SATA 2.0 Data Cable, 20in - 2 Pack Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Not really a whole lot to say about a data cable. The cables are just a s advertised - SATA 20" data cables. I've been using them for about a month now. One for a hard drive and one for a DVD drive. They work. The transfer speed appears constant with posted specifications. I do have another data cable from a different manufacture and I can not tell the difference in speed (I doubt anyone could). The plugs slide on and hold like they should.I gave them five stars because the cables work as expected without any issues. Recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SATA 2.0 Data Cable, 20in - 2 Pack

Click here for more information about SATA 2.0 Data Cable, 20in - 2 Pack

Read More...

SATA 2.0 Data Cable, 20in - 2 Pack Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)not much to say, they work great, they are long enough to reach from the motherboard to the hard drive. Note that they do not have a right angle connector so be sure you can use a straight connector before you buy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SATA 2.0 Data Cable, 20in - 2 Pack

Click here for more information about SATA 2.0 Data Cable, 20in - 2 Pack

Read More...

5.25/3.5-inch USB 2.0 IDE HDD BD DVD CD Enclosure w/ Fan Supports up to 1 TB Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This enclosure provides a simple way to make use of that internal drive that you replaced with an upgrade or salvaged from an retired computer. In my case, I had bought a new computer, and had a DVD-R drive left over that I wanted to use with my office computer, which only had a CD drive. When this enclosure arrived, it came with clear instructions for opening the case and installing the drive. Everything fits together nicely and the case has a small fan, on/off switch and power light, too. The case may be used with any 5.25" full-size HD, CD, or DVD drive. All in all, I'm very happy with this purchase.


Click Here to see more reviews about: 5.25/3.5-inch USB 2.0 IDE HDD BD DVD CD Enclosure w/ Fan Supports up to 1 TB

Click here for more information about 5.25/3.5-inch USB 2.0 IDE HDD BD DVD CD Enclosure w/ Fan Supports up to 1 TB

Read More...

