Memorex 32023288 DVD Double-Layer Recorder 16x16 Dual Format External Drive Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have only had this drive for a couple days, but I can say that I am pleased with it overall. I am using it with a laptop on a comapct desk, so the fact that it stands vertically (w/included stand) helps with space consevation. The Dual-Layer DVDs that it can create are wonderfull for storing lots of home videos, pictures, and in most cases 2 full movies. The included Nero software is very user friendly, so you'll be making relatively professional looking DVD home movies (complete with custom menus and options) in no time.
I only have 2 things to complain about on this package (one on the unit and one on the software), and they are just nit-picky little things.
1. UNIT - While the unit itself is fairly attractive (silver & black case w/blue LEDs), it is rather flimsy. This is not really an issue as long as you are careful moving it while it is running. Without thinking, I grabbed the body by the sides while in its vertical position. This caused the top of the case to bow in and hit the drive spindle, resulting in an awful grinding noise. While this incident had no affect on the unit or its current process this time, I could see how it may in future careless occurances. Not a big deal. Just don't be clumsy like me.
2. SOFTWARE - Again, not a big problem, just an annoyance. I am running this program on what the box calls the preferred sytem specs for best performance. While creating a 2 hour (4.07 GB) DVD movie with basic menus only takes a few minutes, the processing time before it writes takes a long time. After you hit the "Burn" button, the total process progress line says that the time remaining on the project is a little over 4 hours. The actual time it takes to write on the disc is a little more than an hour (this is a pretty fast drive). The other 3 hours seems to be taken up by conversion, encoding, processing, etc. My guess is that this would take a lot less time on a faster system. Read the "System Requirements" for the software on the box. I suggest having at least the "Reccomended" specs to have a pleasent experience. If you only have the minimum system requirements, I would be prepared to settle in for the long haul for each project.
Also, I bought this in store at Staples for a hundred and thirty-nine bucks. Much cheaper than anywhere else I saw it.

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The Memorex DVD Double-Layer Recorder helps you record DVDs and CDs easily, even double layer or HD DVD discs. The 16x dual format means that the drive supports both the current standard for DVD recorders, in addition to the newer HD DVD format, so that you don't have to worry about what type of disc to use. Double layer recording lets you create DVD+R9 discs that hold up to 8.5 GB, which is about 80% more than single layer discs are capable of holding. The drive features built-in buffer underrun protection along with built-in Flash-ROM to allow you to upgrade online. The included Nero Software Suite provides a clean and intuitive interface for quick and easy recording of CDs and DVDs. This sleek, external drive also comes with a stand that allows you to prop the drive on its side to save space on your desktop.
The drive comes with both USB 2.0 and FireWire ports. It can record DVDs at the following maximum speeds:
16x DVD+/-R
4x DVD+R9 (double layer)
8x DVD+RW
6x DVD-RW

It can write to CDs at the following maximum speeds:
48x CD-R
24x CD-RW

What's in the Box External drive, Nero Software Suite, FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 cables, and drive stand.

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Sony DRX-830U 18X External USB 2.0 Double-Layer DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this DRX-830U from best buy for $99.99. It is quite easy to install the hardware and software. I start to use this unit in 10 minutes after I open the box.
DRX-830U comes with Nero 7. It comes with a complete software package. Maybe it is "too" complete; it has a huge software package that consumes too much CPU time. I am using 2.4G Pentium CPU + 512Mbyte memory. During DVD editing process with DV signal, computer lagging badly! It is about 1.5 frames/second. But I can hear movie sound continuously. However, after DVD burning process, the result just likes a good regular DVD. I highly recommend that you use other software to edit your DVD movie. You can find them on-line for pretty good price.
When I use DRX-830U to burn DVD (Verbatim 16X DVD-R), with full DRX-830U burning speed (x18), I fail 3 out of 22 burns with over disk recommend burning speed limit. DRX-830 was not setup properly! If I burn it at 8X, so far there is no problem! It takes less then 10 minutes to complete each DVD burning (>1 hours movie).
Someone has mention about its noise during burning process. Well, it does make some noise, but its noise level similar to a CPU fan, and most of time it is very quire! I use computer more then 6 hours a day, and I burn DVD occasionally. Its noise problem seems does not bother me at all!
It is external model, so it can work for my desktop and laptop computer where I need it. Also, its front panel design looks good! But, its indicator is not very clear to me, such as there is no power indicator! Anyway, it is good enough for my application.
Due to panel design, and software issue, I give this product 4 star! I just purchase it one week ago, and I am going to keep it!
It is a good product, and I will recommend my friend to buy it!

