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» Panasonic DMR-HS2 DVD Recorder

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DMR-HS2 one first DVD recorders feature a built in hard disc drive a home recording playback dream in one box: Specifications Plays pre-recorded DVD's & CD's Records DVD-RAM & DVD-R Video Blank Media discs play in most existing DVD players (DVD-R only) Uses VBR (Variable Bit Rate) Technology maintain high picture quality Firewire (i-link) DV input Videoplus+ Playback programs recorded DVD-RAM HDD recording another program DVD-RAM HDD Internal 40GB HD time shifting High speed transfer (22 Mbps) HDD DVD-RAM When transferring 1x speed HDD DVD-RAM DVD-R formats can re-encoded eg XP mode > EP mode) Allows non-linear editing transfer DVD-RAM DVD-RAM HDD Playback recording even high bit rates (HDD DVD-RAM) Uses single layer 4.7GB DVD-R (once only) system DVD-RAM 4.7Gb systems Records in real-time MPEGII compression-Up 6 hours per DVD-RAM disc Quick recording function automatically finds blank part disc Variable Data rate variable resolution settings Disc navigation thumbnail chapter view PCMCIA PC Card upgrade slot (SD Card reader JPEG still transfers one possibilities) Built-in time base corrector delivers highly stable natural images Front A/V input Full RGB in out Flexible recording mode allows manually a time recording player best possible bit rate time say 1 hour 15 minutes fill a disc Can record playback NTSC PAL Well I liked specification now I hands lets see lives up my expectations recorder sleeker E-20 a silver grey finish case front panel being professional mirror finished plastic. accessories come are: Remote Control & batteries Comprehensive Manual 3 x Phono 3 x Phono AV lead Coax plug Socket lead Mains lead moulded 13 amp plug 120min DVD-RAM Disc in cartridge 120min DVD-RAM Disc without cartridge Disc cleaning cloth Regrettably there was SCART lead SVHS lead The Front Panel PC card slot appropriate adapter can read JPEG images various digital camera memory cards Disc tray accept DVD disc without a cartridge concealed behind a mirror finish drop down flap tray deep E-20 robust Main Buttons Eject Stop Pause Play Navigation & Enter Secondary Buttons Channel Up/Down Record Functions Time Slip & Return Under Disc tray two buttons select HDD DVD playback record Under PC Card slot power button below a drop down flap reveal front inputs the E-20 :- SVHS Composite Video Phono Stereo Audio 2x Phono DV input. right hand drop down flap reveals Chapter Skip/Fast Search buttons Record Mode Ext Link Timer Record buttons The Rear Panel Scart Socket 1 Input:- Composite Video + Stereo Audio Output:- Composite Video/S-Video/RGB + Stereo Audio selectable setup menu Scart Socket 2 Input:- Composite Video/S-Video/RGB + Stereo Stereo Audio selectable setup menu Output:- Composite Video + Stereo Audio There full Composite SVHS & Stereo Audio Phono Inputs Outputs. Coaxial aerial input RF loop power input plug connecting Up Unit I connected Scart 2 RGB INPUT a SCART switch box switch my SKY digi box & DVD player outputs RGB. I consider best possible quality recording. inclusion RGB input a quality recording. I connected Scart 1 output my TV Scart input I connected my aerial input loop my video input daisy chain RF loop includes selectable RF modulated output can selected any spare channel full channel range 21 68 so easy find one does cause interference. output channel selection accessed pressing FUNCTION button 5 seconds output can also disabled required. SVHS Stereo Audio connected SVHS & Audio inputs my SVHS Video recorder Using Recorder There FIVE recording modes corresponding time quality inversely XP approx 1 hour recording a DVD best possible quality SP approx 2 hours ideal movies under 2 hours a par better SVHS LP approx 4 hours ideal long movies fitting 2 movies up 4 hours onto DVD quality similar SVHS EP approx 6 hours only a skinflint quality comparable VHS there playback compatibility problems a lot DVD players due low bitrate recordings. I personally use it ideal backing up VCD movies resultant DVD play particular DVD player. FR Flexible recording mode. adjusts recording quality fit space available disc. example total time recording 2 1/2 hours adjust recording bit rate just under SP quality full DVD 150 minutes. FR mode was available DMR-E20 only in Timer Recording mode recorder functions DMR-E20 I already reviewed so I concentrate additional features. Recording hard drive gives up 52 hours 40gig drive hard drive cannot replaced anything larger because software only recognizes 40 gig. Recording off air signals gives in EP mode adequate quality general viewing soaps ideal don't want miss an episode whilst holiday. recording movies save I recommend XP mode give up 8 1/2 hours recording onto hard drive best possible quality transferring DVD-R disc in FR mode. I find dubbing 2 movies up 4 hours total onto one DVD gives very good quality playback a 27" TV. Recording Movies TV My terrestrial TV signals very poor quality due my location local terrain so I output my Sky Digi box a signal source. my tests I connected my Sky Digi Box RGB output RGB SCART 2 input recorder. I recorded movies ITV Channel 5 out Digi Box check how easy was edit out commercials. Recording was started before movie began stopped movie finished. Playing back movie hard drive was good original signal. Editing film can done two ways creating a play list movie & omitting commercials deleting parts required partial erase option I chose partial erase check accuracy. Playback starts beginning recording selecting reverse play button sends play reverse speed being dependant how times pressed reaching start recording playback goes playback pause mode pressing enter button selects start cut point playback starts again. playback can searched end cut point when pause selected FF FR buttons can move scene various slow motion speeds until exact point required then press enter button selected segment correct removal press enter button again NEXT option where option delete section not. playback recommence cut point just search up next cut point (the commercials) repeat until just desired film. method editing frees up unwanted hard drive