Hitachi 250gb Hdd\dvd Recorder $450.00

[ozgal]

Hi folks,

I'm a newb to home entertainment matters and certainly not a guru or anything, but have recently put together home entertainment system with the help of lots of great folks here at DTV. We have the Sony sxrd 70" and purchased the Hitachi DV-DS253A 250GB HDD\DVD Recorder for $450.00 on Monday 16.4.2007 from JB in Chapel Street, Prahran (RRP: $769). Anthony was salesperson - great guy, friendly, helpful and not pushy - takes time to help and is patient.

Here's the specs for the DV-DS253A (http://www.hitachi.com.au/pr-DV-DS253A.seo)

Hitachi DV-DS253A

250GB HDD DVD Recorder

Key Features

HDMI connection - for the ultimate in picture and sound quality

Super multi recording (DVD ±R/ ±RW/ -RAM) **on the side of the box also says DL double layer recording**

1080i HDMI up scaling

250GB HDD capacity

56 hours (min) - 338 hours in EP mode (max) recording time

DV input - easy transfer from a digital video camera

Direct navigator - quick access to material on HDD

DivX playback - supports Divx 5,4,3

Multi memory card slot

Supported cards - compact flash, micro drive, SD card, mini SD card, multi media card, XP picture card **On box also says MP3 and WMA**Time slip functions - chasing playback, simultaneous recording & playback, time slip button

High speed dubbing - From HDD to DVD-RAM

Anthony told me JB purchased a bulk load of the Hitachi's (RRP $769, then JB marked down to $549 and now $488. He let me have it for $450 plus $59 for 5yr extended warranty instead of $79.

All hooked up and working well but early days as it's just been installed. At the moment we have it hooked up so it records off Foxtel and IQ using S-video out/S-video in on the DS253A.

For further information regarding my set up, with tips from DTV members light years ahead of me on the knowledge front, here's a link:

http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtop...mp;#entry644613

Hope this helps others.

Cheers,

ozgal

[butterfingers]

does it have any other inputs besides the DV and s/video? component or hdmi in would be nice.

[ozgal]

does it have any other inputs besides the DV and s/video? component or hdmi in would be nice.

Hi,

Not that I can see. As far as I know it has composite, DV and s-video only, with HDMI out.

Best though to check the link in previous post.

Cheers,

ozgal

[F111]

Hi Ozgal

Just having a quick read of your recent posts on the Sony & the Hitachi PVR purchase - congrats!

I have the 60" SXRD and its just pure and simply fantastic, except I wish I'd gone for the 70" as it doesnt look so big as it did on day 1!

Im just a bit concerned though you havent gone for a 1080 PVR, rather an SD model. It might be early days for you yet but there is no comparison between good SD and HD! However I havent seen the Hitachi or checked all the specs, except your link, which states 'upscaling to 1080i'... Agh!

Dont let me confuse you too much, but you might regret it in a month or so. You have the best TV on the market IMO, with fantastic full HD capabilities. I'm pretty sure down the track you will be wanting to switch over where possible from Foxtel to HD FTA TV broadcasts if you can see a substantial impact in detail, sharpness etc.

If the salesman has recommended the upscaling Hitachi you might just be able to change it - if youre quick. I know its a big hassle now but personally I wouldnt be happy with 576 upscaled to 1080. I find 1080 Full HD just fantastic on the SXRD - and I want as much of it as I can get. I wouldnt be happy with low bit rate SD recordings when HD is getting better and better (and more often broadcast) as time goes on!

Just my 2 c. Sorry if Ive missed your thoughts in other posts re HD etc. But for ~$200 ish...

Good luck with whatever you decide!

[ozgal]

Hi Ozgal

Just having a quick read of your recent posts on the Sony & the Hitachi PVR purchase - congrats!

I have the 60" SXRD and its just pure and simply fantastic, except I wish I'd gone for the 70" as it doesnt look so big as it did on day 1!

Im just a bit concerned though you havent gone for a 1080 PVR, rather an SD model. It might be early days for you yet but there is no comparison between good SD and HD! However I havent seen the Hitachi or checked all the specs, except your link, which states 'upscaling to 1080i'... Agh!

Dont let me confuse you too much, but you might regret it in a month or so. You have the best TV on the market IMO, with fantastic full HD capabilities. I'm pretty sure down the track you will be wanting to switch over where possible from Foxtel to HD FTA TV broadcasts if you can see a substantial impact in detail, sharpness etc.

If the salesman has recommended the upscaling Hitachi you might just be able to change it - if youre quick. I know its a big hassle now but personally I wouldnt be happy with 576 upscaled to 1080. I find 1080 Full HD just fantastic on the SXRD - and I want as much of it as I can get. I wouldnt be happy with low bit rate SD recordings when HD is getting better and better (and more often broadcast) as time goes on!

Just my 2 c. Sorry if Ive missed your thoughts in other posts re HD etc. But for ~$200 ish...

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Hi there FIII,

Thank you for your comments. As you can no doubt tell, I'm pretty much a newb, so I'm grateful for all the help I can get.

I am still somewhat confused by the complexities of it all so am especially grateful for tips from others more experienced than myself.

I'm happy to hear the 60" sxrd is going well for you. We were actually looking at the 60", which would have been a better fit in our small lounge room. The 70" is pretty darn big and might be a tad large in our setting so I'm hoping we become accustomed to it and think it looks smaller in a few weeks' time. LOL.

