Mtv Recordable Dvd Player 160gb

[DR.ZOIDBERG]

Hey

Just wondering if anyone has picked up or knows anything about the MTV Recordable DVD Player 160GB thats in this weeks 24/4/07 - 29/4/07 Coles Catalogs.

In the Catalog it mentions it has the following features -

Record directly to DVD or Hard Drive

160GB Hard Drive

Built-In TV Tuner (I wonder how good this is)

Able to play Divx, MP3 & JPEG

On-Screen Display

Progressive Scan

Remote Control

Does not mention model number sorry

Would love to know if the Hard Drive is upgradeable to a bigger one, what ports does it have, is the firmware upgradeable, does it work well etc etc and if its a overall great machine.

Hope to hear some posts soon

Thanks in Advance

ZOIDBERG

[techo]

The latest HDD DVDR offered by Coles is the MTV mdr250, has 250gig HDD. The previous was 160gig, the MTV mdr5501, similar (with smaller HDD) to that offered by Aldi recently. I suggest you search these pages for threads on those models.

[techo]

I just saw the catalog you refer to, it is the MTV mdr5501. It uses LSI logic and the HDD is located in a caddy, accessible from under the unit. It is a standard 3.5” ATA IDE bus drive that you can upgrade to a larger size. Front IO is mini 1394 DV and USB A ports- strictly host of course. The rear IO - 5.1 CH audio out, Analog audio in/out, CoaX audio, compound in/out, S-video in/out, component in/out. Also the analog tuner in/out. (the Aldi unit is the same except HDD and SCART). It is firmware upgradeable via CD but doubt a suitable DMNXXXX.CUB will ever be written for it.

I have one, for several months, and find it an easy to use, competent unit the only real thing it tends to run a little hot, IMO. however this has not affected the performance or reliability, it gets used frequently. FYI - I also have Coles new model the MTV mdr250 and is a little gem, if you can track down one of those the extra $50 is well worth it.

[DR.ZOIDBERG]

So its a extra $50.00 making it just over $300 for the 250GB MTV one. Is that the only difference between the 2 models, the bigger HD and scart. Do they have a firmware plug for updates?

How is the TV Tuner, does it do a good job as I have seen some machines and their tuners are really bad.

[techo]

The MTV mdr250 is completely different to the MTV mdr5501. Whilst the MDR5501 uses LSI logic the mdr250 has MT logic. The new mdr250 has a more responsive IR remote and runs a lot cooler. Because it has different logic the user interface is also, some like it some do not, I think it is just different and like them both. The tuner in any analog DVDR is, IMO, a waist of time and I always DI a stb or pvr, usually via component if available. BTW the scart version, as I said, is not an MTV, it is/was sold by Aldi

[Guest thermionic]

I just looked at the latest HDD recorder offering from Coles whilst doing the shopping.

The model printed on the box is "MDR1000", other than that the box looks exactly the same as the MDR250 .

[techo]

The picture in the catalog looks like the mdr5501, my mdr250 and mdr5501 boxes are similar, red with white writing mostly but the mdr5501 is end opening with a plastic handle whilst the mdr250 is opened on the flat with no handle. I have not seen the mdr1000.

[Guest thermionic]

techo,

I think your right about the picture in the catalogue it looks very much like this http://home.exetel.com.au/billscomputers/m...ss_PS%20079.jpg .

But what I saw today on the box was a picture of something that looked very similar to the MDR250.

Now you have me thinking, did I read the model number right. Looks like another shopping trip, now what excuse can I give the missus ? We need another pack of chocolate biscuits, Tim Tams are on special this week

[techo]

HERE is a picture of the MTV mdr1000, HERE is the MTV mdr5501 and THIS is the sansui however it is identical to the MTV mdr250

[mddawson]

HERE is a picture of the MTV mdr1000, HERE is the MTV mdr5501 and THIS is the sansui however it is identical to the MTV mdr250

Techo, do you find that the MDR250 has banding scrolling across the screen from right to left? I returned the Sansui due to this as it was across all video outputs. It did not affect inputs or recordings.

[techo]

Techo, do you find that the MDR250 has banding scrolling across the screen from right to left? I returned the Sansui due to this as it was across all video outputs. It did not affect inputs or recordings.

Mark I haven't noticed anything in that way since I had it hooked up to a crt screen during initial testing, even then it was nothing like the banding experienced with the kross and certainly not as you describe. As soon as I moved it off the crt (it was sitting on top of it) it disappeared. I can only assume some setups may induce the issue, mine seems to be immune, thus far. I feel for you, since as I have repeatedly stated on this forum, I consider the mdr250 the best sub $300 HDD DVDR I have seen.

