Budget Dvd Hdd Recorders - Hicon, Conia And Others

[TNTTony]

Hi Guys,

Posted this in another thread but now that I know how to start my own topic...I decided to post it here.

Cheers

Tony

-------------

Hi Guys,

I am new to DVD HDD Recorders and we are thinking of buying one to replace the VCR. I don't know much about them but I know I am on a budget and I don't really want all the fancy features. The most important features are:

1. Must have atleast 80GB HDD

2. Must be able to burn to DVD RW

3. Can edit recorded programs ie. specifically able to cut out segments eg adds.

So after some searching, I found this one at DSE:

http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefro...duct/View/G2066

Hicon HDR2500 - 250GB Hard Drive

After some search it seems that Hicon, Conia is from the one manufacturer: Pebbles Electronics

http://www.pebble-ltd.com.au/products_list...ry=Dvd_recorhdd

Interestingly, their website above does not specifically have the HICON 250GB but a rather "generic" 250GB recorder.

I was wondering have anyone used Hicon. I know it is a no-name brand model and is a cheap one. One post that I read on this forum states that it tends to overheat? Is a Conia and Hicon recorder the same?

My family and I tend to record 5 to 10 hours of shows a week and then we delete them. We do want a HDD though.

Your thoughts is very much appreciated.

EDIT - I know that a PVR would probably be better...but I want the option of burning things to DVD. So that is why I actually want a DVD HDD Recorder.

At the end of the day I just want a good quality DVR for under $350. I have read some stuff on Conia but not much on Hicon.

[DruiD]

1. Must have atleast 80GB HDD

2. Must be able to burn to DVD RW

3. Can edit recorded programs ie. specifically able to cut out segments eg adds.

EDIT - I know that a PVR would probably be better...but I want the option of burning things to DVD. So that is why I actually want a DVD HDD Recorder.

At the end of the day I just want a good quality DVR for under $350. I have read some stuff on Conia but not much on Hicon.

Ok so another question, Is this simply a TV\VCR situation or have you hooked it up in a Home Theather style. I assume when you ave you have been "recording 5/10 hrs per week" on the VCR you mentioned earlier and along the same lines, you arent worried about a Digital Standard Def \ High Def Signal?

To be clear the cheap ones have the same type of normal or analog "tuners" found in VCR's and standard TV's etc. Eg. Although the unit itself might be "Good Quality" as you put it, its doubtful that it would improve your picture by much if any. I am also looking at upgrade to a DVD-HDD recorder, but want a few more abilities out of it and noticed once you want DIGITAL tuners, price jumps by a few hundred $$$.

[TNTTony]

Thanks Druid. I don't want any high def. Just standard analogue is fine.

I have heard that the hicon, conia, mtv etc have hard to read manuals and hard to operate.

Is it possible to get a dvd hdd recorder for under $350?

[NaughtyNanna]

Thanks Druid. I don't want any high def. Just standard analogue is fine.

I have heard that the hicon, conia, mtv etc have hard to read manuals and hard to operate.

Is it possible to get a dvd hdd recorder for under $350?

Hi Tony

I recently purchased this Wintal DVDR for $280 on Ebay. http://wintal.com.au/dvd_players/10308087.html

It certainly does everything it is supposed to, plus I was also able to play an .avi file off a USB stick which isn't mentioned in the specs (only mentions jpeg and mp3 files). The manual is not too bad - have definitely seen worse. My reason for purchasing was to replace VCR and it definitely does that. Because my main source of recording is a Toppy, I did find some of it's limitations a little annoying - limited to 10 or 12 characters when naming files, unable to create directories on the HDD. However these are things that aren't available on VCRs anyway, so you wouldn't miss them. The only other thing it doesn't do that I would have liked is the ability to dub from DVD to HDD. However, apparently there is soon to be released a 250gb model which does all of the above. Isn't that always the way, as soon as you buy something, a better model comes along! No mention on the website on what the RPP will be though.

Anyway, getting back to the 160gb, so far I have mainly used it to transfer a lot of VCR tapes onto the HDD, and also transfer home movies from Video camera tapes. This was done easily and successfully. Next job is to find the time to edit and then dub to DVD! I have set up a couple of timers for times when the 2 tuners on the Toppy were not enough! These fired and recorded successfully. About the only thing I haven't tried yet is editing using "segments". I have split 1 recording into 2 however, and that was a very simple operation.

So, all in all I am pretty happy with it. Also, it has a three year warranty. For the purposes I needed it, I certainly wasn't willing to spend more on a high end brand.

If you have any more questions about this unit, feel free to ask and I'll help if I can.

Regards

Jan

PS

You should also have a read of the thread about the Coles MTV 160gb DVDR. It also seems to have very favourable reports and is around the same price.

[Rosco122]

i bought a conia 160gb HDD just before the world cup from ebay.

Have had no problems and always recorded what i wanted.

Also the hard drive is replaced with a PC hard drive so could

upgrade. I bought for $339. Now you can get 250gb for same price.

Quite easy to use, even my wife can record and playback things.

