Samsung DVD-VR320 DVD Recorder

Average customer rating:

Should have been recalled

If you buy, it will die...

This is garbage and so is Samsung service response

you'll Be Sorry Samsung DVD-VR 320

DVD-VR320 is worth about $3.20

Samsung DVD-VR320 DVD Recorder

Manufacturer: Samsung
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

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Accessories:

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Product Features:

Combo DVD player/recorder and VCR; measures 16.9 x 3.3 x 14 inches (WxHxD)

Hi-fi VCR features 4 video heads, MTS decoding, three VHS recording settings (SP, SLP, and auto)

Records to DVD-RAM and DVD-R/RW; plays CD-R/RW, MP3, JPEG

Inputs--2 composite, 1 Firewire, 1 RF; Outputs--1 composite, 1 S-Video, 1 component, 1 RF

Optical and coaxial digital audio output for Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound

ASIN: B0009A2LP8

Product Description

The privilege of choice. Samsung's DVD-R320 lets you choose whether you want to make DVD recordings or VHS Videocassette recordings. You can also play DVD and CD media. Like a typical VCR, there's a 125-channel TV tuner built-in along with a clock and timer. This makes it really easy to record TV shows directly to the VCR or DVD recorder. With DVD-R320, you've got the power of choosing. Add it to your home-theater system for more entertainment potential. One-touch, two-way dubbing of non-copy-protected material Choose to watch a DVD while VCR records, and vice versa Auto Chaptering, chapters are created when you record your favorite TV show or video clips from a cammcorder onto a DVD disc Fratures an IEEE1394 Firewire iLink port for connecting an external digital camcorder for dubbing onto VHS or DVD (4-pin connector) DVD play is Progressive-Scan compatible Front A/V Input (Composite) Outputs - 1 component A/V, 1 S-video, 1 coaxial, 1 optical digital audio, 1 composite A/V, 1 RF Auto Chapter Creator, Auto Fit Recording 10-Bit, 54 MHz Video DAC On-Screen Menus Parental Control to restrict access to children 3D Noise Reduction Slow Motion Play, Step Motion Play (DVD-Video, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R) / Bookmark Function, Repeat Play VCR One Touch Recording (OTR) / Frame Advance, Slow Motion, Skip, End Search, Timer Recording 4-Head VCR with MTS Stereo Audio Frequency Response - 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz / Signal to Noise Ratio - 85dB 2D Y/C Separating Circuitry Time Base Corrector Processor Technology Selectable Aspect Ratio Auto Clock and Channel Set - Timer recording to DVD or VCR directly off TV 125 Channel NTSC TV Tuner Unit Dimensions - 16.9 W x 3.3 H x 12.6 D / Weight - 9.03 lbs. Remote Control

Amazon.com Product Description

Samsung's DVD-VR320 gives you both a DVD recorder and a VCR in a one compact combo deck. It enables you to watch a DVD while the VCR records to tape, or vice versa. The hi-fi VCR offers MTS decoding, four video heads, auto tracking adjustment, three VHS recording settings (SP, SLP, and auto), and quasi S-VHS playback. The DVD-VR320 records onto either DVD-RAM or DVD-R/RW discs, and it provides a front panel composite AV input as well as Firewire (IEEE 1394) port for connecting a digital video camcorder to the unit for recording directly to disc. It's also compatible with playback of CD-R/RW discs with MP3 and JPEG digital content.

You'll be able to record up to 16-hours of video with a double sided 9.4 GB DVD-RAM disc, and up to 8-hours of images with a 4.7 GB DVD-RAM/-RW/-R disc (depending on the recording mode). You can set your recorder to one of four different recording speeds, each varying in recording quality and length. EP (6 or 8 hour) mode yields the most recording time, LP and SP modes provide less recording time with higher quality recording (between 2 and 4 hours), and XP mode gives you the highest quality recording. If FR mode is selected, the video quality is adjusted automatically so that all video for the scheduled time can be recorded onto the free disc space. Recording features include A-B erase and playlist editing (DVD-RW and DVD-RAM), customized titles for recorded material, and one-touch, two-way dubbing of non-copy-protected material.

