Star Choice DVR - DSR530

[Mchatte]

I don't know how many perberts are on Star Choice but they are now (finally) releasing a Digital Video Recorder.

DSR 530

The price is not cheap $ 649 and was wondering if anyone knows of other options (DVD) or if this should work out all right.

Truthfully, I am sick and tired of VHS and video tapes. That technology is 25 years old for crap sake.

M

 

[The Lizard King]

Don't waste your money. From what I can tell, you can't edit or burn the content. I have a Toshiba RD-XS323S HDD/DVD recorder. It only has an 80GB hard drive but you can burn to both DVD and DVD RAM disks and edit out any commercials. You can also hook up your VCR and transfer over any tapes you have. It won't clean up or improve the VHS picture but it won't degrade it either.

 

[Mchatte]

Don't waste your money. From what I can tell, you can't edit or burn the content. I have a Toshiba RD-XS323S HDD/DVD recorder. It only has an 80GB hard drive but you can burn to both DVD and DVD RAM disks and edit out any commercials. You can also hook up your VCR and transfer over any tapes you have. It won't clean up or improve the VHS picture but it won't degrade it either.

Thanks LK. How many bucks would the Toshiba be?

M

 

[The Lizard King]

Check your local retailers or even online, it's worth shopping, but $600+

 

[hitrack]

The only thing you all cant do with your DVD recorders is all the TIVO like functionality. Some DVD recorders might, but can you.......

Pause live TV

Easy integrated programing and timer recording

Record in Hi-Def (1080i)

Output the digital signal straight to a computer

Firmware updates

Swap out the HDD for bigger ones

 

[Mchatte]

Thanks guys. Isn't it always the way when you kinda decide on buying something. With a bit of research and other folks' input, the confusion mounts.

Hitrak does make some valid points and the unit does have dual receivers so I can record one program while watching another. No biggie now but during the long cold winter nights, some of the better programs tend to overlap times that they're on.

Keep em coming guys.

M

 

[hitrack]

You gonna run into trouble since going from DVD to DVD will have macrovision issues. For DVD to DVD and preserving the 5.1 it's best to just use a computer and something like DVD Shrink.

 

[Mchatte]

Finally working!

Finally got my DVR 530 hooked up and authorized and working!

Couple of little kinks but all in all, it is wonderful! The picture quality (not even hidef although feature is there) is as good or better than original broadcast.

Can watch one program live or recorded while recording another. Lists programs already recorded with times and descriptions, can do an info on a recorded program, much easier to record and although pricey, I have absolutely no regrets in my purchase.

One evening, there were 3 one hour shows that I wanted to watch from 7 to 10 pm. Set the DVR to record and started watching at 8pm and was done all 3hours by 10:15. Cut out 45 minutes of commercials and crap.

Anyone want more info, just PM me.

M

 

[hitrack]

Unlike supid ol VHS, being able to start watching your recording with out the machine being done is cool as hek.

Lots of times I would set the VCR, come home early before it was done recording and still have to wait before I could start watching. That always pissed me off.

600-700 is a lot, but who am I to talk when I've spent $1300 for a S-VHS deck and $2000 for a Betamax in my days.

 

[ace85]

I lIke my Motorola DVR

I realize I can't burn to DVD, but if I look into it I expect I could out put to my PC and burn them there.

The TIVO functions are cooler, plus I can record 2 things or record and watch. I also like season pass features that lets me record every sopranos or Big Brother episode that comes on. Repeat or not, that way I never miss anything

 

[Mchatte]

Unlike supid ol VHS, being able to start watching your recording with out the machine being done is cool as hek.

Lots of times I would set the VCR, come home early before it was done recording and still have to wait before I could start watching. That always pissed me off.

600-700 is a lot, but who am I to talk when I've spent $1300 for a S-VHS deck and $2000 for a Betamax in my days.

Yup, I've also spent a pisspot full for an S-VHS that I never even used!

Want to get rid of a whole pile of VHS tapes. Shit, I've got them all over the place and don't even have a clue what the hell is on them.

Don't you think it's about time that we get something similar to TIVO? Haven't VCR tapes been around for 20 years or more in basically the same flippin' format?

Wonder what the technologically advanced people in Europe or Japan are using now?

M