Burning to disc is quite easy as is deleting adds etc.

It does its job fine, but im finding now i want to record in HD and

im waiting for a HD dvd recorder with Hdmi output and HD tuner!

[TNTTony]

Thank you so much guys! Please keep them coming.

Its great to hear opinions and reviews from the "cheaper" brands.

[techo]

This is without dought the best sub $300 HDD DVDR I have used

[macka6236]

Hi I bought a Conia mr2501hd from Perth for $299 and it has been very good it will split segment etc and then copy to DVD -/+R/RW

No problems with it but have only had it for 3 months

Graham

Hi Guys,

Posted this in another thread but now that I know how to start my own topic...I decided to post it here.

Cheers

Tony

-------------

Hi Guys,

I am new to DVD HDD Recorders and we are thinking of buying one to replace the VCR. I don't know much about them but I know I am on a budget and I don't really want all the fancy features. The most important features are:

1. Must have atleast 80GB HDD

2. Must be able to burn to DVD RW

3. Can edit recorded programs ie. specifically able to cut out segments eg adds.

So after some searching, I found this one at DSE:

http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefro...duct/View/G2066

Hicon HDR2500 - 250GB Hard Drive

After some search it seems that Hicon, Conia is from the one manufacturer: Pebbles Electronics

http://www.pebble-ltd.com.au/products_list...ry=Dvd_recorhdd

Interestingly, their website above does not specifically have the HICON 250GB but a rather "generic" 250GB recorder.

I was wondering have anyone used Hicon. I know it is a no-name brand model and is a cheap one. One post that I read on this forum states that it tends to overheat? Is a Conia and Hicon recorder the same?

My family and I tend to record 5 to 10 hours of shows a week and then we delete them. We do want a HDD though.

Your thoughts is very much appreciated.

EDIT - I know that a PVR would probably be better...but I want the option of burning things to DVD. So that is why I actually want a DVD HDD Recorder.

At the end of the day I just want a good quality DVR for under $350. I have read some stuff on Conia but not much on Hicon.

[Guest My dog is bob]

Hi all, great forum, hoping for help. We just bought a $299 conia MR2501HD from Dickies. Has a few probs, eg resetting the time after power off and freezing, pic quality bit shimmery, but nonetheless better than my vcr

Anyhow, my main question is, I have about 20 or so of my 3yo son's dvd's backed up on PC. Is there a way to plop them onto my Conia's HDD so I can just play them from the unit? I bought it and foolishly assumed i would be able to do that via the USB port, but now I'm not so sure. Maybe I could take the HDD out and plug it into my pc mother board. Any ideas??

Cheers

Pete

Hi Tony

I recently purchased this Wintal DVDR for $280 on Ebay. http://wintal.com.au/dvd_players/10308087.html

It certainly does everything it is supposed to, plus I was also able to play an .avi file off a USB stick which isn't mentioned in the specs (only mentions jpeg and mp3 files). The manual is not too bad - have definitely seen worse. My reason for purchasing was to replace VCR and it definitely does that. Because my main source of recording is a Toppy, I did find some of it's limitations a little annoying - limited to 10 or 12 characters when naming files, unable to create directories on the HDD. However these are things that aren't available on VCRs anyway, so you wouldn't miss them. The only other thing it doesn't do that I would have liked is the ability to dub from DVD to HDD. However, apparently there is soon to be released a 250gb model which does all of the above. Isn't that always the way, as soon as you buy something, a better model comes along! No mention on the website on what the RPP will be though.

Anyway, getting back to the 160gb, so far I have mainly used it to transfer a lot of VCR tapes onto the HDD, and also transfer home movies from Video camera tapes. This was done easily and successfully. Next job is to find the time to edit and then dub to DVD! I have set up a couple of timers for times when the 2 tuners on the Toppy were not enough! These fired and recorded successfully. About the only thing I haven't tried yet is editing using "segments". I have split 1 recording into 2 however, and that was a very simple operation.

So, all in all I am pretty happy with it. Also, it has a three year warranty. For the purposes I needed it, I certainly wasn't willing to spend more on a high end brand.

If you have any more questions about this unit, feel free to ask and I'll help if I can.

Regards

Jan

PS

You should also have a read of the thread about the Coles MTV 160gb DVDR. It also seems to have very favourable reports and is around the same price.

Edited June 20, 2007 by My dog is bob

[bigwatts]

Good thread - but i was also wanting to know if there are any good "budget" models that do a guide ?

[justalf]

If it helps, I picked up a Highlander PVR-6000 from Strathfield in Perth. By comparing manuals it seems the same as the Wintal dvdrx250. It only has an analogue tuner built in but its on the money.

Here's the link http://wintal.com.au/dvd_players/10308250.html

If anyone has any info on highlander as a company let me know.

ja

Edited July 20, 2007 by justalf

[Wraith01]

Thank you so much guys! Please keep them coming.

Its great to hear opinions and reviews from the "cheaper" brands.