Regards your comment on the Hitachi DVD Recorder we purchased. You actually call it a PVR"?. It's actually a DVD recorder with 250GB hard drive. I'm pretty certain from reading through lots of posts on DTV that it is rare to find component in on the DVD Recorders (apart from some of the cheapy models from Coles and Asia). We bought this so we can copy stuff we want to keep from the Foxtel IQ hard drive. But, I'm also wanting to use it to copy from HD FTA stuff like the Saturday night footy games (husabnd and sons are avid Carlton fans and feeling good at the moment with Carlton's recent "by the skin of their teeth" redemption wins.

The 60" you have has the HD tuner built in, but with the 70" a separate HD STB is provided (Sony DST-HD500). OUr Hitachi DVD Recorder has HDMI cable for hooking up to the Sony HD STB, which is how we are planning to record in HD. I'm not aware that any of the DVD Recorders can record in true 1080p as yet. Can you clarify this for me. There is every chance I've got things confused so I'd rather know now than later. As you say, I'm pretty sure I'd be able to return the Hitachi DVD Recorder at this point in time if necessary.

Our TV set up guy (subcontractor for JB in Melbourne) showed us the HD broadcast (Channel 9 and Channel 7) picked up by the Sony HD STB, but did not show us any other channels. We are not sure if our current antenna is up to the job - or whether we are in a weak signal area (we live in Prahran, about 1.5km from Como in South Yarra, so I thought we would not have any trouble, but from some answers I've received we not be in a great reception area).

We definitely want to set things up so we can watch and record HD quality programs (especially the aforementioned footy broadcasts in HD), so any help or tips you can offer will be much appreciated. I thought we had accounted for this by having the stand alone Sony HD STB that came with the 70 incher? I know the Hitachi DVD Recorder can only record using S-video in, but that's for recording only, as we should be able to watch the HD fta broadcasts in full 1080 HD quality through the Sony HD STB box. Can you elaborate on the recording onto Hitachi DVD Recorder from our Sony HD STB?

Thanks for your thoughts so far - much appreciated, and happy 60" HD viewing!

ozgal

[tomohawk]

If you want to record an HD source like the footy, you'll need to use a hard disk based PVR. Presumably your Hitachi will work for this, but are you sure the HD Sony tuner supplied will be able to output into the DVD recorder? I thought you said it had HDMI OUT, not IN?

Personally, I think messing with a DVD recorder is a bit icky, and you might prefer to run it all through an HD hard drive PVR?

From what I can tell, with your current set up you will be able to watch HD, but not record it.

Good luck!

[DruiD]

I'm a little confused also, I was trying to track this down in JB (in Brissy) but couldnt. Out of stock or something.

In your first post, you said

All hooked up and working well but early days as it's just been installed. At the moment we have it hooked up so it records off Foxtel and IQ using S-video out/S-video in on the DS253A.

But then in response to F111

know the Hitachi DVD Recorder can only record using S-video in, but that's for recording only, as we should be able to watch the HD fta broadcasts in full 1080 HD quality through the Sony HD STB box. Can you elaborate on the recording onto Hitachi DVD Recorder from our Sony HD STB?

To try and clear this up for my own benifit I downloaded the user manual instead, page 12 shows the back of the unit.

For those playing at home , Here is the PDF.. http://www.hitachi.com.au/Admin/uploads/Do...80fd21758fd.pdf

OzGal you said you believed the DVD recorder "recorded in S-Video". Unless i have it wrong, it doesnt look like it does due to these physical connections.

Eg. as per the picture in the user manual ..

OUTPUTS - Possible connection types going to TV or other recorders & displays

HDMI - OUT

Component - OUT

S-Video - OUT

A\V Video - OUT

A\V Audio -OUT

RF - OUT

INPUTS from the Sony STB or standard VCR, Camcorder etc

A\V 1 Video - IN

A\V 1 Audio - IN

AERIAL - IN

Note:- No other "IN" type (eg. S-Video IN, HDMI IN, Component IN etc) are listed.

That leads me to believe that you can only record from the Sony STB in A\V (or also called composite). The S-Video socket is not an "IN" socket, so it cannot accept a signal to record from etc. This is easily indentifiable by Red, Yellow and White (sometimes Red, Yellow and Black) cable like the ones that used to be on a normal VCR, plugged into the sockets marked AV 1 IN (Middle Top row of plugs on your unit). I am only quering this, because in another thread i am despartely searching for a HDD DVD Recorder that has COMPONENT (or S-Video as bare minmium) INPUT. I have a Hitachi Plasma and would be more than happy with a Hitachi HDD DVD-Recorder, if only it had the necessary Inputs.

Recording in HD is my struggling point as well, you simply cant record HD on any current Australian DVD Recorder. Other things such as PVR's can - but cant burn of disks etc. DVD Recorders can record the SD signal and if you get a decent one, can even input foxtel or other STB's (eg your Sony) if you have the correct connection type available on your DVD Recorder.

Yes, your direct HDMI cable connection from the Sony STB to the 70" will ensure you have awesome "Footy" pictures whilst watching it then and there. A recording of the same might not do so well if my theory is correct and its recording over A\V. Then again, some people arent as picky as others and you may not even notice. Its not broken or wrong if YOU cant tell the difference.

[ozgal]

If you want to record an HD source like the footy, you'll need to use a hard disk based PVR. Presumably your Hitachi will work for this, but are you sure the HD Sony tuner supplied will be able to output into the DVD recorder? I thought you said it had HDMI OUT, not IN?

Personally, I think messing with a DVD recorder is a bit icky, and you might prefer to run it all through an HD hard drive PVR?

From what I can tell, with your current set up you will be able to watch HD, but not record it.

Good luck!

Hi tomahawk,

I think you are right:

The Sony HD STB has HDMI in (to receive the HDMI cable from the Hitachi DVD Recorder).