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Item #: SONDRX830U. 18X USB 2.0 DVD/CD, DVD-DL Recorder supports all available DVD formats including single layer 4.7GB DVD+R/+RW, 8.5 GB Double/Dual Layer DVD+R DL, and DVD-RAM discs 48X max, CD-R, and 32X max CD-RW. Nero seven software suite. Customers also search for: Sony Electronics,18X USB 2.0 DVD CD Recorder Double Layer Single Layer

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Toshiba DVR610 1080p Upconverting Tunerless VHS DVD Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)After half a decade of waiting for a machine that'll do merely what I want it to do--transferring my old VHS library to the more permanent DVDs--I jumped at the opportunity to get the DVR-610, at a great price (I purchased it at BestBuy, which allowed me to return it within 30 days for full refund if it wasn't up to scratch).
I must say: it passed the "probationary" period smashingly, though with a few small reservations I will mention later. Supposedly this deck is Toshiba's new improved version of its DVR-600 from last year. That deck brought forth quite a few frustrated reviews from buyers, and with this buyer-beware in mind, I assumed we were still in the Dark Ages as far as preservation on home DVD's was concerned. I initially thought a deck with merely a DVD recorder would do the trick (i.e., wiring my old VCR to its inputs to do duping), but I received conflicting and discouraging reports on these machines, too.
And so, the present model does a very, very nice job concerning the purpose for which I bought it: it will transfer my old (blank recorded) videos I made myself with almost no occurences of the "RECORDING ERROR" message; I had just one instance of this so far, which made me relegate that blank DVD to the "toss-out" pile. Actually, I'm using the discs with abortive recording projects for "test discs": that is, using them to see if a particular VHS video will transfer OK or not. I'm finding most '81-'85 rental tapes (pre-copyguard-era) will transfer OK, but you're up the creak without a paddle as far as dubbing your old prerecorded videos from '86 onward: specifically from the majors (Columbia, Warner, MGM, etc.). If your friends with similar movie tastes still have off-the-air broadcast tapes, by all means tell them to dig them out of storage!
While preserving taped-off-the-air movies has been a top priority, my FIRST DVD project was duping the one-hour tape full of films my old college animation class did. I made it a point to dub it at the high-quality speed (XP), and the transfer came off quite well, though there was a bit of picture jitter here and there. But after finalizing it, I found it played back well not only on the DVR-610 itself, but on my OTHER two DVD decks: my old Samsung player, and my 11-year-old Compaq computer. I used a Fuji blank disc for this one. The playback was smooth, and in time I learned how to make menus for later discs I recorded.
You would do well to reserve, as I did, a small pile of blanks for practice & test purposes; you will want to do comparisons of the sound quality of the highest speed compared to that of the slowest (for music videos--even those taped off a small 14" screen mono TV--the differences in sound reproduction are revealing). For feature films taped from mono television, the picture reproduction isn't that significantly different: not only in comparing your final DVD copy with the original tape, but also at the different DVD recording speeds. (I may think differently, of course,when I finally get a widescreen TV, but newer programs aren't of concern to me).
One thing I'm glad I learned quickly is how you can make individual cue-ups for separate films: unfortunately, you have to stop the DVD recorder at the end of each film. (For a cartoon collector like myself, this becomes VERY complex & involved....patience is mandatory!) At least I didn't find an alternative to this method in the owner's manual; and with my budget, I can only go with the cheapie DVD-R's that can be recorded only once. You CAN separate scenes for cue-up in a feature-length film, but THAT process is complicated by the machine's own automatic insertions of its OWN chapters in anything running over ten minutes. As for myself, I don't even bother separating scenes--only one movie from an entirely different one.
I was apprehensive during my first one or two tries at the "one-touch dubbing" feature, but this proved groundless (I used home-recorded tapes, of course). But I hasten to suggest: PLEASE DON'T throw out your old VCR, for a small number of tapes (yes--even your prize blanks) won't record on the new machine's all-in-one, two-decks-in-one feature.....you will have to wire patch-cords from your old videotape player to the front input jacks on the DVR-610. It is the only way around on these tapes.
One or two things I have to concur with on the other reviews of this machine: the manual CAN stand a bit better organization (it's categorized well, though not necessarily in the order you'd anticipate); two weeks back, when trying to find a mistake I made accidentally (I pushed the input button to "camcorder," or "DV," making it impossible to do tape-to-tape dubbing), the manual didn't list this problem which had me panicking for a few hours till I corrected it on my own. I have little quibble, though, with the English translation, which makes perfect & grammatic sense. AND: YES, the remote IS a pretty feisty critter! I've had about a dozen-and-a-half endings on some recordings where the "STOP" button goes to sleep, and I must rush to the machine itself to use the stop-button on IT. And the remote's own RECORD button is also as aggravating as a toilet handle. They work, alright (and you DO have to wait close to half a minute for the information from a just-finished recording to write itself onto the disc--as well as when you first turn on the deck with a blank disc still in it).
As for recordable discs, I've stuck with NAME BRAND blanks--those from Fuji, Maxell & TDK; and as yet, I've only recorded on DVD PLUS R (DVD+R) discs. All three brands play flawlessly when they're finally ready, and of course you must acquaint yourself with the "DVD MENU" feature which shows the option of finalizing the disc (necessary, of course, to have it play on other decks).
FINE deck, overall: there's still small room for more improvement, but this one gets an "A" for the job I want it to do: it's my main RECORDER now, and I'll be saving the playing for "play-only" decks (which I'll feel confident of buying in the future). It'll at least give me the security of knowing that the only film/TV fare that matters to me will be preserved to the time I kick off.