Progressive scanning provides high resolution and flicker free video. The 10-bit 54-MHz DAC, 2D Y/C Separating circuitry and Time Base Corrector processor technology provide you with the highest image playback and recording quality. It provides optical and coaxial digital audio outputs for Dolby Digital and DTS multi-channel surround sound, as well as a selectable progressive-scan mode for smoother video with HD-compatible TVs via the component video output. It also offers the following video connections:

Composite AV (RCA) In: 2
Composite AV (RCA) Out: 1
S-Video Out: 1
S-Video In: 1
RF: input and output (tuner pass through only)

Note: This DVD player is designed to play "Region 1" pre-recorded DVDs only, and internal dubbing of copy-protected DVDs is not possible.

What's in the Box
DVD player/recorder and VCR combo, remote control (with batteries), power cable, AV cable, printed operating instructions

Customer Reviews:

Should have been recalled.......2007-08-18

I know that the freezing problem and the problem of firmware updates completely hosing this device have been numerously mentioned, but I thought I'd add my name to the list. Mine is also now nothing but a vcr as the dvd tray won't open after a firmare update.

I also wanted to mention the poor DVD compatibility. I tried 5 different brands of DVDs (all DVD-R) before finding one this thing would take. Even then, it would quite often record for about 5 seconds, then freeze and you had to power the unit off and on. (the reason for me attempting the failed firmware update). I had to do this several times before the thing would finally keep recording.

Another annoyance was the fact that the title of the DVD (what you see in windows explorer) when you stick it in your computer was always SAMSUNG DVD. Why bother going through the painstaking process of naming the disc with the remote? I couldn't ever figure out anywhere that name was actually used.

Like other reviewers, I also found it annoying how long it took the device to recognize a DVD (and even MUCH longer for it to recognize a blank DVD-R). Seriously, I'd put the DVD in, THEN start popping the popcorn and hope that it would be playing by the time I got back.

Samsung also only ever published one firmware update, which even if you do get it to work, doesn't seem to fix anything. This device should have never made it to market. I will definitely be VERY wary of Samsung products in the future.

If you buy, it will die..........2007-04-29

I just want to echo some of the other reviews in that if you attempt to update the firmware it will destroy the machine. Mine locked up and would not open the DVD drawer after failing the update. I just wish I could rescue all the recordings that I have made with it but had not yet finalized. Any solutions?

This is garbage and so is Samsung service response.......2007-03-18

I put the firmware on this thing to fix the freeze problem. Now it does not work at all. The install died in the middle. I've tried to call Samsung, but after being on hold for several hours, I gave up. I've emailed service three times over two weeks, and have not gotten a response. I recently bought one of their LCD HDTVs, and I really like it. Sure hope it does not break because I don't think I could reach service to fix it. I WILL NEVER BUY A SAMSUNG PRODUCT AGAIN!!!!!

you'll Be Sorry Samsung DVD-VR 320.......2007-03-11

a DVD VR 320. And it has been in the shop twice already, Under warranty. Right now it is in New Jersey at Samsung's CVE repair center getting worked on for the exact problem that you are describing!
2nd time around. I found a link on the web, that said this was a problem related to OVER HEATING. What is happening is that the power supply overheats, you can feel the heat comming out of the back of the combo unit blowing, and then dust builds up, and then""" Its skips, freeze frames on you during play back, I even had to unplug the thing just to get it going again!... The Unit does what it is suppose to do, otherwise, this issue has really "Irritated me greatly".... I've not had it freeze during burning, but I have wondered about that? UM? I've e-mailed samsung on this problem to their main office, and to their actual repair center, and still no response from anyone! Its still sitting in New Jersey RIGHT NOW!
I've been without a machine for 2 months almost? This sucks! I paid almost close to $300.00 for it, and now I had to pay the 30.00 repair fee under warranty, and shipping cost the first time around. NOW, I have more invested in it, and don't even have it! I"m frustrated. Something is up! Again this is the
DVR-VR 320 Combo unit that does just about what the 325 does. I've had nothing but trouble with it!
:( sorry, samsung, I'm just tellin it like it is. You have the unit in your possession right now. What are you going to do about this situation on my hands?? Contact me! You have the unit.