The Hitachi DVD Recorder has HDMI out (but not in).

The light bulb just went on as I typed this. The HDMI out cable from Hitachi DVDR that plugs into Sony HD STB HDMI in only allows us to watch in upscaled 1080i, i.e. for playing commercial DVDs like movies and such, not record in HDMI.

The Hitachi DVD Recorder only has s-video in (on front of unit) or composite. I was under the impression none of the brand name DVD Recorders had component in.

Even though the TV guy set things up yesterday, I've been having trouble getting a mental picture in my mind of how all these different components work together. I have a severe case of brain overload. Hats off to those who instinctively understand electronics!

Anyway, this is my understanding of how my stuff is set up:

Foxtel IQ

Component out to TV

S-video Out (4 pin din plug) to S-video In on front of Hitachi, so we can record things we want to save from the Foxtel IQ hard drive and do not have to change YUV settings.

Analogue audio out to Pioneer Dolby Digital Prologic VSXD209 Receiver as TV guy said we have no digital inputs

Sony 70" HD sxrd

Component in from Foxtel IQ

HDMI in from Hitachi DVD Recorder so we can upscale DVDs when sons take the PS3 back into their room

HDMI in from PS3 (games, Blu Ray, DVDs - the PS3 may not always be in lounge - hence, the Hitachi as upscalable DVD player)

LG 6 head hi fi VCR not sure how he hooked this up to TV (Only for viewing videos we already have or using to dub VHS to DVD via the Hitachi DVD Recorder - but don't think this is set up correctly yet)

Sony HD STB/Tuner

TV guy made a "better than normal" lead going from HD Tuner to wall socket leading to roof antenna for HD FTA channels - so far only able to get Channel 7 and 9 (TV guy gave us channel numbers but did not display other channels. Said 7 + 9 were right at the end of the full scan looking for FTA channels and that he had nearly given up finding any at all)

I think this is where I got confused a lot. We should have chosen the DVD Recorder based on it being able to hook up to the Sony HD STB rather than concentrating on it hooking up to Foxtel and the 70" sxrd to copy from IQ or use as an upscaling DVD player. I think this is what you mean by we can "watch" upscaled DVD, but not record "HD" quality onto the DVD Recorder. The Hitachi DVD Recorder only has HDMI out/S-video in or composite. Might consider swapping it depending on advice received here. What inputs does the DVD Recorder need to have to record from HD Tuner? I thought we would just hook it up to the Sony HD tuner using S-video out to the S-video in on the Hitachi for recording. (Would need to take away from Foxtel IQ and Sony 70" TV though - but we could live with that, as main use is to copy IQ stuff onto the Hitachi DVD Recorder when needed (which might not be all that often).

Audio

Pioneer Dolby Digital Prologic VSXD209 Receiver (TV guy said it has no digital inputs - unfortunately no $$$ to upgrade at this piont in time)

We have the small centre speaker, two side speakers, two rear speakers and the subwoofer below.

Wintal 280W subwoofer (connected to amplifier - bought this from TV guy for $380, he said it was wholesale price, about $175 below retail)

No wonder I'm confused! I'm open to suggestoins about best hook up of the above or for advice about whether we need to swap the Hitachi DVD Recorder (primary school level English please).

In the main we will use the recorder to copy stuff off the Foxtel IQ when it's hard drive gets full (probably not that often, but yet to see as we've only just got IQ). Husband definitely wants to record footy matches (Foxtel footy does not look too crash hot - the players turn into specks when the camera does long shots. Am hoping the HD FTA transmission of footy on Sat nights is good to watch and record - so would like to use DVD Recorder to copy these transmissions).

We need to work out the HD FTA channels - is it our antenna - a weak signal - have no knowledge of how this works as yet. Looks like another crash course coming up.

Cheers,

ozgal

[DruiD]

Ahh it all becomes clear for me. I couldnt understand how you were recording in S-Video, but i forgot to look for inputs on the front, thus competly missing the S-Video on.

Ignore me, once you layed it all out it was crystal clear. Strange they didnt put it on the back. Anyhows.. sounds to me like you have got it worked out as best as possible with the equipment and $$$ etc that you have.

I am facing the same issue with recording High Def. Its just not possible, for me I think I will have to fork out the extra $$$ for the Panasonic DMR-EX75, which can accept 2 x Scart Inputs for me to plug in and record from my standard Foxtel, and the bonus is it has an inbuilt Standard Def Tuner. Although Foxtel is also Standard def, I still think the Panasonic (and other SD boxes i have used) are better than foxtel SD. Again, my foxtel will (at best) record on the Panasonic at S-Video or A\V (yuck.), and I will get a recording from FTA direct from the inbuilt STB. I really wish i could hookup my existing Teac HD-STB, a bit like what you want to do with your Sony STB - but your correct again, there isnt a easily available system that you can record in HighDef - from another STB etc.

PVR's can do it at HighDef, they record to HDD - and unless its a custom "PC media centre" type PVR, you cannot plug in foxtel, another STB or any other device to record from and they also dont burn DVD's - we are both between a rock and a hardplace.

[ozgal]

I'm a little confused also, I was trying to track this down in JB (in Brissy) but couldnt. Out of stock or something.

In your first post, you said

But then in response to F111

To try and clear this up for my own benifit I downloaded the user manual instead, page 12 shows the back of the unit.

For those playing at home , Here is the PDF.. http://www.hitachi.com.au/Admin/uploads/Do...80fd21758fd.pdf

OzGal you said you believed the DVD recorder "recorded in S-Video". Unless i have it wrong, it doesnt look like it does due to these physical connections.

