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DVD player/recorder - advice needed please on choice?


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Old 30-05-2006, 10:56
Gedee
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I have just bought a 26in LCD HD ready with Freeview. I still have an ageing Toshiba VCR which I plan to keep a while until I have converted my Tapes to DVD.

Now I need a DVD of some sort but am very limited by the space available in the cupboard where it will live. Max height is 5.6 cm and Depth 26 cm. Width is not important but I can only find 2 types that will fit. The first is Lite-on's LVW1105 HC Recorder and the second is Samsung's DVDHD950 Player which has the advantage of HDMI. Most but not all of the reviews of the Lite-on have been favourable but its often referred to as a budget machine and the Samsung won't allow me to record so neither completely fits the bill and I am concious that there will as always be lots of new options in the future and kit will get smaller. So, for the moment which would you choose?
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Old 30-05-2006, 10:58
gomezz
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I would choose a new cupboard. HOH.
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Old 30-05-2006, 11:14
Gedee
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Originally Posted by gomezz
I would choose a new cupboard. HOH.
Trouble with that one is, taken to its natural conclusion I could end up moving house!
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Old 30-05-2006, 11:29
Richard46
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Hi Gedee

I think that Lite-on only has an analogue tuner so you would only be able to watch the Freeview channel you where recording.

Dont forget that by copying VHS to DVD you are copying VHS quality. This may be OK for you; but may not be so acceptable as you get used to DVD quality.

I would take my time and look at all the options even possibly including Hard Disk recorders (PVRs) so that you do not end up buying things you will not need later like that DVD player if you then decide to get a recorder as well.

Richard
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Old 30-05-2006, 11:39
Gedee
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Originally Posted by Richard46
Hi Gedee

I think that Lite-on only has an analogue tuner so you would only be able to watch the Freeview channel you where recording.

Dont forget that by copying VHS to DVD you are copying VHS quality. This may be OK for you; but may not be so acceptable as you get used to DVD quality.

I would take my time and look at all the options even possibly including Hard Disk recorders (PVRs) so that you do not end up buying things you will not need later like that DVD player if you then decide to get a recorder as well.

Richard
Thanks Richard, thats really useful. I didn't think I could record from Freeview anyway unless my recorder had that built in? The new LCD has it but with my old VHS machine I can only record analogue b'casts. Am I missing something here?

I don't think I can find a Hard Drive model small enough. If it were small enough I would have liked a Recorder with a Hard Drive and Freeview and HDMI so that it had all options! Probably a bit like the Holy Grail..........
Cheers

Gedee
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Old 30-05-2006, 11:53
Richard46
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Originally Posted by Gedee
Thanks Richard, thats really useful. I didn't think I could record from Freeview anyway unless my recorder had that built in? The new LCD has it but with my old VHS machine I can only record analogue b'casts. Am I missing something here?

I don't think I can find a Hard Drive model small enough. If it were small enough I would have liked a Recorder with a Hard Drive and Freeview and HDMI so that it had all options! Probably a bit like the Holy Grail..........
Cheers

Gedee
I think you should be able to record Freeview from your TV tuner onto your VHS using the decks external input but not sure about this. (see your manual probably under -Recording from external source - or something like that).

You will again only be able to record a digital channel that in showing on the TV. Plus you may need to leave the TV on all the time you are recording. Same thing as with the Lite-on which basically just (I think) has an analogue tuner same as your VHS.

Why are you so keen on using the HDMI connection?

Richard
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Old 30-05-2006, 12:00
Gedee
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Originally Posted by Richard46
Why are you so keen on using the HDMI connection?

Richard
Thanks Richard, I will try the external source route. The HDMI is attractive only because of the positive comments I have seen about upscaling being an improvment on standard pre-recorded DVD playing. Do you not think its worth it?

Cheers

Gedee
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Old 30-05-2006, 12:15
Richard46
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Originally Posted by Gedee
The HDMI is attractive only because of the positive comments I have seen about upscaling being an improvment on standard pre-recorded DVD playing. Do you not think its worth it?

Cheers

Gedee
I really cannot say; not used it yet. I suspose I was just wondering if it was a priority while you still had VHS in the loop which to be honest I now find unwatchable and I suspose my priority would be to devote funds to replacing that. However you have probably looked into this more than I have so ignore me on this one.