For features as quoted and for cheap prices check out;

For DVD recorder with inbuilt HHD and if after something cheap check out;

http://www.oo.com.au/DVD_Recorder_C445.cfm for

Tedelex DVD Recorder with 250GB Hard Drive and Built-in TV Tuner $299.95 + delivery or

Sansui DVD Player / Recorder with HDMI and 160GB Hard Drive and Built-in TV Tuner $299.95 + delivery

OR

http://www.topbuy.com.au/detail.htm?Produc...DOMNI%2DDHR2681 for

OMNI DHR2681 250G DVD Recorder with 250GB hard drive Dual Format

check out features from websites and no region coding. (Sansui with HDMI out)

[jokiin]

If anyone has any info on highlander as a company let me know.

http://www.lbau.com.au/

[Colin 2905]

FWIW, COTD are flogging the Conia MR2501HD's for about $230 + $13 freight today.

[NguyenHuy]

Hi guys, MR2501HD does it have a Digital tuner or an Analogue one? Thanks very much

[Colin 2905]

MR2501HD does it have a Digital tuner or an Analogue one?

The cheapest HDD+DVD recorder with an SD tuner that I'm aware of is the DG-TEC 160 that DSE are selling for $349. At this point in time, anything less that that is going to be analogue.

Another way of looking at it is that a digital tuner is a selling point, so anything that has one is going to mention it.

[NguyenHuy]

Thanks very much. Analogue is exactly what I am looking for.

[CVonV]

yeah the MR2501HD is only analogue

[Colin 2905]

Analogue is exactly what I am looking for.

AFAIK, all the HDD+DVD recorders with digital tuners still include an analogue tuner. (Some companies then have the hide to call them "twin tuners"...... analogue and digital. )

[NguyenHuy]

I got a DSE twintuner PVR from tandy a month ago and it works pretty well so Im settle with the digital world.

This unit is for my dad who unfortunately does not have access to Digital TV. Should make him happy after his VCR gone whoohooo

[mddawson]

For features as quoted and for cheap prices check out;

For DVD recorder with inbuilt HHD and if after something cheap check out;

http://www.oo.com.au/DVD_Recorder_C445.cfm for

Tedelex DVD Recorder with 250GB Hard Drive and Built-in TV Tuner $299.95 + delivery or

Sansui DVD Player / Recorder with HDMI and 160GB Hard Drive and Built-in TV Tuner $299.95 + delivery

OR

http://www.topbuy.com.au/detail.htm?Produc...DOMNI%2DDHR2681 for

OMNI DHR2681 250G DVD Recorder with 250GB hard drive Dual Format

check out features from websites and no region coding. (Sansui with HDMI out)

I have the Tedelex and it is a well sorted machine. I have been using it to timeshift Foxtel for the past few months and had no lock ups or any other reason to disconnect the power to it. Unlike all the others it has battery backup on the clock. I cannot comment on its tuner as I have never used it. It records to + & - media and is also +DL compatible.

Negative points: Needs good quality cables, some picture interference is noticeable with cheap cables. Menus look bland on other DVD players. Cannot record from timeshift.

As Techo has said, for the price this recorder is the best of the bunch.

If you are worried about oo.com.au, the first Tedelex I got had a fault (colour saturation on video inputs was cut by 50%). I had no problems getting a replacement which did not suffer from the problem. I also picked up a dirt cheap digital camera there last week Vivitar 8.1mp with 6X zoom for $200!

[mddawson]

I just read in the latest Kmart cat that they will be selling a 160gig Sansui DVD/HDD recorder for $299 (normally $399). This is an identical machine to the Tedelex except the Tedelex has a 250gig HDD for the same money.

[Tassie Devil]

If anyone is looking for a good inexpensive SD PVR I have a Wintal 10XA surplus to needs. I had only thought it capable of s-video out before (and that was fine in the system here) but posters here have alerted me to its RGB capacity. However that is probably not a great attraction to most as it would need an RGB -> component converter in most systems. Not sure I'd bother with that anyway as s-video from it is fine.

Anyone interested drop me a note with an offer. I had put it into another system for my wife but is not being used so it might as well go to an appreciative home. By no means a perfect PVR, but excellent for its price.

John

[mddawson]

If anyone is looking for a good inexpensive SD PVR I have a Wintal 10XA surplus to needs. I had only thought it capable of s-video out before (and that was fine in the system here) but posters here have alerted me to its RGB capacity. However that is probably not a great attraction to most as it would need an RGB -> component converter in most systems. Not sure I'd bother with that anyway as s-video from it is fine.

Anyone interested drop me a note with an offer. I had put it into another system for my wife but is not being used so it might as well go to an appreciative home. By no means a perfect PVR, but excellent for its price.

John

The Wintal is not a DVD recorder - Thread: Budget Dvd Hdd Recorders - Hicon, Conia And Others, Is it possible to find a cheap good quality DVR

Edited October 12, 2007 by mddawson

[Tassie Devil]

The Wintal is not a DVD recorder.

Gee, thanks for that. Explains why there was no slot for the DVD

John