Samsung is Stone Walling me right now... No player back yet,, No communication from them yet..

Watch out! I even called the Repair center in New Jersey, no reponse from them either!

DVD-VR320 is worth about $3.20.......2007-02-03

This DVD player has suffered from a host of technical problems, rendering it completely useless and making it one of the worst purchases I have ever made.

Though several of the problems were minor (taking up to a minute to start playing a DVD, taking a couple of minutes to eject a DVD, etc.), there is one problem with this player that is absolutely critical:

When playing DVD's (some commercial and all recordable) for about 45 minutes to an hour, the video and sound start to freeze for longer and longer periods of time, until the point when you have to simply unplug the player because it won't even respond to the Eject button being pressed.

Samsung recommended updating the firmware, but the player froze part way through the update, and now it's completely unresponsive! The fan is on when the player is off, but turns off when the player is on! The DVD drawer won't open, and the unit will absolutely not respond to any commands at all! Now it has all the functionality of a brick. It's out of the warranty period, so now I'm stuck with a $250 doorstop. Even Samsung's customer service was terrible!

I've purchased a lot of electronics in my day, and this is by far the purchase I regret the most.

Panasonic DMR-ES46VS VHS / DVD Recorder Silver

Average customer rating:

It's not perfect, but a good machine while waiting for HD format wars to settle
Great for converting VHS to DVD, but Tuner is Terrible
Poor picture quality
Not easy to use, often requires restarts, slooooow.
Almost perfect

Panasonic DMR-ES46VS VHS / DVD Recorder Silver

Manufacturer: Panasonic
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

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DVD Recorders | DVD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics

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Product Features:

Plays both VHS tapes and multiple disc formats - DVD-RAM, -R/RW, +R/RW, DVD Video, VCD CD-R/RW, MP3 CD
Super multi-format recording and playback allows reading & writing to multiple disc types
One-touch 2-way S-VHS dubbing
Easy Quick Start for recording
Task-oriented GUI menu for easier use and completion of DVDs

ASIN: B000FKDTSK

Product Description

The Panasonic DMR-ES46 gives you the ability to enjoy older and newer media formats without taking up precious space in your home entertainment setup. You've probably got plenty of great stuff on VHS tapes, from your favorite films to home recordings. Instead of taking up room with a VCR and a DVD player, you need a single unit that plays both. That's where the DMR-ES46 comes in. Taking what worked well in previous models and improving them, it also includes new features that make everyday DVD recording simpler than ever. The HDAVI-Control allows you to control multiple components without the mess of wires and remotes that you'd normally face. While enjoying your favorite VHS movies and recording to tape, you can also record & play back DVD-Audio & Video, CD audio, CD-DA and MP3/JPEG discs. You can even load up an SD card and preview your digital photos and video on a larger screen. The simple HDMI connection lets you manage your home theater connections without facing a jumble of wires. The DMR-ES46 offers you the easy operation and versatility you need to complete your home entertainment center. VCR Refresh Dubbing with advanced DNR DV Auto recording and playlist creation Transfers content from a DV camcorder or SD card in just one step Simultaneous playback and recording (for DVD) Chasing playback tool allows you to watch the start of a program while you're still recording it (for DVD) Uses single-layer DVD-R and DVD-RAM (recording up to 4.7 GB) Auto DVD-R Finalizing Records using MEPG-2 compression, for up to 8 hours of video on one disc VBR recording for optimized bitrate depending on type & length of recording Time base corrector for stable, natural images Front A/V input Built-in SD card slot HDMI Inputs - 2 S-Video, 2 Component, 2 SCART, 2 line in 1 line out, 1 Optical, 1 Component, 1 S-Video, 1 Composite Recording formats - DVD-RAM, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW Dolby

Customer Reviews:

It's not perfect, but a good machine while waiting for HD format wars to settle.......2007-03-02

I purchased this machine refurbished from Panasonic for a total of $150, including shipping, making the imperfections quite tolerable. It does much more than my previous DVD recorder which was twice the price. I have a Sony Bravia LCD HDTV and the display from this machine is quite good. After setting up the format for my widescreen TV, it worked like a charm.

