5 comments about Philips Hard Disk/DVD Recorder 160 GB (DVDR3576H/37).

1. We have 2 of these units (this one and the 3575H) and we like them. The only problem we have w/ them is the inability to get rid of an empty track that is listed below any tracks you record onto a disc. For example, you record two programs onto the disc. When you finish and finalize, you have a third track listed that is empty and when clicked, nothing happens. This doesn't prevent you from doing anything or watching your other tracks but it looks unprofessional. I called Philips about it and they said they had heard of this but there wasn't any way of getting around it. Ironically, on our 3575H deck (before finalizing), we can record something on the empty track for the duration of time left on the disc and then delete that track and it gets rid of it but that requires a lot of wasted time recording (in real time) for the duration left on the disc. Our newer unit (this one) won't let us do this. ?? Otherwise, the deck has all the features one could want in a DVD recorder.



2. The Philips DVDR 3576h/37 may not be incredible but it works fine if you look on the net or in the newspapers for your programs. Recording is aided by the ability to set the unit to lower definitions which does not hurt normal tv viewing. This enables you to record more programs than you can possibly want. The down side is that you cannot name the programs without a lot of commotion so you have to know what day you recorded the program. And it can be a little hairy finding the program if you have a lot of recordings.
   Other than that it has a steep learning curve depending on your experience with these devices-understanding how it works is needed and the manual does not help that way. Once again it is trial and error like so many things today.



3. I upgraded from a DVD/VCR combo, because I wanted to get off VHS, and this was the perfect upgrade. I've been using it just like a VCR, recording shows and sports games. On Standard Play (SP), which is one step below HD quality, I get about 66 hours of recording (the same as about 8 SP VHS tapes), which is just fantastic. The SDTV tuner built-in picks up HD TV signals off my cable, just like the HD tuners found in TiVo's and digital cable boxes. It was very easy to set up channels, set recording times, and DVD playback. I bought a separate HDMI cable (not included with this box) and my DVD movies never looked better on my LCD TV. Even at 720p, it's no Blu-Ray, but it's certainly good enough for me. I've not tried recording anything to DVD yet, as everything I've recorded is cable-signal quality, and the content was not worth committing to disk. VERY happy with this product!



4. This excellent unit is truly powerful and capable. It's a real bargain. It combines 3 different functions in one slim package, any one of which alone would have cost more than its sub-$300 price not so long ago: a 160 GB hard disk recorder, an ATSC digital tuner (and an analog NTSC tuner too), and a DVD recorder. Additionally, it breaks the DVD + / - format war by its ability to record on both.
   
   This unit is one of the surprisingly few hard disk-plus-DVD recorder devices available today that has a digital tuner. It eliminates the high cost of monthly charges for a TIVO. No monthly charges at all!
   
   It can do two things at once, allowing playback from either DVD or HDD programs while recording to HDD. It has a fan but it's quiet, and turns off about a minute after turning the unit off.
   
   Recording TV programs
   I use a roof antenna, and receive both analog and digital TV signals. Programming to record TV shows is very similar to programming a VCR manually. There is no automatic programming system, but it's really not that hard to do manually. It records HD signals as SD (standard definition). Of course, to record in HD will require much bigger hard drives.
   
   The listing of programs ("Titles") that you have recorded are clearly shown and easy to navigate to. But it is best to put a rudimentary title on the TV programs right after you record them. Otherwise all you have is the date, time, and channel of the recording. You have to add titles by a clunky texting method, requiring multiple presses of numbers 1-9.
   
   Playback
   I use an HDMI cable between this unit and my TV. Playback from the hard disk is a joy. Access is immediate. The unit remembers where you left off watching last time on each program individually. You can manoever around the recordings with an (adjustable) 30-second skip forward/backward button, or with an adjustable-speed fast forward/rewind, or with a chapter-jump ("next") which uses the (optional) 10-minute auto-chapters that are inserted.
   Playback from DVD is fine, but loading a DVD is slow (perhaps because it can handle so many different DVD formats).
   
