5 comments about Pioneer DVR-810HS DVD Recorder with TiVo Basic Service.

1. Pros:
   1. Good user interface
   2. You can pause live TV
   Cons:
   1. There is PIXELIZATION problem with this unit unless you record in fine setting. So, you have 13 hours of recording, not 80. BTW, the worst recording setting is crap !!
   Tivo SUCKS !! TIVO basic will not allow to
   1. Record different programs at different modes UNLESS you change the setting after the first recording and before the second one starts.
   2. No TIVO promotions are applicable for TIVO basic. TIVO has a $100 rebate for all models but only if you upgrade to TIVO plus (costs $300 lifetime)
   3. TIVO online scheduling is not for TIVO basic.
   Even if you upgrade, you still have
   1. Unreadable channel guide - TIVO tries to show as many channels and hours of programming as possible. If you do not have a 40" TV or bigger, forget trying to read the channel guide
   2. You cannot edit out commercials, you can only forward through them. So your DVDs will have commercials.
   3. You have to fast forward through commercials - no minute skip button.
   4. TIVO will not transfer subscription (unlike Replay TV) from one box to another (in the event this unit goes bad). So even if your unit covered by warranty, you get the unit replaced but pay TIVO another $300 for lifetime service
   Recommendation: Add $300 to the cost while comparing with other units. Definitely not worth $820. If you do not want DVD burning feature, suggest you go with Replay TV. If you want DVD burning (with editing), stay away from anything that is TIVO. I got a Panasonic DMR E85H - no problems so far (~ 8 days)



2. Was very pleased with the spec for this product and had always felt that Pioneer products were a reliable bet. Boy was I wrong !
   
   Being new to TiVo type services I was a little surprised at how complex and how LONG it takes to set the thing up, plus you have to have a telephone line available for setup even if you don't subsequently want to use the TiVo service
   
   Everything worked fine for a few weeks, then the audio vanished. Tried resetting and checking signals and amp circuits, everything fine except no signal from the Pioneer RCA jack. Called Pioneer's service rep, who was quite helpful, but could only suggest I ship the unit back to them ... when did it become the buyers responsibility to ship defective goods back to the manufacturer at the customers costs (some $100 in this case)
   
   The unit was very prompty returned - fully reset (ie another setup required) but still without RCA output from Output#1. Pioneer suggested I should use Output#2 or the Optical circuit instead i.e. they hadn't repaired it at all
   
   All was fine on Output#2 for a few weeks, then that too failed. Am now using the Optical output and wondering how long that might work for
   
   Oh, and the machine refuses to recognize any wireless network - there is not even the option on the menu to configure this option that the manual claims should be there
   
   Maybe there should be a lemon law for electronics !



3. The folks who write negatively about this unit obviously did not understand how to work it, what they were buying, or understand what TiVo basic was and that it is a limited bare bones hook to get you to buy the plus version. I have had it for a year, it works perfectly, and is an absolute joy.



4. I bought this unit in August 2004, and had been using it with both TiVo Basic and TiVo Plus, until it conked out in February 2006. Eighteen months is not an acceptable product life for any video component in my book, and now I have a friend trying to hack a repair by swapping out what is apparently a dead HDD with a $40 Seagate 160GB HDD. If he succeeds, the unit will go to 160 hours of available recording time. That will make up for the downtime.
   
   In short, however, I must warn any prospective buyers that these kind of hard disks are not really meant to run non-stop for years on end. Perhaps the best plan is periodically to have a tech friend create a mirror/backup of your season passes/preferences/etc, and to use "TiVo to Go" regularly to send your favourite recordings to your home PC. The system inside is Linux, not Windows, so that's why a techie is needed for the hack.
   
   Finally, if you don't care to do more than use this as a modern VCR with time-shifting, stick with the free TiVo Basic. In retrospect, paying for the lifetime service doesn't make sense when not six months later the unit dies...



5. It's obvious that a lot of the folks that have purchased these units are not too familiar with electronic products. These are the best Tivos ever produced since they allow you to archive your favorite videos from the hard drive seemlessly to DVD as well as convert your movies to DVD and then edit both on a PC. An added bonus is the free TIVO basic service. Why would you ever want to edit video on the player itself with all the fine editing tools on the PC? People complaining about the video quality just don't know what they are talking about. The quality problem was fixed a few years ago after a class action law suit and is better than any other DVR with the exception of the newer High Def units but they don't allow you to record directly from the hard drive to an included DVD. I use the component output directly into my 40 in LCD and the video looks great. You can also pop the DVD into a $50 upconverting DVD player and get even better quality without the horrendous wait time of an HD or Blu Ray player.