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DVD Recorder/VCR Combo with 1080p Upconversion

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Sony Nec Optiarc AD-7241S-0B 24X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW SATA Drive with LightScribe, Bulk (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you read independent benchmarks, you will find that it's one of the best out there. In my own tests, I found that it does what it should, and does it well. I haven't tested the lightscribe, but I have tested reading DVDs and CDs, and this drive is fast. I've also had no problems burning DVDs and CDs at high speeds. It does not have problems due to riplock even with the included firmware. In other words, you don't need to do anything special to get high performance.
Unless you need Blu-ray and HD DVD (which is often included with Blu-ray drives as a throw in and seems useless, but lets you buy HD DVD closeouts for $3) then this drive should have everything you need.

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Sony Optiarc AD-7241S-0B 24X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW SATA Drive (Black) w/ LightScribe, Bulk

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Panasonic DMR-EZ47V Up-Converting 1080p DVD-Recorder/VCR Combo with Built In Tuner Review

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(More customer reviews)My setup: HD antenna directly into the Panasonic's coax input, then connected via HDMI, coax and component cables to the back of my LCD panel (a Sharp LC37D62U, a 1080P panel with HDMI inputs).
The tuner in the Panasonic unit, while capable of receiving HD signals, cannot output a full HD signal, but only 480P. If you are looking for a unit to act as a full-on HD tuner, this unit is not for you, but if your TV already has an HD tuner, then this unit offers some cool features. Before I start though, I want to point out that the unit does "pass" a full HD signal - that is, when using my TV's own tuner with the Panasonic set to "TV" (on the "TV/VCR" selection), the TV receives a pass-through of the HD signal coming in over the air to the Panasonic. Other descriptions of this unit had me believing that it would pass-through a 480P signal, but this is fortunately not the case.
Cool Feature #1: Recording HD TV shows over the air. This is one of the first of a new generation of DVD recorders that can record an HD signal onto a DVD disc (although only at the lower 480P resolution). Despite the lower resolution, the picture looks great, obviously not full HD but far better than analog TV. I have recorded "Lost" and "House" and both shows look pretty good. While the unit appears to be able to record on every DVD format known, DVD-RAM format provides some advantages. Using a DVD-RAM disc and the HDMI connection to the TV, the TV switches automatically to a full wide screen picture. Setting the unit on its LP recording mode, I can record 4 hours of HD programs on one disc, and the sound is great.
Cool Feature #2: Chase play. After starting a program recording, you can start watching the recorded program before the entire recording is complete - skipping past commercials and so on until you catch up to the "live" point in the recording. This works only with DVD-RAM discs, but is pretty nifty. By the way, the DVD-RAM discs can (according to the Panasonic manual) be re-recorded up to 100,000 times, so they are ALMOST like having a hard drive in the unit.
Cool Feature #3: Disc navigator. This allows you to see all the programs recorded on a DVD disc on a single screen - you can then use this to select which recorded program you want to watch. Nifty! No more hunting through VCR tapes for the program you recorded you can't remember when...
The VCR output is also fine (although obviously much less impressive that the DVD output). I can't comment on its ability to output upscaled 1080P as compared to other DVD units with a similar feature, but the outlook looks pretty darn good to me, no noticable "jaggies".
Complaints: The auto-channel setup missed one of my local HD stations, instead tuning a secondary station being broadcast on the same signal. Annoying! There appears to be no way to manually select which channels are tuned by the unit. I have been meaning to call Panasonic about this, but haven't gotten around to it. Also, long-ish startup time (like 15 seconds). Sometimes the DVD output seems a little washed out, but this can be taken care of by re-adjusting the TV's color settings. Having to turn the unit off in order to have it launch a scheduled recording.
Overall, quite happy with the performance.
FYI, the first unit I bought (from Amazon) arrived DOA, but they were great about returning it and I had a new unit two days later. They even paid for the shipping to return the first unit. Nice!