I do not intend to use it as a tuner. I rent an HD DVR from Comcast for tuning. I really did not see much difference in the video quality on playback with commercial DVDs, but for my home recorded DVDs, the improvement is significant. VHS also will play through the HDMI cable, with some improvement too. These are formated for 4:3 aspect ratio and there really is no getting around it until you can get an input that supports high resolution 16:9 through component or HDMI interface. I was able to record from my OnDemand playlist through Comcast (something you cannot do on the rented DVR).

As with other reviewers, I am puzzled by the lack of eject and open/close functions on the remote, which even the cheap sets have. However, this machine does have very easy to use buttons that are large and right next to each slot on the machine. My past machines had tiny buttons that looked like all the others for the eject and open/close functions, making the remote almost a necessity. You do have to get up and walk over to the machine to get your disk or videotape out anyway, so this was not a huge deal for me. However, it did have trouble recognizing some DVDs at first pass, and I had to open/close the tray a few times before it recognized there was a playable disc in the drawer. So, you may want to wait by the machine while it reads before you sit down to watch.

The remote is fairly intuitive, particularly if you are used to DVD-R functions.

A huge rave for me is in regard to the flexible recording option, allowing you to customize the recording time on the DVD to fill the DVD, regardless of the length of the recording. This way you have the best possible recording quality. This is quite similar to DVD recording on your PC. Finalizing is a snap and much quicker than my old Sansui recorder.

Great for converting VHS to DVD, but Tuner is Terrible.......2007-02-15

This model (also the DMR-ES35VS which I tried before) has a terrible tuner. When viewing TV programs (I have a 42" Sony Wega High Definition TV) through the machine to record them, the picture is degraded by 40% I think, and the color is not vibrant. And this is with the HDMI connection. At first, I thought the HDMI cable that it came with was no good, so I bought a $90 HDMI Monster Cable, but there was no improvement in the picture. Also, the remote control does not have an eject button, why is that? Even my old VCRs and DVD recorder/player have that feature.

If you want to convert VHS tapes to DVD only, then buy this machine it's great for that purpose. But if you also want to record shows from your TV, then I would suggest you check out other models/brands because the picture quality on this Panasonic is unacceptable (to me anyway). I will be returning this machine and will get another Sony, my two-year old VCR/DVD recorder has a great tuner.

Poor picture quality.......2007-01-28

I ordered a DMR-ES45VS refurbished but they shipped a Dmr-ES46VS. I called
they said it was the same but came with a free HDNI cable. It was a little tough to figure out. The complaint I have is the picture quality, even when
you just use it as a tuner the picture quality is worse that when you don't.
Thats using the HDMI or S output. Called tech. dept.,waited for 45min only
to be hung up on. Called back again 45 min wait, the tech. didn't have clue.
Called again, same wait, this tech was worse. Tried to send a email twice
on their web site couldn't. Company says I can ship it back if I pay the shipping. So far bad news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not easy to use, often requires restarts, slooooow. .......2006-12-16

I wish I hadn't bought this unit. I didn't do my research and now I'm paying the price. Often I must put the DVD in twice to get it to run. I've learned that if the DVD doesn't play, take it out and put it in again. I tried the tape-to-DVD burn feature (looked simple) and somehow recorded a TV station instead. So I will have to re-read the instructions and try again. One other thing to consider before buying...this piece of electronics has the loooongest startup time I have ever encountered. I could start my car and drive a block by the time this unit has turned on and is ready to accept a tape or a disc. How could electronics be so slow?

Almost perfect.......2006-08-09

If all you want is great picture quality, get this model. The HDMI upconversion is great and it does it with the VHS also. I really liked the flex recording feature which allows you to specify any recording lenght and it will record the best quality for that disc time. I just wish it was more complete. It records DL DVD but not continuously. You have to close the 1st layer before recording to the 2nd layer, which makes it not very good in the way of a dual layer recorder. Now this might be a bit nit-picky but this unit won't display the remaining time while playing a regular DVD video or give give you the total disc time. I just like to know how late I'll be staying up. Also the ES46VS has no eject button on the remote, no direct way of turning on the subtitles without having to go through a menu series, it will only accept SD cards, and there are no component inputs for recording. I returned my unit and will wait until Panasonic offers these simple fixes in a $300 device.