No comments about Samsung Upconvert DVD Recorder.

5 comments about Toshiba RD-XS34 DVD Recorder with 160-GB Hard Drive.

1. I have this DVR and I have not had any problems with it. I read a previous review which said you could not set it to record manually, but it does have the ability to be set that way. You do have to wait over night for the channels to show up on the TV Guide screen, but I think that is the same for any DVR that is not going through the cable company. I did find that some channels will not automatically show up and you have to manually switch them on through the setup on the TV Guide screen.
   
   Bottom line, you can record on the hard drive or DVD. You do not have to pay a monthly subscription fee and it is easy to install. You do need to actually read the directions to find out all of the funtionality (not just the Quick Setup Guide). I haven't had any issues with this machine.



2. it's a grate dvd and is easy to programing so i' need lernd little more about bunrd but i give 4 stars in this product because it's better the traditionals dvrsToshiba RD-XS34 DVD Recorder with 160-GB Hard Drive



3. If you do not want to read thick instruction manuals, do NOT buy this product.
   
   However, no one has commented on two super features of this machine: (1) Fast dubbing from hard disk to DVD-R discs. At LP speed, 4 hours 15 minutes of program content can be burned in about 25-30 minutes onto one blank 4.7 GB disc, so much better than at agonizingly slow 1:1 speeds on cheaper machines with fewer features! (2) When playing back a DVD or hard disk program at 150% speed, the sound is chopped but understandable, with no high-pitched "Alvin & the Chipmunks" effect. So when commercials are skipped, a one-hour documentary, talking head lecture or discussion group, a sporting event, or boring program can be played back in about 30 minutes and you can hear all the words! Even music is listenable, though the tempo is 50% faster. If you missed a play in sports or a word in speech, you just have to reverse and play back at regular speed; the sound IS cut out of course when playback is at half, one-eighth or one-sixteenth speed. I also have an RD-XS32 machine which does not have the TV GUIDE feature (you just program timer recorder settings manually) and also an RD-XS35 machine which is similar to the XS34 (with TV GUIDE). The RD-XS32 machine has only an 80 GB hard disk, half that on the other machines; my XS32's built-in tuner produces unwanted picture noise on low Cable Channels 2 and 3, so I don't use it as much as the others. The XS32 IS more convenient when I am away from home for more than 8 days, because the timer programming can be extended over a year, whereas the TV GUIDE feature doesn't work unless you use the WEEKLY or REGULARLY frequency setting, and for other programs you are limited to 8 days advance programming.
   
   As others have pointed out, it IS possible to manually program timer recordings on the XS34 and XS35, but the manual is poorly written: immediately under the major heading "Setting a recording", the manual should offer two options - "see p. 50 for manual setting, or continue below (on p.47) for automatic setting using TV GUIDE". The TOSHIBA corporation (and other Japanese companies) should hire a North American English-speaking person to edit the final copy [I am a third-generation Japanese-Canadian, so please don't accuse me of racism]; for example, the SMALL heading "Set recording by specifying details manually" on p.50 would have been more comprehensible if it had read "Setting timer recordings manually without TV GUIDE", or words to that effect. It's a shame that an otherwise brilliant machine has received bad reviews because of weaknesses in the Owner's Manual. I desperately want to purchase at least two more XS34 or XS35 units (I have already purchased separately two extra remote controls because I have worn out a few buttons on one, and the machine can be useless if even one button, e.g. the Down control, doesn't work). If TOSHIBA has been traumatized by the vitriolic response to their XS34 and is phasing it and its successors out, could anyone tell me of any competitor's machine which has the two great features I have noted above?
   
   Another confusing section in the manual concerns setting the default settings for recording. The factory has set the SP speed as the default recording speed, which allows for about 2 hours on a blank 4.7 GB DVD-R disc. Since the picture is only slightly degraded at LP speed, and much better than a VHS SP recording, I prefer to record 4+ hours on one disc at LP speed. Although you can choose the LP default setting for timer recordings by going to the Service Bar and then Setup, if the power goes out and you do not reset this, the machine automatically goes back to the SP setting. The machine also records at SP if you manually hit the Record button. It IS possible to change the machine default record setting, but the instructions are on p.161 and are confusing; IMO this important detail ought to be described and clearly explained in the Introduction and set very early on in the operation of the machine.
   