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DVD/VCR/SD Card Recorder, With ATSC Digital Tuner,1080P HDMI Upconversaion DV Input

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Sony VRDMC5 DVDirect DVD Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)Okay - I love this item for what it can NOW do for me and how EASILY it finally ended up doing it. I gave it four instead of five stars because of what I had to DO to get it to work the way I needed it to.
I have fourteen years - wedding, holidays and 3 children - worth of Video Cassettes ranging from 1994 - Sony, HG120, NTSC, Video 8 tapes TO 2008 - Sony, Hi8MP Digital 8 tapes.
My old camera was a Sony and the current camera is also a Sony: Steady Shot Digital 8, Model DCR-TRV460.
The Sony VRD MC5 DV Direct DVID Recorder I have can, and NOW DOES, burn DVDs from my Sony Handycam with both types of tapes via a Sony DV Direct Cable. However - it did not, out of the box, purchased in December 2007, burn my old tape formats to DVD with Audio. The Audio was gone and I could not get it to burn!
I had to waste about ten DVDs trying to figure out what the heck I did wrong. I scoured the manual, I bought two types of DVDs, looked here on Amazon, went to the Sony site. NOTHING on WHY the audio was missing!
When I finally found a way to contact Sony - live chat did not work and I could not get anyone on the phone - via email they went back and forth with me in email telling me that the Software Version on the Recorder had to be updated. They gave me a link that I could not find by navigating the site on my own, thus needing their intervention. I found the download, and followed directions, I tried burning the file to CD in many different ways and STILL the software would not upgrade! They never called me or gave me a number, it took days to try to figure out what was happening and they finally told me how to call someone.
I did it again while I was on the phone with them. Still the Recorder did not recognize the CD I was burning or the file I downloaded from the site. They made me call back, I was transferred twice, someone took my info and it took from 1/11/08 to 1/22/08 to get a CD that they burned at Sony and shipped to me.
I just came up today, followed the very same directions just with their CD and the software upgraded without a hitch. I just burned a tape from 1994 and the audio is there!!
After spending three years and more than $700 in software for my computer, a DVD Burner for my computer and finally a standalone Sony VHS/Camera player and VHS/DVD burner but none, and I do mean NONE of them - were able to do the job. Even the standalone unit never consistenly burned quality DVDs from the Camera and you had to tie up your tv for hours while it burned to DVD only for the "finalization" of it to not "take" so you had an empty DVD which was not R/W. Waste of time!
Please note that I am a technical person so not ignorant. I am just short on time so I wanted something that would get all my old moves onto DVD with a PHD - Push Here Dummy - functionality and the Sony VRD MC5 device did it.
The struggles, aggravation, wasted time it took me to get to today were worth it but PUH-LEASE Sony. Get a grip and put the information out there. Be proactive! Make it available! Communicate! Tell the vendors that sell your product what they are going to have to tell their shoppers do to get it to work. Update your manual. Whatever you have to do - no consumer should have to hunt like I did for weeks to try to find a way to fix something Sony knew about when they shipped the devices.

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Sony’s newly re-styled DVDirect® DVD recorder, the VRD-MC5, allows home video and digital photos to be recorded to DVD without a PC.The VRD-MC5 can be connected to virtually any camcorder, VCR, even Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) for direct recording of video to standard DVDs playable on most consumer DVD players.The MC5 also incorporates memory card slots for the 5 popular camera memory card types and will directly record images from the memory card to DVD as a playable slideshow or just for photo storage.The built in 2.5” color LCD screen makes it easy to preview video or view up to 6 digital pictures at a time.The VRD-MC5 thrusts DVDirect into the high definition world by supporting transfer of AVCHD video to DVD.AVCHD is a high definition camcorder format supported by some Sony Handycam camcorders.For example, high definition AVCHD video can be transferred from Sony hard disk or Memory Stick based Handycam camcorders to DVD in native 1080i resolution and played back on most Blu-ray Disc™ players /recorders and other compatible devices.The VRD-MC5 can also transfer video from Sony standard definition and AVCHD HDD/MemoryStick Handycam camcorders at up to 6X speed, which translates to 1 hour of video recorded in about 10 minutes.Record all the video to DVD from Sony HDD/MemoryStick Handycam camcorders, just selected scenes, even just the video shot since the last DVD burn.Full support for 4:3 full screen or 16:9 wide screen video and Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound.

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Toshiba DR420 DVD Recorder, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)This unit is really great! We recently got a 40" HD TV and needed a replacement for the VCR -- we wanted to record shows (and On-Demand movies) at a good enough quality for HD viewing.
One option was DVR from Comcast for $10/month (which might or might not allow recording of On-Demand movies and transfer to computer for disc-burning). Another option was using a computer with a video acquisition device and record to hard drive. The third option was this unit for $110, delivered, from Amazon -- hands down the most practical choice.
Though this unit doesn't record in true HD resolution, the quality is about the same (in 2 hour mode, 16x9) as regular 16x9 enhanced DVDs. At first I was worried the recorded discs might not play on other DVD players; but they did, no problem at all on any of our equipment (that is, after the recording is finalized). The recording time for a DVD-R disc (on high quality mode) was 2 hours and 8 minutes. (On lower quality modes, it's 4+ hours and 8+ hours.)
Navigating the menu system is easy enough, and each recorded disk is given a simple menu with the various recordings available to choose from (which by default have the date & time of recording as the title, but can be renamed).
Upconversion of commercial DVDs is quite good (enough so that we're not that motivated to get a Blu-Ray player yet ;-).
Our only complaints (which are very minor) are that the tray-eject is a little slow & noisy and that there isn't component video inputs (just composite video & S-Video inputs). But it was easy enough to hook up to our cable box (or TV) to record from their outputs.
This will be a great unit to have until Blu-Ray recorders become less expensive.

