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Any opinions on the Sharp DV-HR300?
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avgeek21
Newbie
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8. June 2004 @ 12:20 |
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Thanks for the help, but maybe I need to be clearer. My goal in asking about the firewire OUT, is that I want to set up a multiple DVD duplication rack, using a DVD recorder (or player) with firewire OUT, connected to a one input, 5 output firewire distribution amplifier (Laird makes it), this connected to FIVE individual stand-alone DVD recorders with firewire inputs so that I could make 5 DVD copies simultaneously. I have a JVC DVD burner (firewire in only), I just need a DVD player or recorder that OUTPUTS firewire. I know the Pioneer recorder do and that the Sharps use the same engine as the Pioneers, and that the earlier Sharp DVD recorder has the bi-directional capability. I guess I could go analog with the s-video output/inputs, but I was seeking an all digital solution that does not involve using a computer.
Thanks again!
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mannycam
Member
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9. June 2004 @ 03:32 |
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So basically you need a player with firewire output. I wish this device would do that but I don't think it does. I would wait to acquire one, instead of losing a generation with SVHS. Unless the project is not worth the higher level of quality. With me if its digital I want it digital from start to finish. Thank god for this format too, since svhs and hi8 really suck and had me totally frustrated in all my years of filming with it. Drop outs, sound issues time base errors, I really hated the 2 formats and vhs, dont even go there. Mini DV was to me a total relief.
Anyway if you do find and affordable deck with firewire output, please let us know.
MannyCAM
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mannycam
Member
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9. June 2004 @ 03:35 |
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One more thing, I too am cloning my dv and hi8 stuff, but as I said I dub it all to my HDD and then burn several copies from there. Its not the sophistication of multiple simultanious recordings but then again Im only after 4 or 5 copies of the masters.
MannyCAM
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zauer
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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10. June 2004 @ 03:57 |
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Please confirm that Sharp DV-HR300 recognize PAL coding system and also it has slow replay and pause modes.What is the quality of the paused picture , oscillations?
Thanks
zauer
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mannycam
Member
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10. June 2004 @ 06:58 |
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The paused picture is rock solid, the slow playback strobes slightly but is totally acceptable. Using a fast shutter speed when shooting the master recording would greatly reduce the strobing. The slower the motion the better the results Ive noticed. Ive created stills from my digital recordings and created a slide show on my PC then transferred it to my mini dv via a firewire, to record to disc using my firewire cable as well.. Burned the disc and had a perfect slide show with rock solid images. The only fault Ive found is the machine when connected to a DV source might say that the material cannot be recorded because its copyrighted. I opened the camera and slid the protective tab to the other setting and voila, its was fine then. Most unusual since the next tape I tried dubbing did the very same thing but was in the same setting that the previous one was moved to, so I moved it to the other position and it then worked fine. Most likely a minor glitch in the software but not enough to dissapoint me. Moving the protective tab just occured to me out of the blue. Ive messed with digital cameras for awhile now so I also know how finicky the digital tapes can be. No complaints from this digital freak though. I LOVE the format!!!
I'll get back to you on the PAL issue. I would say yes but not without knowing for sure, since I dont ever use that setting.
MannyCAM
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JoeKixxon
Newbie
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16. June 2004 @ 05:49 |
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OK - I'm hopeful this will turn out to be something very simple, but my first experience with the DV-HR300 was not at all a good one. After setting it up, using time slip, and being very pleased up to that point, I discovered that cannot make the unit record from TV channels.
I use the simple programming grid and select a time and channel, but after selecting a point on the grid and setting the length of the show, the channel ALWAYS goes back to "--". Then I go to the manual settings and change the channel back to the number I want and confirm that setting. Again the channel goes back to "--".
This is incredibly frustrating. I can't record TV. I can watch TV through the unit and change channels that way, but I can't set the timer to record. I read and re-read through the ridiculously confusing manual. I finally went to bed very disapointed and woke up to find that the Sharp had only recorded snow from channel "--" despite the fact that I set the unit to channel 60 over and over and over again.
Please Help!
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don2blues
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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16. June 2004 @ 05:58 |
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Joe, relax first of all. I use this unit to record various channels off of tv many times. Use the timer recording feature instead of the on you mentioned. There towards the right you will be asked what channel to record, or what input. Then just hit enter on the remote to accept your choice. Works like a charm. The manual hit me as being a bit confusing at first, now it just collects dust and I found my way on my own and with help from this forum. You have a nice machine, have faith.
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JoeKixxon
Newbie
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16. June 2004 @ 06:50 |
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Thanks don2blues - however I tried exactly what you described. Exactly. The channel changes to what I want on that screen, but as soon as I hit "enter" the channel always defaults back to "--" on the list of programs to be recorded.
And yeah... I'm calm... It's just frustrating that I can't make something work that seems so simple and basic.