space disadvantage wanted footage deleted cannot recovered whereas a play list nothing deleted just omitted final play.. method creating a play list partial erase selecting scenes required instead ones erase. play list can any footage hard drive in any order thus making ideal editing camcorder footage a final production. final film played back showed cuts a slight pause a fraction a second edit points was only slight did distract viewing cut points seem accurate 5 less frames frame time code shown edit menu can only selected shuffling playback back & forth until desires cut points visible in preview window. Recording Backup Movies DVD record a movie another DVD backup purposes needed a DVD player macro disabled my Tatung ideal this. Tatung connected via SCART lead RGB output enabled (this initially gave problems was sorted out see below). movie could easily recorded DVD-R DVD-RAM HARD DRIVE. I preferred record hard drive in XP mode edit recording before dubbing DVD-R disc in FR mode. A separate recording 5 minutes was recorded HARD DRIVE a dummy padding movie when transferred final DVD-R disc. 5 minutes when dubbing in FR mode sure edge disc (which most prone write errors) playback film Dubbing Movies Dubbing done hard drive selected there an appropriate disc in DVD tray select HD DVD dubbing select the film play list sequence adding 5 minutes dummy recording end sequence. Selecting FR flexible recording record onto DVD whole capacity full length recording. Selecting dubbing comes up option record desired record mode recording continues real time part in separate recordings DVD selections titled titles also transferred over DVD. Dubbing a Play List creates just one continuous recording. When dubbing finished DVD-R can titled finalised. Before finalising dummy transfer can deleted required so outer edge DVD-R used. Finalising DVD-R creates a menu contents DVD-R there a selection a variety 9 different menu patterns choose much pleasant DMR_E20 menus once finalised disc can longer recorded can then played back in most stand alone DVD players PC DVD-ROM drives I only one DVD player play back Panasonic Philips recordings APEX 1100WB ASDA. Once dubbed video checked up spec original recording can deleted hard drive. Recordings to hard drive can equally recorded DVD-R DVD-RAM disc DMR-E20 without flexibility hard drive. Dubbing cannot done DVD-R HARD DRIVE only HARD DRIVE DVD-R dubbing HARD DRIVE DVD-RAM can done in direction record mode transfer then high speed dubbing possible transfer a full disc 4.7 gig in 1/2 hour Time Slip enables watching earlier recordings HARD DRIVE DVD-RAM disc whilst still recording available HARD DRIVE DVD-RAM recording whilst recording direct DVD-R discs RGB Limitations I when connected DVD players RGB output image screen was magenta in colour lacking green initially suspected SCART lead connecting direct my TV proved me wrong. investigation I discovered green component had sync pulses combined standard RGB sync signal outputted composite video out pin. reason difference players RGB output doubled up COMPONENT VIDEO output enabling projection TV's like. I built a diode resistance filter SCART lead remove unwanted sync pulse RGB was then recording players An annoying thing output recorder was when viewing output signals whilst monitoring input there a noticeable delay audio video giving lip-sync delay playback recorded video synchronized JPEG Function An feature unit ability read JPEG images a Type 2 PC Card can read JPEG images resolution 320 x 240 up 6144 x 4096 can handle a maximum 3000 files in a maximum 300 folders adequate enough most contents PC card can viewed individually a slide show 1 30 second intervals can transferred hard drive DVD-RAM future viewing editing. Copying JPEG images DVD- R possible. I access a PC card so I am unable try out functions. I unit compatible media DMR-E20 still fussy lower grade medias Media Records Plays Traxdata Yes Yes Datasafe (Ritek) Yes Yes Bulkpaq (Purple) 90% good Yes DVD-RW (any) Bulkpaq Gen 4 (Green) Yes E-Performance Yes Yes Datasafe Classic Yes Datasafe Budget Yellow Yes VCD Yes SVCD Yes CD Audio Yes DVD-R 12 cm Yes Yes DVD-RAM 8cm Yes Yes DVD-RAM 12cm Yes Yes Thanks Flash review - any questions email Flash

» Sony DRU500 : Reviewed DJsmiley

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DVD recording gradually catching consumers confusion over two leading formats DVD+RW DVD-RW hampered sales.Analysts say potential buyers don't want buy an expensive device--often costing upwards $500--that could soon a market also-ran. Sony's solution simple: consumer electronics giant sell an internal an external PC drive reads writes DVD+RW/+R DVD-RW/-R discs. Now drive available... time tested. specifications drive Source Sony.Com * 2.4X max. DVD+R Write; 2.4X max. DVD+RW Write; 4X max. DVD-R Write; 2X max. DVD-RW Write; 8X max. DVD-ROM Read 4X 12X 16X 24Xmax. CD-R Write; 4X 10X max. CD-RW Write 32X max. CD-ROM Read Random Access Time: DVD: 200ms CD: 160ms * Buffer Memory: 8MB * Buffer Underrun Protection Technology * Supported disc format: DVD-ROM DVD R DVD RW DVD-R DVD-RW CD-DA CD-ROM (XA) Video CD Photo CD (multi-session) CD Text CD Extra others. * Software Contents: Veritas RecordNow: Recording Software Vertias DLA: Packet Writing Software Sonic MyDVD: DVD Authoring Software Cyberlink PowerDVD: DVD-Video Playing software Vertias Simple Back-Up: Back-Up Disaster recovery software MusicMatch Jukebox: Play Record Organize personal music. * System Requirements: Pentium III 400 Mhz (MyDVD: Pentium III 700 Mhz) faster PC recommended. Windows 98 Second Edition Windows 2000 Professional Windows Millennium Edition Windows XP Home Professional 64 MB RAM (MyDVD: 128 MB) 1 GB (MyDVD: 5 GB) free HDD space recommended. how drive really Does perform promised Does write any media Does read discs well We see in review Sony done __________________________ Sony DRU-500A - drive __________________________ I just received drive (finally)The drive comes in a retail box. box includes drive (duh!) an Sony DVD+RW disc (4.7Gb) paperwork (Quickstart guide drive software a user guide drive information specific OS versions / DVD media warranty information.) Also included an