Philips DVDR3576H DVD Recorder with 160GB Hard Disc and Built-In Tuner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This excellent unit is truly powerful and capable. It's a real bargain if its price does not climb (see paragraph 3). It combines 3 different functions in one slim package, any one of which alone would have cost more than its sub-$300 price not so long ago: a 160 GB hard disk recorder, an ATSC digital tuner (and an analog NTSC tuner too), and a DVD recorder. Additionally, it breaks the DVD +/- format war by its ability to record on both.
This unit is one of the surprisingly few hard disk-plus-DVD recorder devices available today that has a digital tuner. It eliminates the high cost of monthly charges for a TIVO. No monthly charges at all! It can do two things at once, allowing playback from either DVD or HDD while recording to HDD. It has a fan but it's quiet, and turns off about a minute after turning the unit off. And, of course, you can watch live TV via your TV's tuner as well.
NOTE ON PRICES: In 2009 the Philip's price has increased, sometimes substantially above what it was last year, although you may still find it at a good price. It may be in limited quantities and/or about to be deleted: I do not know. If you can only find it at an elevated price you should also consider other units. Gary S. reports recently that the newly-available Magnavox H2160MW9, now at Amazon too, is essentially identical to the Philips and is at a sub-$300 price, so investigate that. At higher prices, there are other units that, unlike this otherwise excellent Philips, can record in high definition instead of standard def (albeit on hard drive only): the Moxi MR 1500 (for cable only, cannot be used with an antenna; 500 GB hard drive); or the TiVo TCD658000 HD XL DVR (for both cable and antenna; 1000 GB hard drive). TiVo imposes service charges, unlike Moxi or Philips, so the HD XL effectively costs about $900 for the unit + "lifetime" service fee. However, unlike the Philips, both Moxi and TiVo need an adjunct DVD recorder in order to download keeper programs to a DVD (in SD not HD, at least until Blu-Ray recorders are available). Otherwise you lose your recordings if/when the hard disk crashes.
Recording TV programs
I use a roof antenna, and receive both analog and digital TV signals. Programming to record TV shows is very similar to programming a VCR manually. There is no automatic programming system, but it's really not that hard to do manually. It records HD signals as SD (standard definition).
The listing of programs ("Titles") that you have recorded are clearly shown and easy to navigate to. But it is best to put at least a rudimentary title on the TV programs right after you record them. Otherwise all you have is the date, time, and channel of the recording. You have to add titles by a clunky texting method, requiring multiple presses of numbers 1-9.
Playback
I use an HDMI cable between this unit and my TV. Playback from the hard disk is a joy. Access is immediate. The unit remembers where you left off watching last time on each program individually. You can manoever around the recordings with an (adjustable) 30-second skip forward/backward button, or with an adjustable-speed fast forward/rewind, or with a chapter-jump ("next") which uses the (optional) 10-minute auto-chapters that are inserted.
Playback from DVD is fine, but loading a DVD is slow (perhaps because it can handle so many different DVD formats).
Aspect Ratio (edited 12/08--thanks to Arnold E.)
This will require fiddling with from time to time to display the picture properly.
When recording DIGITAL programs you get 16:9 playback with very good SD definition on a widescreen TV with the following settings: Setup/General/Video/TV Aspect/16:9. AND set the "HDMI" toggle button to 1080p (or 1080i if your 16:9 set doesn't have p). The TV should then choose the correct aspect ratio setting automatically.
If you play back a 4:3 ANALOG program (until June 2009) with these settings, it will play back stretched sideways: reset "HDMI" to 480p to fix this.
AND if you are recording some digital programs which are not broadcast full-screen (e.g. BBC News) you may wish to press ZOOM on your TV to fill the screen.
User-friendliness
Most functions are well thought out and the software is good. But you will have to read the manual.
The remote control has the buttons needed, but several important ones are badly laid out. The STOP button is tiny.
Since it's a multifunctional device, you have to tell it what component you want to use. If you have been watching a TV show recorded on HDD, and then insert a DVD, if you just press "play", it will resume playback of the HDD unless you press "DVD" first. It's not smart enough to realize you want the DVD now.
The 122-page instruction book is detailed. It is fairly well written. Mine is very well-thumbed and dogeared. To get the most out of this complex unit, you will need to read it carefully.
Editing
For copying from old VHS tapes or home DVD's, I find it best to record first onto the HDD. Then use "deleting a scene" to remove unwanted sections. The software for this is pretty user-friendly. Then transfer the cleaned-up version to DVD. You can in theory record directly to DVD from VHS, and delete unwanted sections on the DVD directly, using "Hiding Chapters" but this is clunky (first you have to define the section as a chapter). Worse, these deletions, and added chapter headings, were ignored when played back on another unit.
Upsides
An excellent, low-cost, way to record digital and analog programs over the air or on cable.
No monthly fee.
Good quality SD 16:9 recordings.
Versatile: able to transfer recordings either way between DVD and HDD.
Downsides
It can't record HD programs in HD--it downgrades them to SD.
It's slow to load a DVD.
The remote buttons are poorly laid out.
Titling tracks is tedious.
DVD edits may be ignored in other DVD players.
Summary
This is a really fine and extremely versatile unit, at a good price. It is a leapfrog into the digital age. Finally here is a device with the versatility to fully supplant S-VHS VCR's.
The next step will be when this kind of device is upgraded to record HDTV on its hard disk AND to record Blu-Ray DVD's. Don't hold your breath.
(This review is based on the predecessor model, DVDR3575H, similar except for the tuner).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Philips DVDR3576H DVD Recorder with 160GB Hard Disc and Built-In Tuner

Click here for more information about Philips DVDR3576H DVD Recorder with 160GB Hard Disc and Built-In Tuner

Read More...

