I’ve had my DVR-630H for a week now and am very pleased with it. But there’s one thing I can’t quite figure out from the manual; DVD recording times.

If I use GuidePlus to set say three programmes to record to (one) DVD and they total 4.5 hours, then I have to set the picture qualities so that they will fit which is fair enough. First question – can I mix different qualities on the same DVD as long as I so the time sums correctly?

Now suppose I set the quality of all three programmes to Auto. Does the 630 realise there are three programmes and set the quality accordingly so that all three will fit, or does it just set the quality according to the duration of the first programme and not take account of the two stacked up behind it? I suspect the former but it would save me some lengthy try-outs (and coasters) if I knew for sure.

Thanks

Alex

Firstly,NEVER record directly to dvd.Pointless.HDD first.
With this type of recording you should forget about setting the quality.You only need to choose the exact level if you wish to do high speed to dvd copying.
Just record everything on the HDD in XP.
Once all the ads and padding are edited out,you copy over to dvd using OPTIMISE.
This will them adjust the recording level to fit the entire recording on a single disc,but this HDD to DVD transfer is in real time only.
4.5 hours on a single dvd is a bit too much to result in decent quality,and if you plan to use dual layer discs remember that playback compatibility on other players is not as good as single layer.
With single layer blanks at only 50p(tops) for brands like TDK and Verbatim why not use 2 discs.Better quality and compatibility.
If you know the running time of your finished recording(eg.if it has no ads to cut out) then select the correct recording time in the MN settings.
You need to enable manual recording in the initial set up menu

Thanks mongosito I understand and take your point.

The reason I record some things direct to DVD is a life-style thing. I often record something like an episode of a series that I watch later on the player in the bedroom (freed up from the lounge, now I have the Pio).

Once I've seen the episode I have no further interest in it. Used this way the adverts aren't worth editing out - as they would be if it were a concert I wanted to keep for playing over and over.

So my question was only about watch-and-dump programmes. Should have explained that in my original post.

As for HDD editing I haven't got that far yet - still on a learning curve. Ditto the MN settings.

NB. Amazon are selling a 100 cake of -R 8X for £20 which I'd normally shy away from. But feedback from 5 users is pretty good so might give it a go.

Alex

Direct dvd recording is suited for your particular purpose.
Its nice to have the option.Philips HDD recorders don't record direct to dvd at all.And earlier Panasonic models did not have -RW,so its rewritable format of RAM was not able to play on 99% of oter players.
HDD recording is only for stuff you want to keep and need to edit before burning on dvd,or if you want to timeshift on the same tv.
In case the option pops up,don't record on -RW in VR mode as this won't play on your other player-stick to Video mode.
But yes,it is possible to mix quality levels on the same disc.
When you start your second recording,as you flick through the levels it should tell you how much will fit on the remaining space