IDE flatcable software. software comes 2 discs supporting languages: English French Italian German Spanish Dutch second disc: Simplified Chinese Traditional Chinese Swedish Portuguese Korean Japanese. I couldn't find any mouning screws...... me a problem i maybe i'm just unlucky usally drive i don't know. front drive there off course symbols standards drive can write: DVD R/RW Compact Disc Rewritable (high-speed) a DVD+RW logo. There only 1 button drive: Eject. A very light push enough eject tray.There 1 led front an emergency hole. (to open tray hand). headphones volume whatever just plain basic. back drive connectors: a power supply connector an IDE connector usual master/slave jumpers a digital output an analog audio-out. Nothing new just any drive. recorder does any specific cooling. (no fans Pioneer A04 example) inside drive looks also just simple any drive ;) (I couldn't resist open case ;) _________________________ Sony DRU-500A - Software _________________________ drive comes Recording software tools. software bundled retail version recorder supports multiple languages: English French Italian German Spanish Dutch second disc: Simplified Chinese Traditional Chinese Swedish Portuguese Korean Japanese. include Veritas Record Now Veritas DLA Veritas Simple Backup MusicMatch Jukebox Sonic MyDVD Cyberlink PowerDVD. Also contains disc software manual user guide in HTML format. Online manuals guides also in multiple languages. VERITAS RecordNow RecordNow main CD/DVD mastering program included DRU-500A. Along ability backup copies CD's DVD's program allows user starting creating own custom discs minutes thanks easy follow wizards.The version included program 4.50 Sony allow users download a free upgrade RecordNow DX sometime in November. VERITAS Simple Backup Simple Backup a fast easy way backup computer. interface allows backup restore entire system thanks easy follow wizards. full system backup protects computer's data registry click a button. don't need backup everything can manually select files folders want protect custom backup. Simple Backup also offers advanced backup features compression spanning. built in compression option can fit up 1.2GB data onto a CD. Arcsoft ShowBiz video editing duties Sony included Showbiz Arcsoft. ShowBiz allows drag drop video footage directly onto editing timeline. here can add transitions background music special effects custom text. Once you're done can customize sample rate frame size export video AVI MPEG format. can also turn a QuickTime Windows Media movie get ready internet streaming. Otherwise can export a MyDVD project customization. Sonic MyDVD 4.0 MyDVD allows create own VCD's DVD's quickly easily. Sonic revamped interface version 4.0. Right start MyDVD gives a variety options including ability create a DVD a Video CD edit video. main interface very different we saw earlier versions MyDVD. "toolbar" gone replaced a much nicer layout. main functions MyDVD still easily accessible. here can start new projects open existing projects save one you're currently working on. Adding movie clips current project easy drag drop. MyDVD lets take any MPEG-1 MPEG-2 AVI QuickTime video clip add project. course there a trade off here. Even a fairly fast computer MyDVD can take a good amount time convert clips a usable format. MyDVD also allows own custom menus even let add own pictures icons sound effects. Unfortunately version 4.0 still doesn't let place menu icons where want them. Need capture video clips VCR other video source problem MyDVD can too. can also start record direct-to-Disc wizard here. wizard allows easily transfer video directly a DV camcorder disc right hardware. MusicMatch Jukebox 7.1 a popular utility create manage organize sorts multimedia audio files including MP3s. Once you've created perfect play list can then burned CD. Unfortunately number burns limited only five. Once you've gone beyond need upgrade MusicMatch Jukebox Plus. CyberLink PowerDVD 4.0 XP CyberLink's PowerDVD one popular software DVD players market now. PowerDVD offers a complete navigation commands including advanced features multi-angle viewing multi-language subtitle selection digital zoom even parental control. might version PowerDVD 4.0 XP fully supports Windows XP. also compatible files created Microsoft's Windows Media products. PowerDVD version disc Sony only. won't install a system without a Sony DVDRom _____________________________ Sony DRU-500A - Installation _____________________________ drive easy install just any CD writer DVD player whatever. Simply master/slave jumper connect power IDE cable optionally audio connector(s). testsystem (Gigabyte 8IDML Intel Celeron 1700 256Mb 30Gb 7200rpm WinXP Pro SP1) recognizes drive a DVD-R station. Windows accepted drive without problems automaticly turned DMA drive. Next step: Run Nero Infotool (1.03.2) see drive supports. see drive seems support overburning also. We test later. can see drive supports almost functions ;) Nero (version 5.5.9.17) installed test PC. Nero reports: finally: CloneCD (4.0.1.10) thinks drive Veritas Recordnow software recognizes drive also offcourse (it's bundled recorder). program works I won't recommend install it. only can copy 1:1 a new complilation. That's only very basic functions. I prefer Nero. latest version (5.5.9.17) does support Sony DRU-500A. ____________________________ Sony DRU-500A - Reading CDs ____________________________ Now time tests. How does drive perform reading a normal CD I Nero CD speed tests. Pressed CDs first test: Read a pressed CD (the CD came drive containing software) can see drive performs very good end 32x speed reached. avarage speed reading 24.44x can see. a little slower Philips DVDRW228 (as tested dvdwriters.co.uk. CAV drive able reach it's maximum speed 32x Philips couldn't get >28x. seek times tested also: * Random seek: 193 ms * 1/3 seek: 211 ms * Full seek: 268 ms spin-up time drive reported 2.93 seconds. Spin-down time 3.37 seconds. load-eject test: * Eject time: 1.46 seconds * Load time: 1.32 seconds * Recognation time: 7.16 seconds Recorded CDs (CD-R) test above. time a CDR disk. (A new Platinum 80-min a fresh-burned NFS HP2 ISO recorded my 12x Sanyo writer) can see drive reads