We just purchased the iLO DVD Recorder 05MU model and have had problems with formatting discs. The first recorder we got on Saturday, October 1st, and had the problem of formatting "Verbatim's" DVD+R discs, but had no problem with "HP's" or "Maxell's" until the unit froze after recording a TV program on day 2. Upon completion of the recording, the machine was processing the end and came up with a "Disc error" and would not recognize the Disc at all. Plus, I had to unplug the machine to reset in order for the thing to eject/turn off or on. After that, it would not even format any disc. We took the unit back to Wal-Mart (after trying to reach iLo's Customer Service all day) and exchanged it for a new one. After connecting, the replacement machine worked great until the next morning when I programmed in some Timed recordings. Then the new one froze up and wouldn't recognize the recorded disc and would give the error as "unknown disc." I tried to format new discs--the Memorex DVD+R and the HP DVD+R and neither one would format and would say disc error and freeze up the machine. Upon resetting it -- I tried to format "Memorex's" DVD+RW discs and had not problem, but still cannot format the DVD+R discs. I have emailed the Ilo Customer Service asking for "HELP" AND calling the company--CANNOT GET THROUGH TO THESE PEOPLE!!!! Is anyone else having the same problems?
I had the 05 MU model too, I had nothing but problems like you're having and took it back within 2 days. I managed to get the 04 model and it's working fine. From all the stuff I've read in this forum, and I've read a LOT, the 05 model is nothing but a headache and gives everyone problems.
Thank you for replying. I was beginning to think I am doing something very wrong! Is the 04 more expensive than the 05? Wal-Mart did have an upraded machine, but I didn't pay any attention to the model #. Thank you.
No, it was the same price. Actually the 04 is last year's model and it's kind of hard to find it in the stores. I just got lucky when I found mine. The box was behind all the others on the shelf. You can call around and see which Walmarts near you might have one. If you can't find one, I'd get a different brand altogther.
Thanks, Kim. We went to our local Wal-Mart and found 2 remaining 04's--I guess we were lucky! You were absolutely CORRECT, it is much easier to operate and NO PROBLEMS with formatting discs and it was the same price. I still have received no CALLBACK from iLO's customer service and I left the message 3 days ago! If Wal-Mart did not have the 04 in stock, we definitely would have elected to purchase a DIFFERENT BRAND! iLO, in my opinion, is probably going to go down for its 05 Model mistake!
I think the 05 model was already discontinued. I don't know if they will make a new one or what. I wonder if they will.
I'm glad you got the 04 model. I've been using mine quite a bit, and still no problems. Well, except last night. I was getting a disc out and the sleeve of my house coat/robe caught on the little door cover and ripped it off. It took me a while to get it back on. LOL! Well, other than that no problems at all.
I'm using Maxell and Imation discs with it and they have been recording real well.
I think you'll be much happier with the 04. Also, did you know that there is a firmware download (a hacked version) that when installed into the unit, it will give you a 3 hour recording speed and it will also disable the macrovision so you can copy your DVDs? Look at the threads here for the 04 model and you'll find a link for it. I did it and the firmware worked perfectly. It also fixes any issues that might pop up. The firmware is very easy to install.
If anyone is interested, I finally got a reply from iLo and it reads the following concerning the ilo DVD Recorder 05MU:
'Dear Customer,
Pls check our website for firmware and loader updates, visit
www.iloservice.com and go to services. Download both updates (front end &
Back end) and burn them on to two separate CD-R disk as image files. Load
into the ilo unit and it should say update on the front of the unit, on the
screen it will ask if you really want to update press "yes", it will take
about two minutes to update. When it is finished it should say successful.