Lite-On LVC-9016 Progressive-Scan DVD Recorder/VCR Combo

Average customer rating:

This price, only work as VCR /DVD player, no recording
Works Great so Far
Works transferring home videos to DVD
If you value your sanity, avoid this piece of junk at all costs.
Great, easy to use. Replacement for a VCR

Lite-On LVC-9016 Progressive-Scan DVD Recorder/VCR Combo

Manufacturer: Lite-on
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

DVD Players | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

VCRs & TV Servers | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

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DVD Recorders | DVD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

Records from TV, VCR and camcorder to DVD+R/+RW,-R/-RW disc
One-Touch Easy Dubbing - Records up to 6 hours on DVD
VCR Plus+ Programming Guide
Easy Guider On-Screen Menus
DV Digital Connection & A/V Inputs

ASIN: B000F811OG

Product Description

The LVC-9016 uses Lite-On's exclusive AllWrite technology for writing to the most popular digital media formats--even CDs. It's integrated 4-head hi-fi stereo VCR features make it ideal for generating digital archives of your large VHS and home-video libraries. With the LVC-9016, sharing and archiving your precious moments onto a digital format is not only simply, it's also fun. The combo recorder is capable of writing to DVD+/-R/RW and CD-R/RW. It plays CDs loaded up with MP3 music files and discs brimming with your favorite JPEG digital photos--once you've burned your images to a recordable CD, custom slide shows in the comfort of your living room are just a few remote clicks away. At the press of a button you can backup VHS to recordable DVD or DVD to VHS (as long as DVD copying is not prohibited by anti-piracy technology). The unit's convenient front-panel DV Link (IEEE 1394) connection preserves your DV camcorder footage in its original digital quality. You can store from 1 to 6 hours of audio/video content on a single 4.7 GB recordable DVD, depending on the equality you select. The LVC-9016 is also a terrific DVD player. Whether your living room is currently home to an HDTV or you're merely thinking of "someday," the LVC-9016 is equipped to deliver the full potential of your DVDs via its progressive-scan component-video outputs. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. The deck provides S-video inputs and, for the DVD player, S-video outputs, as well as standard composite-video ins and outs. Choose from optical or coaxial digital-audio outputs to channel digital surround signals (Dolby or DTS) to a compatible multichannel AV receiver and speaker system for dynamic, enveloping surround sound from your commercial DVDs

Customer Reviews:

This price, only work as VCR /DVD player, no recording.......2007-06-12

Purchased from Costco last year, it was ok but VHS to DVD was very bad quality even manufacture issed VHS tape.

Few months back, DVD recorder simply won't record anymore with any empty DVD. Reading new DVD took 1min then big "FAIL" came out on small screen. So work as Play only DVD. I paid nearly $[...] and only work as play VHS and DVD. Very Disapointed.

Took too long to reading DVD before play. Copied DVD will skip all the time. If the DVD inside, not able to play VHS. Everytime when you want play VHS, you need remove DVD so machine can understand which one can is on !?

Anyway considering to move to children's room, not good at main room to use because too much stress! too late to return.

Works Great so Far.......2006-12-20

I have owned this unit for 4 days now. So far I have copied 3 vhs tapes onto DVD-R disks, and one on the editable DVD+R disk that came with the unit. All are perfect. I have had a couple of minor problems. In one case the tape started at fast speed and I had to dump the first DVD, but that was right at the start. I didn't waste any time. In the second case, I tried to change the display while the disk was recording and it locked immediately. So, I chalk that up to learning how to use the unit.

This pretty much does everything it says it will do, so I'm happy. Now I have both a VCR and DVD player hooked up to my TV, giving it more flexibility. This is a real money saver and definitely worth the price. My local camera store wanted $45 per tape for transfer. So, I figure I've already made that back and still have about 30 tapes to copy. Haven't tried making a DVD from my 8mm video tapes yet, but the instructions are pretty clear so I don't anticipate problems.

The unit gives you 3 possible ways to duplicate and they all work. You can play the tape and start to record when you get to the right spot, you can go to the guider program using your remote, or you can push the one-touch copy button on the unit.