without problems does perform simular a pressed CD. Audio CD (DAE) does drive an audio CD How does extract audio cd's Time test results: read speed drive very good. faster Philips 228 DVDRW faster Pioneer A04. Pioneer A05 performs almost equal point. drive does support reading CD Text i'm sure since CD in test didn't CD-Text it. (i couldn't burn nero cdspeed). read speed an audio CD (an old MTV Audio CD Pressed ): Also here: Very good results. drive reads audio cd an avarage speed 23.79x CDRW Reading a CDRW: Reading CDRW offcourse a problem drive. __________________________________ Sony DRU-500A - Reading DVDs __________________________________ drive should read DVDs a speed 8x. Now we see drive really can this. Pressed DVDs In test i try read a pressed DVD. (Twilight 74) can see drive starts 3.3x ends 8.01x. So reading pressed DVD's problem drive only CPU load goes up 80% @ 8x reading. Recorded DVDs Now test above time a recorded DVD (A copy a MP3 Collection DVD. Burned an Arita DVD-R a Pioneer A03 writer) bad... already mentioned forums drive seems locked 2x max... just won't read DVD-R above 2x. drive can write DVD-R 4x (with right media offcourse) can't read fast ;) Pressed DVD-Video Reading a DVD movie: Payback. Region 2 DVD-5 format (Single Sided single layer) Also bad performance. drive won't read above 2x. Enough playing a movie way too slow ripping whatever. DVD-Video (pressed) also tested SmartRipper also: 2x max reading :(Lets hope Sony fix issue a firmwareupdate. moment (and maybe forever) an additional DVD-Rom a bad idea. DVD+RW last DVD read test: How does drive read a DVD+RW disc (The one included drive) drive reads DVD+RW disc speed can write them: 2.5x. error end due a bad record i screwed my DVD+RW don't another one test again ;). Don't blame drive _____________________________________ Sony DRU-500A - Recording CD-R _____________________________________ drive a recording speed 24x. faster Philips Pioneer any other DVD writer. Now drive a real replacer current writer. Pioneer example records only 8x so most likely need/want an additional writer normal CDs. Sony solved writing CD-R 24x. fast current recorders (40/48x) most time fast enough. Recording CD-R Writing an image harddisk a Platinum CDR (40x certified): Writing goes ok. Nero (5.5.9.17) supports drive. can see CD was finished in 3min 45. Recording CD-R - CLV speed See how recorder actually records. (using Z-CLV) can see above Sony DRU-500A writer uses Z-CLV record a disk. Starting 16x going 20x finish CD 24x. Recording CD-R - Overburning does Sony DRU-500A think big CDs 90min 99min even 100min test see does. I white-label 100min CD-R test. Nero CDSpeed identicates media "Plasmon". drive good overburning. can see Sony can only overburn up 80.42.53... much a real problem. Recording CDRW Sony able rewrite CDRWs a speed 10x high-speed media. Nero rewrites disk 10x without problems. full cd written 10x. Sony DRU-500A - Recording DVD-R / DVD-RW drive supports DVD-R DVD+R standards. DVD-R Sony supports up 4x write speed. Time test performance recording DVD-R. tests done burning 4.3Gb another data-DVD in a LG 16x DVDRom. (Twilight 76). image file recordings on-the-fly drive a medialock. means: drive determines max recording speed should specific media. Pioneer also lock a hacked firmware can force a recording 2x media isn't 2x approved. Sony... moment hacked firmware. Thats Write DVD-R Spindel can see drive detects disc a 1x DVD-R records succesfully 1x. Princo 1-2x DVD-R DVD-Box disc succesfully written 2x. I did also test other media: * Nashua DVD-R * Thats Write DVD-R DVD-Box * Arita DVD-R DVD-Box recorded 1x.... moment Princo DVD-R only one able record 2x. I'm going test brands later week hope find 4x media (if already available) Recording DVD-RW I don't any DVD-RW disc moment so test added whenever i Sony DRU-500A - Recording DVD+R / DVD+RW Platinum DVD+R Disc succesfully recorded 2.5x. I wasn't able read recorded disc most likely due errors original DVD. Recording DVD+RW done a Sony DVD+RW disc one came drive. can see formatting DVD+RW media took 29 seconds. Burning DVD+RW speed burning DVD+R. (2.5x) Since I don't any other DVD+R / DVD+RW media i can't test DVD+R maybe next week. _________________________________ Sony DRU-500A - Conclusion _________________________________ Sony done a nice job drive. could see there good results drive. software came drive works i an other recording program. RecordNow way limited.The bad side drive DVD read speeds. 2x DVD.... hate try rip a movie. just want watch a DVD 2x enough. low speed makes drive very quit. i prefer faster reading speeds. Maybe Sony come a firmware upgrade. Till time i won't replace DVD-Rom recorder sure an additional DVD-Rom when need DVD read speed. other dark side really drive itself availability high-speed DVD media. I only 1 brand supports 2x moment haven't seen (or tested) any 4x certified media yet. DVD RECORDABLE EDITORS NOTE brands tested here note available in UK. based tests carried out DJsmiley our test follwing discs not write 2 speed DRU500 currently available Ritek/Prodisc manufactured DVD-R write 2 speed Pioneer 105.This a very important facor consider when deciding drive Purchase vast majority media market produced manufacturers. CDR recording speed good. point Sony fastest DVD recorder market CDR speeds. good-old Pioneer A04 records only 8x new A05 only 16x. it's 24x Sony wins point. moment I can drive. almost price Pioneer A04 results slower. Also does Pioneer support DVD+R/DVD+RW.Maybe new NEC combo drive beat Sony take time since drive delayed till somewhere in December so. DVD RECORDABLE EDITORS NOTE Our sources advise us street price Pioneer 105 £199.99 inc vat.The street price Sony DRU500 £249.99 inc vat. Additions Concerning media there questions problems. Most media work only 1x (DVD-R). Older Verbatim 2x DVD-R discs known problems Sony drive: Related stories DVD-Recordable. Dual Format Writer Incompatibily Causes DVD Media Price Reductions Verbatim Media Compatible DRU-500 DVD RECORDABLE EDITORS NOTES:This review carried out DJsmiley. We (DVD-Recordable) currently testing a sony drive our results media compatibility considerably less favourable results DJsmiley.

