then you do a 1 hour.
Total time used, 2 hours.
You watch programme TWO, which would have been 30 minutes of space.
Programme is on you want to record, but 2hrs 10 mins long.
RAM will record seamlessly to the free points on the disc, ie: you delete your 2nd 20 min prog you watched, record the 2hr 10 one, and you get it recorded, but don`t wipe out anything from prog 3.

Menu selection:
Most will give some form of titling or menu for programmes recorded. I think the Panasonic x5 series give a thumbnail, whereas my E50 does horizontal bands on screen with the name or date etc. of the recording.
To select, highlight the one to watch, hit enter or play (just like normal menu browsing)

For all other Q`s not answered or not answered enough, I`m sure the rest of the Reviewer "family" can answer :D

Jimbo : oÞ

"Making Teenagers depressed is like shooting fish inna barrel"

The file on the RAM idsk is a VRO file wich is basicly an MPG file. To transfer this to DVD-r disk and make it readable on a standalone player, you would need to author it using appropriate software and then burn it to disk

Quote:
I think the Panasonic x5 series give a thumbnail, whereas my E50 does horizontal bands on screen with the name or date etc. of the recording.

The Panasonic E55 gives moving thumbnails of your recordings.
Just like SKY`s multiscreen football.
You can watch them like that,with sound on the one you have highlighted.
God knows why you`d want to like,but you can. ;)
As soon as you press select it becomes full screen.
I would say the thumbnail menu the biggest single improvement I`ve noticed over my E50.

Thanks and bump ;)

Ste

Quote:
To transfer this to DVD-r disk and make it readable on a standalone player, you would need to author it using appropriate software and then burn it to disk

Or you could buy a cheap Panasonic player to play your edited Ram discs & record onto a blank dvd-r.
This is one of the cheapest ways to do it, as most of the PC software to do the same cost at least £50 & upto £120.
I paid Richer sounds £40, got a Panasonic DVDS27
I`m very happy with the end result

This item was edited on Saturday, 5th February 2005, 15:48

So does the E55 give you a moving thumbnail menu on a completed DVD-R?

No, its a still pic that you can change to any point in the recording before you finalise the dvd-r

Just a thought because of something that I`ve just been asked elsewhere.

I have a Panny E65 recorder which, as we all know by now, only records to -R & RAM. However, once a disc is finalised does it negate the +/- issue and make it playable on pretty much any player?

Cheers

Si



Our Collection (including the ones that belong to the kids!)

`I have something to say. It`s better to burn out than to fade away.`

Yes - once its finalised its usually readable on any player, prior to that its only readable in the recorder (I think).



If you feed a starving man a fish, he will eat for a day.
If you teach a starving man to fish, he will buy an ugly hat.
If you talk about fish to a starving man, You`re a consultant.