Overall, a good experience so far.

Works transferring home videos to DVD.......2006-12-07

It was time for the Luddite to try another DVD recorder. My primary reason for buying was to transfer all the 8mm videos' of the kids to DVD. It did a good job of this and I was able to finish the job I started with a Toshiba recorder. Once I finished that I started converting the big stack of VHS tapes. A binder of 25 DVD's takes up a lot less space then the tapes. This went well. The big glitch is the Macrovision copy protect on some of the movies. I was able to transfer quite a few and get rid of the tapes, anything Disney of course will have Macrovision and wont copy. I have done about 30 DVD's so far and no coasters like the Toshiba would occasionally produce.

I did try timed recording on a DVD a few times and that seems to work fine.

I read a review that complained that DVD's made with this machine could not be imported to a PC for editing. I tried one and it was a success.

I did try timed recording on a DVD a few times and that seems to work fine.

If you value your sanity, avoid this piece of junk at all costs........2006-09-12

I have been in the computer field a number of years. So, it isn't very difficult for me to understand and operate most any equipment. I have had plenty of hands on experience with DVD/RW technology. This particular unit promises a lot of service, but seriously fails to deliver. First, I agree that set up was very easy. It would have been even easier if LiteOn has put all the parts they promised in the box. Second, the manual that accompanies this product was written by some one who has little or no command of the English language. Third, it will play and a VHS tape fairly well. So will any cheap VCR. The unit is extremely slow to play or record. Fourth, Copying to a DVD is a complicated process. The recorder will often skip in time, or speed up. That is of course the system doesn't crash. Fifth, the noise it makes while recording is similar to having a small gerbil trapped inside the machine. Sixth, there is no room for human error on the DVD recording. Once you start recording it is impossible to shut down. In addition, you can not record with the VCR in this unit even though it's implied. Seventh, the system is set up to accept only certain manufactures DVD's. The unit simply wouldn't accept anything else with out failing. Eighth, there is no instant record. It's a lengthy complicated process that has severe limitations. Finally, calling Tech support is a joke. The 800 number has been changed to a long distance number. I am suspicious that it is out side the U.S. It takes a very long time to get to actually speak to some one. After that it was very difficult to get a straight answer to technical questions. Save your self the aggravation. Look for another combo. This one is not worth it.

Great, easy to use. Replacement for a VCR.......2006-08-24

I'd been debating getting a DVR, a DVD recorder, a HD recorder, etc. for a while when the VCR broke. As it turns out, I need a VCR for work so I picked up the LiteOn VCR/DVD-recorder.

I love it. Easy to set up, easy to use. Clear, well designed graphical interface.

Here's our situation: low tech. We had a videotape that I had labeled the "poor man's TiVO" that we would record on and watch our weekly programs. I wanted something that would be easy to set recording times on and this machine is it.

Speaking of low tech: all the reviews of these things talk about how to hook up satellite and cable boxes. No thanks, we are still watching broadcast TV. The tuner on this unit is very clear and one feature I appreciate is the "search for channels" set up. As it went through the channels, it showed what signals it was getting in a "picture in picture" type box.

Similarly, when setting up a timer record, it shows the channel that you have selected. This is useful for us because sometimes the bunny ears get knocked and a high UHF channel gets fuzzy and we miss our UPN or WB broadcast.

It's easy to record to a DVD-RW disc (our new "TiVO"). Playback is clear and easy to fastforward and skip ahead or watch in slow motion.

The remote is not cluttered and pretty easy to use. At first, I worried that I didn't see the "Audio" or "Subtitle" buttons on the remote, but there's a "Navi" button that opens a pretty unobtrusive onscreen menu that lets you pick these things quickly. I appreciate the lack of buttons now.

I know, our tv watching sounds pathetic compared to the home theater yakkety yaks in all the other reviews, but hey, it's just the boob tube. This is a great "replacement VCR" with a step up in quality.