   Some have complained that the machine cannot copy Copyright-protected movies onto the hard disk for use in producing DVD copies. I think the producers of movies have the right to insist on this feature!



4. I bought this recorder July 2005. The TV Guide on screen system worked fine until yesterday, April 12, 2008. I called Comcast Cable company and asked what happened, but was told they don't support third-party DVD recorders. Further they stated my recorder was not getting its information on scheduling from their service (obviously false - it gets show schedule info from somewhere, and there is nothing else connected to the machine). I will continue to use the recorder setting the programs manually, but it has lost a great deal of its appeal now that the TV Guide no longer works. I recommend this machine, but a better one is the Pioneer DVD 640H, which does not have TV Guide and is easier to use when editing recordings.



5. I bought my RDXS34 on Dec 31, 2005, almost 3 years ago. Nearly took it back a dozen times the first month I had it, but I persevered, and am really glad I did. It is a workhorse, and still is going strong (knock on wood). I give it 5 stars, though I do understand the frustration expressed in a lot of these postings. I had a heck of a time trying to decipher the manual, which as some have said, WAS poorly written, cause it did leave out instructions on several things, including how to manually record. So, I did what the paper with the stop-sign said to do, I called the 800 number. Every time I had a problem. When I had trouble getting through, I kept trying. Mostly I got through after a few tries, if not on the first try. The techs at Toshiba were very helpful, and the dozen or so times I was tempted to return it to the store (or throw it out the window!), instead I called and got the answer that wasn't in the manual (that I could find...). Yes, you can set the manual recording speed, thru the Setup key. In Setup, under "DVD recorder operation", choose "user record quality", then choose the bit rate by using the "frame adjust" arrows. I choose LP as both HDD and DVD defaults, which gives more than a decent picture quality, and allows, upon transfer to disc, up to 4 hours and 13 minutes to a disc. SP cuts that in half, so I use it only when setting a manual recording for a movie or a special event that runs under 2 hours 7 minutes, total after editing. I change it rarely, only when I want to manually (pressing record) record something in SP using pause to edit out commercials. Afterwards I have to remember to change it back to LP, or everything I record by thumb will be in SP, and being a news junkie, that's Not Good!!
   
   If like me you have no patience to wait endlessly for TV Guide to upload, YOU CAN manual record by pressing the TV Guide button and using the r/l arrows to move to the "schedule" subheading, then press the Menu button next to the TV Guide button, which will give you your recording options ("new manual recording" or "new manual reminder"), then just enter the date, time, channel (and you can set the recording speed you want, regardless of what you've got in the setup menu, it overrides that), etc, then set your cable box accordingly or use the link that comes with the unit which, when placed properly, will send the signal to the cable box to change the channel at the appropriate time. I prefer to set the recording timers on my cable box (a Scientific Atlanta) cable box, that way the box doesn't have to be on all the time, and I find it more reliable, as sometimes, mysteriously, the signal has not been accepted properly, and, for instance, channel 421 becomes channel 1 and I'm stuck with a useless recording of my cable company's advertising channel (DRECK!! And, in FRENCH!!) But this is a rare occurrence, it just happened one time too many on something I really wanted to see, so I don't rely on the link anymore.
   
   Also, sometimes I put in a disk to copy to which has a few episodes of something already on it, but is not finalized, and the recorder won't read the disk, and It gives the message that disk is dirty or defective, or that "this operation cannot be performed with prerecorded content". I discovered, by researching online at CNET, a helpful posting by someone who said his did this a lot, and that usually opening the door and reclosing it, and holding the power button while the disc is reloading will reset the machine to read the disc properly. Most of the time this works. One caveat, though, make sure your HDD is not more than 80% full, or that it doesn't have a lot of older titles (none over 7 weeks is my standard), which can destabilize the hard drive, before attempting this. I have never lost content by doing this, but it is possible to completely wipe out the contents of the hard drive doing it. By then of course, it is only a matter of time before it flushes while performing a perfectly normal operation. I have had it happen a different way each time, 6 or 7 times. Once by inserting a severely scratched brand-new (damaged in the pkg) pre-recorded DVD. And one time it happened when everything was no more than 4 weeks old. But that was my fault, something I recorded from an unstable source destabilized the HDD, and I knew it. Since then I record onto DVDs when I'm not sure of the quality of the source. I have lost all my HDD content about 6 or 7 times in 2 and a half years, so all in all that's pretty good. But it is kinda crushing when it happens. I have learned the hard way to back up anything I really would hate losing to a DVD-RW, Verbatim makes a 30 disc spindle, and they are awesome when you can get them on sale. I use post it notes on them so I can reuse them, because whatever you write in Sharpie will stay on them.
   