JVC SR-HD1250US Blu-Ray Disc and HDD Recorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I will try to give anyone interested in this unit some important informa to consider. It did not work for me at all, but it might work for you. To begin the unit is marketed by JVC but I do not think it is their original product. The unit comes in a basic box with no company advertising on it. It does say JVC on the unit but on the menu screens during operation make no reference to JVC at all. It looks very much like the TASCAM Blu-Ray recorder and I would guess it is the repackaged same unit.
First the unit will record to BD-R and BD-rewritable formats as well as DVD-R and RW (not DVD+R or RAM). It will read from +R discs. It is copy protected so if you think you can duplicate store bought DVDs and BDs, you can put that thought to rest....you cannot. All material must go through the HDD first. There is no direct recording to blank media. This is not a bad thing as you can do editing when the title is on the HDD. The unit has several recording modes for High Def and Standard Def. It has NO flexible bitrate modes so you must use the standard modes. For example, for HD recording it offers modes of 2 hours / 4 hours or 6 hours on a 25g disc. The times modes are the same for SD. You can do direct dubbing from a disc to HDD as long as it is copy protected. This means you can dub your TV recordings of CSI to the HDD. It will re-encode the material at the mode selected, for instance SP for 2 hours (SD). This would be a very good thing if you had commericals recorded and you wanted to remove them and then dub the edited title to another disc. You can do those kinds of edits. If your original recording had chapter marks they will appear in the same spots on the HDD dub so you can remove them and input them where you want, or delete portions of the recording, give it a title and select a thumbnail image that will appear on the final menu. These things are pretty nice options.
This is where my problem with the machine came into play. First it has no COMPONENT INPUT, so for me recording HD could only be done from a HD video camera, which I do not own. My cable TV HD box has only a component output but no HD-DV output, which is what this unit requires for HD dubbing, so I could not dub recorded HD to this machine. I could have lived with that.
On page 28 of the manual it gives recoding lengths for each recording mode and how they apply to each recording format. For example, if you record a title in the SP mode, which is 2 hour on standard definition 4.7g DVD-R it would translate to 10.5 hours on a 25g BD-R. To any reasonable person this would imply that this machine could actually put standard defintion on a BD-R? It cannot. If you record in standard definition you must dub it to a DVD-R or RW. It cannot be dubbed to BD-R. So why tell the buyer that you can get 10.5 hours of standard definition on a BD-R disc, when this machine cannot do it. I do not know, I tried to ask JVC and got no response.
This is what happens if you try. I wanted to take all 14 Sherlock Holmes movies starring Basil Rathbone and put them on 2 BD-Rs in standard definition. Using page 28 as a guide, I did my math and they would fit easily with an hour to spare on each disc. This would be using the SP mode for standard definition. First I had to dub them from the original discs which I recorded off TCM. I had one disc per movie recorded at approximately 7.2 mb/s which is a high birate and would be re-encoded to the SP level of 5.0 but this would mean very little actual loss of image quality. The encode in real time. I did all 14. I should have done one and tested it. It would have saved me 20 hours.
The actual dubbing process went smoothly and all 14 titles were nicely stored on the HDD. I did have to pick the thumbnail images for each and input titles, which is horribly difficult on this machine compared to DVD recorders from Panasonic and Pioneer. After completing this, I inserted my first blank BD-R, only to see the message, disc is incompatible. I had purchased 20 GIGABLOCK discs on Ebay as they were the only ones I could find that said they would work with this unit....they do not. I went to Bestbuy and bought a three pack of Verbatim at $15. The machine recognized that disc and formated it. So stay away from cheap discs in this unit. I followed the dubbing from HDD to BD-R instructions and when the unit detected that a BD-R was inside, I got the message, titles will be dubbed in HD qualty only. I could not change this. I thought well let us try. I selected the first title to be dubbed and received a message that read "some titles cannot be dubbed). This is all it said, just some titles canot be dubbed. This message does not appear anywhere in the manual. No matter what title I selected no standard definition title could be dubbed to a BD-R disc. I put in a standard DVD-R and it would have dubbed it with no problem. I checked in the manual under record mode convertion thinking that I could somehow tell it to do what I needed done, afterall the page 28 graph, said a BD-R could hold 10.5 hours of SD on a disc. But I found that only HD titles on the HDD can be converted down to SD, so you can take a high definition title and put it on DVD-R but it is re-encoded in the mode to fit on the disc.
So that is it for me on the unit, I hope it helps people make a decision. It was a horrible mistake for me, but luckily I had a 15 day return policy to protect me, so I am only out shipping cost. If your HD cable box has a HD-DV output or you want to put your HD videos from your camera on disc, this unit may be very good for you. It just did not work for me. A word of warning even on some of that, as I understand it, many HD broadcasts have copy protection built it which allows only one copy of the material. For this unit that would likely be the transfer to the HDD, it then may not allow dubbing to disc, unless it was converted to SD.

Click Here to see more reviews about: JVC SR-HD1250US Blu-Ray Disc and HDD Recorder

BLU-RAY DISC & HDD RECORDER Includes: 250GB HDD, AC cord, IR remote

Click here for more information about JVC SR-HD1250US Blu-Ray Disc and HDD Recorder

Read More...

