Info and forum posts by 'dfarry'

RE: Hack for Targa DR-5100x Recorder

Hi all...

As some of you may know I purchased the DR5100 last year.

Unfortunately I was never able to find a regional hack... so I can`t say if the recorder is a Liteon clone or whether the hack will work (because I returned mine for a refund).

One of the great things about this recorder was the great connectivity options... since last year I have change most of my AV equipment and taken the jump into High Definition...

I do still have NTL cable and was using the DR5100 as means to record cable and then output this as component through my AV amp...

It worked well but I must admit I found the reliablity if the recordings as well as the clunky interface hard to live with. The final straw was the terribly loud fan.... it is really bad and got worse over the year. I called Targa about it and they said...no problem we can fix that...send it to us and pay the postage (we will refund it if there is a fault) we will send it off to Germany and they will sort it out and then return it....takes about 14 days sir). On being told that I thought NO WAY..... that is not acceptable on a £200 piece of equipment so I returned it to Lidl and was granted a refund from them... I should have a cheque for the full £199 I paid by the end of the week.

Last year, I think this was a very good recorder despite the problems I had.... but in that year the technology has moved on and prices have fallen significantly... I no longer think at £129 this is a good buy...especially when compared to the limited offer today (the Dual Layer 160GB HDD recorder) for £150....sadly there were barely any of these available at LIDL stores today. Incidently this does look to be a Liteon clone according to http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=271600 and http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=121414&page=1&pp=10

The DR5100 may have been improved but I have not seen any firmware updates for it on the Targa website. Having used DVD recorders now my preference would be for a DVDRAM model so at least you have some extra editing options and timeslip. I believe the Panasonics are around the £130 mark now.

I am probably going to get the Samsung DVDR125 as this features HDMI and will work perfectly with my Samsung LCD TV. The 125 supports DVD-RAM but has not internal hard disk so at around £190 it is quite an expensive recorder but will do everything I need... http://www.samsung.com/uk/products/dvdplayer/dvdrecorder/dvd_r125xeu.asp

RE: Guys, can you spec me a HD ready TV please?

AV forums thread...as of today...

Medion do now have a firmware update that apparently fixes ALL issues.

fingers crossed anyway :)

RE: Guys, can you spec me a HD ready TV please?

Did you buy one of these TV`s?

If so ensure that you check out the current issue list

HERE!

Up to date information and questions about the TV, feedback from aldi/Medion are within THIS very long message thread but will be summarised soon.

As it stands at the moment, Aldi and Medion accept there are issues with this TV and Medion in Germany are carrying out what are apparently extensive tests.

Details of my latest conversation with Aldi/Medion are HERE

If you purchased this TV then I strongly recommend that at the very least contact the Medion UK helpline to register the fact that you are a concerned owner and are aware of the issues.... at least this way you can be given a call number (to track progress on any resolution) and possibly contacted by them should a fix/update be necessary to the TV.

Thanks

RE: Guys, can you spec me a HD ready TV please?

Hmm in my experience it`s usually on day 3 years +1 that some suddenly goes wrong :(

Actually as a general rule I find most eletrical equipment pretty reliable.... and I hate the way extended warranties are sold almost with scare type tactics by the likes of Dixons and Comet.....and many others besides.

RE: Guys, can you spec me a HD ready TV please?

Ah yes sorry... I misunderstood what you meant.... and did not understand this newer DVD technology...

So you have something similar to this - http://product.samsung.com/cgi-bin/nabc/product/b2c_product_detail.jsp?eUser=&prod_id=DVD-HD850%2fXAA

If it has HDMI then I believ you can connect a HDMI to DVI adaptor.... but in the same way as connecting a Progressive Scan DVD have you had a look in the Tevion installation menu.....

I can`t remember exactly but I think there is an option in there to change the format of the PC input.... maybe that would do the job?

RE: Guys, can you spec me a HD ready TV please?

Hi mate... to be honest I am not sure why you are trying to run your DVD input via DVI either....

Ideally you want to run component... (progressive scan) via the Tevions scarts that are both wired for this....

It would be worth you checking out http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=215399 there is another even bigger...though more general thread about the Tevion on AVforums too that would be worth a look.

Overall most people seem to be extremely happy with the Tevion...and now the correct cables are starting to filter through/be used the results are improving all the time.

Incidently I run some High Definition Windows Media files via DVI on the Tevion from my laptop and the quality was absolutely stunning!! I does just sound like you have used the incorrect port/cabloe for your input device (DVD).

RE: Guys, can you spec me a HD ready TV please?

And also check here now that there are many more comments...plus pictures of the TV...

I`m happy... many others are too...

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213625&page=1&pp=15

RE: Guys, can you spec me a HD ready TV please?