[DR.ZOIDBERG]

So going by what is said the best DVD & Hard Drive recorder to buy for $300 or under would be the MTV mdr250?? Does this have upgradeable firmware? is so where do you download it from. Also what other good brand DVD recorders w/ Hard drives that are not going to kill me wallet should I look at?

[mddawson]

Mark I haven't noticed anything in that way since I had it hooked up to a crt screen during initial testing, even then it was nothing like the banding experienced with the kross and certainly not as you describe. As soon as I moved it off the crt (it was sitting on top of it) it disappeared. I can only assume some setups may induce the issue, mine seems to be immune, thus far. I feel for you, since as I have repeatedly stated on this forum, I consider the mdr250 the best sub $300 HDD DVDR I have seen.

It is a shame that Coles get such limited stock. Since the 5501 is getting a second run they may offer the 250 again in the near future. If they do I will certainly get one as a Foxtel IQ alternative.

[techo]

So going by what is said the best DVD & Hard Drive recorder to buy for $300 or under would be the MTV mdr250?? Does this have upgradeable firmware? is so where do you download it from. Also what other good brand DVD recorders w/ Hard drives that are not going to kill me wallet should I look at?

Most DVD recorders do not have dedicated firmware upgrade ports, like RS232. However they are certainly upgradeable, via an upgrade file you would usually download from the net and burn to a suitable CD or copy to a flash drive. The issue is does the OEM/importer/distributor supply upgrades. With these cheaper models sold by large supermarket type chains rarely have I seen this, in fact only the old kross TS-5188DVDR, sold by woolies and wholesaled by the TinShed had downloadable firmware upgrades whilst woolies had them on their shelves. I have never seen firmware offered for any MTV DVDR, and frankly think it very unlikely in the future.

Don't get my wrong about the mdr5501 it is a fine machine, just not in the class of the mdr250 IMO. Even though I haven't physically seen an mdr1000 it looks to be a 160gig version of the mdr250, ether way at $269 I'd consider both pretty good buying.

[techo]

Coles in Goonellabah have the old MTV mdr5501 for the advertised $269, 1 left this afternoon. They also have 3 of the newer MTV mdr250's for $299 on the shelf.

[Guest thermionic]

Even though I haven't physically seen an mdr1000 it looks to be a 160gig version of the mdr250, ether way at $269 I'd consider both pretty good buying.

If that is the case and the MDR1000 uses the same video chip as the MDR250, it would be most likely you could do a straight swap of the HDD to upgrade to 250GB.

Inside the the MDR250 on the main video PCB there is a 4pin header, that is most likely the serial interface with the unit.

Quite frankly I don't know why one would want to do a firmware up grade on the unit, it does what it is supposed to do and without any problems.

Only problem I find is that the video chip runs a tad on the hot side.

[Joey76]

G'day all,

I went looking for another MDR250 about two weeks ago for my folks. Checked out the local Coles, and they had one out back apparently. However, it ended up being an MDR1000 (Hadn't seen it before, so was surised by it). Checked out the box and specs. Identical to the MDR250, in appearance and specs, except it had a 160gig HD. It scanned at $269, reduced from $299.

Also noted in the current Target Catelogue (April 26-2 May) that there is a Telefunken TD216 160gig hd DVDR. Yet again identical to the MDR1000 and MDR250 in appearance. Selling at Target on special at $349 (Price after offer $449).

MDR1000 at $269 is a good buy, MDR250 at $299 is a better buy.

[techo]

Also noted in the current Target Catelogue (April 26-2 May) that there is a Telefunken TD216 160gig hd DVDR. Yet again identical to the MDR1000 and MDR250 in appearance. Selling at Target on special at $349 (Price after offer $449).

MDR1000 at $269 is a good buy, MDR250 at $299 is a better buy.

Possible minor correction, the telejunken is probably TDR218, which would make sense because the OEM of the mdr250 could be Vtrek with model DR218B. Of course the MTV mdr5501 as pictured in this weeks Coles catalog has a different parentage.

[JamesB4500]

Picked up a MDR1000 today. After the TS-2080, it's so nice to have a unit with a remote that works reliably.

BTW, on page 8 of the manual there is a line drawing of the front panel and on the drawing can clearly be read the model designation DR218B, so I guess that settles the parentage question.

[non_tech]

Hey

Just wondering if anyone has picked up or knows anything about the MTV Recordable DVD Player 160GB thats in this weeks 24/4/07 - 29/4/07 Coles Catalogs.