Richard
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Old 30-05-2006, 12:55
asdigi
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I have a samsung dvd-r119 dvd recorder which is only £79.99 @ currys and very slim and so far i'm very pleased with mine (i am on my second one though as i had a ''ahem'' ''problem'' with the first lol, was my own fault...)

it is a tiny bit heigher at 5.9CM and is 25CM deep. the width is 43cm.

It doesn't have HDMI which is to be expected at that price but it does have the Component outputs (red, blue and green phono sockets.)
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Old 30-05-2006, 14:41
A-Friend
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Presumably the available space is based on the assumption that you will have the VCR in the cabinet as well? Just a thought here, but if getting the right kit (eg DVD-Recorder with HDD) means you can't fit the VCR in as well would it be worth sacrificing a bit of tidyness in the short term (ie having the video OUTSIDE of the cabinet)?

Dont know if this is possible or not, just thought I would raise it.
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Old 30-05-2006, 16:04
Gedee
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Originally Posted by A-Friend
Presumably the available space is based on the assumption that you will have the VCR in the cabinet as well? Just a thought here, but if getting the right kit (eg DVD-Recorder with HDD) means you can't fit the VCR in as well would it be worth sacrificing a bit of tidyness in the short term (ie having the video OUTSIDE of the cabinet)?

Dont know if this is possible or not, just thought I would raise it.
The biggest space limit is the depth at 26 cm. Not affected by the VCR which I want to junk after I've transfered lots of old material to DVD. Unfortunately I'm cursed with a very tidy mind and hate home entertainment outside cupboards unless its actually on. I would buy a HDD Recorder but can't find a small one that will also play DVD's. I suppose what Im trying to avoid is buying several boxes to do all of the things that I want as I won't have space for all of them!
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Old 30-05-2006, 16:20
Richard46
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I have just done some quick calculations; did not really think about it before; and I do think you need to think about the cupboard upgrade.
For instance even that Lite-on which is small is 25cms and that is just the box so you would have no room for connections; you will need at least 6 probably more like 10 cms to fit scarts. Your VCR must be very small depthwise.

Richard
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Old 30-05-2006, 16:33
gomezz
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Not to mention room for ventilation.
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Old 30-05-2006, 17:20
TykeMan
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Can I ask a related question here?

I'm looking for a DVD recorder that has multi-region functionality for play back.

Any recommendations?
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Old 30-05-2006, 17:43
asdigi
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Originally Posted by TykeMan
Can I ask a related question here?

I'm looking for a DVD recorder that has multi-region functionality for play back.

Any recommendations?
are you also looking for a slim one then? my samsung r119 has a remote code to make it multiregion which owners say works fine, i've not done it though as i have no non region 2 discs.
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Old 30-05-2006, 18:35
Scorpio
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This sort of thing of any interest? I couldnt check the dimensions on the website.

Rgds,
Scorp
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Old 30-05-2006, 19:57
Richard46
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Hi Scorpio; It is over 35cms deep so OP definitely needs a new cabinet to open up such possibilities.
Richard
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Old 30-05-2006, 23:43
The_Master
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I've got a Liteon 1105HC, and the second one we've had is excellent. The previous one wouldn't play some pre recorded discs. It is a good machine.
Can you get cable where you live?
What we have done is this: NTL Cable (£3 amonth) to TV and DVD recorder.
JVC S-VHS Video recorder to television. Freeview Box to S-VHS video recorder. This allows us to record 2 digital channels at once, or to record one and watch another. You could do something very similar if you wanted/needed to, enabling you to have the best of both worlds.
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Old 31-05-2006, 10:30
Gedee
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Originally Posted by Richard46
I have just done some quick calculations; did not really think about it before; and I do think you need to think about the cupboard upgrade.
For instance even that Lite-on which is small is 25cms and that is just the box so you would have no room for connections; you will need at least 6 probably more like 10 cms to fit scarts. Your VCR must be very small depthwise.