Quote:
The 32" LCD Sony I aspire to has won lots of press awards for it`s performance.
You come back when the one from Aldi has done the same.

It never will because Aldi don`t have the kind of cash (gained from years of extortionate pricing) to buy their glowing reviews from the press in which they advertise...

hehehe ;)

Srieously though I`m not knocking Sony really...it is a quality brand but I just feel that the gap between what is deemed expensive or cheap in relative quality terms is narrowing all the time.

This item was edited on Friday, 20th May 2005, 10:57

RE: Guys, can you spec me a HD ready TV please?

Just copied this from another forum... quite useful

It is on their website now.. http://uk.aldi.com/special_buys/product_211.html
here are the specs

Quote:
# HDTV compatible
# 32"/81.3cm visible screen
# Contrast ratio: 1000:1 (typ)
# Brightness: 550cd/m2 (typ)
# Physical resolution 1366 x 768
# Response time: 8ms (grey to grey) (typ)
# Full Teletext with 2100 pages memory and page catching
# Multipage Text: Displays various teletext pages belonging together at the same time
# DVI-I Video in with HDCP decoding
# 499 programme storage locations
# APSAS: Automatic Installation System, Country and language related automatic channel search and sorting
# Intelligent SWAP-function: Dynamic recognition and quick access with only one button of the preferred programme
# Full-screen display in the 16:9 as well as in the 4:3 mode
# Built-in speakers: 2 x 10 watt RMS, 6 speakers
# Nicam Stereo
# Multi-function IR remote control (batteries included)
# Connect to Surround Systems via Scart socket
# Dimensions without desktop stand (W x H x D) : 820 x 600 x 140mm
# Dimensions with desktop stand (W x H x D) : 820 x 600 x 320mm
# Weight: 14kg (without desktop stand) / 15.8kg (with desktop stand)
# Screen diagonal 81.3cm
# Viewing angle: 176° H/V (typ)
# Video: Scart 1 (Composite Video in/out, S-Video in, RGB in, YCrCb/YPrPb p/i in, Audio in/out)
# Scart 2 (Composite Video in/out, S-Video in, RGB in, YCrCb/YPrPb p/i in, Audio in/out)
# Front composite video in (RCA)
# Front S-Video in (MiniDIN)
# Audio: Front Stereo Audio in for Composite Video/S-Video (RCA)
# PC Stereo Line in (3.5mm jack)
# Wall brackets available via the Tevion helpline for £29.99 + P&P




30 quid for a wall bracket seems ok.
looking at the specs above it seems..that component is inputted (is that a word?) via the scart!...didnt think scart worked like that?
im seriously thinking of getting it anyway though..

looking at the specs
The advantages....

1. 8ms response time
2.hdcp enabled dvi (ill be using this for pc...dont know if it will do 1:1 pc resolution though)
3. proper twin tuner (with excellent teletext features)
4. 1000:1 contrast
5. No postage charge..(for both buying and taking back when/if faulty..assuming u have an aldi close by ;-) )
6. 2 RGB/component enabled scarts.
7..BEST OF ALL----its got a 3 YEAR WARRANTY..as far as i know aldi are quite good with returning and warranty stuff(correct me if im wrong).

Disadvantages

1. component is input via the scart sockets (im not too sure on this one..will research it more)
2.no reviews as of yet (at least i havnt found any yet)..so unknown PQ.
3.no HDMI (although adaptors cost about15quid anyway)
4.worst...in my opinion its UGLY...compared to others ive seen.


ohhh yeah and nearly forgot its CHEAP.....think its the cheapest 32" lcd i have seen anywhere..including ebay.

This item was edited on Friday, 20th May 2005, 10:08

RE: Guys, can you spec me a HD ready TV please?

Quote:
It`s not rocket science to know that,in some way,it`ll be built `down` to a price.

Likewise it`s not rocket science to realise that the Sony will have been priced up to the badge!!

I agree to an extent though... there will be quality compromises some where... maybe using cheaper manuafacturing processes or labour but there are not many manufacturers that are confident enough to offer a no quibble warranty like Aldi/Tevion.

I used to be the worlds biggest advocate of Sony, Panasonic etc... but in recent years, party due to changing financial circumstances I`m happy to be the stereo type "Aldi Chav" that you have labelled me if I can still buy reasonable quality and value goods....and so far I have been very impressed with Aldi`s stuff.

I bet you even buy your grocers in Marks and Spencers, Waitrose...and Sainsburys.... hmm no Sainsburys would be a bit too downmarket... ;)

RE: Advice on DVD Recorders with DivX / XviD playback ..