Eg. as per the picture in the user manual ..

OUTPUTS - Possible connection types going to TV or other recorders & displays

HDMI - OUT

Component - OUT

S-Video - OUT

A\V Video - OUT

A\V Audio -OUT

RF - OUT

INPUTS from the Sony STB or standard VCR, Camcorder etc

A\V 1 Video - IN

A\V 1 Audio - IN

AERIAL - IN

Note:- No other "IN" type (eg. S-Video IN, HDMI IN, Component IN etc) are listed.

That leads me to believe that you can only record from the Sony STB in A\V (or also called composite). The S-Video socket is not an "IN" socket, so it cannot accept a signal to record from etc. This is easily indentifiable by Red, Yellow and White (sometimes Red, Yellow and Black) cable like the ones that used to be on a normal VCR, plugged into the sockets marked AV 1 IN (Middle Top row of plugs on your unit). I am only quering this, because in another thread i am despartely searching for a HDD DVD Recorder that has COMPONENT (or S-Video as bare minmium) INPUT. I have a Hitachi Plasma and would be more than happy with a Hitachi HDD DVD-Recorder, if only it had the necessary Inputs.

Recording in HD is my struggling point as well, you simply cant record HD on any current Australian DVD Recorder. Other things such as PVR's can - but cant burn of disks etc. DVD Recorders can record the SD signal and if you get a decent one, can even input foxtel or other STB's (eg your Sony) if you have the correct connection type available on your DVD Recorder.

Yes, your direct HDMI cable connection from the Sony STB to the 70" will ensure you have awesome "Footy" pictures whilst watching it then and there. A recording of the same might not do so well if my theory is correct and its recording over A\V. Then again, some people arent as picky as others and you may not even notice. Its not broken or wrong if YOU cant tell the difference.

I

Hi Druid,

Thanks for all the information you have shared above. To clear up about the s-video in on the Hitachi. It is not on the back of the Hitachi unit. It is on the front of the unit, right hand side, under the pull down flap. When I purchaesd it from JB in Melbourne I explained I wanted something better than composite in, i.e. S-video, RGB or Component. JB guy looked at the rear and said he didn't think it had any of those. Then I asked about front of unit and we found the S-video in socket. When I showed this to my TV guy who was setting things up his only comment was that I'd have leads coming out the front of the unit (from the S-Video in and the two audio composite leads). I said I could live with that if it meant I could record in S-video rather than composite.

I will need to recharge my camera batteries first but I can take a photo of it for you and post here if you like.

I'd love to be able to help you achieve better than composite - I've heard some of the cheaper models have component in, but have also heard quality not good as cheap materials used.

Will post pics Thursday.

Cheers,

ozgal

[ozgal]

Hi Druid,

Okay, I just looked at the front panel of my Hitachi DVD Recorder. Inside the front pull down cover on the right hand botton side are the AV2 connections:

In my manual on page 10 they are numbered:

14. DV In. Connect the DV output of a digital camcorder.

15. INPUT 2 (S-Video In). Connect the S-Video output of an external source (TV/Monitor, VCR, Camcorder, etc).

16. INPUT 2 (Video In/Audio In (Left/Right). Connect the audio/video output of an external source (Audio system, TV/Monitor, VCR, Camcorder, etc.).

So, I'm hoping this is what you are looking for - No. 15 above, INPUT 2 (S-Video In). Connect the S-Video output of an external source (TV/Monitor, VCR, Camcorder, etc).

The way I'm reading it, this means it's an S-Video In connection, ready to accept s-video cables from other devices (TV/Monitor, VCR, Camcorder, etc). And that's the way I've got it hooked up to record from the IQ.

Here's something else that I found here at DTV and which I have used for my set up at the moment.

Use scart/component from IQ box to T.V. and use -s-video to s-video from IQ box to DVD-Recorder for transferring stuff from IQ hard drive onto DVD Recorder hard drive or blank dvd disc. Don't have to change the setting from YUV to s-video to use the s-video mini-din on IQ. Can then view and record without having to change settings.

The last bit about not having to change the YUV settings was something my TV guy thought was impossible. He said I would not be able to record from any of my devices if component was used to connect Foxtel to TV. I think he was pretty surprised there was a way around it by using the S-Video mini-din on IQ to S-video in on my Hitachi.

Hopefully, the above helps.

ozgal

[tomohawk]

Unfortunately the only way to transmit (and thus record) an HD signal is via Component, RGB or DVI/HDMI. No DVD-R will record HD. Really, I think your best bet if you really want to record HD is to get an HD PVR. Can you settle for recording SD?

In terms of getting FTA channels, maybe you could get a proper antenna installer out to test the signal and maybe put a signal amplifier or a new antenna on?

[tomohawk]

The last bit about not having to change the YUV settings was something my TV guy thought was impossible. He said I would not be able to record from any of my devices if component was used to connect Foxtel to TV. I think he was pretty surprised there was a way around it by using the S-Video mini-din on IQ to S-video in on my Hitachi.

Hopefully, the above helps.

ozgal

Yep, the installers aren't always the most clued up.

And ozgal, it sounds like you do have a better grasp on home theatre equipment than you say you do

[DruiD]

Use scart/component from IQ box to T.V. and use -s-video to s-video from IQ box to DVD-Recorder for transferring stuff from IQ hard drive onto DVD Recorder hard drive or blank dvd disc. Don't have to change the setting from YUV to s-video to use the s-video mini-din on IQ. Can then view and record without having to change settings.