(Four stars because I'm a hard grader)

RCA DRC8295N DVD+R/ DVD+RW RECORDER WITH VCR

Average customer rating:

RCA DRC8295N life span too short
RCA DRC 8295 DVD+R/RW Recorder with VCR
Unhappy purchaser

RCA DRC8295N DVD+R/ DVD+RW RECORDER WITH VCR

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

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Product Features:

Records and plays DVD+R/+RW discs
4-head Hi-Fi stereo VCR - One-Touch Copy VHS-to-Disc feature
One-Touch Copy VHS-to-Disc feature
Smart Record automatically adjusts the recording mode
Disc Library stores a database of titles (up to 400)

ASIN: B000EDN032

Product Description

BURN VHS TO DVD AND BURN DVD TO VHS with this awesome DVD Combo Recorder with Built-in 4-HEAD Hi-Fi VCR.
Combines the picture and sound quality advantages of a DVD player with the convenient recording and playback options of a videocassette recorder. Record your own DVDs with this versatile unit that also includes a hi-fi VCR. Uses the DVD-R/RW DVD format for recording, and will play back the other popular format of DVD+R/RW. The multidrive recorders on the DRC8295N allow you to record onto DVD-R discs or re-recordable DVD-RW discs. DVD-R copies of recordings made by the DRC8295N will play on almost all DVD players and DVD-compatible computers. You can record anywhere from one hour (highest quality) to four hours (VHS quality). The DRC8295N DVD player/recorder from RCA combines a versatile digital video recorder with a high-end DVD player. You'll enjoy a stunningly realistic picture and warm, natural sound from your DVD library as well as programs you record. The DRC8295N is a powerful addition to your home theater. In addition to playing a full range of DVDs, the DRC8295N plays CDs and MP3 audio files, so you can enjoy your favorite music. You can also view digital JPEG photos from CDs created in your computer with the DRC8295N.

Customer Reviews:

RCA DRC8295N life span too short.......2007-07-23

I've owned this DVD recorder for about 2 years. When it was new, it was a good unit with some nice editing features not found on other less expensive models. I transferred many VHS videos, and recorded hundreds of TV programs to disc with great results. For the past 3 or 4 months, though, it has been rejecting an increasing majority of blanks as having a "disc error" and not accepting them to record. I now have 200+ blank discs, and cannot record anything. So this is a good machine, but don't expect it to function for much more than a year.

RCA DRC 8295 DVD+R/RW Recorder with VCR.......2007-04-13

This recorder is quite a workhorse. I bought one in Walmart in May of 2005 and have transferred hundreds of videos to DVD with it. While it now occassionally hangs up due to the high usage I have put it through as well as its age-overall it still is a solid machine. The one minor problem the machine seems to have is that it messes up on R disks on a regular basis but only occassionally does it mess up on RW which you can simply erase and reuse. So I now only use RW disks with the machine and thus have very few problems! The main feature I like with the unit which I have not been able to find on other combination vcr-dvd recorders is the ability to "edit" RW disks. The particular neat feature about this machine is that( if you record programs off the air or have videos which have commercials already on the tape) you can "HIDE" the commercials upon playback. In other words once the disk has been "edited" and you play it back you can choose to either watch it with the commercials viewable or watch the disk with the commercials not viewable (ie hidden). It is quite a neat feature.

I wish other recorders out there had this particular feature.

Unhappy purchaser.......2006-12-08

I purchased this item. Have had noting but issues with it freezing up when I try to record.

Average customer rating:

out of warranty, so it dies!

It just sits there, hidden behind my printer, chugging away.

Great Product - no question

Good product overall

overall a good unit

Motorola DOCSIS External Cable Modem (SB4100)

Manufacturer: Motorola
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

External Modems | Modems | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Cable Modems | Modems | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Motorola | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:

Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port 10/100 Switch (BEFSR41)

Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router

Product Features:

Offers both Ethernet and USB connectivity

Easy installation, automatic configuration

Compact design is perfect for home and office

Internal universal power supply so there's no bulky plug

Platform independent--compatible with most operating systems

ASIN: B00005T3T6

Product Description

Riding the Internet wave just gets better and better. Introducing Motorola's new SURFboard SB4100 cable modem. With software upgrades accessible over the network and USB network connectivity, users no longer need to purchase additional software or open their PC to install a standard Ethernet card. The SB4100 offers both Ethernet and USB interface connectivity to help ensure compatibility with almost any PC or Macintosh network-ready computer system. What's more, a front panel stand-by switch has been added for additional end-user security. It disconnects the USB and Ethernet connection to the CPE without disconnecting the cable modem from the RF network, providing security, flexibility and performance. The SB4100 includes all of the enhanced features of previous SURFboard cable modems, including: incredible speed, high-performance processors, advanced RF design, operator-friendly diagnostics, and top-notch field reliability.