» Panasonic E30 DVD Recorder

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Description: DMR-E30 Silver Progressive-Scan DVD Video Recorder Time Slip Playback Manufacturer: Panasonic Lowest Price: £409 User Rating: 10/10 Detailed Specifications: Connectors: Audio - Line Out (RCA-style) Video - Component Video - Composite (RCA) Video - S-Video Audio Features: Tone Control Audio Output: Digital Optical RCA Disc Mechanism: Tray General Features: Dolby Digital Support DTS Support Function LCD Screen Menu Progressive Scan Virtual Surround Sound Included Components: User Manual 2 DVD-RAM Discs Video Connection Cable Power Cord Remote Control Integrated Display Type: LCD Display Media Supported: Audio CD CD-R CD-RW DVD DVD-RAM Video CD (VCD) Number Discs Supported: 1 Remote Control: Universal Remote Video DAC: 10 Bit Video Features: Cinema Mode Commercial Skip Disc Protect One-Touch Record Video Format: NTSC/PAL Video Output: Component Video Composite (RCA) RF Coaxial S-Video Dimensions: Height: 3.12 in Width: 16.9 in Depth: 12.5 in Weight: 8.16 lbs FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Well when I took unit out box my first thoughts was stylish quite big (this compared my dvd players Mustek 520 560) a fan built onto back keeps unit cool. remote quite big compared most other remotes considering amount functions it. EASE USE: Well manul quite thick explains features gives step step instructions function. I did receive a manual was a Test machine (I downloaded printed DMR20 manual works in almost way) can setup automatic recording programs touch a button also supports Video+ programming. FINAL IMPRESSIONS: testing unit one week I easy record vhs – dvd-r long a macro vision cable disable macro vision I could get my dvd players allow me record machine I don’t a macro vision cable capable removing different types needed disabled was easy tape analogue cable editing functions present allows removal adverts ease. MEDIA COMPATIBILITY: I Tested brands WORK: Datasafe Classic 1x (100%) Datasafe Ritek (50%) Whitelabel 1X (75%) E-Performance (100%) DON'T WORK: Whitelabel DVDRW (as unit dosent record dvd-rw didn’t work) my finding only I take responsibility buy hundreds one brand a lot sucsess buy samples try see works best you. Report was written Tony Anderson in Dundee.

» 99min CD-R Compatability

» Pioneer A05 DVD Writer

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INTRODUCTION Specs Write Support DVD-R (4.7GB General Discs Only) (5.54MB/s) DVD-RW (2.77MB/s) CD-R (2.46MB/s) CD-RW (1.23MB/s) Read Support DVD-ROM single layer/dual layer (16.62MB) / (11.08MB/s) DVD-R (all types) (8.31MB/s) DVD-RW (8.31MB/s) CD-ROM Mode 1 (4.92MB/s) CD-ROM XA Mode 2 (form 1 form 2) CD-TEXT Read & Write Photo CD (single & multiple session) CD-DA (Audio CD) (4.92MB/s) CD-R (4.92MB/s) CD-RW (4.92MB/s) Write Speed DVD-R 4X 2X 1X-CLV DVD-RW 2X 1X-CLV CD-R 16X,12X,8X,4X-CLV CD-RW 8X,4X-CLV Read Speed DVD-ROM (Single) Max. 12X CAV (Dual) 8X CAV DVD-R DVD-RW 2X (Older Media) DVD-R DVD-RW 6X (High Speed DVDR Media) Video CD 4X CLV CD-ROM Max. 32X CAV CD-RW Max. 32X CAV CD-Audio Max. 32X-CAV Access Time DVD 120 Msec (Random Average) CD 130 Msec Interface ATAPI (ATA/ATAPI-5 & SFFC INF8090 Ver.5) Data Buffer 2Mbytes (Read) 2Mbytes (Write) Mounting Orientation Horizontal & Vertical Power Consumption Maximum 19.9W Dimensions (W x H x D): 148 x 42.3 x 197.7 mm Net Weight 1.1 kg 2 lbs. 7 oz Our Test Machine's Specs: Pentium 4 1.5GHz (not over clocked) 384MB SDRAM DELL (Custom) Motherboard 1 x Maxtor 20GB Hard Disk Introduction Pioneer an original founder member DVD forum drive based "minus" DVD recordable standard. Pioneer was first company release a DVD recorder home consumer market (Pioneer's first DVD writer back in 1997 cost over £17,000) - drive promises greater performance far less. DVR-A05 much anticipated sequel successful DVR-A04 / 104 drive we reviewed in August year. Unlike new up coming DVD writers - burner only supports writing DVD "-" minus disks (as opposed writing "+" disks). In August DVD forum updated specification DVD recording drive one first writers implements new standards. drive writes DVD-RW disks x2 speed write-once DVD-Rs 4x speed. Our review drive a pre-release unit we don't anticipate changes drive final retail product. drive differences over A04 we list a few ones we notice: Differences A05 A04 DVD-R write-once recording increased 4 speed (15mins write a full 4.7GB disk) DVD-RW re-writeable speed increased 2 speed Pressed DVD-ROM reading now 12-speed (6 Speed DVD-R-HS & 4 Speed DVD-RW-HS) HS=High Speed DVD-R Media CD-R write speed increased 16 x speed High-Speed CD-RW speed increased 8 x speed CD-ROM reading speed increased 24 x 32 x Access times greatly decreased Tilt Technology stabilising playback recording Smarter laser (quality control system) Lower power consumption 19.9Watts max. Width decreased slightly Cooling fan removed DAE speed increased 10 x 32x speed first 4 speed DVD recorder we compare predecessor A04 replaces a drive DVD-Plus Alliance (in case Philips DVDRW228k). What package includes package contains: 1 x Pioneer DVR-105 DVD Writer 1 x Manual (online) Again we did receive retail package was an OEM PRE-RELEASE package. Depending country purchased drive can expect a different software package. Note: Pioneer DVR-105 A05 drive only differ in extras come with. software bundled DVR-A05 comprise (from Pioneer's web site): "MyDVD Video Suite 4 (Sonic Solutions) - Versatile video editing authoring software includes new slideshow functionality enabling integration digital photography an electronic album playback any DVD-Video device. Also includes DVD playback software CinePlayer InstantCD/DVD V6.5 (VOB) - Software enhances data recording allowing users format discs in approximately two minutes provides "drag drop" functionality writing DVD CD media. incorporates DVD playback software: DVDPlayer. bundle