Canon VIXIA HG20 AVCHD 60 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I got this camera today, I wanted to get HG10 as it is cheaper, but I went with this one as it has higher Hard Disk capacity with small price difference.
The first test video taken was indoors and with low light, I noticed lot of dots in the frame, however, after setting the AWB to indoor and exposure to low light, the video looked much better, then I tried the sport setting with 24p and the video was impressive!! I hooked the camera to my 40" HD LCD TV, and the colors and sharpness are breathtaking!!
One tip is to use the P (Programmed AE) setting with different selections of White Balance, the LCD screen is clear enough to make a quick decision on the fly to pick the best selection, I used 3 different settings walking in day light, then on a shady area, then inside a shop.
One thing to note that the battery works only 2 hours, Canon offers better battery with 4 hours duration priced around $100.
You also need to read the pros and cons of the video codec, there are lot of information on the Canon HG10 reviews, and very useful. In general the higher the frame bit rate and resolution, the longer it will take to process and edit the video and much longer to burn it on DVD or BluRay.
I actually found out that Google's Picasa 3 application (free download) can open the videos recorded by the camera, this tool can export any clip (or portion of it) to wmv format, once the file is exported, you can use any video editor like Microsoft Movie Maker to compress the file or change it to DivX format, etc.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon VIXIA HG20 AVCHD 60 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom

The Canon HG20 AVCHD Hard Disk Drive camcorder sets a new standard for High Definition, delivering optimal image quality, long shooting times along with the extraordinary ease and versatility when viewing video on television or a computer. Capture amazing HD video with even greater detail and color reproduction with its innovative 24Mbps capability, and the addition of a video-capable SDHC card slot plus the extended 60GB internal Hard Disk Drive allows you to now record up to 22 hours of video onto the internal Hard Disk Drive so there's no need to worry about running out of space. And, like all Canon VIXIA camcorders, the HG20 features: a Canon HD video lens, FULL HD CMOS Sensor, and Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV II image processor. Create the look and feel of Hollywood movies with the 24p Cinema Mode and even use Canon's select Photo Grabbing function to capture still images from previously recorded video. If online video posting and sharing interests you, the HG20's 30p mode provides the perfect frame rate for the web and delivers clarity for fast-action subjects.The HG20 offers the unparalleled combination of Canon's exclusive SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer to stabilize a wide range of movements, Instant AF for accurate focusing that's critical when shooting in HD, and a built-in video light to easily shoot in dark settings. The HG20 features the latest HD technology, excellence in Canon optics and engineering in a compact, sleek design that delivers the high level of performance you've come to expect from Canon.

Click here for more information about Canon VIXIA HG20 AVCHD 60 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom

Read More...

Western Digital My Passport AV 320 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Media Drive (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This external hard drive is smaller than it looks in the pictures. It can even fit in most pockets! It works well as it's marketed: as an AV storage device connected to a device in your home entertainment system such as to a PS3 or Blu-Ray player (check the compatibility list). Naturally, it can be used as a normal external hard drive connected to your laptop or desktop computer as well.
One questions I had was whether or not this can work with a TiVo to add more storage, it unfortunately cannot since the TiVo requires an E-SATA interface and this drive uses USB 2.0.
One thing that's nice about this is that it requires no external power source, it gets power from the USB. It also runs very cool so there is no fear of it overheating or adding additional heat when inside of an entertainment cabinet.
The sleek design makes it nice for traveling as well. It also comes with a stand to hold the drive vertically if you want.
If you need more storage for your media center, and have a supported device that you want to connect this hard drive to, I can recommend this Western Digital.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Western Digital My Passport AV 320 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Media Drive (Black)

WD's My Passport AV allows you to easily transfer and store videos from your compatible camcorder to free up space for more recording. Connect it to a game console, Blu-ray Disc player or media player, like WD TV, to smoothly stream video to your big-screen TV. Optimized for AV devices, this handy little drive is the perfect solution for your video storage and playback needs.

Get 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Western Digital My Passport AV 320 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Media Drive (Black)

Read More...

