5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
A DVD writer that takes some user effort to learn
Date of Review: Dec 26, 2005
The Bottom Line: Like it or love it. Take the time nd effort to learn.
Having a problem recording a movie? Lets see why. Media is a big thing with this recorder. If your DVD's don't have a +R or +RW, dump them, as they will not work. Forget those that claim otherwise.
A few words to the wanttobe recorders. Ignore the buttons on the console and learn the buttons on the remote. This is where all the action takes place. Read the 'Controls & Functions' page as many times as necessary. Then think about what each function means (very important here!).
Spend the time to set the clock and date. Then set the other options that meet your situation. Setting chapter times to 4 minutes is a good idea as it allows small jumps to locate a scene. Also the 'Pan Scan' option works for most users as well.
Lets move into the recording of a DVD.
The single most important thing to read and understand here, is this. Time recording is the best (and only) way to go (repeat as often as necesary).
The console record button will give you 15 minutes of record time for each time that it is pressed, up to 2 hours. If the movie or program that you want to record is longer you will have a great recording with no ending.
When you want to do a 'time' record you must be in 'STOP' mode. The secret here is to press 'stop' on the remote a couple of times until the message 'stop' is displayed. If you see 'title' on the console, then keep going backwards on the remote until you get to the setup menu
Trial and error is the best way to learn. Get a couple of DVD +RW's as they can be used over and over. There is a utility program under the 'edit disc' option that allows for erasing and formating. The big secret to doing a successful recording set up, is to finish all options and then to press enter on the final 'done' option. ALWAYS use the review option to make sure that the recorder accepted your entries.
When the record schedule shows the recap of the record session, use the remote to turn off the recorder. Not to worry, as it will awaken to make your recording (if you set the time correctly).
After the recording is complete, take a few minutes to review the recording. Using the remote, enter setup and that will take you to the movie play screen. Play the beginning scenes. Then using the 'go to' button check for the 2nd to last chapter shown. Remember that you need to press the +10 button first (3 times for 34) and then the 2 button to get to the 2nd to last chapter. That will allow you to see the last scenes and credits.
Now for the the big finish. Get back to the setup screen and make sure that you are in 'stop' mode. Then find your way to the Play/Edit Disc option and press enter.
Now a decision needs to be made. If you are using a +R disc then you MAY (step 1) title the disc and MUST (step 2) finalize it. If you are using a +RW, then title it if you want to.
That's it! This DVD has made hundreds of DVD recordings for me without an error on its part. Power loss will keep the settings, but if you have cable, the default station will be recorded when power is restored.
The above is NOT a disclaimer in any way to avoid READING and UNDERSTANDING how to use this DVD writer, and how to get the best results from it.
Be patient with the learning process. It will be worth the time and effort.
This review is made by an Irish heritage US born citizen writen to help you.
I want to see you successful with this recorder. Take the time to try and let me know how you do.