   The machine is sensitive, and you have to use common sense, but isn't that so with everything? Once you know how to operate it, it becomes fairly intuitive. I'm still learning (small) things to this day. It has so many features and extras, you will never learn all of them, but I'll settle for nearly all. The machine suits my purposes, and I will never go back to cumbersome and boxy VHS tapes. And, bonus points for no subscription requirement!
   
   Hope this helps someone out there!! It's a great machine when you learn thru the manual and the 800 tech support how to use it properly. As Neil Young said, "long may you run", old friend. I think the song was about a car. :o)

3 comments about Cyber Home CH-DVR 1530 - DVD recorder.

1. While it wasn't this exact model I bought, I did buy a Cyberhome DVD recorder from Wal Mart that cost around $80.00, may have been model 1600. It was garbage, within 5 min. of playing back the recording I saw skips in the sound and digital video distortion (similar to weather interferance on a satelite TV). I took it back and told the woman at Wal Mart it wasn't worth the box it came in. I was skeptical to begin with but figured for the price I would give it a try. Consumer Reports rates Pioneer and Panasonic models at the top of their research, thats what I'll buy.



2. Company will not answer phone, website does not
   work, Police raided them for unlicensed products.
   
   My unit died 2 days after Warranty expired.
   
   Product CANNOT be repaired..



3. This unit I received had beenrepaired. Disc carriage door was more beat up than Joe Fraser in the THRILLA IN MANILLA boxing match. The unit funcltion controls often do not respond to the Cyberhome remote. I ordered a NEW UNIT as the advertising said some old and new..and I requested new for $ 129.00. I would never order anything from this seller ever again. I don't like being cheated. Recorded discs are low quality..similiiar to a third or forth generation copy VHS.
   
   product is: CYBERHOME CH-DVR 1530
   
   From: Vernon Tillman

5 comments about Toshiba D-VR650 Super MultiDrive 1080i Up-Converting DVD Recorder and VCR with Built-In Tuner.

1. where to start?
   
   the worst part was when I started trying to copy old home videos over to DVD. A few did fine, most would suddenly stop with a weird error message about "video input changing". No error code, nothing in manual. Called toshiba...they knew the problem before I described it. Machine will react to any irregularity, stretch, fold, skip, in an old tape and think that its COPY PROTECTED!!!!!!! so it errors out and stops. Toshiba says of course since they are concerned manufacturers and worried about illegal copying, there is nothing they can do about it. I tried a work around by using a separate VCR, but same thing. Can't tell you how many blank DVDs i ruined that now having a bit of a tape recorded on it. Their suggestion? Dub the old video tape onto a new video tape. (and lose a generation of quality). Not what I had in mind. Don't protect me from myself and my own tapes that play fine, and are totally legal!
   
   next, I agree with all the previous posts about it having a mind of its own. It powers up, down, changes channels, records, or not, and even opens/closes the tray when it darn well feels like it, and not a moment before. Really frustrating. A good case of new technology that goes slower than old technology.
   
   Plus this is the only DVD player I have ever encountered that doesn't remember your playback position if you stop a movie, then turn off the power and then want to return to the place you left off previously in a movie. Nope...back to the FBI warning you go every time!
   
   The final clincher is that I bought this based on the technical information, and I had just bought a toshiba HD TV (which actually I really like a lot!). One apparently stupid assumption I had was that the Toshiba TV remote would operate the Toshiba DVD player....wrong. Not even stop, play and pause. I wasted a good 30 minutes twice trying every code they listed. And then another phone call. answer? "the engineers must have had a good reason"....
   
   run away! I sold mine within 60 days.



2. I thought I had researched DVD recorders carefully. Wow. Was I wrong. This machine has the following major flaws:
   
   1. It cannot record most ATSC Over-the-air TV stations in Los Angeles. We have more than a dozen channels, and this unit registers a FALSE positive for CPRM copy protection, such that you cannot record all but two channels in los angeles. i even spoke to the chief engineer at the local PBS station, to confirm that they ARE NOT send the CPRM signal out. So, as a HD time-shifter---USELESS!
   