Richard
Thanks Richard, the 26cm allows for a scart etc. I think at the moment what I really want just isn't available in a small enough package. So, I'm inclined to go for the Samsung DVDHD950 and just enjoy high quality playing of commercial DVD's and leave the recording side to the VHS for the moment. Incidentally although I want to ditch VHS as soon as possible the quality of playback through my new LCD is quite stunning even though its a cheapish 7 year old Hitachi recorder. The LCD I chose again just for the dimensions but its a 26 in Hyundai HD ready with Freeview and with detachable speakers for just under £600 which seems very good value as the performance so far is excellent.

Gedee
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Old 31-05-2006, 10:40
Gedee
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Originally Posted by The_Master
I've got a Liteon 1105HC, and the second one we've had is excellent. The previous one wouldn't play some pre recorded discs. It is a good machine.
Can you get cable where you live?
What we have done is this: NTL Cable (£3 amonth) to TV and DVD recorder.
JVC S-VHS Video recorder to television. Freeview Box to S-VHS video recorder. This allows us to record 2 digital channels at once, or to record one and watch another. You could do something very similar if you wanted/needed to, enabling you to have the best of both worlds.
Sadly, there is no cable in my small west country town - yet! Richard raised the issue of whether or not I could record Freeview with my VHS recorder. There are no specific instructions in the VHS handbook for recording from an outside source other than Satellite for which it has a second scart. I've no experinece of wiring but it has got 2 auxillary points on the front one for video and the other for audio. Could I input my Freeview TV through the video?

Quite seprately, if I go for the Samsung DVDHD950 with HDMI what would be the ideal wiring sequence between that and my VHS and LCD TV? Sorry to be so ignorant!!

Cheers

Gedee

Last edited by Gedee : 31-05-2006 at 10:41. Reason: omission
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Old 31-05-2006, 14:01
Marroo
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Originally Posted by The_Master
I've got a Liteon 1105HC, and the second one we've had is excellent. The previous one wouldn't play some pre recorded discs. It is a good machine.
I'm looking into getting my 1st dvd recorder soon.

I don't need one that can do fancy tricks like recording 4 different programmes off your camcorder, or transfer jpeg divx files onto the ironing board, etc., etc.

One of the shopping channels has had a few Liteons on recently, and all seem to have what i want ; i.e. to tape my footy matches, soaps , whatever, and play them back in better quality than the vhs quality i've been used to for nearly twenty years.

The only conundrum i have, is whether to , for example, buy something like a 1105 , or one of the slightly dearer models with a hard drive in it.

If as you say, this brand is generally a reliable one for the money, then i may splash out on one, sooner than expected.

Any more info would be appreciated.

Thanks.
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Old 31-05-2006, 14:21
Nellie1000
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what ever make you go for I'd say defo get one with a hard drive. It's invaluable! So much easier to tape on to the hard drive and then if you want to keep it dub it over to dvd. Apart from anything else it's nice to be able to edit adverts etc before copying it over.
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Old 31-05-2006, 14:31
Marroo
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Thank you for your prompt advice.
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Old 31-05-2006, 14:39
Richard46
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Originally Posted by Gedee
There are no specific instructions in the VHS handbook for recording from an outside source other than Satellite for which it has a second scart.
Gedee; You might just try following those instructions; they hopefully will give you the basics for recording from any external source. These manuals are often written for more than one national market so they do not specifically refer to our Freeview or Sky etc but just use descriptions like 'satelite' or 'Digibox' as a generic term.
Dont actually use the 2nd Scart though it is probably just an input so you will not be able to replay through it.

I presume you have the TV and the VCR connected by a fully wired scart.
Again must admit I am guesssing here as have not actually used a VCR since 2001 and never tried to record on one from a TVs own tuner.

Richard
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Old 31-05-2006, 15:11
Gedee
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Originally Posted by Richard46
Gedee; You might just try following those instructions; they hopefully will give you the basics for recording from any external source.
Richard
Thanks Richard, I will try that. Actually I've been farting around with this dilemma for a couple of weeks now and suddenly discovered today that I can get another type of Samsung that has the small footprint but combines Recorder and Player with the HDMI link - a DVDR135. So I've just ordered it at £162 including delivery.which seems a good deal. I'm not too sure about the wiring sequence for all of this but I will let you know how I get on.

Its been really great using this forum- at least I now know there was not another more suitable and obvious choice out there and all you guys have been very helpful. Thanks very much

Cheers

Gedee
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