Page 1 of Noob Needs help on purchasing dvd recorder

Hi
Im a complete noob on the dvd recorder front, and would like to know what the readers of this forum suggest.
1. I want the recorder to be able to play backup copies of my original dvds

2. Id like to be able to lend out my dvd copies to my friends if they wanted to borrow them, and without a compliance issue (and as future proof as poss)

3. Is it possible to copy dvds to dvd on a recordable dvd player, or is it comparable to the VCR were you connected the two VCRs and pressed play on one and record on the other?

Two machines I have seen is the Panasonisc E50 or Sony GX3, although if there are any other recorders you can recommend :)

I think the main concern is future proof, or should I wait till things iron themselves out, ie dont want to end up with the Betamax of the dvd world :/

I can afford approx £250-350, and would be grateful if you could suggest the best dvd recorder that covers most, if not all, the above points.

Thanks in advance

There should be plenty of advice on this forum re this subject. Have a search, but in a nutshell.

1. The -R (write once) and +R (write once) and +RW (rewriteable) formats are compatible with the majority of players.

2. You`d need a player and recorder.

3. The Panasonic DMR E50 (-R and RAM formats) falls within your budget as does the recent range of Philips recorders (+R and +RW formats).

Other issues to consider are the ability to defeat copy protection on commercial DVDs, there are special Scart cables available, but I can`t recall who sells them offhand.

The ability to play R1 discs. There is a software/remote control mod available for the Philips recorders, but I believe that a chip is required for the Panasonic.

Hope this helps, but other members may have more detailed or slightly different views. :)

JohnF

GW6UFO is QRT at the moment

Quote:
3. Is it possible to copy dvds to dvd on a recordable dvd player, or is it comparable to the VCR were you connected the two VCRs and pressed play on one and record on the other?

It`s just like a VCR (albeit with better picture quality) - all you can do is make linear recordings from the analogue inputs. Press play on the player, press record on the recorder, then sit back and wait. Pretty crap, really.

Don`t get me wrong: standalone DVD recorders are great for recording telly programmes (which is what they`re meant for), but they are not DVD copiers. If you want to make true backups of your original DVDs (with the original menus, DD/DTS soundtracks, extras etc.), you`ll have to get a DVD writer for your computer instead.

Mike

This item was edited on Sunday, 30th November 2003, 15:10

If I get a dvd rewriter for my computer, do I then have to worry about compatibility problems with my dvd recorder then?? ...and the two recorders that I have mentioned will they play any dvds I write with say a sony dvd rewriter or is there more complications in having to choose a dvd rewriter that will comply with the dvd recorder, and they say technology is making our life easier :/

If you have a home standalone DVD recorder it will record a copy of a DVD & I doubt if you will notice the difference in picture, but the 5.1 sound will only record in Dolby pro logic. Done on a computer it will be quicker & retain the 5.1 soundtrack. On standalone recorders I have the Mico Espejo R311 & The Panasonic E50. I am going to write the differences between the two very soon but in a nutshell. The Mico is DVD+R & R/W. The Panasonic is DVD-R & DVD-RAM. Of the 2 systems I use the Panasonic about 6 times more, mainly because of the timeshift, I`m forever comming in after a programme I want to see has started & the timslip lets me watch the programme before it has finished recording. However on the Mico I would have to wait until the programme has finished, thus waiting around whilst I could be viewing. The Mico allows you to lend out a R/W disc to friends & their players may, NOTE MAY, play it, but knowing how some people (even friends treat discs) they probably wouldn`t re-record again. I would either put the disc on a computer rewriter & make a copy or make a DVD-R on the Panasonic to lend to friends or even for them to keep. If money is a problem & you can`t go above £199-00 then the MICO is a great buy. It is a big step up from a VCR & if it were the only way of DVD recording I would recommend it very highly, however if you can go up to the Panasonic E 50 this is a very much better recorder & the DVD-RAM system is far better, you can edit it (take out adverts, etc) & with simple software turn it into a DVD-R or R/W quickly on a computer. Just avoid Philips for both bad reliability & aftersales.