Ahh ok I guess I see a difference on the IQ. Yes, I already use Scart --> Component for viewing pleasure. I want to record foxtel, but due to the way they have setup the foxtel box, it can connect a second scart plug, but if you want S-Video out of the RECORDING scart socket it also sets the VIEWING one to S-Video. If you want VIEWING component, your stuck with A\V on the RECORDING scart. Doesnt handle Component \ Svideo apparently. Your IQ box has independant S-Video output, therefore you can get away with Component viewing, S-Video Recording. Well done!

I found this out here http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=42367

And ozgal, it sounds like you do have a better grasp on home theatre equipment than you say you do

Agreed

I was so tired last night, i didnt even think about the front ports. LOL

[ozgal]

Unfortunately the only way to transmit (and thus record) an HD signal is via Component, RGB or DVI/HDMI. No DVD-R will record HD. Really, I think your best bet if you really want to record HD is to get an HD PVR. Can you settle for recording SD?

It remains to be seen as to whether we can settle for recording in SD. Mainly it will be for recording HD broadcast of footy. I take it we will not be happy and will want the HD quality. Another device!!!! (HD PVR - I'm pretty sure Peter mentioned a unit for about $200 from Strathfield a few threads back. I'll check this out.

Holey moley, looks like we win some/lose some. If I'm undertanding info above:

1. HD PVR will record in HD directly from the Sony HD Tuner, but has no facility for recordings to be burnt onto DVD or for other devices to be plugged in so they can record the content (what would be the point, though, because even if it could be done, the quality would at best only be SD as DVD Recorders can only record in SD). So the HD PVR is a device just for rewatching great quality recordings, with no ability to preserve these recordings.

2.DVD Recorder can record onto it's built in hard drive and blank DVDs but highest quality is only SD.

Like Druid said, we are stuck between a rock and a hard place.

3. To take the above further it sounds like the computer is the next component to be added into the mix so the best of both worlds can be had. (The mind boggles.....I have computers but in separate home office and have double brick throughout so cabling through walls and ceilings and stuff would be a messy affair).

Guys, this could turn out to be a full time job! Sheesh the measures we home entertainment enthusiasists will go to when on a budget!

I think from all of the above, my best bet is to leave things in place as they are and to maybe consider getting the HD PVR from Strathfield ($200???) and hook this up directly to the Sony HD Tuner for recording. Maybe later down the track I can learn how to offload from the HD PVR via computer (spose it just needs the CPU to be hooked up...which is not too big an ask if I only transfered content when HD PVR was full). Then I take it I would need to edit the material on my computer and burn to DVD.

In terms of getting FTA channels, maybe you could get a proper antenna installer out to test the signal and maybe put a signal amplifier or a new antenna on?

Yep, gotta get our antenna working for the HD channels. Any recommendations for good and knowledgeable antenna peope in Melbourne CBD? My T.V. guy suggested Mr Antenna and Hills Telefix as they have latest digital testing equipment.

It's certainly interesting comparing notes here - always lots more to learn.

Thanks also, tomahawk, for the compliment about me not being such a dunder bum, scatterbrain after all. Maybe I've actually managed to understand a bit of how this all works.

Cheers to all,

ozgal

[tomohawk]

Unfortunately getting an HD PVR for $200 seems impossible.... I would be surprised if you could get one cheaper than $600. The $200 would be an SD PVR.

The PVR will have its own built-in tuner rather than recording from the Sony one. As $600 is a lot of money, I would probably suggest you record SD for a while, and see how it goes, and buy the HD PVR in a few months (I don't know your financial position, but I know if it was me I couldn't justify another $600+ so quickly!).

A good quality SD transmission will look fine, the difference between SD and HD isn't always as huge as you may believe.

EDIT: If you look around, you will be able to get an HD PVR that will connect to your PVR and allow you to transfer your recordings to your PC for archive.

[st3v3]

Hi ozgal,

How is the picture quality when you upscale via HDMI compared with the standard pic at 567i or 567p ?

This is one of the cheapest upscaling DVDRs I've come across, but have never seen one in action...

Cheers

st3v3

[ozgal]

Hi ozgal,

How is the picture quality when you upscale via HDMI compared with the standard pic at 567i or 567p ?

This is one of the cheapest upscaling DVDRs I've come across, but have never seen one in action...

Cheers

st3v3

Hi St3v3,

Do you mean how do DVD's playback via the Hitachi unit? I have not actually watched one yet - in between the installer coming, running business and coming here to DTV...no time to actually sit back and chill out to a movie.

My sons will be back tomorrow so I'll get their opinion. I only have regular DVDs to play at the moment. We have not purchased any HD DVDs or Blu Rays yet as we only just got all the stuff installed.

If I've misunderstood your question can you let me know exactly what you'd like me to check.

Cheers,

ozgal

[ozgal]

Unfortunately getting an HD PVR for $200 seems impossible.... I would be surprised if you could get one cheaper than $600. The $200 would be an SD PVR.

The PVR will have its own built-in tuner rather than recording from the Sony one. As $600 is a lot of money, I would probably suggest you record SD for a while, and see how it goes, and buy the HD PVR in a few months (I don't know your financial position, but I know if it was me I couldn't justify another $600+ so quickly!).

A good quality SD transmission will look fine, the difference between SD and HD isn't always as huge as you may believe.

EDIT: If you look around, you will be able to get an HD PVR that will connect to your PVR and allow you to transfer your recordings to your PC for archive.

Hi again tomahawk,

Bummer about the cost of a HD PVR - looks like we will have to wait for this then. You are right on the money about not wanting (or having the funds) to spend another $600 at this time.

