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Sanyo DRW 500 recorder
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kingsmead
Junior Member
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17. May 2005 @ 14:18 |
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I also forgot to mention that BJs has a 100 spindle of DVD+R for about $44.00 and they work fine in the unit.
Everyone has a photographic memory - some are just missing the film!
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CalDF
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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17. May 2005 @ 18:03 |
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I'm glad I found this forum! I recently purchased a Sanyo DRW-500, and in the week that I have owned and used it, have discovered its ups and downs. Overall, it's not a bad machine to achieve the primary purpose for which I bought it, which is basically to transfer my VHS collection to DVD. It's also not a bad unit to use as a backup for my Dish Network DVR. I have, however, found some shortcomings with the unit, which I'd like to point out (if anyone has noticed similar problems, or knows some solutions, I'd be more than happy to see your response):
1 - The unit records flawlessly on DVD+RW discs, and erases these discs with no problem. I am able to erase either track-by-track, or the entire disc at once. However, it does not record as easily to DVD+R discs. There seems to be a considerable delay when I attempt to record a new track to a DVD+R (usually about 15 seconds - no such delay with DVD+RW's).
2 - My experience with other DVD recorders (specifically, the Panasonic DMR-T3040) is that you can delete tracks on DVD+R or DVD-R discs before finalizing (granted, you can't recover the used space on the disc, but you can get rid of the data). However, the DRW-500 does not offer this feature. Once you record a track on a DVD+R disc, it's there for good! If you make a mistake while recording a DVD+R, your only option is to pitch the disk and start again. I have found that the best way to handle this situation is to master recordings to DVD+RW's, then use the DVD burner on my computer to burn the finished recordings to DVD+R's (that is, provided that you have a DVD burner).
3 - The DRW-500, in playback mode, will not continuously play from one track to the next, but will stop and return to the menu screen between every track. This is rather frustrating, because there are times when I would like to watch a DVD all the way through without interruption.
4 - The record programming functions on the DRW-500 are very limited. First off, you'd better get used to a 24-hour clock, because there is no "AM" or "PM" on this machine. Second, you can not program repeat events (i.e. to record the same event at the same time every day, every week, etc). You have to enter each one-time event individually.
5 - The "title track" function allows you a maximum of 10 characters for the title, and all of the available letters are lower-case only (if you want to record and title a show like "Eight Simple Rules", you'll have to come up with a catchy acronym).
6 - Sanyo customer support leaves something to be desired. I got a lot of busy signals, and spend enough time on hold. When I finally did reach a CSR, they didn't really seem to know much about the unit or how it works.
Of course, you get what you pay for, and seeing as I only paid $150 for this unit (the machines with the bells and whistles still start around $300), I guess I shouldn't complain. I toyed with the idea of returning it, but seeing as it performs the simple function for which I bought it, I might as well hold onto it.
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culttvguy
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17. May 2005 @ 19:39 |
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I gave up on it and just use my PC for recording/editing/burning.
Results are better,and menus are nicer too.Plus i can use either +R or -R discs.
Favourite Movie Quotes:
Nuffin' unusual he says.Colin's been carved up,and I've got a bomb in me casino,and you say 'Nuffin unusual' ?
You're gonna need a bigger boat.
I'll be back.
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18. May 2005 @ 10:48 |
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CalDF
Welll Then I have 200 dvd +R disk that are coasters and while this is not true they are cheaper and right now I dont have a dvd recorder drive on the computer.
But how does it come off the disk as a VOB file.
It is too live life too the fullest then never lived at all.
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Member
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18. May 2005 @ 11:13 |
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But the one thing you dont have too worry about is the rate too record as it records in realtime from the tv and when you tranfer too the computer you have too mess with all stuff too encode it what bitrate and all that I know 5000 is the best but most dvds ar not big enough and I usaully used between 1500 br and 2000 myself and used another program too clear up the the noise from my vhs when I was doing tranfers.
Although I still like the menu on the ilo better because it had a way too look at the menu in text view or icons and also the whole keyboard capital and otherwise.
I would like to get one with a HDD on it would anyone know if you can edit the comercials out after you record on the HDD on those models.
It is too live life too the fullest then never lived at all.
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barton88
Newbie
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18. May 2005 @ 16:34 |
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CalDF My sanyo 500 plays great track after track on recorded vhs and from recorded movies from direct TV and well as commercial DVD. When I record a clip and stop then record another clip during play back it does take you back to menu to select which clip of several you wish it to play. I have two Sanyo's both of which work great and customer service has been good for me. Phillips Sony and other recorders seem to keep track of your recordings. Once you record a movie it appears to have a record and will not let you record it again even from direct tv. Has anyone else had this experience. ?
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CalDF
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18. May 2005 @ 22:00 |
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Wolf, you can still use those DVD+R's - all I'm saying is that you have to be careful not to make any mistakes when dubbing to them, because you can't delete a title once it's recorded. Other machines I've used will allow you to delete the title, even though you can't recover the space.