   Aspect Ratio
   Fiddling with aspect ratio (4:3 vs. 16:9) is a hassle that we will be dealing with for years. This unit, unfortunately, records digital programs as 4:3, even when they are transmitted as 16:9. Translation: when displayed on a 16:9 widescreen TV, you get black borders at top and bottom AND at the sides. This is satisfactorily fixed by zooming the picture on playback. I found it best to zoom from my Sony TV, as the zoom on this Philips is limited and clunky. You have to cancel the zoom the next time you watch a 4:3 program, however, and you can't see the Philips' "information" display when in zoom mode.
   
   User-friendliness
   Most functions are well thought out and the software is good. But you will have to read the manual.
   The remote control has the buttons needed, but several important ones are badly laid out. The STOP button is tiny.
   Since it's a multifunctional device, you have to tell it what component you want to use. If you have been watching a TV show recorded on HDD, then insert a DVD, if you just press "play", it will resume playback of the HDD unless you press "DVD" first. It's not smart enough to realize you want the DVD now.
   The 122-page instruction book is detailed. It is fairly well written. Mine is very well-thumbed and dogeared. To get the most out of this complex unit, you will need to read it carefully.
   
   Editing
   For copying from old VHS tapes or home DVD's, I find it best to record first onto the HDD. Then use "deleting a scene" to remove unwanted sections. The software for this is pretty user-friendly. Then transfer the cleaned-up version to DVD. You can in theory record directly to DVD from VHS, and delete unwanted sections on the DVD directly, using "Hiding Chapters" but this is clunky (first you have to define the section as a chapter), and these deletions, and added chapter headings, were ignored when played back on another unit.
   
   Downsides
   It can't record HD programs.
   It's slow to load a DVD.
   The remote buttons are poorly laid out.
   Widescreen format shows must be zoomed on playback to fill a 16:9 TV screen.
   Titling tracks is tedious.
   DVD edits may be ignored in other DVD players.
   
   Summary
   This is a really fine and extremely versatile unit, at a bargain price. It is a leapfrog into the digital age. Finally here is a device with the versatility to fully supplant S-VHS VCR's.
   The next step will be when this kind of device is upgraded to record HDTV on its hard disk AND to record Blu-Ray DVD's. Don't hold your breath.
   
   (This review is based on the predecessor model, DVDR3575H, similar except for the tuner).



5. I happened across this Philips DVDR3576H at the local Sam's club where it is selling for $299. I didn't see it when checking online. I purchased it primarily to record tv programs for later viewing and it has been a great replacement for our old VCR. The only problem was the fan and/or HDD coming on when am changed to pm or vice versa (noon and midnight) - and staying on. This occurred even when no programs were scheduled. I exchanged the unit and the replacement will come on briefly at those times - about a minute - but then cuts off. The only other anomaly (in both machines) is that it take 3 presses of the "pause live tv" rather than 2 to initiate the process. I'm thinking seriously of getting another for backup since there seem to be few or no similar products.

2 comments about Jwin JDVD141Progressive Scan DVD Player.

1. Jwin Jdvd141 Compact, 2-Channel Progressive Scan Dvd Player
   I have found the JWin DVD-141 to be a video-playing workhorse. I was so impressed with it's reliability that I bought a second one for my other TV. It's so very reasonable, simple to install and extremely easy to use. The only thing I can think of that's at all negative is the remote must be aimed exactly at the player for it to work. I highly recommend this for anyone needing a no-frills DVD player.



2. Best compact dvd player! this is truly a fantastic dvd player! i had been searching for a compact dvd player but I kept coming across players with bad reviews and not alot of 5 star ratings! until I came across this Jwin player! I was already familar with the brand but had never came across the particular player! It very compact shows a great picture and not complicated to work!!!! you won't go wrong buying this one!!!!

5 comments about LG DP771 7" Portable DVD Player.

1. I bought this as a gift for my husband, but ended up returning it. He says the volume doesn't go high enough with earphones (he used it for watching movies on the plane and really had to strain to hear the sound). His earphones work fine with everything else. Oh well, glad Amazon has a great return policy!



2. I love the featues - FF/REV (not scene by scene advances only), easy-to-use remote, flip/twist screen, dual headphone jack. Picture is very clear and screen does not scratch when properly cleaned. Sound quality is good but upper volume limit is a bit lacking (noticable only in the car). Good product at a good price (purchased in May-08 for $109).



3. This LG dvd player run dvds without problem. but the resolution screen is
   little low.
   Cons.: The usb port only recognize .jpg and music. The unit doesn't work with divx and other video format.
   