also features DVD writing media." front drive find a headphone socket a volume control an emergency eject hole one multipurpose LED - pretty much similar A04 (but layout slightly different). "High-Speed Logo" means can support HS-disks albeit 8x speed. Two ventilation grills also present cooling purposes. springs could adjust hold disks in tray when mounting unit vertically longer present (there tabs just good holding disks in place). L.E.D blinks according rules: Abnormal Temperature = 1 Blink Dirty Lens = 2 Blinks Other Error = 3 Blinks errors. back drive find usual connectors: jumpers making drive a Master/Slave/CS an analogue audio output connector a power connector. biggest difference notice fan removed. INSTALLATION A05 / 105 an IDE drive most CD/DVD drives installation was simple. drive was detected in Windows XP without any problems. Auto insert notification was enabled we disabled changing registry key "KEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Services/Cdrom/Autorun=0". DMA normally successfully turned default (if Windows XP can detect it). We experienced difficulty strange behaviour installation. Above we a screenshot Infotool 1.02 examines A05 - reveals important features we examine in review. reporting Read speed is: 32 x write speed 16 CD-R disks. faster Philips 228k (32 read & 12 speed write) Pioneer A04. buffer drive 2,000KB (no change A04). can see above can can also read DVD Alliance format's "+" disks i.e. DVD+R & DVD+RW DVD-RAM disks. drive supports a buffer underrun protection system CDs DVDs can report C2 errors. reporting drive can write CD-Text DVD-R DVD-RW CD-R CD-RWs disks. drive also does support packet writing standard "Mount Rainer" available in newer CD writers. drive's installation was a breeze - only took 10 minutes disassembly PC DVD burner up running. Our review drive an August 2002 model came shipped firmware version 0.70 (no update available drive isn't out another 4 weeks). software we review was: DiskJuggler 4.01.1002 Nero 5.5.9.14 Record Now Max 4.12 DX & CloneCD 4.0.1.10. above shows Nero (5.5.9.14) finds drive. can see supports overburning CDs writing CD-Text information. maximum writing speed CD-Rs 16 speed support DAO/96 cuesheet modes. DVD high compatibility option appeared aid compatibility certain DVD players (by padding disk dummy data a minimum 1GB). above screen shots DiscJuggler 4.01.1002 information revealed. We can see reads DVD's x 12 speed very good it's only single layered DVD-ROMs. Diskjuggler also reports can rip audio CDs 32 X speed - another improvement over A04. A05 can read "R->W" subcodes. A05 can only write CD-RWs 8 speed (which slightly slower Philips 228k's 10 speed) DVD-RWs x2 (the report above wrong). drive can now read write full 96 bytes sub-codes "PQ" & "P->W". CD CAPABILITIES Pioneer beefed up CD writing new DVD writer 16 speed - A04 could only write CD-Rs 8x speed so a welcomed upgrade. upgrade significant may realise means can replace any CD writer may in system DVD writer. We examined speed Pioneer A05 could write CDs various media. CD media we tried was identified CDIdentifier we in Pioneer DVR-A04: Moser Baer India Ltd Multi Media Masters Machinery SA TDK Corp. Ritek Co. CD-R Media Writing Test We first examined writing options available us: can see can now write CD-Rs at: 16x 12x 8x 4X speed much better A04's 8x & 4x (BTW new Sony DRU-500A drive promises greater CD-R speeds). first our CD-R test involved writing a full 80-min CD drive's maximum 16 x speed result: Above we can see (using Nero) took 5 mins 45 seconds (this excluding verification times). One problem we encountered was when a blank CD-R was inserted drive pause machine around 25 seconds before continuing normal. CD-RW Media Writing Test We next tested drive's ability erase CD-Rewriteable media in full erase quick erase mode. Quick Erase In quick erase test drive took only 31 seconds. Full Erase In full erase test drive took 10 mins 44 seconds erase an 80 min CD-RW 8 speed result twice fast DVR-A04 a 3rd generation DVD recorder an average result (why add 10x support ): DATA CD-RW test illustrates how long takes write a full 80-mins data onto a CD-RW drive: Here we copied exact contents CD-R test disk can see Pioneer A05/105 took 10 mins 54 seconds (a little slower then expected). Pressed Data CD-ROM Reading Reading a pressed CD should an easy task any drive due good reflectivity/quality disks - was first our read tests: can see above drive managed an average speed 25.42 speed CAV. Towards end CD actually exceeded maximum stated read speed 32 went 33.60. CPU usage was very low IDE burst rate was good well - shown in graph. CD-R Media Data Reading speeds often achieved pressed CD-ROM media always mirrored CD-R media due quality reflectivity issues (here we test a TDK branded data CD-R): DVR-A04 drive had problem reading disk speed pressed CDs. strange behaviour crashing towards end test A04 also present (again was enough affect test). average CD-R data reading speed was 25.43. CD Digital Audio Extraction drive was next tested ability extract audio CDs quality was reported below. test was done "CD Speed 1.01.3" Ahead. A04 performed well in test A05 improves achievement - overall average DAE speed 23.05 speed (using Ritek test CD-R) shown above drive good feeding a burner 12 speed fly. quality score perfect drives can achieve quite a demanding test (the A04 could also achive a perfect score). drive capable reading CD-TEXT reading subchannel data. Pressed Audio CD test we a pressed AUDIO-CD examined drive's ability read audio. drive performs well in test a perfect score an average 24.86x speed - does live up specifications doing 32.23x (toward end disk). C2 Error Information Next we examined ability drive accurately extract audio information. aided something called C2 error information a CD. drive can report C2 information then faster accurate ripping audio. We Exact Audio Copy's "Detect Read Features" option examine drive could do. drive caches audio ideal can affect audio ripping. an accurate stream unfortunately can report any C2 error information CDs - despite Ahead's Infotool reported earlier. CD CAPABILITIES P2 90min & 99min CD-Rs We next examined drive's ability handle 90 99min CD-Rs: (This test demands two things: approved media a drive that's capable overburning in DAO mode. We Nero CD Speed simulate writing an 80min+ Mirror Max CD-R. Overburning stores data in leadout area area - according redbook - contains nothing zeros (90 seconds in length). Overburning use leadout illegally store data.) Pioneer does support 90min CDs overburning test managed write up 93mins 04 secs (on 80min plus disk). could only write up capacity when we a slower writing speed (in case 8x speed rather top speed). 