For now we will watch HD FTA and just have to record in SD quality through the Hitachi DVD Recorder, which is what we are equipped to do now.

If you look around, you will be able to get an HD PVR that will connect to your PVR and allow you to transfer your recordings to your PC for archive.

Do you mean I should be able to get a HD PVR that will connect to my computer (you say PVR above)? That's what I'd want to do to archive footy recordings in HD on the PC. I take it I would then keep them on a spare drive. If I then burnt them to DVD and played them via the PS3 would be watching HD quality? In theory I think it would be possible - what format would I be burning them to DVD? I usually burn movies and stuff as a data file (avi files and stuff). Is there software that can burn a DVD in HD format?

ozgal

[ozgal]

That leads me to believe that you can only record from the Sony STB in A\V (or also called composite). The S-Video socket is not an "IN" socket, so it cannot accept a signal to record from etc. This is easily indentifiable by Red, Yellow and White (sometimes Red, Yellow and Black) cable like the ones that used to be on a normal VCR, plugged into the sockets marked AV 1 IN (Middle Top row of plugs on your unit). I am only quering this, because in another thread i am despartely searching for a HDD DVD Recorder that has COMPONENT (or S-Video as bare minmium) INPUT. I have a Hitachi Plasma and would be more than happy with a Hitachi HDD DVD-Recorder, if only it had the necessary Inputs.

So, Druid, do you think the Hitachi DVD Recorder will do the job for you, as it has the S-video input? It sounds like a good match for your Hitachi Plasma, if it does.

BTW, do you have Foxtel IQ? You will need this I believe as it has the S-video output 4-pin din (as well as Scart VCR output, which you will not use in this case) so you can hook it up to the Hitachi DVD Recorder S-video In located on the front panel. This will allow you to view and record without changing the YUV settings (only in SD I know, but that's all the current Australian DVD Recorders can do).

I was pleasantly surprised to learn when I ordered the self-install IQ ($49.95) that one of the side benefits is that the cost of our second regular Digital Foxtel set-top box in bedroom would drop by $5 a month. As we have the Foxtel Platinum package, the IQ will cost $10.00 per month, but if you take into account that our second digital STB will cost $5.00 less per month, it's really only costing us $5.00.

Not sure if you have platinum or IQ but it has worked well for us with being able to use Component to TV and S-video out to DVD Recorder S-Video in. I'm not 100% sure but I don't think you can do this with the regular digital Foxtel STB.

Recording in HD is my struggling point as well, you simply cant record HD on any current Australian DVD Recorder.  Other things such as PVR's can - but cant burn of disks etc.  DVD Recorders can record the SD signal and if you get a decent one, can even input foxtel or other STB's (eg your Sony) if you have the correct connection type available on your DVD Recorder.

Yep, I'm in the same boat as you. Until (if) I add a HD PVR (around $600), will only be able to view HD FTA live and record same in SD quality using the Hitachi DVD Recorder. If I do get the HD PVR in the future I will want to make sure I can download the content from the HD PVR to my computer, and then burn to disc in HD quality. Not sure if this is possible, but sounds good in theory.

Hope the above helps, Druid. Looks like we can almost have it all if we have the $$$$. Of course, budget is always a consideration for me and will have to wait to add anything further to current set up.

Cheers,

ozgal

[DruiD]

In relation to the DVD-R, for her birthday my wife has done a 180. She wants a replacement TV (Standard Big screen CRT) for the bedroom and due to that cost, is willing to forgo the DVD-R out in the home theater room. We will simply get a VCR for her own recording in the bedroom with the new TV. I think I might be able to then convince her to upgrade Foxtel to Foxtel IQ in the home theater if she wants to record foxtel. She can record standard analog FTA on the new VCR and Bigscreen CRT TV in the bedroom (she realises she will be stuck in the room she records it in etc)

My Birthday is in July, by that time I might have some more $$ and I think I might be able to swing the new hitachi hdmi 2.0 tuner HD PVR (even connects to local network) so I think I would prefer that in the Home Theater. In terms of recording onto disk - well I dont think we need that functionaily in the home theater (recording to HDD - YES!!, to disk - not really - but we have it if necessary via the PC).

I also found out that if I went with the $800 inbuild SD tuner DVD-Recorder (Panasonic) or this Hitachi \ comparable Pioneer unit for $450, Foxtel would still only be recorded at best, s-video and if I got the cheaper hitachi\pioneer one - my STB FTA would also only be recorded at A\V or S-Video as all the DVD-Recorders, at bestm only have S-Video inputs.

The more expensive Panasonic will let me record at Standard Def, because the tuner is inbuilt - but If i connect my Teak (or Sony) STB to the any DVD-Recorders and not using the inbuilt Digital Tuners (on those that have it) its going via a S-Video signal downgrade. I tried this tonight as a test and really I wasnt happy with the PQ - better than the standard Hitachi\Pioneer inbuilt Analog Tuner on the $450 units, but woefull compared to the inbuilt Digital SD Tuner on the Panasonic. I guess i have been spoilt. Due to the fact that the DVD-recorders only connect at S-Video, I cant justify paying $500 - $900 for basically a VCR (ok, S-Video is slighly better) quality recorded Video \ Audio, just on DVD\HDD especailly as its not even SD, let alone HD. Either that or my SD quality outta my Teac HD STB is getting some kinda upscaling\processing when it goes through my AMP - cause a direct feed of S-Video is nothing less tha shocking (compared to SD signal via HDMI from my STB).