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DVD Recorder

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DIGISTOR 5.25" DVD Burner Slot-Load SATA Drive Review

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(More customer reviews)The optical drive on my 1 yr-old desktop quite literally gave up on me -- it just wouldn't read my CDs and DVDs anymore, let alone burn and do my back ups. And so I asked my brother for help in replacing the optical drive. While we we're picking out what drives to order from Amazon, I told my brother "Wouldn't it be nice to have one of those drives that didn't have trays on my desktop?"
He told me that they were called Slot Loading drives. We were afraid that they were not designed for desktops because I frequently saw them on my friends' laptops. After a bit of research, we finally came to the DIGISTOR website -- [...] -- and found that they had some for desktops. I ordered them off Amazon and now I've had them for at least 2 months now.
It's been working wonderfully -- it reads all my CDs and DVDs, and burns my back ups as well. It's a speedy drive, I didn't have to wait as much as with my old DVD burner. My brother told me to be careful with the slot load mechanism, as there was no "emergency eject" hole on this one, but so far, no problems with it at all. I'm very satisfied with the product.

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This DIGISTOR DVD drive is the World's Only 5.25" Slot-load DVD Writer Solution.Optical Media write speeds: DVD-RAM - 5X; DVD-R/RW - 8X/6X; DVD+R/RW - 8X; CD-R - 24X; CD-RW - 24XThe DIGISTOR DIG-61040 is a complete solution for integrating (1) slot-load SATA DVD Writer into (1) single 5.25" drive bay. This drive is a unique DVD burner product offered only by DIGISTOR. Perfect for desktop computers that need to fit two (2) half height optical drives in one 5.25" Bezel.

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Sony RDR-VX555 Tunerless DVD Recorder/VHS Combo Player Review

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(More customer reviews)First let me say that I did not purchase this item to record from broadcasts. I bought it to use as an easy way to transfer video/audio data from VHS to DVD. I wanted to upgrade the storage media for all of the home movies of my family. I can remember when a simple VHS player/recorder cost in excess of $700, so imagine my delight when I came across this item, for just over $200. It is almost too simple. Drop in a VHS tape of your own making, and a DVD (I use DVD-R 4.7g blank media). Push one button. Bam. It begins the Dub process. Easy. And very good. After you make the copy, you are almost finished, you must finalize the disc. Again easy, as explained on page 88 of the manual. Something like two or three options in the menu, and it does it. Now it will play in almost any other DVD player. My Mac did not recognize the disc when I inserted it into the DVD tray on my G4 PowerMac. It just showed up on the desktop as a Sony Disc, or something. DVD player in OS X played the file fine. However, to get it into your Mac, to edit, as I wanted to do, you need to use something like Toast (I have Toast 7.0) Dragged the file over, and toast did the rest. Now the file Toast made from the Sony file is in iMove, waiting for me to edit. Again. Quite simple. The manual does explain that if this unit detects any copyright signal from another source, it will not copy from that source. (Be it a DVD, VHS, or Broadcast from your cable/Dish provider) Something to consider if it is your plan to duplicate copyrighted material. This is not the proper forum for the discussion of 'Legitimate Back-Up vs illegal duplication (aka Piracy), But I felt for the money, this unit does what it says it can do. And it does it well. Personally, I am biased, in that I really like Sony products. Please take that into consideration as well, as you consider this purchase.

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Line Input Recording --- Refers to utilizing Audio/Video inputs to record desired programming from a set-top box or other video sources that use A/V outputs. Set Top Box Pass Through --- Allows for viewing of programming from Cable Set Top Box or Satellite Receiver even when the recorder is powered off through the line input. You can see TV programs of the connected Cable Set Top Box or Satellite Receiver, regardless if the recorder is powered on or not. 2-Way One Touch Dubbing --- Allows for dubbing from VHS to DVD or reverse.

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Canon DW-100 DVD Burner for Canon Hard Drive & Flash Memory Camcorders + Accessory Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)My husband bought this after we had bought several computer softwares to try and get our videos from our 16 gb card to a disc. Nothing was working...at least not easily. This has made life SOOOO much easier. It is so awesome just to be able to hook up the camcorder to it...burn the DVD's and your DONE!!! I just wish we would have bought it sooner. All this time I wasn't using the camcorder because the card was full and I was having such a crazy time trying to get the videos on disk. I can't say enough good about this.