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don2blues
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16. June 2004 @ 07:52 |
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Wish I had my machine here at work to help. Maybe there's a settings thing that you overlooked? How is your cable/tv connected to the Sharp? Also, I know this sounds ?, but try turning it off then unplugging it. That will reset it somewhat but "not" lose anyting you've already recorded. That tip works on everything from vcr's to cable boxes to computers.
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mannycam
Member
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16. June 2004 @ 08:41 |
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I would totally agree with Don2blues, there must be something youre missing. The connection is the most important thing, if just one of the cables is not connected right, it wont work. But if there is something amiss with your particular unit then unplugging it should reset it. I personally use channel four on the recorder and use the cable box to change channels. So I simply leave the channel that I want to record off of, on. Set the program time and whatnot and then turn it off and turn of the tv set. Naturally I leave the cable box always on. This works best for me since I really dont have multiple shows on different channels that I want to record. I may have one any given night. But using it that way I havent missed any recordings yet. But as was said earlier, turning it off will usually reset the unit and you will not lose any already recorded material. If you do it for just a couple seconds, you shouldnt need to reset the clock either.
MannyCAM
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JoeKixxon
Newbie
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16. June 2004 @ 09:04 |
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Thanks Manny and Don. I'll try the unplug and reset when I get home. The thing I dont get is that it changes channels perfectly when I watch TV through the unit. I'm pretty sure it's hooked up correctly because I can watch TV and do the time slip function. Also, I did check the cables again last night before I gave up. The other thing I really really don't get is that the unit accepts my changes to the channel number for timed recordings and then immediately defaults back to "--" for the channel. An error message or something would be nice if there is a problem.
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mannycam
Member
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16. June 2004 @ 10:32 |
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Make sure youre choosing the correct settings in your setup as well.....broadcast or cable VHF 2-13, UHF 14-69, CATV 1-125
For instance if the channel is in the higher band channels, then you must choose the CATV 1-125. Im suspecting that you might have it set to broadcast and its making the unit default to zero since it may only recognize according to the band youve chosen. Just an idea. I am interested in seeing the outcome of this scenario, since I havent noted any major problems using this unit. The only thing I did notice as I pointed out in an earlier post was the copyright issue in regards to miniDV tapes. I had moved the protective tab to the other setting from what it was in, and noticed it then recorded. But since then Ive simply waited for the tape to play a couple seconds after I get the warning and the "CANNOT RECORD Copyrighted Material" prompt and pushed the record button and the unit then records. Im thinking that the copyright feature was really stressed in the designing phase of this product and is quite sensitive to any tapes that have either the built in copyright code or in this case the chip that miniDV tapes have. What ever the case it really hasnt caused any problems. Since I now know this and just wait for the tape to play a few seconds before iniciating the record button. Hey electronics, you gotta lovem:)
MannyCAM
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JoeKixxon
Newbie
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16. June 2004 @ 18:29 |
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Update: I reset the unit, reset the channels, reset the record timer. I found out it's not totally unable to record TV. It's just anyone's guess what channels will record. Example:
Select CH2: Get CH2
Select CH60: Get "--" (that would be the fly races)
Select CH64: Get CH64
Select CH59: Get EXT 01
and so on...
And... The unit tunes in all channels perfectly when watching TV. The problems only exist with timed recording.
I really hate this piece of junk. Sharp you listening? This unit is headed your way. Next time send me something that actually works.
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mannycam
Member
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17. June 2004 @ 03:20 |
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Joe, Im really sorry to hear that, your unit may have some malfunction. My experience has been favorable. Ive recorded about 30 DVDS, edited playlists, recorded from tv cloned about 20 miniDVS to DVD...havent had any issues come up. Again Im sorry to hear about yours. But the general concensus on the net is mostly favorable. I would give it a chance, get an exchange, it could be just that unit. Anyway, nice chatting with you. Good luck.
MannyCAM
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JoeKixxon
Newbie
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17. June 2004 @ 06:26 |
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Thanks Manny. I was pretty steamed last night when I posted, and I am sending it back to Amazon for replacement.
Too add insult to injury, Sharp wants me to pay for shipping their defective unit back to them. After I found out Sharp's policy, I clicked up Amazon... return... replacement... etc etc... took me all of two minutes. No muss, no fuss. They pay for shipping and even printed a UPS shipping label for me and gave me directions to the nearest dropoff. Amazon really does do a good job, and this defect was certainly not their fault.
I wouldn't recommend Sharp to anyone, but at least Amazon may be able to correct this situation.
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mannycam
Member
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17. June 2004 @ 06:39 |
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Agreed Joe, dont ever mess with the manufacturer. I never go that route. No matter how reputable the company, its general practice to screw or forget the consumer. All of them are like that. Thats the reason I shop at Amazon, their policy is to make the resale not the actual sale. I love them. Ive returned many dvds the same way, no hassles just plain good ole fashioned customer service. But in regards to the actual Sharp product, I really do think they have a decent one here, give it a chance.:)
MannyCAM
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berniemac
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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17. June 2004 @ 10:01 |
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Does anyone use DirectTv with the Sharp. I see the Sharp Gets chanels 1-125 only, and DirectTV goes up to 800 chanels will I be able to record all the chanels?