In the Catalog it mentions it has the following features -

Record directly to DVD or Hard Drive

160GB Hard Drive

Built-In TV Tuner (I wonder how good this is)

Able to play Divx, MP3 & JPEG

On-Screen Display

Progressive Scan

Remote Control

Does not mention model number sorry

Would love to know if the Hard Drive is upgradeable to a bigger one, what ports does it have, is the firmware upgradeable, does it work well etc etc and if its a overall great machine.

Hope to hear some posts soon

Thanks in Advance

ZOIDBERG

Hi how u going? I just logged on n saw this n may you've already brought one but I have to say the MTV recorder is crap!!! I've had two of them n they both stuffed up within 2-3 months. Also heard of other faulty MTV products. Coles should be ashamed of themselves selling this junk.

All the best

nontech

[Digitall]

I just bought an MTV MDR1000 DVD-R (199 @ Coles) and I'm having a problem tuning in certain channels. Reception is via a common analogue system (body corporate c. late 80's) and includes a number of Austar channels.

With the DVD-R tuner I get channels 9, 10 & ABC with pretty good sound/picture quality. I don't seem to get any trace of 7 or SBS and none of the Austar channels. I tried manual tuning with the DVD-R but no luck.

The connection goes from the wall outlet to the DVD-R and through S-Video to the TV. A RF/coaxial lead also connects the DVD-R to the TV (so it's basically set up like a typical VCR) and I get all free to air and available Austar channels through the TV tuner this way.

I'd blame Austar but the signal is analogue and I also can't get 7 or SBS.

Any help or thoughts would be appreciated. (I'll phone the Prima support tomorrow too)

Cheers

BTW, why can't I start a new topic, do I need to reply a few times first or something?

[jpcam160581]

I would be interested to hear peoples opinouns on these units. The price and specs are impressive

[TNTTony]

I would be interested to hear peoples opinouns on these units. The price and specs are impressive

Hey jpcam. I got the MDR5501, which is the 160GB version. I have been using it for two weeks now and here are my impressions:

- The MTV brands are a good deal overall, taking into account the cost ($269 for my MDR5501 and $299 for the new MDR250)

- They do everything that I need them to do. The MDR5501 can not dub from dvd to hdd or from usb to hdd...however, at this stage I don't need this function.

- The MDR5501 remote control is a bit sluggish if standing more than 2 meters away.

- The MDR5501 will automatically load a DVD if you have a DVD in the tray. This means turning on the recorder for a quick record can be annoying. For instance, if I want to quickly record the news...I would have to turn on the recorder, wait 20 seconds for it to turn on, wait an extra 30 seconds for the DVD to load before I can hit the record button.

- It has an annoying timer record icon on the screen if you have time record scheduled

- The timer record schedule does not show you the title, which is annoying if you want to quickly see what you are planning to record.

There are other small annoyances...but overall the recorder is good and does what it suppose to do.

Also the MDR5501 is a bit hot...but it has not impacted on the machine.

[techo]

I would be interested to hear peoples opinouns on these units. The price and specs are impressive

The MTV250 and MTV1000 have the same parentage (essentially identical ex HDD size), whilst the MTV5501 is different. May I suggest you find the threads of the 250 for good information related to the former and for the 5501 find those threads.

[crowsss]

I am considering purchasing a mtv mdr1000 but have a couple of question that techo I am sure can answer

apparently the unit gets hot and I am wondering if fitting a fan in similiar fashion to techo's mods to the kross would be a usefull modification

is the dvd unit interchange-able with computer dvd units if the original has issues down the track

do you recommend the mtv above the kross or a wintal mx-10

also I have a humax pvr which has a next to useless usb port speed wise

there is a mod which fixes this and I wonder if it can be done to the mtv to enable rapid downloads from the hdd to a pc

this is what they do

the hdd and the motherboard (fi=or the want of a better description) are joined by a ribbon cable as is in a computer

they replace this with a ribbon cable with the same connecters on one end and in the middle but on the other end the put the male version of tose connecters

the original connecters attach to the hard drive and the motherboard and the new connecter (which is the same configeration as a hard drives connecters ) is plugged into an IDE to usb converter

thus when the unit is in stand by the hard drive should still have power (it does in the humax) and when the usb lead is plugged into the pc the software supplied with the usb converter recognises the hard drive as an external drive and so transfering of stored filers is quicly transfered to to pc and can be burnt with the pc dvd burner

hope to hear a response