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Made to provide data backup for Canon Hard Disk Drive and Flash Memory Camcorders, the DW-100 allows you to connect to a Canon camcorder to download video and burn Standard-Definition DVDs. Still images captured in your compatible Canon camcorder can also be made into a photo movie. The DW-100 will also play back the discs created in the burner.

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Panasonic DIGA DMR-EZ475VK - DVD recorder/ VCR combo - black Review

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(More customer reviews)What makes this different from the DMR-EZ47V model? Only the inclusion of an HDMI cable. This is my third Panasonic DVD-type recorder and none of them have had major failings.
Don't believe the Amazon reports of a bad digital tuner as it just isn't true. The secret to good terrestrial digital reception is the right antenna. If you have that, you get great channels. Albeit, not in high def. But this is not a high def recorder. I didn't bother with the analog channels as I receive them all digitally, and then some.
I recommend the stand alone Phillips "Silver Sensor" antenna or clone. Don't waste money on the Terk models as they look nicer but don't do the job as well. Analog transmission is going away so you won't need rabbit ears. If the "Silver Sensor" doesn't work, you are just in a bad location. Mine works great through a 5-900 MHz 3-way splitter.
With my old GoVideo DVD/VCR combo I had 8 cables running from the back of the unit to the TV. 3 component cables & 2 audio. Plus 1 yellow composite and 2 more audio just to play VHS. 8 cables replaced by 1 (ONE) HDMI. Both formats play through HDMI.
With the HDMI upconversion turned on your DVD and VHS pictures can display at 480i/p, 720p, 1080i/p, or just select auto. While the difference in the picture is noticeable, especially with VHS, don't expect miracles. The best upconversion in the world can only simulate HD, it can't create information not in the original. For true HD movie experience we still need blu-ray. I have one and it is awesome.
If the HDMI on your TV supports Viera the Panasonic remote control can control limited functions of your TV. No more manual programming of the remote to work with your TV! The smart features means your player will automatically turn off when you turn the TV off. However, my Vizio doesn't support Viera so it doesn't work via HDMI. Pages 68 - 69 in the manual allows programming of the remote via the buttons.
As you can see in the product description this player supports a wide variety of discs. One long awaited favorite is the ability to record to DVD +/- R Dual Layer. DVD-RAM is great because playback supports 1.3x playback by pressing [play] a second time. Press [play] again to return to normal speed. Now you can record your favorite programs in digital quality (Analog only to VHS.), skip commercials, and watch them faster on DVD-RAM. The upconversion means you almost don't miss the HD airing. Plus you have the ability to cross copy VHS to DVD and vice verser, providing copy protection is not an issue.
One of my favorite features missing on this unit is "shorten segment". It easily allowed cutting out commercials, yet leave a single video file. Alternately, "divide program" allows cutting around the commercials, then you may delete them. It's a bit more time consuming and leaves you with a fragmented video file. This will not affect play back as it simply jumps to the next video block. However, the "combine chapters" function only works with "chapters" you create, and doesn't combine the segments of cut pieces.
Thus I must agree it is a bit more complex to use, and you will need to spend some time with the manual and even cross reference some pages. It is time well spent as it is nothing you won't learn with repeated use. It's not rocket science. You'll be a pro in no time.
While I wish this had a hard drive and recorded in HD, I can't ding the product because that is not the design intent. Maybe next years model. I'm very picky in what I like and I am VERY happy with this player.
This is a great way to give that old 4:3 analog TV a digital tuner and keep it around a few more years. Plus you could receive more digital channels than analog! But only HDMI supports upconversion. Even with some short comings such as the standard definiton digital tuner, this player does it all and does it extremely well.
My two biggest gripes which make me wish I never sold my analog GoVideo combo. Finalized DVD-R will NOT copy to VHS. Only unfinalized DVD-R will copy providing the material is not copy protected. I can no longer copy a couple of regular DVD's to tape. Maybe there are tweaks to be found. But my need to copy to tape isn't as great as was my desire to do so. Cest la vie.
For more on this product download the manual and firmware updates at the Panasonic website.

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DMR-EZ47VK Progressive Scan DVD Recorder with VHS VCR, SD Slot, ACCUTUNETM Digital Tuner, 1080p Up-Conversion with HDMI, EZ SyncTM HDAVI Control & HDMI Simple Connection, and 2x LP Horizontal Resolution (500 lines)

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HP dvd1040i 20X Multiformat DVD Writer - Disk drive - DVD?RW (?R DL) / DVD-RAM - 20x/20x/12x - IDE - internal - 5.25" - black - LightScribe Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Own 5 1040i in 3 computers and they all work well. Black finish blends in well with popular black cases. Previous writer was a 640i so these are a definite upgrade in read/write speed. Would not recommend using Nero software that comes with the drive; use Sonic instead. The only con is that the drives are not SATA. 80-pin PATA ribbon cables are a major source of motherboard clutter especially when multiple DVD and hard drives are used.