Barton, I've found, as you have, that the DRW-500 plays back very well, and I've yet to have a problem with playback or recording of discs. I do, however, wish it had a feature which would allow the user to play a DVD straight through, title to title. I did try to dub a series of VHS-C tapes to one single title, pausing between tape changes, but I got a "disc error" message if I took too long to change the tape (apparently, it doesn't like being in "pause" very long).
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catazz
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19. May 2005 @ 08:01 |
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My friend and I both just purchased Sanyo recorders. I have scanned these messages and have learned a lot. I do have a couple questions, please:
1. You say that the +RW discs automatically finalize. Does this happen every time you add info to a disc, or does this happen after the disc is full? I have recorded several files on a disc but it will not play in my Emerson DVD player.
2. Various disc brands have been mentioned. Do I understand correctly that recording on anoher brand of disc might cause it to work in my other DVD player if I use it?
3. HP brand discs have been mentioned. If this is an abbreviation of the actual name, could I please have the full brand name?
Thank you for your help. This site is great. I have already learned a great deal.
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usafret
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19. May 2005 @ 08:19 |
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Hello Cat!
Just read your post. HP is abbreviation for Hewlett Packard.
Someone on this site told me about them and now I use no other.
They are a good multi-purpose DVD, work on my 500, my computer and other DVDs. Try just a few at first.
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culttvguy
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19. May 2005 @ 09:30 |
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Hi Catazz,not all brands of discs will work on all players,it may work if you try a different brand.Unfortunately it is trial and error,you'll need to make the disc first to find out if it works or not.The fact is that certain players just dont like certain discs.
Its a metter of finding which brand works for you and then going with that..
I never actually used a +RW n the 500,so have a look at the menu once you have burned a programme to the +RW disc,and see if the option to finalize is there.If it is,try finalizing it and then see what happens when you try to add more programmes to it afterwards.You should be able to add more tracks without having to erase the disc first,but like i said,trial and error will give you your answers. !
Favourite Movie Quotes:
Nuffin' unusual he says.Colin's been carved up,and I've got a bomb in me casino,and you say 'Nuffin unusual' ?
You're gonna need a bigger boat.
I'll be back.
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catazz
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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19. May 2005 @ 10:08 |
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Thanks,for your response Cult. The menu for the 500 does have a finalize option, but it is ghosted out for +RW discs. It is only operational for +R discs according to the "lovely" manual that came with the machine. Someone on this board mentioned something like +RW's are ??automatically?? finalized without using this option, but with the short time I have been playing with this recorder, I didn't see anything happening that would indicate it was finalizing.
Catlady
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kingsmead
Junior Member
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19. May 2005 @ 12:36 |
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katazz:
I don't think that the DVD+RW do actually "finalize". From what I understand, they're supposed to be able to be played in any machine regardless of brand, etc. It probably has to do with the way that the RW discs are formatted and set up as opposed to the write once.
Just as an aside.... there is one member who keeps posting who needs to use a spell and grammar check. It is very difficult to read the posts.
too = also
two = 2
to = a directional word
books = more than one book
book's = something that belongs to a book
Finally, a period at the end of a sentence would be nice and not something that runs on and on for paragraphs without any punctuation this is very hard too read when you are trying too figure out what the person is saying i really end up skipping over the posts get the idea?
Everyone has a photographic memory - some are just missing the film!
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usafret
Suspended permanently
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19. May 2005 @ 13:13 |
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kingsmead: Check the grammar and punctuation in your last post. Let's not turn this site into a English test. Thanks.
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kingsmead
Junior Member
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19. May 2005 @ 13:28 |
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The last paragraph of my posting was gramatically incorrect to make a point. I just get frustrated trying to wade through lack of punctuation and grossly misspelled words. It makes for difficult reading. In an age of computers with spell and grammar checks, there really is no excuse.
Everyone has a photographic memory - some are just missing the film!
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Member
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20. May 2005 @ 14:47 |
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Who cares this is not school
It is too live life too the fullest then never lived at all.
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culttvguy
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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20. May 2005 @ 14:53 |
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true,but it would make it easier.
Favourite Movie Quotes:
Nuffin' unusual he says.Colin's been carved up,and I've got a bomb in me casino,and you say 'Nuffin unusual' ?
You're gonna need a bigger boat.
I'll be back.
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Member
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20. May 2005 @ 15:08 |
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how so if someone writes wrong on here they dont want too get critized for it like me dont look at the screen i look at keyboard.
It is too live life too the fullest then never lived at all.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 20. May 2005 @ 15:10
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faerykiss
Newbie
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20. May 2005 @ 15:53 |
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Yeesshh, who tied everybodies tail in a knot? LOL
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culttvguy
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20. May 2005 @ 16:08 |
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Why not have a quick check of the spelling etc before submitting it ? It just makes it easier on people's eyes,i think that's what the other poster meant,instead of trying to figure out where one sentence ends and the next begins.
Favourite Movie Quotes:
Nuffin' unusual he says.Colin's been carved up,and I've got a bomb in me casino,and you say 'Nuffin unusual' ?