I think I will hold off spending the $450 now and get a HD PVR in a few months that will give me High Def recording and replay in the Home theater. I might not be able to record foxtel or FTA (unless the market brings out a PVR with inputs), but if its really a drama i can look at Foxtel IQ OR a (really cheap) DVD-Recorder than can record component\S-video for Foxtel and\or FTA. I cant see us keeping the Disks etc, i just think we really want more of a PVR type situation cause I dont think once we have watched something we will want to archive it off. Not big sport fans, if we want a TV\Movie series, I will buy the DVD's or transfer from the PVR and edit \ make a "series" DVD on the computer.

For the moment, it was about getting the best bang for the buck in terms of what she felt she wanted most for b\day. Turns out, bigger \ better TV and audio in the bedroom is what she wants most, recording quality is secondary and will most likely only be watched in bedroom on smaller TV, thus can use a VCR because TV isnt SD or HD and PQ therefore wont be an issue. I hear you cry "nooo get rid of the VCR and tapes". At the end of the day, she is thrilled cause we are updating the other TV and I am happy as she gets both things she wants (Recording & New TV - Woot!!) yet the VCR a cheap throw away piece of equipment that will gap fill until the market has something that meets my needs and I can save my money for that big (and expensive) purchase of a HD PVR (hopefully with inputs..) Something like this if all the bugs are sorted out .. http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=42879

[F111]

If I do get the HD PVR in the future I will want to make sure I can download the content from the HD PVR to my computer, and then burn to disc in HD quality. Not sure if this is possible, but sounds good in theory.

Cheers,

ozgal

Hi Ozgal,

Glad to see youve thought through the SD vs HD issue somewhat, which was my intention! You have explained things very well in your posts so I hereby grant you promotion from Noob to... "Enthusiast" !!!

OK, now the next thing is re-checking your 'NEEDS' again! Honest!

You say you want to burn to DVD disc in HD. Footy etc. Nup. Not yet. Its called HD DVD or Blu Ray.

So, question is will Foxtel footy burned to DVD look good enough? Personally I think not, but you need to get that checked out, as a first priority.

Second issue is it takes time to burn a DVD. about 10 mins plus editing time. Pain in the butt really. Then you have to label them, put them somewhere, find them when you want them, remembering what you've got, how old it is, etc. etc.

Thirdly, PCs! You should give this some thought as you have one you could upgrade. Hard Drive storage is dropping in price rapidly. Do you really need to burn 4.7GB discs to keep? How long do you really need to store footy games? Are you 'time shifting' until you (or someone!) get around to viewing, or are you a division of the national archives there? he he. Wireless link to the SXRD will avoid the cabling hassle - see the media player section or perhaps someone can suggest one which will transmit without dropping frames in HD.

I think as low as $160 will buy you about 750MB and save you All the editing time. Ads are quickly skipped during playback. And next year storage will be about half price of today, so Terrabites here we come!

Fourthly, downloading programs is a whole new world and fast becoming a reality. PC only! HD sport, Discovery, Movie channels its all going to be out there coming in at 24+ Mb/s broadband and beyond. (Usenet, Limewire, etc).

So, depending on a) your budget and b ) your patience, and c) your enthusiasm for the footy off DVD in low res fox played back on the best big TV on the market... yes its going to be a compromise there somehow for now.

In reality I have found burned discs get little use compared to the ease of watching Hard drive and PQ has a lot to do with it. Oh and your VHS tape will not see the light of day before long is my bet. Save them for your old CRT if you have one.

I have viewed Owen's (sony SXRD expert) PC connected to my SXRD viewing some amazingly sharp content all downloaded and I have to say thats the way to go. Additionally, regarding fox, there is some software Owen is using which does a great job at improving fox to almost DVD levels, which I think you might find is a must if your 70" is going to get the work out I think it is!

Yes its complex, there are all sorts of options, so I think getting some high definition hours under your belt will be a good idea for now. Maybe a $1000 might resolve it or if not stage it and (gasp) hang on with tapes for now or half this season and get the budget sorted and HD in place for the finals.

With your SXRD you really need to work towards feeding it only Hi Octane material!

[F111]

Due to the fact that the DVD-recorders only connect at S-Video, I cant justify paying $500 - $900 for basically a VCR (ok, S-Video is slighly better) quality recorded Video \ Audio (just on DVD\HDD), but its not SD thats for sure. Either that or my SD quality outta my Teac HD STB is getting some kinda upscaling\processing when it goes through my AMP - cause a direct feed of S-Video is nothing less tha shocking (compared to HDMI from my STB).

S Video is really not good enough for the SXRD at 70" that is for sure. It would be a waste.

I think I will hold off spending the $450 now and get a HD PVR in a few months that will give me High Def recording and replaying in the Home theater. I might not be able to record foxtel or FTA (unless the market brings out a PVR with inputs), but if its really a drama i can look at Foxtel IQ OR a (really cheap) DVD-Recorder than can record component\S-video for Foxtel and\or FTA.

For the moment,.... the VCR a cheap throw away piece of equipment that will gap fill until the market has something that meets my needs and I can save my money for that big (and expensive) purchase of a HD PVR (hopefully with inputs..)

Well thought out! Just as I posted. Work hard and save,

I always buy the best when budget allows and I waited for the SXRD and will be rewarded with thousands of viewing hours pleasure x 5 family members = a lot of total viewing pleaure. Little pixelly 42 & 50"plasmas dont cut it by comparison and it was worth the wait.

Budget wise, as we know spreading the cost over say 10 years, even a $10,000 total investment (maybe staged over a few years even) is cheap entertainment at $20 week for such a brilliant quality now completely achievable at home.

And how much is the house worth now buy the way???!!! Its not excessive, really. People dont know what they are missing

[DruiD]

Little pixelly 42 & 50"plasmas dont cut it by comparison and it was worth the wait.