Western Digital My Book AV DVR Expander 1 TB USB 2.0/eSATA External Hard Drive Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I received my 1TB WD My Book AV Expander today. Here's how it went down:
Unpack, plug into back of DVR with included eSATA cable, plug WD HDD into wall outlet, turn on DVR and TV. See prompt on TV about new attached storage. Look for and find remote that kids misplaced. Then Press A on remote to format. Wait 30 seconds. Now when I press List it shows 5% Full (used to be 40%). It didn't even interrupt the current recording. No more taping over my World Cup matches. How easy is that?
So far no heat from new hard drive and it's whisper quiet. Drive also comes with a USB cable (not needed for this project as the Scientifc Atlanta 8300HD supports eSATA only for adding storage.) From WD's website this drive is on the list of supported drives for Time Warner SA8300HD but it was still a relief to see it immediately recognized.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Western Digital My Book AV DVR Expander 1 TB USB 2.0/eSATA External Hard Drive

Record more. Delete less. WD's My Book AV DVR Expander instantly adds more recording hours to your DVR. With both USB 2.0 and eSATA interfaces, the drive is compatible with many DVRs and other AV devices. Or use this drive with your compatible camcorder to off-load video without a computer.

Get 9% OFF

Click here for more information about Western Digital My Book AV DVR Expander 1 TB USB 2.0/eSATA External Hard Drive

Read More...

StarTech.com SATA to Slim Optical IDE Drive Adapter OPT2SATA Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This was very inexpensive and worked right out of the box with no drivers. Vista thinks my IDE BD is SATA...exactly what I needed.

Click Here to see more reviews about: StarTech.com SATA to Slim Optical IDE Drive Adapter OPT2SATA

Get 42% OFF

Click here for more information about StarTech.com SATA to Slim Optical IDE Drive Adapter OPT2SATA

Read More...

2TB Mvix Ultio Pro Media Center (2TB HDD Installed) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this in January, 2010 to archive and organize my entire DVD and Blu-Ray collection. It has trully surpassed all my expectations. Without a doubt, this is one of the best $$ I have spent in a long time. Mvix is a brand known in media centers for a long time, but I had never bought anything from this company ever. Saw this at a friend's house and its sleekness and decided to try it out.
After nearly 2 months of use, I am married to it.
A) Best Bang for Buck: With the innumerable features and options available in this tiny box.. and the low price, makes it the best purchase of this year. These guys sent me a 2TB preinstalled and then I have attached my 6TB NAS over the network. All my DVDs, BDs and MKVs in one place, nicely cataloged in folders and ready to go. I introduce it to my friends as a 1000-DVD changer !.
B) Ease of Set-up and use: One of the simplest interfaces I have seen. Wife loves it. enuf said.
C) Beautiful HD quality: This does 1080p Full-HD. It looks awesome on my 56-in Samsung.
D) Customer Service - Top notch. Was having problems installing the Samba and Torrent modules on the system. Contacted Tech Support. A quick answer in 10-minutes at 11pm in the night. Apparently, I was using a unformatted USB-drive. Best customer service, hands down.
Since then the torrent module has been working flawlessly and my video collection continues to grow by 3-4 movies a day. He he he.
Overall, very satisfied with this compact wonder. No wonder the company advertises it as the swiss army knife of media centers. Will recommend this to anybody in a heartbeat


Click Here to see more reviews about: 2TB Mvix Ultio Pro Media Center (2TB HDD Installed)

Click here for more information about 2TB Mvix Ultio Pro Media Center (2TB HDD Installed)

Read More...

Hitachi DZ-BD7HA BluRay 5.3MP DVD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder with 30GB Hard Drive & 10x Optical Zoom Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)1.The quality of the recording in anything other than bright daylight is abysmal and cannot be called high definition. It seems to have lines throughout the image, as if there was some kind of interference/static.
2.The camera takes an eternity to focus on the desired object; a blurry image appears instead. That is especially true when the camera is turned on and when using the zoom.
3.The manual says that by pressing the button "BLC" when filming someone indoors against bright light will fix the darkness problem, but it doesn't work (the person filmed is still completely dark, and the person's face can't even be seen).
Overall, the camera does NOT seem to be functioning as a high definition - full HD - quality camera. My 1080i Sony Camcorder that was bought over one year ago has much better image quality.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hitachi DZ-BD7HA BluRay 5.3MP DVD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder with 30GB Hard Drive & 10x Optical Zoom

The flagship DZ-BD7HA camcorder is a Hybrid model. This means it provides the Blu-ray disc recording capability along with a 30 gigabyte (GB) built-in Hard Disk Drive (HDD) which can record approximately four hours of 1920 x 1080 high definition video (HX mode) or up to eight hours of 1440 x 1080 high definition video (HS mode). Also, with the simple push of a button, it can copy the contents from HDD to BD within the camcorder itself. Easy editing functions such as split, delete and connect can also be made right in the camcorder before using the 1-touch dubbing function to burn Blu-ray disc copies.