99min CD-Rs Writing Next we examined how Pioneer's new drive handled writing 99min CD-Rs: A04 A05 good overburning managed write a full 99mins data (at x16 speed). Reading In test we 99min we had created in previous test also a disk had produced DVR-A04 (and verified): Unlike previous model drive had major problems reading certain types CD-Rs - could read back had written also failed read a disk had created A04. CloneCD CloneCD a popular program backing up protected CDs. We checked capabilities drive under CloneCD: older DVR-A04 could write in any DAO-RAW modes Pioneer fixed problem now compatible CloneCD (to a certain extent). Reading We checked read performance popular Safedisk 2 protected games: MaxPayne & Serious Sam: 2nd Encounter. Intelligent Bad Sector scanner was turned off Fast Error Skip was turned so compare other drives. test CDs we tried took a very long time I.B.S off fast error skip turned we had abort test. When we re-tried I.B.S. drive was better: Safedisk 2 Read Speed I 19:29:04 Starting copy PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 C:DVDWritingmaxpayne.ccd I 19:29:04 Read Speed Data Tracks: Maximum I 19:29:04 Read Speed Audio Tracks: Maximum I 19:29:04 Read SubChannel Data Data Tracks: Yes I 19:29:04 Read SubChannel Data Audio Tracks: Yes I 19:29:04 Fast Error Skip: Yes I 19:29:04 Don't report read errors: Yes I 19:29:04 Intelligent Bad Sector Scanner: Yes I 19:29:05 CD contains CD-Text: I 19:29:05 Reading Track 1... (Blocks 0-358329) I 20:04:24 Fast Error Skip disabled automatically I 20:24:54 Duration operation: 00:55:49 I 20:24:54 Average Speed: 251 kBytes/s (1.43) I 20:24:54 Reading finished Philips DVDRW228k: Average Speed: 756 kBytes/s (4.30) Pioneer A04: Average Speed: 193 kBytes/s (1.10) Pioneer A05: Average Speed: 251 kBytes/s (1.43) Safedisk 2 reading performance slightly better 1.42 speed can't touch Philips DVDRW228k (we did notice now reads full 96 bytes sub-channel data - BTW: A04 could only read 16 bytes). Safedisk 2 Writing We tested drive can handle correct EFM encoding CloneCD writing Serious Sam 2nd Encounter (which protected Safedisk 2.51): AWS OFF: Copy did work AWS ON: Copy did work drive very good protected CDs does now support DAO RAW 96. LaserLok We tested drive's ability read laserlok protected CD: I 18:29:51 Duration operation: 00:33:22 I 18:29:51 Average Speed: 398 kBytes/s (2.27) Region Protection Most new DVD-ROM drives region protected only playback a DVD movie title a certain region. controlled use region codes. drive RPC-II region protection (RPC-2 devices allow change drive's region a certain number times before permanently locked). DVD Capabilities P1 Reading Next we tried various flavours DVD recordable media included: DVD-R DVD-RW DVD+RW DVD+R DVD-RAM a pressed DVD-ROM disk our read tests. DVD-R Firstly we checked performance a DVD-R disk Nero DVD Speed: A05 hasn't improved reading DVD-R (1X & 2X speed) disks still manages only 2x CLV (although greatest read performance increase new HS recordable DVDs i.e. DVD-R 4X DVD-RW 2X). only difference A04 seek times lower (158ms vs 138ms). DVD-RW A04 read speed performance "-RW" disks was identical "-R" disks seek times better A05. In test had an average speed 2.06. DVD-ROM A05's single layer reading ability very good x12 above can see does approach our disk causes problems towards end causing average go down 8.81. uses CAV reading DVD-ROMs opposed CLV DVD-R & DVD-RW disks. Note new HS-DVD-Rs also read CAV. DVD+RW Another area in A05 better A04 reads "+RW" disks an average 4.85x speed (A04 was only 2x) better seek times. Notice towards end disk manages 6x. DVD+R A test A04 excelled A05 improves performance doubling A04s result. can see can read "+R" disks an average speed 9.43X. also beats Philips DVDRW228k own game in test. DVD-RAM completeness we checked how behaved a DVD-RAM disk out caddy (the Toshiba SDM-1612 DVD-ROM can read DVD-RAM disks this). A05 could recognise DVD-RAM disks. ERASING DVD-RW Disks Full Erase We timed how long took a full erase a DVD-RW disk: A full erase took 56 mins 40 seconds(identical A04) - much longer "+" standard's 23 mins. Quick Erase Erasing DVD-RWs in quick mode only takes 12 seconds. DVD CSS RIPPING Next we examined speed drive could rip movies content scrambling system (CSS). There legitimate uses ripping movies hard disk example might want rent a DVD movie watch a later date. In case programs CladDVD XP DVD Decrypter come in handy storing hard disk. I 16:30:52 1x DVD-RW I 16:32:49 Operation Started I 16:32:49 Source Device: [1:0:0] PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 0.70 (D:) I 16:32:49 Destination Folder: T2 I 16:32:49 Fast Error Skip: I 16:32:49 Merge VOB Files: I 16:32:49 Stream Processing: I 16:32:49 Multi Angle Processing: I 16:32:49 Detect Mastering Errors: Yes I 16:32:49 Remove Macrovision Protection: Yes I 16:32:49 Copying VTS_01_0.IFO... (LBA: 40698) I 17:26:48 Operation Successfully Completed - Duration: 00:53:58 I 17:26:48 Average Read Rate: 2,366 KB/s (1.8x) - Maximum Read Rate: 3,072 KB/s (2.3x) Pioneer