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LiteOn's mission is to consistently meet or exceed its customers' expectations by providing solutions with outstanding performance, competitiveness, and punctuality.

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Lite-On 8X SATA Blu-ray Combo Drive IHES108-29 BLACK/BULK (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Disappointed to find drive rips Blu-Rays at same speed as 4x drive. If this is your use, save your money and buy a slower drive. The bottleneck is clearly drive speed.
Update 12-Jan-2010: Drive is very fast ripping DVDs. However, Blu-Rays rip 20% slower than my 4x LG. Very disappointed with Blu-Ray results. Otherwise, drive is great.
Update 25-Jan-2010: More information about the drive's slow Blu-Ray ripping performance is becoming available. Confirming my observations, there are reports that the shipping firmware limits dual layer Blu-Ray ripping to 4x. This is contrary to the specifications. However, you can increase the speed by using MediaCodeSpeedEdit software. Look for the program on cdfreaks website. With this software, the drive becomes a great performer.

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Lite-On IHES208-29 8X SATA Blu-ray Combo Drive (Black), Bulk

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Sabrent SATA CD/DVD/RW USB 2.0 Slim Notebook Drive Enclosure EC-BSAT (CD/DVD burner not Included) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this to house my internal Lenovo Multi III DVD/RW (Panasonic UJ890). It couldn't be recognized when connecting through USB ports of my Thinkpad, or another desktop. However, if I put my blu-ray player (Panasonic UJ240) in this enclosure, then it's recognized and working!! My other external encloser is from JacobsParts, and it works for both blu-ray/DVD-RW drive and DVD/RW drive.
So it's quite weird for me. This just might be that I have a (semi) bad enclosure circuit board. But for now I'll just swap my existing enclosure and use this to house my blu-ray burner/player (Panasonic UJ240).
Will provide update after extensive use and see if it holds up.

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Product # : EC-BSAT; Product Name : USB 2.0 SATA Portable Slim External Notebook/Laptop CD/DVD-RW Enclosure; Description : Transfer data quickly and easily with this great external hard drive case! The USB 2.0 interface allows for data transfer rates up to 480Mbps. The easy to use design allows for quick installation of Laptop/Notebook CD/DVD-RW Drives.; ; This enclosure provides a fast and easy way to add more storage space to your Desktop or Notebook. The USB 2.0 interface allows users to read and write large files up to 480Mbps per second, and this device is also backward compatible to the USB 1.1 specification. ;; Reuse old CD or DVD-ROMs from old laptops!; ; Specifications :; Portable design, using USB 2.0 connection to ensure the best performance Plug & Play with emergency manual eject.; ; It can work with virtually all laptop CD DVD drives.; ; This external enclosure is using USB 2.0 and is backward compatible with USB 1.1. Most Pentium II, Pentium III and early Pentium IV laptops and computers have USB 1.1. It can be powered by USB 2.0. Some USB 1.1 ports.; ; Supported Drivers: DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RW, DVD-ROM, CD-R/RW, CD-ROM, it is a good idea to use your laptop slim drive for a Portable rom.; ; Dimensions: 5.2-Inch(W) x 0.8-Inch(H) x 5.5-Inch(D); Weight: 11 oz ; System Requirements : Windows 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP/ vista; ; USB2.0 Enclosure only -- DVD Burner is not included; ; Requirements :; ; CD/DVD Burner with SATA Interface; Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista; Mac OS 8.6 and above; Retail Package Content :; ; USB 2.0 Slim Enclosure; USB Cable; CD Driver; USB Power Cable; Manual; INCLUDES USB2.0 Enclosure only -- DVD Burner is not included;

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LG Super Multi Blue Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Best decision I made when doing my first PC build was to purchase this drive. I haven't had a problem with it and love its performance. I've burned CDs and DVD DL discs quickly. It was extremely easy to install. Windows 7 automatically installed the drivers. The Cyberlink software is simple to install and ready to go. It doesn't use up a lot of the system when burning either. I wanted a blu-ray drive to take advantage of the graphics on my PC, and this was most definitely the best choice.