Amazon.com Product Description

The Motorola SURFboard SB4100 cable modem, which is DOCSIS 1.0 CableLabs Certified and Excite@Home Level 2 approved, features both Ethernet and USB interface connectivity to help ensure compatibility with almost any PC or Macintosh network-ready computer system. What's more, a front-panel standby switch has been added for additional end-user security. It disconnects the USB and Ethernet connection to the computer without disconnecting the cable modem from the network, providing security, flexibility, and performance.

The SB4100 is compatible with Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me, and NT, as well as Mac OS and Unix platforms. It supports up to 32 users (1 USB and 31 Ethernet) and is ideal for home and small businesses. Its vertical design requires minimum desk space.

The SB4100 comes with a one-year warranty.

Customer Reviews:

out of warranty, so it dies!.......2005-11-06

I had no real problems with this unit until last night, when suddenly it just stopped working. No surges, in fact it's on a line conditioner AND a surge protector. It's got power but the modem will not function. Naturally, the warranty is only 2 years, and mine is 2.5 years old. Argh! Look elsewhere.

It just sits there, hidden behind my printer, chugging away........2004-04-27

In the category of "better late than never," perhaps it's worth while for me to make a comment or two about a flawless piece of computer hardware that has been in place and running continously, without problems, for more than three years now. Normally, I do my best-when reviewing computer hardware and software-to review in a timely manner, so that others might benefit from my experiences. But something different happened with this Motorola cable modem.

I actually made the switch to broadband, as I said, more than three years ago. This Motorola SB4100 cable modem was "part of the deal" from my cable service providor when I made the switch. The unit ended up getting tucked behind my printer, and for all this time, I pretty much ignored it and simply took it for granted. (The vertical design, with the small footprint, makes it very easy to tuck away in the way I did. And also makes it easy to forget that it's there.)

About the only time I paid it any attention was when I installed a router to add another Mac to my office. But this was barely enough attention to simply swap out cables, in order to run the ethernet cable to the router, rather than to the original Mac that ended up with a "partner."

I really didn't even pay it any mind when, not long ago, my cable provider offered to boost my speed, as part of a new and different package of services. The cable modem handled the increased speed with aplomb, and with nary a need for me to notice, again, its existence, hidden away the way it is.

So, consider this a usage-based testimonial, after those three plus years, for a device that fits into the "plug it in; then forget about it" category (and fits into virtually no space at all). By now, it owes me nothing. Yet, despite the fact that Motorola has supplanted the SB4100 with, first, the SB4200 (substantially the same item), and, later, the SB5100, I see absolutely no need to get "the latest and greatest": this Model SB4100 fit my needs then, and continues to do so now.

It's not often that three-years-after-the-fact testimonials of this type are so easy to provide, and honestly at that.

Bob Zeidler

Great Product - no question.......2003-04-10

No need to write any review - simply superb. Just buy it.

Good product overall.......2003-03-08

I purchased this modem (SB4100) to replace the 3com office connect which was not compatible with either cable company in my area. I have had it for almost a year now, and overall I just forget about it, since it works great. I tested both USB and Ethernet connection and both work, even though I am using the ethernet port with my router. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is that once in a while (maybe every other month or so), for no apparent reason, I have to reset it. The standby button while great, is of no use assuming you have a good router/firewall. I would recommend it overall (the newer SB4200 is essentially the same).

overall a good unit.......2003-01-29

This was easy to set up and is generally very good. Occasionally, I will lost my connection with it and after calling the cable company and determining it isnt the signal.. I have been told to unplug the unit to *reset* it... I have had to do this multiple times.

I think this unit needs a power button and a reset button for cases like this. That said, most of the time it is probem free and does have a stand by mode which is very nice when you are working on problems and do not want to be on line( like when updating or installing virus software)

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics