Page 1 of Help wanted regarding DVD Recorder/HD recorder

I`m thinking about getting a DVD/HD recorder. Current likely candidate is the Sony RDR-HX510. I already have a multi region player (Pioneer DV575), so that`s not important. I do not currently own any form of DVD recorder. What I need help with from you experts out there is with the following.

1) I want to be able to record from my cable TV. Am I right in assuming that I can just replace my VCR with the DVD/HD recorder?

2) I`d like to be able to transfer my old VHS recordings. Will I just be able to plug my VCR into my new recorder and transfer VHS to hard disk?

3) Does anyone have any experience with the Sony model mentioned above? Is it reliable?

The main use is going to be to record things from cable to the hard disk and then take the player up to my room to watch without disturbing the family. It`ll also be nice to archive certain recordings for future viewing.

All feedback welcome.

Adam

I did consider the RDR HX 510 at one point, but i found a better one (Panasonic Dmr eh50). It is very similar except a few differences, Flexible dubbing, Double res LP recording and DVD ram and DVD audio. the pioneer dvr433h is another similar recorder which is worth considering if you own a digital camcorder because of an i link terminal and an audio jukebox but slightly inferior picture. I recommend The Pioneer for those who do a lot of digital camcording, i recommend the Sony for those who record lots of movies over 3 hours long and i recommend the Panasonic for being the best all rounder, the picture quality, and flexible HDD editing and thats why i own it. The Panny has my vote, although the i link omission bugged me a bit.

Following on from Eye2Eye`s first point, I`ve got a rather basic question: I`ve just got the Panasonic DMRES10 and will be recording from cable TV. While recording is it possible to watch a different cable channel to the one you are recording or would you just have to watch a different terrestrial channel through your ariel. I had an experiment last night and the latter seemed to be the case, which is a bit of a pain but understandable. Also, what am I missing from not having I-link?

Adam :)

Quote:
1) I want to be able to record from my cable TV. Am I right in assuming that I can just replace my VCR with the DVD/HD recorder?

Simple answer is yes, the only possible complication would be if the cable box had only one scart socket. Which I guess would probably mean you would have to have the DVD Recorder on to view the Cable channel . Just a guess as I said :)

Quote:
2) I`d like to be able to transfer my old VHS recordings. Will I just be able to plug my VCR into my new recorder and transfer VHS to hard disk?

Again simple answer is yes, unless the recordings on VHS are copyright protected. Simple way round this is if the Macrovision on the recorder can be disabled. Loads of sites will provide you with more information I guess.

Quote:
3) Does anyone have any experience with the Sony model mentioned above? Is it reliable?

Sorry, being a luddite I only have the much maligned :) Lite-On 5005B.

HTH

Choagy FFCUK The SPL :)

Quote:
While recording is it possible to watch a different cable channel to the one you are recording or would you just have to watch a different terrestrial channel through your ariel.

Unless the Cable box has a twin tuner set up then sorry . That said you would still be able to watch a terrestrial channel provided the cable box had an RF Loop through ?
setup.

Sorry that is all I can think of the noooo :)

Choagy FFCUK the SPL :)

Quick one regarding Macrovision:If your VHS tapes are copy protected,having Macro disabled on the recorder will be no use at all.Its the OUTPUT device that needs to be disabled.Macro disabled dvd recorders/players have their Macro output switched off to allow you to transfer dvd movies to other dvd recorders or VHS.I know off no devices ever that have their Macro trigger disabled to ignore incoming macro signals.
Any Macro problems can be removed by Googling on Sonel.You can them pay £20 for
a special scart lead that will knock out Macro on a VHS player,dvd player/recorder or Sky box to allow you to send OUT a disabled signal to allow the recorder to record the incoming pictures.
Macro disabled dvd devices seem rare these days,even on the cheapies,but the £20 lead will do all you need to remove it