   2. The record quality is terrible, except at the XP (1 hour speed)
   
   3. The menu system is extremely non-intuitive and cumbersome.
   
   The one positive is that the playback picture resolution is GREAT. (but the is the most EXPENSIVE player I've ever used).
   
   We've been loyal to Toshiba for 8 years, but no more.



3. This machine worked good for the first two weeks, then I noticed that it would just freeze and I'd have to unplug it to get it to respond. it does not seem fully compatible when you watch a DL dvd then switch out to watch a 4.7 gb DVD, Often it loses the signal and I have to unplug it yet again for a few minutes to get it back online. It is very frustrating to spend my money on electonics and more often than not end up taking them back cause its defective or just trashing it. I CAN NOT recommend this DVD player for any reason and Toshiba is err... was my favorite company to buy electroncs from since Sony now Sucks..



4. I bought it to do hands-off conversion of my videotape collection to DVD, and it does it without any problems. Put in the tape, put in the DVD, make a few choices, and walk away. Come back to finalize the disk and you're done. No problems with copy protection on any tapes so far, good color/contrast/audio on all copies. It has a lot of other features I haven't needed (yet) so I can't comment on those, but it does this perfectly. Manual isn't all that confusing, despite some other reviewers' complaints.



5. I had 2 goals: Be able to watch the rare VCR, and be able to record tv programs to dvd, as needed. Hence, this unit, which (as advertised) should be able to accomplish either.
   This thing is more finicky than Morris the Cat.
   Expect major headaches, and a set-up time of >30 minutes EVERY time you make an additional attempt to record something with this thing. (The success of the project I'm working on at this moment: not yet determined.)
   Sometimes you can't even open the dvd drawer. Sometimes it pops closed again before you've inserted the dvd. It seems to respond to its own remote with very random success. You may be lucky, you may not. Tomorrow expect different results. Right now, I'm rescanning cable channels as it seems to have lost its willingness to recognize anything above 20.
   I am not really THAT dumb. I should be able to use a basic electronic device. This one is possessed. I urge you to look elsewhere.

No comments about Humax USA T2500 Standalone TiVo DVR-300 Hr..

No comments about Philips DVDR 80 - DVD recorder.

2 comments about LG Electronics GSA2164D 16x Triple Format External DVD Burner.

1. This unit does not recognise all media. I had trouble burning dual-layer discs. I am going to buy a plextor to replace this.



2. It is a very nice product. Working perfectly for me. Versatile and reliable. I am so happy with it.

5 comments about Daewoo DVRS04 DVD Recorder/Hi-Fi VCR Combo.

1. I purchased subject unit from Costco. This machine was a total waste of time and money. Thought the price was right, but guess I got what I paid for.
   
   First time copy VHS to DVD, the machine locked up, did not finish the project, did not respond to the remote, or buttons on the unit. Got my VHS tape out, but it would not finalize or release the DVD. Went repeatedly into "finalize", but that is where the project would end, would not eject, regardless of what button was used it would go back to "finalize", again getting no where. Using "eject" would go the the "finalize" again. Machine had a one track mind. Took it back, with my DVD still in it, still had my VHS tape of the project.
   
   Purchased another brand, paid about $65.00 more, and now have a machine that works fine



2. As another reviewer said, got as a whim buy at Costco since they don't have VCRs much any more. This unit feels like a Linux box - it has to "boot up" for about a minute from cold start. It worked well for about a week doing timer recordings to VHS tape and DVD, then went flakey. I had to put it on an extension cord with a power switch because it hangs on power off (hibernate really), and I have to disconnect power to get it back (hard for me to reach the plug behind, hence adding the extension cord). Also now hangs when set to timer record; clue - clock doesn't update. Auto clock only works once in awhile; have to do manually after each deliberate power fail. Don't "power off" with a tape in or it spins motors. Tried "restore to factory defaults", but that didn't fix it. The timer controls are clunky and old fashioned, not nearly as nice as a two year old JVC SVHS VCR I have with its four dedicated rocker button pairs on the remote (most TV shows start on the half hour -- DUH!).
   
   Probably mine is a defective unit, as it did start out OK (bad memory perhaps?), will exchange or return shortly (but as I read these other reviews, exchange is becoming less of an option).
   