Well my primary TV (daily viewer) is a smaller plama. Due to the house we are in now, our tv viewing area is about 3 m x 3m. 70" is a bit big for the daily viewing area.

The new house will have a very nice and bigger H.T Room with basically the best high-res \ HD projector or one of these type of TV's that money can buy and I can find.

I really havent looked into these SXRD 70" ones all that much but they do look pretty darn nice.

In another notice, I was able to get foxtel to do me a sweet deal on an IQ upgrade free (mail kit etc), digi-path included free (usually $49 extra), $10 extra per month for IQ, but i swung it on a 3 month trial etc for free as well.

[ozgal]

Hi there Druid,

In relation to the DVD-R, for her birthday my wife has done a 180.  She wants a replacement TV (Standard Big screen CRT) for the bedroom and due to that cost, is willing to forgo the DVD-R out in the home theater room. We will simply get a VCR for her own recording in the bedroom with the new TV.   I think I might be able to then convince her to upgrade Foxtel to Foxtel IQ in the home theater if she wants to record foxtel.  She can record standard analog FTA on the new VCR and Bigscreen CRT TV in the bedroom (she realises she will be stuck in the room she records it in etc)

Lucky wife! We females are known for changing our minds once or twice. LOL. Her setup sounds similar to mine - while my guys watch the 70" in the lounge this footy season I have gained the Sony WEGA 32" widescreen for the bedroom. I have my own foxtel box (not IQ in the bedroom though) and will also rig up the VCR to copy anything. I can always copy things from IQ in the lounge onto the Hitachi DVD-Recorder and burn to disc if I want to watch in bedroom (becaues I may not get an opportunity to watch in the lounge if footy is on a lot). Seems a good workaround so everyone is happy.

My Birthday is in July, by that time I might have some more $$ and I think I might be able to swing the new hitachi hdmi 2.0 tuner HD PVR (even connects to local network) so I think I would prefer that in the Home Theater.  In terms of recording onto disk - well I dont think we need that functionaily in the home theater (recording to HDD - YES!!, to disk  - not really - but we have it if necessary via the PC).

Sounds great - both you and your wife get to receive lovely birthday presents! I also see where you are coming from regarding the HD PVR - recording in HD for later viewing, just not recording to disc, which as you say, you can always store via PC if needed. Great idea and the HD PVR sounds the best way for you to go. I might have been a bit hasty in purchshing the Hitachi DVD Recorder myself, as it does look like the HD PVR option is the way to go, but I can always hook it up to my T.V. in the bedroom at a later time if this turns out to be the case and I get a HD PVR. Good to see you worked this out in the beginning and will save some $$.

The more expensive Panasonic will let me record at Standard Def, because the tuner is inbuilt - but If i connect my Teak (or Sony) STB to the any DVD-Recorders and not using the inbuilt Digital Tuners (on those that have it) its going via a S-Video signal downgrade.  I tried this tonight as a test and really I wasnt happy with the PQ - better than the standard Hitachi\Pioneer inbuilt Analog Tuner on the $450 units, but woefull compared to the inbuilt Digital SD Tuner on the Panasonic.	I guess i have been spoilt.   Due to the fact that the DVD-recorders only connect at S-Video, I cant justify paying $500 - $900 for basically a VCR (ok, S-Video is slighly better) quality recorded Video \ Audio, just on DVD\HDD especailly as its not even SD, let alone HD.  Either that or my SD quality outta my Teac HD STB is getting some kinda upscaling\processing when it goes through my AMP  - cause a direct feed of S-Video is nothing less tha shocking (compared to SD signal via HDMI from my STB).

Wise decision.

I think I will hold off spending the $450 now and get a HD PVR in a few months that will give me High Def recording and replay in the Home theater.  I might not be able to record foxtel or FTA (unless the market brings out a PVR with inputs), but if its really a drama i can look at Foxtel IQ  OR  a (really cheap) DVD-Recorder than can record component\S-video for Foxtel and\or FTA.  I cant see us keeping the Disks etc, i just think we really want more of a PVR type situation cause I dont think once we have watched something we will want to archive it off.  Not big sport fans, if we want a TV\Movie series, I will buy the DVD's or transfer from the PVR and edit \ make a "series" DVD on the computer.

Understand totally. Only reason I'd have discs in my place is husband likes to relive the "good moments". Those have been few and far between, though, with Carlton. But looks like the blue boys are making something of a comeback. BTW, I'm not a footy fan, just a follower by association - I sort of barrack for them on the side in allegiance to the men of the household. I mean, after 30 years of hearing the Carlton theme song and listening to live shows and replays while I do other things, how could I not!

For the moment, it was about getting the best bang for the buck in terms of what she felt she wanted most for b\day.  Turns out, bigger \ better TV and audio in the bedroom is what she wants most, recording quality is secondary and will most likely only be watched in bedroom on smaller TV, thus can use a VCR because TV isnt SD or HD and PQ therefore wont be an issue.  I hear you cry "nooo get rid of the VCR and tapes".  At the end of the day, she is thrilled cause we are updating the other TV and I am happy as she gets both things she wants (Recording & New TV - Woot!!)  yet the VCR a cheap throw away piece of equipment that will gap fill until the market has something that meets my needs and I can save my money for that big (and expensive) purchase of a HD PVR (hopefully with inputs..)  Something like this if all the bugs are sorted out ..

Ain't it grand when everyone is happy. Good for you Druid. Hope all goes to plan and you get your HD PVR soon and can sit back and enjoy it all.

Cheers,

ozgal