You're gonna need a bigger boat.
I'll be back.
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Singerboy
Junior Member
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22. May 2005 @ 00:08 |
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I am having a weird problem with the DRW 500 recorder. I found another person who made a post at c-net.com with the same problem. When recording from cable tv and I play back the disc on the TV is shows good. However when I try to play it on my computer, it gives some weird lines on the both sides and at the bottom of the screen. It's somewhat visible even on my mom's portable DVD player.
However when I record a tape from my VCR it doesn't give these lines. I even tried using the RCA connections from the output of my tv to the input on the recorder and I am still getting those lines. Anyone else experienced this and even has been able to fix the problem?
I mean it plays good on the TV but what happens when I want to watch something I recorded on my computer?
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kingsmead
Junior Member
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22. May 2005 @ 07:41 |
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I'm not sure about this... just guessing... do you by any chance have high definition TV? If so, this may be an issue with PCs. Again, I'm taking a wild guess.
Everyone has a photographic memory - some are just missing the film!
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Singerboy
Junior Member
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22. May 2005 @ 09:51 |
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No we don't have any HD TV's. But however I do believe that it could be the cable box that is causing that to happen. I tried one of the channels that did work without the box and didn't get those lines, however there are only like 3 channels that work without the box. So I wouldn't say that's a fair test, so it's only a theory still.
As I said, from my VCR when I play tapes I don't get those lines... :-(
The stange thing is is shows well on the TV(s) but not the computer :-(
Ok I have to add new findings to this post. I tested the same channel I mentioned with the cable box as well and it still doesn't give me the weird lines. That channel was a local channel though.
I tested that against cable channels and it turns out that those lines only appear on cable channels. SO I guess it's not the DVD Recorder but the cable or the cable signal itself. However it's still a problem...
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 22. May 2005 @ 12:51
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kingsmead
Junior Member
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23. May 2005 @ 00:58 |
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I know it's a pain in the neck, but what I would do is to take the recorder to someone else's house with satellite or a different cable carrier and see if the recording does the same thing. I think that you're on the mark that it has to do with your cable converter. Or, do you by any chance have another room in the house with a connection that you can check there? Maybe it's also possible that your cable company is doing something to the digital signals (which would explain that the local stations aren't affected) to prevent copying of programs. Just another wild guess.
Finally, maybe if you know of someone with another brand of DVD recorder, you could try to hook that one up and record off your cable box.
Last resort: your recorder MAY be defective. Did you apply the latest hardware upgrade? If you haven't and want to try, you can download the firmware upgrade on their website. I tried burning the CD with Roxio 7, but Nero seems to do some sort of formatting that the Sanyo only likes.
As an aside, I ended up buying a second recorder for the office and chose a Liteon model that PcWorld recommended. It's a LOT friendlier as far as operation and easier to work with. I got it at BJ's for $165.00. That manual and website stink also - I think that the Chinese companies are more interested in getting product sold than supporting it!
Everyone has a photographic memory - some are just missing the film!
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23. May 2005 @ 01:09 |
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Hello all I was wondering if anyone else has experienced the heating disk problem after playing several dvds through right after each other or when recording then playing back for say like 4 or five hours straight or longer when the disk comes out it's hot too the touch not where you can't hold it but hot enough too worry.
Had mine since about feb 25 2005 almost 3 months now and I like it but cant get a new one yet but when I do I'm getting one with a hard drive so I can edit comercials out.
It is too live life too the fullest then never lived at all.
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Singerboy
Junior Member
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25. May 2005 @ 03:52 |
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Quote:
I know it's a pain in the neck, but what I would do is to take the recorder to someone else's house with satellite or a different cable carrier and see if the recording does the same thing. I think that you're on the mark that it has to do with your cable converter. Or, do you by any chance have another room in the house with a connection that you can check there? Maybe it's also possible that your cable company is doing something to the digital signals (which would explain that the local stations aren't affected) to prevent copying of programs. Just another wild guess.
Finally, maybe if you know of someone with another brand of DVD recorder, you could try to hook that one up and record off your cable box.
Last resort: your recorder MAY be defective. Did you apply the latest hardware upgrade? If you haven't and want to try, you can download the firmware upgrade on their website. I tried burning the CD with Roxio 7, but Nero seems to do some sort of formatting that the Sanyo only likes.
As an aside, I ended up buying a second recorder for the office and chose a Liteon model that PcWorld recommended. It's a LOT friendlier as far as operation and easier to work with. I got it at BJ's for $165.00. That manual and website stink also - I think that the Chinese companies are more interested in getting product sold than supporting it!
Aight man I will try those out when I get some more time. It was somewhat annoying at first but the more I look at it. It's not that bad anymore. I mean I hardly record from cable right now. But I will still try it out.
I don't like the menu it gives though. I think I will just rip the VOB file and use Nero to create custom menus. I was hoping the firmware would have given you some type of option. Also why does it create just one VOB file? Where as on normal DVD there are several, for the various chapters? I think if it did create more than one, we might have a better "chapter delete" funtion that removes it completely.
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