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LG Electronics GBC-H20L 6x Internal Blu-ray Disc Reader, 16x DVD±RW/CD-RW Super Multi Drive, with LightScribe This LG internal Blu-ray drive adds an extra-dimension to your PC experience with Blu-ray-quality movies and blazing fast 16x burning. LG's advanced SecurDisc technology ensures that your media stays safe, while LightScribe keeps your discs organized with advanced labeling capabilities. Features: * SATA Interface * SecurDisc Technology * LightScribe Disc Labeling * Compatible with BD/DVD/CD Formats * 6x BD-R Read Speed * 16x DVD+/-Write Speed * BD-R/RE SL/25GB & DL/50GB * Super Multi-Format Recording to All Existing Formats

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Panasonic DMR-EZ28K DVD Recorder with 1080p Upconversion Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I almost didn't but this unit because of bad reviews and that it is more expensive that most recorders. Fortunately, I was able to get the unit for $179 at a local retailer who was willing to match Amazon's price. The bad reviews caused me to buy several units, bring them home and test them. I bought the Toshiba D-R560 and the Philips HDD Recorder. I didn't try the Sony because I couldn't find one with the Divx feature. I didn't try any with VHS features because those where more expensive and I don't own any VHS tapes. The Toshiba's recording function was nice. It was quick to respond and easy to use. Unfortunately, I could never get the Toshiba unit to find channels with the digital tuner over my basic Comcast service. It found zero digital channels. This was disappointing because I looked forward to using the Toshiba's QAM tuner to find clear cable channels.
The one thing that I wanted that was missing on the Toshiba was a USB port. The Philips HDD recorder has a USB port. So, I thought I'd consider it along with it's hard disk recording benefits. Unfortunately, the Philips USB port does not read Divx. It only read Jpeg and WMA files. Also, I found the Philips picture interior to both the Toshiba AND the Panasonic. The Philips picture was dark, on all channels, and graining on many SD analog channels. So, I took the Philips back right away. After all of this, it was clear that only the Panasonic had most of the features that I needed. It has a USB port that can read Divx, in addition to reading Divx in the DVD drive. This way, I have a choice to burn a Divx DVD disk or simply save a video (avi / divx) file to my flash drive and save DVD costs on videos that I just want to look at once. The Panny is also the only unit with a SD slot. I have not used it but will in the future. The Panny also gave me S-Video inputs on the front and back, as well as an optical audio output (in addition to a coaxial output) on the back to connect to my Yamaha amps that uses only optical audio connections. The only thing that this unit lacks in a QAM Tuner for cable channels. Regardless, I found that the ATSC Tuner in the Panny was able to display all of the over-the-air HD Channels, as expected. The only thing it might not get is the "cable" HD channels that are "in the clear". Lastly, though the Toshiba picture was good, I think the Panny picture was the best of all three. To top it off, in contrast to the Toshiba (which found zero digital channels on Comcast Basic Service), the Panansonic found many, many digital channels!!!
I want to address some of the negative comments that I have found on this site about this unit: Yes - Channel surfing on this unit is a little slow. But, my research has lead me to believe that many digital tuners and HD over-the-air stations tune slowly because of the amount of information involved. I don't think it's that bad once you get used to it. Regarding the comment that you "can't split titles and chapters". This is not true. People - This is one of the most flexible recording machines on the market. But, you've got to read the manual to learn about it. If you don't like reading manuals, just do simply records - I'm sure you'll be fine.
In summary, I'm one happy customer. This is a qaulity unit that leads the industry in features to price. It's a great value and a quality product!

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DVD/VCR Combo - DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD+R, DVD-R, CD-RW, Secure Digital (SD) Card - DVD Video Playback, CD-DA Playback, MP3 Playback, JPEG Playback, DivX Playback, PCM Playback, MPEG-2 Playback - Progressive Scan - 14.33Hour Recording

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LG Super Multi Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD-ROM Drive (GGC-H20L) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Upgraded my Vista 64 machine today. The installation was as easy as plugging the cables in and screwing the drive in the bay. No drivers no nothing it works right out of the box and comes with all cables required.
I already had Power DVD Deluxe, so all I needed to do was reboot the system and I was good to go.
For those of you who do not have HD or Blu-ray software, it comes in the box as well (Power DVD, Power Producer, Power2Go, Instant Burn, Power Backup and BD Advisor)
One of the easiest installations I've done.
If Microsoft would only integrate Blu-ray and HD in MCE.

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Blu-ray Disc & HD DVD are the next generation in optical storage, offering 15GB to 30GB (HD DVD) and 25GB to 50GB (Blu-ray Disc) of storage capacity on a disc.Serial ATA is a 1.5Gbps evolutionary replacement for the Parallel ATA physical storage interface used to connect storage devices, such as hard disks, DVD and CD rewriters to the PC motherboard. Serial ATA is scalable, enables design of smaller PCs, and will allow future enhancements to the computing platform. Create silkscreen-quality disc labels direct from your PC with LightScribe. LightScribe is a laser printing technology on the exclusive LightScribe disc. It provides a complete, convenient, cost effective system for labeling discs. Simply "burn” the data to a LightScribe disc, flip the disc over, place it back in the drive, and "burn” the label.

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