   Too bad really, because the 6 head vcr was nice, smooth and fast albeit a bit noisy on rewind, and the the TV Tuner is the best I've ever seen in a VCR -- it may be pulling down Digital TV signal instead of just analog (worth a second star). I never got around to exploring the nifty DVD features, since the fundamental power on/off and clock stuff didn't stay working.



3. I bought this unit last year because Fry's had it at a smoking price and I wanted a way to convert all our family videos to DVD before they died a heat and dust death. This was my first DVD recorder.
   
   Its operation for basic tasks is simple and straightforward, but from time to time I come up against the lack of a feature I naturally expect to find, but which isn't there or doesn't work. Examples:
   
   When recording from the air, this unit apparently does not record closed captioning information to either tape or DVD, a substantial negative for viewers needing "hearing assistance." All of my other VCRs record it.
   
   I was ready to return my unit because every time I shut it off, it "hung" with the message "WAIT", would not respond to any controls, and eventually had to be unplugged and replugged. I called their service number, was advised this was a known problem with the "automatic clock setting" feature, and was told my only option was to turn that feature off and set the clock by hand. (ATTENTION other reviewers who reported hangs on shutoff: this is probably your problem.)
   
   With the automatic clock setting feature off, the unit apparently does you the "favor" of adjusting itself for standard and daylight savings time on the proper day (this is totally undocumented). Unfortunately, my state doesn't do daylight time, so the unit recorded all the wrong programs for a week or so until I figured out that it had changed its own clock. There is no way to disable this "feature."
   
   If you are playing a tape or DVD at a time when the unit is scheduled to record, you are given no notice that a scheduled operation needs the unit (even my cheap VCRs will do this). When you turn the unit off, you will get a message that the unit will switch into auto record mode instead, whereupon it will record the remainder of the show you wanted, at which point you typically kick yourself because it's too late to recover from your mistake. Now, the manual says "while the VCR is recording, DVD playback is possible," but that's only if the VCR is already recording -- if you're playing a DVD at the time the VCR wants to start recording, it won't start.
   
   On the other side of automatic operation, if you find yourself recording the wrong show to DVD (e.g., due to a schedule change or sports delay) you can't override the program and stop it. The manual says that holding the stop button down for three seconds will stop it, but I have not found this to work.
   
   My occasional attempts to use the unit to play "interactive game features" on some DVDs have all resulted in system freezes or hangs, requiring unplugging of the power cord to reset the unit.
   
   There is an annoying bug in the unit such that if you are searching a DVD in fast reverse for a particular scene, and then hit PLAY when you find it, it will play with no audio. You have to hit STOP and then PLAY again to regain audio.
   
   Finally, I was disappointed with the results when I tried to copy my VCR tapes to DVD, the task for which I primarily bought the deck. It's probably not the fault of this particular unit, but I discovered that although the quality of a VCR tape recorded at the 6-hour speed is very reasonable, a DVD recorded at the 6-hour speed is unwatchable -- super-pixelated and full of ugly artifacts. So I can't just plug in the media and let the machine do the job unattended, I have to be present to perform active editing. As I mentioned, this was my first experience with making DVDs, so learning about their limitations was part of the process. However, I have to wonder how many other potential purchasers have home videos recorded at this speed and are also going to discover this limitation after buying this machine.



4. I bought this unit at Costco since it was about 50 dollars cheaper than the others I've seen. Out of the 12 dvds I've made so far, only 4 work. The unit repeatedly froze up either while updating the disk after a recording or while finalizing a disk. Out of the 8 disks that did finish finalizing successfully, only four of them worked. The player would say that the other were Blank discs, but if you tried to write to them it would say the disc is full.
   
   I will be returning the unit for the second and last time. (First one stop displaying video altogether after the 3rd day)



5. Worst piece of electronics I ever purchased. Started acting up almost immediately. Hit rewind and machine shuts down and ejects tape. BUYER BEWARE!!!!

5 comments about Toshiba RS-TX20 DVD Recorder with 120 GB TiVo Series2 Digital Video Recorder.

1. I purchased this as a gift and the first time we used the DVD player, the menu was all pixillated. You couldn't see anything or play the DVD. I tried several different DVDs and none worked. I returned it and received another Toshiba RS-TX20 DVD recorder and it had nothing but the unit. No cords, no instructions, nothing. I returned it and will never use Amazon again.