Bernie
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mannycam
Member
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17. June 2004 @ 10:26 |
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I have BrightHouse, my coaxial going into my cable box an back out to my Sharp. I use the cable box to change the channels and set the Sharp to record from whatever is on channel 4. I prefer it that way actually. I dont see why it would be any different with DirectTV You have a box similar to cable, as long as it has a coaxial out. You would be doing the same thing I do with my cable box. Using the DirectTV box to switch the channels. The sharp only sees a signal on channel 4 regardless of what channel it is. I hope this helps.
MannyCAM
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don2blues
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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17. June 2004 @ 10:33 |
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Joe and Everyone Else: The Sharp unit is outstanding. I have burned over 100 dvd's, while always burning to the hard drive first, so do the math. Not once has a disc failed while recording. I regret not getting the extra warranty, but at the rate I'm going this unit seems to be quite a workhorse with nice bells & whistles to boot. Joe, just send the unit back if you haven't already and get another one. I don't think anyone here has had a problem with the Sharp worth not buying it all over again. No regrets here. Don
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mannycam
Member
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17. June 2004 @ 11:09 |
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I agree wholeheartedly with Don. This thing is a peach. As with all electronics and especially software related. Dont force the unit to perform beyond its normal processing speed. To many people get inpatient and press buttons repeatedly or go back and forth thru the pages, not letting the processor do its thing. Of course you will get some error doing that. When you work the different functions, pause for a moment let the machine do its thing.
Another thing is ventilation. Make damn sure youre operating the thing with plenty of ventilation, I have a small box fan behind my entertainment center ventilating all of the electronics I have. Its a proven fact that harddrives work faster when they are cool. This machine is no different. The cooler the environment the better it will perform. But I do have to say that after having the Philips 985, which is physically twice the size of this unit, with much less capabilities and have it malfunction the way it did. I am totally content with the Sharp. But as with all new things, of course we will say well it doesnt do this or, I wish it could do that. Naturally it could have much more to offer. Thats why they introduce newer versions, new models. But for what this offers in this super slim size it will suffice my needs. I too have burned discs and have never once received one coaster for my efforts. I have plenty of those with my official coaster maker the philips 985:)
MannyCAM
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BayuTiger
Newbie
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17. June 2004 @ 16:59 |
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Agree. I have had nothing but good experiences with the Sharp. I do find the timer function to be a bit quirky as are a couple of other functions, however, even if you gave up a couple of features you would find that the Sharp still does more than any other recorder for less money. Just think of some of the features that you may take for granted in the Sharp.
Hard Drive - Sharp,Panasonic - Yes, Sony - Nope, Philips - Nope
Time Base Correction Sharp,Sony - Yes, Philips, Panasonic - Nope (as I recall) )
This is the feature that gets overlooked the most, but you really will not be able to dub VHS without it very well)
Time Shift - Sharp - Ridiculously easy, Sony - DVD-RW only.
Editing - Same Story
Recording Quality - Sharp, Sony, Panasonic - Very good all the way to LP, even EP with VHS, Philips - Not close
Sony does have the advantage of being multi-format.
My only complaint with the Sharp is that it is so easy, I mow through a stack of blanks about every month. I tend to record everything. Nary a coaster yet.
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luc4
Newbie
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18. June 2004 @ 10:31 |
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So did anyone try to see if it can playback/record in PAL (for the US model)? I'd be very interested to know!
Thanks,
Lucien
Luc
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BayuTiger
Newbie
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19. June 2004 @ 04:29 |
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I don't have a PAL source, but from the manual:
This recorder is compatible with the NTSC format. Make sure to check the format of the disc before purchasing. It also specifically says that Discs recordrd on PAL format cannot be played. It is also Region 1. I have never checked for a patch.
Sorry
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soupy
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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21. June 2004 @ 13:27 |
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Can somebody help me high speed dub to dvd from hard disk?
I record everything to hard disk at SP format but when I try to dub to DVD at the same format (SP) it saying unable to high speed dub. I have to do everything at normal speed which is a pain.
I don't fully understand the proirity dubbing option/settings.
Help Help Help Please.....
This is the negative comment is I cant this high speed dubbing.
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Cordelia
Newbie
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22. June 2004 @ 16:52 |
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I just ordered the Sharp DV-HR300U from B&H in N.Y. and now I see the following comment at Amazon. I'm getting nervous. Anyone else with this problem?
Great machine but....., June 18, 2004
Reviewer: An electronics fan from Boston,MA
This Sharp DVD recorder is fairly easy to use and works well with one exception. If you are at all interested in recording channels 56-60,you may be out of luck. On both machines I got, (great service by Amazon getting me a replacement) the channel automatically changes to one of the Line inputs so channels 56-60 will not record. Sharp is aware that "some of their machines" have this issue, but there is not a recall at this time. They suggested that I could send it into them for repair. They do not seem to have nailed down how many bad ones are out there. Since I am 0/2, I have decided to keep shopping.
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