   Pros.: I like the battery support, its portability and performance.



4. At first the unit seemed fine even if the audio is pretty quiet unless its right in your lap. However the battery has lost power in just a couple months and if the cord comes undone for even two minutes it tells me to check the battery. Basically its useful only when it can be plugged in. I'm not sure the audio is loud enough even for two people to share in the backseat of the car.



5. We bought this DVD player to use in the car with the kids (we log thousands of traveling miles per year). Unfortunately, as other reviewers have mentioned, the audio volume is not loud enough for this purpose. At max volume setting, it just barely competes with road/tire noise. This is an unforgivable limitation for a portable unit, I'm afraid, so much so that I am compelled to deduct 2 stars for this issue alone.
   
   Otherwise, this unit excels in video quality, usability, and convenience. These features deserve a 5-star rating, but have been severely handicapped by substandard audio reproduction. LG, fix this issue, the rest of the player deserves better.

5 comments about Toshiba SD4100 DivX Compatible Single Disc DVD Player.

1. When you think Toshiba, you usually think of great, solid performing products. However, this DVD player is just OK. It was very easy to install and I was playing a DVD in minutes. Though, I noticed that the machine has a slow response when you want it to do something and makes this slight clicking sound when I skipped chapters. The image quality is good and it works. It's good as a low end DVD player.



2. Unfortunately, this product has flaws that can not be overlooked, and I returned the next day.
   
   1. There is no position memory for DVD stopping, to return to your last spot of viewing, once the disc is removed. In fact, after 22 minutes in the stop mode, the player shuts down and you lose the disc position. When watching shows over several days this is a must.
   
   2. There are several view modes to resize the screen picture, but none of them work on my widescreen TV, with this player. The 1.33:1 all stretch and fill the screen. The older 2.35:1 that are not formatted to fit the screen all remain narrow and can not be expanded or zoomed. I tried the same discs in my older Panasonic DVD player and I was able to fill the screen, shrink, etc. I tried every combination available and many discs. I use the view mode quite a bit for older TV shows and concerts on DVD.
   
   3. The remote response is lacking and it is very small. It needs to be pointed at the player straight on. My other equipment allows remote use from any angle and even off the back wall.
   
   I realize this is a low priced player, but the most useful options are not there or flawed. The picture quality and sound through my monster cables were quite good, but did not compensate for the flaws.
   
   Hope this helps. j.



3. I have had this DVD player for about a month now. I have had no problems. The only thing is I wish the eject button worked when the player was off. When you want to get a DVD out you have to power it on then hit the open button. Should just be able to hit the open button with the power off like my other DVD player that I own.



4. I purchased this DVD player because I wanted a simple player that was easy to operate. Unfortunately, the DVD player was broken with a defective on/off bottom. After trying several times, I did finally turn it on. But just once. Numerous times later, I still haven't succeeded in turning it back on again -- to retrieve my DVD stuck in the player.
   
   Toshiba does not allow you to return the DVD to the retailer for a refund or exchange. Instead, I was told to send it to Toshiba for repair. One week later, I am still waiting for them to send the pre-paid shipping label. It is going to be weeks before I will have a DVD player to watch DVDs on.



5. I just got this DVD player for my birthday and I like it a lot. It has a stylish look and plays great. I have already watched 3 DVD's and each looked great on my screen. I like the remote and it's easy to locate and use buttons. I recommend it. :)

5 comments about Onkyo 6 Disc HDMI Player DVCP704.

1. First, I hate when people report a low rating on a product due to getting a bad product. This happens in life, deal with it and move on. It is more important how the company fixes the error, than an isolated problem. I bought a Honda once that had a bad seal on the windshield, but I kept it despite such a "horrible" mistake and eight years later the car is still doing great. This product is solid in every way. The key in buying this product is usage. If you like the 6 disc play style this is for you. Please note it is deeper than most players, so actually measure your shelf and add an inch or two for wiring. If you are looking for super HD or BluRay and single disc action, then obviously you should move on. For about the same price, you can get the Sony 5 dics changer, which is also another nice product, have 2 of them in my home. Product also has a nice sharp look to it, and if you like blue background lights, you will like the night light built into the front.