2. Think of this equipment as a space saving unit that will replace your Tivo recorder and DVD recorder/player. But that's it. Giving bad ratings because it's not capable of recording HD, having bad basic Tivo programming capabilities, or not outputting recorded materials to digital audio is like criticizing it for not cooking your dinner. Free basic Tivo service comes with the ALL Tivo recorders (this isn't exclusive to Toshiba machines). Tivo has always offered 3 days advance programming without Season pass and other extra features found in paid service. Think of it as a test drive feature that'll suck you into paying for subscription, which, by the way, is worth it. Tivo Series 2 was never meant to record HD. If you have a standard TV, the recording quality at High setting is perfecly fine (both Tivo and recorded DVD). Yes, you can see digital compression artifacts (especially on large screen HDTVs). If you are looking for recording HD look else where--or Get the Toshiba HD DVD, wait for Tivo Series 3, or get satellite service and pay a lot for HD DVR. If you are happy with your standard cable, this machine will make you happier.



3. I bought this unit a year ago on sale (at a ridiculously low price) and have found it to be just great. It offers everything you might want in a TIVO and DVD player/recorder unit (although it does not HD-record, if that is what you need). It is especially good for those who don't need all the bells and whistles of full TIVO service and who only need the basic TIVO service (which is just fine) WITHOUT A RECURRING MONTHLY CHARGE (that is the great benefit of this unit).
   
   I had TIVO Basic for about 9 months and was satisfied with it (and especially with no recurring charges). Having said that, I did upgrade to full TIVO service, but only because TIVO was changing its business model and was eliminating lifetime subscription service--if I had to decide what to do now without that possibility, I would get this unit and live quite contentedly with TIVO basic. I mean, Season Passes and wishlists are great, as well as a 2-week look at listings, but not at $150+ a year for me (no cable here, which makes a difference as well, as there is less to search). The Basic service makes the unit into the equivalent of a charged videotape recorder.
   
   By the way, despite what is written below, other boxes do NOT all come with Basic TIVO service--you must get a TIVO subscription with most. Again, that is the great benefit of this box, especially for those of us with more limited TV service or needs, or who do not want yet more monthly charges or the equivalent.



4. I bought this unit in October 2005 - purchased for the TIVO with DVD burning capability. The Tivo was easy to setup, easy to use. DVD burning worked well for 4 months then,I began to get error messages "saving failed - internal error". Resetting/restarting did not solve the problem. Toshiba tech support was no help. The unit had to be sent in for repair - 2 weeks later I received a "reconditioned" unit. The reconditioned unit worked for 30 days, then began with the same error message. Tech supports only answer "unplug it and then plug it in - if that doesn't solve the problem, you will have to send it in for repair". Toshiba paid the shipping costs for the 2nd return. 3 weeks later I received the 3rd unit - reconditioned. On the first day, I got the same error message. Tivo works fine, I am able to record and view programs, but not able to burn DVD's. It seems a shame since I paid extra for this capability. I don't know what Toshiba will do at this point. After 3 failed units, I think it is fairly certain that reliability is poor for the DVD burning option.



5. I have had this product for over 1 year. At the beginning, I tried to get by with Tivo basic service -- it simply wasn't working. After I subscribed to the Tivo-Plus, I got hooked with the service, it was my dream came true. I had some initial troubles with my DSL service because the program guide was downloaded through the phone line shared by DSL. But, some weeks later, the problem disappeared. Another issue is, sometime the download will cause my phone line to be "busy". The phone company test shows that I have a phone somewhere in my home which has not hung up (Tivo phone). Fortunately, the problem occurs rarely, and once I know it, it can be fixed easily (just unplug the phone line from Tivo and re-plug).
   The problem came about 2 months ago, the DVD bruner broke. We have used the DVD burner to store TV programs, because even it said it can store 140 hours of program, in reality, only the highest quality video is acceptable, and that makes the total program time to be less than 70 hours.
   Without the DVD burner, the Toshiba unit lose more than 50% of its value.
   I guesse Toshiba knows the issue now, because I don't see them actively selling this unit.
   Also, when you subscribe to Tivo Plus service, make sure you also subscribe to more cable channels. That makes your 13 dollar Tivo-plus monthly fee worth-while.
   One more thing-- Tivo records analog TV signal. For HD, it is already digital, so you need another type of DVR (Digital Video Recorder) for it. Right now, several digital cable & satellite TV companies provide those boxes as part of the service package. Unfortunately, they don't include DVD burner. It may be due to copy right concern.