DVR-A03 Average Rip Speed: 2.1 x Panasonic LF-D311 Average Rip Speed: 5.8 x Philips DVDRW228k Average Rip Speed: 2.2 x Pioneer DVR-A04 Average Rip Speed: 1.9 x Pioneer DVR-A05 Average Rip Speed: 1.8 x A04 was bad ripping DVD movies A05 better manages an average 1.8x speed. DVD Capabilities P2 DVD-Video Dual Layer Reading test we "Terminator 2 : Ultimate Edition Disk 1" dual layered fairly common. A05 exactly performance A04 specifications claim drive reads dual layered DVDs a maximum 8x - we didn't see shown above. CLV vs CAV An explanation CLV & CAV in Speed "Type" field means in above screenshot: CLV stands Constant Linear Velocity means whilst reading/writing laser always maintain a constant speed regardless reading center outer edge disk. maintain a constant velocity read/write rate motor a drive lowered outer tracks a disk compensate larger circumference (as data being handled). CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) drives constant spin rates (and read/write rates) so when reading/writing outer circumference disk read/write rates greater. Playstation 2 We copied game "Tekken 4" a DVD-R disk booted successfully our PAL Playstation 2 (swap trick aided Action Replay). We also a backup onto DVD-RW Playstation 2 can read re-writable disks without drive modifications (we told does play -RW disks only latest consoles). X-BOX Pioneer A05 can produce X-Box backup DVDs DVD-RW -R disk types produced recognised booted our homebrew modded X-Box. We -R +R disks we tested X-Box favoured -R format disks every time 1st time. (This media almost +R disks currently rebranded Ricohs). DVD Writing Performance test drive's writing performance we Nero 5.5.9.14 wrote 4477MB data disk attempted write 4x: Notice 4x DVD writing option now appears in screenshots above We didn't use a 4X DVD-R certified disk knew was only good 2x so down clocked x2 automatically took 27mins 04 seconds write 2x speed. original 2x writing older Pioneer drives could achive was a Pioneer specific invention now DVD forum given go ahead a standardised 4 speed recording we see recorders other companies branded HS-DVDRs. Can A05 Write DVD+R? We tried see drive was capable writing "+R" "+RW" disks although could read "+" disks could write (we didn't expect Pioneer founder member DVD forum backing "minus" recordable standard). Media Quality We said when we reviewed A04 drive: "We feel quality DVD-R media out very poor often notice there a problem until manage write outer edges DVD (near maximum capacity disk i.e. 4,400MB). Disk writing often successful whilst reading data back a verification process find data written outer edges fail unreadable." Pioneer A05 fixed problem adding a quality control burn system see in new CD writers (although we didn't notice any direct benefits). An example a good budget disk DVD players. Compatibility Test Compatibility one area much debated two recordable formats ("minus" "plus") we updated table added new "Pioneer DVR-A05". note: table done user contributions. DVD-ROM RECORDABLE FORMATS READ COMPARISON Drive Tested -R +R -RW +RW Toshiba SDM-1612 YES YES YES YES‡ Pioneer 116 YES YES YES NO PSX2 YES YES NO NO X-BOX YES YES YES YES Philips DVDRW228k YES YES YES YES Pioneer DVR-A04 / 104 YES YES YES YES Pioneer DVR-A05 / 105 YES YES YES YES ‡Only latest firmware upgrade (version 1806 later). CONCLUSION Pros Supports writing 99min CDs 4 Speed DVD-R Support 2 Speed DVD-RW Support Supports DAO-RAW mode Higher DVD read speeds DVD-ROM & HS media Lower access times Can read write 96 bytes sub-channels Fast & perfect audio ripping Can produce X-Box & Playstation compatible disks Can read & write CD-Text DVD "-" offers better compatibility older players Low cost ownership Cons problems reading 99min CDRs (can write OK) CD-RW write support only 8x speed Slow x2 speed CSS ripping (1.8x) Still C2 error read mode Can write Safedisk 2.51+ (incorrect EFM encoder) Slow reading Safedisk CDs Very poor CD-R read performance Poor quality media defect management DVD-RWs Pioneer finally delivered we most others wanted most in a DVD writer was an increase in DVD recording speeds. There disputing speed new DVD writers record DVD-Rs light years ahead 1st generation drives - A05 only needs 15mins writes a whole 4.7GB data. We slightly disappointed A05's CD writing ability mainly CD-R maximum writing speed 16 X relatively slow re-write speed. It's note preliminary product specifications show Pioneer had faster CD recordable features higher DVD-ROM read speeds in mind decided against implementing them. We pleased Pioneer added support writing in DAO-RAW mode - a useful feature Clone-CD backing up games (in countries permit it). addition isn't appears performance was so bad it's pretty ineffective - failed backup any our games took long time read A04 was particularly good reading writing 99min CD-Rs was one best performers specific test - DVR A05 does follow lead unfortunately. can write 99mins fine when came reading had written had severe problems (this was verified disks A04 had produced). One major improvements we noticed drive was random access times DVDs - so much faster A04 wont disappointed you'r handling small files. 4X DVD recording an incredibly nice feature unfortunately we didn't get test 4 speed DVD-R 2 speed DVD-RW disks out here in UK a PRE-RELEASE unit we reviewed we hope re-test DVR-A05 a full retail version if/when opportunity arises. drive had major problems when reading CDs whether was a CD-ROM CD-R was incredibly fussy slow. access times CDs was good transfer rate was slow everyday use. an area where even older A04 better at. a price tag £249.00 we feel Pioneer may beaten own game likes Sony Philips Panasonic Sanyo due release 4 speed DVD writers (Sony already released DRU-500A in America) faster recording speeds features. A05 work cut out our advice wait see competition offers. Thanks Killa_m dvdwriters.co.uk review.