2. My old Onkyo 6-disc gave up the ghost after 10 years...so it was time.
   This was just plug and play. I was very surprised at how easier it was. Like an Apple computer simplicity! Great sound, great picture, auto selection of DVD/CD/MP3 discs.
   This is an excellent purchase after trying Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack, etc. -- everyone wanted to sell you a complete Home Ent Ctr., and, try to find just a DVD/CD player that is decent. Even the sales guy at Best Buy said their player was one of those that would work for about 1-2 years and poop out. I'd rather pay double for one that will last 3-5 or maybe even another 10 years!
   And, now I'm ready for our new 46" flat screen LCD when the prices come down some more this year...



3. plays all my cd's and dvd's flawlessly. Works great. It is very easy and handy to use. Highly recommend it.



4. The six cd player is exactly what I needed and the price was truly a savings. It works very well.



5. ONKYO did a poor job on this one. Their receivers are excellent but this dvd player is just not worth the money. The picture via HDMI is excellent just as you would expect. I think most HDMI DVD player have quality picture nowadays so this should not be a selling point anymore. Also it looks pretty good.
   
   The show stopper for me is that the disc changer is just way-way too slow. For a cheaper brand, I can get pretty much the same picture quality and much faster disc changer.
   
   Save you shipping money on this one, because you are most likely not going to like it and ended up returning it. That's what happened to me.

No comments about TOSHIBA SD-K770 - MULTI FORMAT MULTI ZONE ALL REGION DVD PLAYER. PLAYS PAL/NTSC DVDS FROM ANY COUNTRY.REMOTE INCLUDED..

2 comments about Philips DVP5960 Hi-Def 1080I Up-Converting Multi-Region DVD Player with HDMI, DivX Ultra, USB Direct.

1. This DVD player lives up to all its promises. It delivers excellent picture and sound quality, is very easy to set up and use, and best of all plays DVD's from all countries of origin. Now, we can enjoy our favorite British comedies and dramas. For the price you can't beat this player.



2. At a good price, you can get this player, put into it almost any DVD-Video from anywhere on the planet, and watch your movie.
   
   The only caveats are: you need to go through all of the setup items with a good understanding of what the characteristics of your TV display are, and what the setup items mean. If you merely accept all the default settings you will probably be disappointed by seeing a distorted picture on your screen.
   
   Also, there is no claim that the player will handle SECAM.
   
   If the setup is done correctly once, you should thereafter expect trouble free viewing for a huge variety of disks.
   
   If, for example, you want to watch a PAL-encoded disk from overseas on your American TV without worry, without fiddling with settings, withot frustration - then this is it. You pop it in, and play it. All the problems are solved by the initial setup menu.

No comments about Toshiba SD-P101S 10-Inch Portable DVD Player.

3 comments about Panasonic DMR-EA18K Tunerless 1080p Upconverting DVD Recorder.

1. I bought this DVD recorder because I wanted a Panasonic to match my Panasonic LCD and take profit of the Viera link. Have not tested yet the recorder but as far as reproduction is concerned, with the HDMI cable, image is excellent, easy to use, you can manage both, TV and DVD with the same remote control. I like it very much!



2. Connection with the HDMI cable was easy, and everything looked great. I was able to play DVDs without a problem, and really liked the user interface.
   
   BIG PROBLEM - I could not get it to record either on DVD-R or DVD+R, and I tried several of each. It would accept the disc and identify it. It even let me name the disc, but every time I pressed "record" it would say 'there might be a problem with the disc,' and then would go into self-check mode. This is never a good sign. I had to unplug it to get it out of self-check mode each time.
   
   I was trying to record from a Tivo, but I don't think this was related to the problem.
   
   I called Panasonic customer service, who suggested a disc cleaner or buying individual DVDs as opposed to a scroll or stack of DVDs. Upon pressing for a diagnosis of the problem, they said the drive likely was defective, and I could send it in for service. I've only had it for 1 week, so I'm opting to return it, as I don't want to get stuck with what might be a dud.
   
   On the bright side, Amazon returns has been great, they sent me a shipping label and said they will accept it. I haven't decided what to get to replace it. My friends and family encouraged me to get a Panasonic and have had good luck with them, so I'm considering trying one again. Maybe I really did just get the random defective one. That or I'll go with Toshiba.