Must be something seriously wrong with it then if it can`t even play pressed DVD`s

RE: Advice on DVD Recorders with DivX / XviD playback ..

Daywalker... do you use labels?...especially the full coverage ones on any of your DVD`s? (assuming you are talking about DVD+/-R`s here.

Strangely though all mine were fine and then almost overnight the pretty much all started skipping... I thought it was the media at first.... some were worse than others.... then I blamed the relatively cheap DVD players I have.... my Targa DVD recorder was better but still not perfect... then I realised....it was the labels....

I have now de stickered every DVDR that I have and they ALL play fine now. :)

RE: Lidl DVD Recorder - 16th Dec

Hi there... if you mail me at DFARRY<AT>YAHOO.COM I`ll let you have my address for the CD.

RE: Lidl DVD Recorder - 16th Dec

Hi mate... no problems that I am aware of at 25fps so I would guess it is the way the movie has been encoded... do you know which Divx codec and audio codec has been used too?

If you want to pop the movie on a CD or DVD I`ll happily try it out on my Targa, Xbox and Laptop

RE: Targa DR-5100x UHF output channel??

Hi mate... I also have the Targa although I don`t output UHF.... everything is done through scarts.

However I would keep on at Targa... if you look on their support pages there are some firmware updates (though not for the UK recorders) maybe a firmware update could change the bandings in the UK too?.... I`m surprised it cannot be changed.

RE: Advice on DVD Recorders with DivX / XviD playback ..

Hi there,

I was one of (I think a few actually) that went for the Targa DR-5100x at LIDL before Xmas...

A month or so later I am very happy with it...and it plays everything I can throw at it.... including Divx/Xvid...it also records from my NTL cable box in pure RGB :)

http://www.targa.co.uk/cms/targa_2_646.php?produkt_id=334

RE: IXOS or cheaper alternative

Well I got the Philex cables from Robert Dyas....

Very well made...solid....the plugs are very heavy as they are metallic.

According to the packaging they have

1. Quality Conductors (OFC)
2. PVC Outer Jacket (covers the length of each interconnect)
3. Gold Plated Connectors
4. Multiple Shielding
5. Dielectric Core Construction (apparently good for high freq. audio)

And my opinion is that they seem very good... picture is...well I`m not sure it is significantly better... maybe more rich and vivid...still some slight ghosting in high contrasting area`s.

Overall very happy...seem to be very good value for money.

RE: IXOS or cheaper alternative

Thanks for the suggestion....

I have posted the same message on another forum and had some suggestions there too... at the moment this Philex cable seems the one to go for... apparently it`s quality is up there with the more expensive Thor cables that Philex make... Seems a good price and is easy for me to get hold of so I`m gonna take a gamble on them... :)

http://www.robertdyas.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10051&storeId=10001&productId=38341&langId=-1

IXOS or cheaper alternative

At the moment I have all my Av stuff wired up using standard black Scart leads.

The screen images and sound is good... maybe some slight ghosting on the NTL cable RGB input that passes through my Targa DVD recorder to TV.

I`m just not sure new Scart leads would make much difference so I don`t want to spend what for a lead seems a far bit of cash really.....just to find there is no difference.

I have been looking at this one... http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00009MGDN/qid=1104312562/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/026-4357385-2862841?tag=myrev09-21

and seen it cheaper on EBay... there are some other much cheapr alternatives on EBay (such as a Thomson OFC lead, with moulded, fully wired plugs)... but how would these stack up against say the IXOS...

If there are any better/cheaper alternatives then I`d appreciate you letting me know.

Cheers.

RE: Lidl DVD Recorder - 16th Dec

Hi there...

Pleased you are up and running OK. I know what you mean about the DIVX movies and I think alot depends on the geometry of the original Divx.

The one`s I have encoded myself I always do at 512 x 288 (16:9) pixels and stretch if necessary a 2.35:1 or 4:3 film...on the Targa these seem fine... however some others I have downloaded do display letterboxed or with borders.

Another way around this though it perhaps defeats the object of having a DIVX play... (and there is some additional loss of quality) is to convert the Divx back to DVD. I use DVDSanta to do this and in the way the dimensions seem to be corrected. :)

Merry Xmas

UHF to TV/DVDR - Wirelessly

Hi all...

About a year ago I tried a video sender unit but wasn`t really very impressed....sending a signal from downstairs to upstairs at home (no more than....10 metres I guess) gave a really poor picture. :(

Now I want to swap things around a bit so that I can receive a UHF signal downstairs at my TV which is currently only fed by digital cable....this so that I can still record on my DVD Recording using Cable RGB IN... or use VideoPlus to record the UHF channels (whilst still being able to watch cable)

So I`m think a Video sender is again the way to go with this... but it would need to be strong enough to send a signal from the loft area and downstairs.