3. Okay I tried a Samsung version of a DVD Recorder it just wasn't all the way right. Finally it stopped recognizing all DVD's. I replaced it with this Panasonic unit and like most items from Panasonic it works great. The set-up is easy, and since I do all my tuning through my cable box I do not miss having a build in tuner. My one criticism is I do not like the look of the IR transmitter that has to be placed in front of the cable box to allow the unit to control the cable box. Everything else is great.

5 comments about Sharp Aquos BDHP20U 1080p Blu-Ray Disc Player.

1. After spending a lot of time looking around I decided on this player given its price and reviews at that time were good.
   Last night I purchased a new release and the player stopped 20 minutes in. Knowing this can happen with any BluRay player I went to the Sharp website, downloaded the updates and installed it on the player. The player breezed through the movie and overall performance across menus seem better as well.
   Great player - competes with anything else out there.
   Only reason for giving it a 4 vs. 5 star is boot time could be a little faster.



2. I picked up the BDHP20U just under three months ago from Sixth Ave Elec. I had to hook it up via Component cables since my Mitsu 73 inch TV did not have HDMI. The unit was a bit quirky/glitchy but nonetheless, delivering a pretty nice picture considering the above mentioned.
   
   I just got the Samsung HL67A750 1080p TV and couldn't wait to get the Sharp BD player hooked up to see true 1080p. The first thing was a lock-up on the new "Rambo" but after a reboot and about 2 minutes waiting time to re-load, I was back up and running. The picture quality was nothing less than a religious experience to say the least! The clarity and detail was, at the time, unparalleled. Then came another lock up so I checked the firmware update section at Sharps website.
   
   I installed the firmware update as stated in the instructions and when it successfully installed, it was "BLU-RAY DAY" for me! I watched several Blu-ray dvd's without interruption.
   
   BUT........and this is a BIG BUT.........I had woken the next morning to see the player with the two round lights incessantly blinking. I tried to power down but it wouldn't. I tried to eject "Full Metal Jacket" but with no success. The Sharp BDHP20U was totally locked up this time. I reset the unit by holding down the power button for 10 seconds as recommended in the users manual. I then unplugged the unit for 2 minutes and then tried to eject the DVD and it worked. But there is now NO SIGNAL whatsoever coming from the BDHP20U. I even tried removing the HDMI cable and hooking up via component cables again and still nothing. I cannot access the menu to even set the unit up again.
   
   I brought it back to 6th ave and they were very accommodating. But the problem is I'm going to be without my Blu-ray player for I don't know HOW long.
   
   Perhaps I just got a bad unit (especially after reading some of the reviews here on Amazon). However, I'm going to go with the Samsung BD-P1500 and keep the sharp as a back-up unit. (Yes, I know, that's a very costly "back-up" unit.
   
   If you ask me, Sharp dropped the ball on this one.



3. I am very pleased with the performance of this unit. I especially like the ability to download firmware updates from the Sharp website to my thumb drive and upload them directly to the player. Other manufacturers have to send disks out to you with the updates which is time consuming and, as I understand it, you have to request the updates. They are not automatic. Not so with Sharp. No problems whatsoever and I've had the unit 3 months.



4. Returned Samsung P1500 for Sharp Aquos HP20U. OMG - what a difference. Biggest problems with P1500: 1 - No second digital audio source. Already using Optical for TV digital sound and amp only has one, but Sharp had a Coax Digital that matched up perfectly (like my upconvert had done),
   2 - Sharp plays DVD+R, +RW -- Samsung does not (I needed this function),
   3 - Sharp remote is much better designed, easier to read and use,
   4 - Sharp has much better on-screen menus
   
   Output quality is similar, so far. First night out Samsung hung twice and had to be restarted. Load times seem similar, too, but Sharp can be set to make them ever faster.



5. After reading some slightly negative reviews, I think it will be unfair if I don't write mine.
   
   I have owned my Sharp for almost 6 months now. Have run the newest BDs available, just yesterday I watched 'vantage point', awesome picture and sound. Loading is pretty fast too, I would say less than 40 secs. Have never faced a single problem whatsoever. Sharp just posted a new firmware but I won't load it unless I see any probs with my existing one. I did play 'Jumper' and I did not have any problem.
   
   Call me lucky or whatever, I would blindly go for another Sharp BD player if I had to make a decision.