I know for what I want standard Coaxial would be best but I`d rather avoid rerouting things, drilling holes etc...

I do currently feed a coaxial cable into my PC for TV... but I don`t use this very often... I wonder if there is anyway I can route this signal via my network (which is wired to my router...that is under the TV) to a network receiver/converter that will then output the UHF signal to the DVDR?

If you have any suggestions/links I`d really appreciate them.

Cheers.

Some people eh?.... right or wrong?

In the grand spirit of public messageboards you may have seen this...

http://www.dvd.reviewer.co.uk/forums/thread.asp?Forum=176&Thread=377240&Type=1

I wonder if someone else did too and is now selling his find on Ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5738913386

Nothing wrong with that...but just shows the slightest opportunity and someone will try to sell anything for a few quid.

This item was edited on Wednesday, 22nd December 2004, 19:54

RE: This Hack for Targa 5100x WORKS

I tried to get into the service menu on the Recorder but was unable to so I didn`t go any further... despite the name and similar model numbers I guess they are two totally different machines?...

btw it was just power-on, press pause, then tap the numbers in? (did you keep pause pressed?)

RE: This Hack for Targa 5100x WORKS

Ah yes thats a very good point RedTom... I missed that and they could be completely different....

I will take a look tonight though to see if I can get into the same service screen as is mentioned above.

RE: This Hack for Targa 5100x WORKS

Cheers guys... will try mine this evening :)

RE: targa dvd 5100x

Not that I know of yet but I am keep my eye`s open on various forums on the web.

RE: Doing it on the Cheap

Hi Emily...well it`s not really a standard Amp really....excuse my ignorance of this technology but as I understand it the feed into the amp is analogue however each feed remains separated through the amp within each channel and then output to it`s own speaker.

You can see the rear connections in this PDF manual http://www.denver-electronics.com/pages/webside2.asp?articleGuid=7760&menuGuid=5387&subMenuguid=5392

The problem is that it has not digtal to analogue converter itself and so expects the source of the audio to take care of this... in my case the Bench DVD player can handle both Dolby Digital and DTS, whereas my new Targa can not handle the later...it seems strange to me that Targa would add Dolby Digital analogue and not DTS.... maybe I am looking at it simplistically but I wonder if future firmware updates to the recorder would add this... be excellent if it did! :)

Thanks for your advice.

RE: Lidl DVD Recorder - 16th Dec

You know what....I just knew you were going to say something like that Paul... hehe

Personally I`d say the comparison is more like Bratwurst and Chicken Chow Mein.... for me it`s hard to choose between either.... now if Turkey made DVD recorders they`d be no contest...as I `d take the Kebab over the Bratwurst or Chow Mein any day!! :P

RE: Lidl DVD Recorder - 16th Dec

Well I did give everything a more thorugh test and I am finally happy... the only thing I can`t do is run a DTS stream directly from the rear cinch connectors to my DTS Amp and speakers... Dodby Digital works but I have chosen not to wire this for the moment. I deally what I need is some intermediary "box" that will take the optical or coax feed and then output this as separate audio streams into the amp (I have created a new thread about this..."Do it on the cheap")

It took alot of messing around but I finally have my cable channels and DVD outputing to the amp as 2 channel stereo and then the amp simulates 5:1... this sounds surprisingly good to my untrained ears so I am happy with this for the moment. In the meantime I will use the cheapy Bench DVD player to play Dolby Digital and DTS films.

Now I have everything cabled up correctly the picture quality is excellent. I have also feed my Xbox into the Targa which means I can now control all the AV inputs to my amp and the TV via the Targa "source" button.... whereas before I was having to swap cables out at times.

I have tried MP3`s and Divx`s too.... no problems there at all.

I still feel the remote control is horrible and UI is clunky to say the least....but at least the later can be enhanced (I hope) over time with firmware update.

I have done a few recordings on a DVD+RW and they played without any problems on two standalone DVD players, without the need for the disc to be finalised or anything along those lines.

Anyway... I`m interested to hear from any other Targa owners that might be hiding out there...have you come across other issues? I`m just hoping I wont need to ever use the 3 year warranty though :) (do the Lite-on`s and Panasonic unit come with that as standard??) :D

RE: targa dvd 5100x

Hi there, I also have the Targa...

And after some initial problems I am happy now..

However the only time Iheard any echoing on audio was if input two different audio feeds.... for example one via the scart and the other through the phono connections.... then for these to be processed separately... on feed as digital.. one as analogue... this caused a slight delay... hence the echo.

However that was when I was really just testing different cables and connections to get the audio how I wanted...I`d check the audio configuration though.... took me a while to get it right.