Click here for more information about Hitachi DZ-BD7HA BluRay 5.3MP DVD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder with 30GB Hard Drive & 10x Optical Zoom

Read More...

MAGNAVOX H2160MW9 HDD and DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)TIP: read the "original review", then SEE the update history at bottom
** 05/05/2010 UPDATE newly released firmware update to correct the E19 error
** 11/10/2009 UPDATE: "workaround" for the known "Finalize disc bug fix")
** 9/25/2009 UPDATE regarding my defective unit)
--------------------------- MY ORIGINAL REVIEW ---------------------------
The Magnavox H2160MW9 is is a mixed bag of fantastic abilities and a few disappointing failures rolled into one product. My 4-star rating is very generous, considering the negatives.
If you've invested time doing research on HDD recorders, then you know how limited the choices are. With further research, you'll find that the problems I'm having are not isolated incidents. Google the model number and you'll see.
FAILURES:
*** DVD player does not - will not play DVD discs: --> see the UPDATE 9/25/2009 SEE the UPDATE 11/10/2009: an easy workaround fix

Click Here to see more reviews about: MAGNAVOX H2160MW9 HDD and DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, Black

Click here for more information about MAGNAVOX H2160MW9 HDD and DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, Black

Read More...

Philips DVDR3575H/37 1080p Upscaling DVDR with Built-In Tuner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)You know how you buy a product, and it doesn't have all the features you need? Well, this is another one of those. I've never understood why manufacturers sell products without all the features - I guess they need their customers to upgrade every now and then, huh?
I currently have a Panasonic DMR-E80H (80GB hard drive) that has worked flawlessly and is still kickin today. The time had come for me to buy another DVD Recorder. After TONS of research, I bought a RCA DRC8000N. This one was ok, good interface, cheap (200.00), but the tuner quality wasn't all that great - it had little wavy lines on my local channels (through analog cable signal straight from outside line). The remote control for the RCA wasn't responsive either - it took a second for each command to go through. So I exchanged it for the Polaroid DRA-01601A (260.00). This one had a little better picture quality (except through 1 of my channels which was extremely noisy), so I immediately returned it. Finally, my local Wally store had the Philips DVD3575H in stock and I picked one up for 300.00.
Pros:
The tuner quality is very good - I have analog cable, and my 65" tv shows little noise with it. The tuner is even better than my Panasonic one.
The remote is responsive and pretty well laid out - I don't like the black play/pause/rew/ff buttons though - I keep wanting to hit the button just above them so I still have to hunt.
You can play a recorded event while recording another one. You can play the one that you're currently recording too (ie: chase play).
It has SDTV tuner.
It's quiet when running - I honestly couldn't hear it from my couch.
It has a skip function that allows you to skip ahead 30 seconds when you're watching a recorded program. The 30 seconds is changeable to 60, 2 minutes, etc.
It has 3 fast forward and 3 reverse speed settings.
You can have up to 6 markers to mark a spot of a recorded program and you can jump to it (helpful if you have to stop watching a program and you lose the "resume" function of it by turning off the device). My Panasonic one will hold up to 99 and are used as chapters instead of "markers". I'll still call this a pro as many recorders don't even know what a marker is.
It will auto-chapter every 5 minutes (this is an option as well to change it to 10 minutes, etc.)
The Info bar (display bar at the top of the screen) is well thought out. It shows information as to what you are playing and where you are at in the program (ie: 27:35 of 1:03:00). From the Info bar, you can change closed captions, repeat options, fake surround sound settings, noise reduction settings, set markers, change to another chapter, change to another recorded program. This makes it simple for some tedious functions.
Cons:
Unfortunately, yes there are always cons.
1. You can't title a timer event until after it's done recording. Why? I have no clue. Basically, if you record 10 programs per week, it'll be difficult to remember what each of them are. They are labeled like this: Day, Time, Channel, Recording Quality. This is not helpful at all to me.
2. If you do actually want to go edit the name after it has recorded, you have to enter it like you're on a cell phone. You have to press the number 2 three times to get the letter C. Then you have to change it to lowercase letters, then repeat over and over. That's just stupid.
3. If you have a weekly timed event, you don't have the option to overwrite the previous week's program. My Panasonic gives this option, which is very helpful. With the Philips, I have to remember to delete the programs before the hard drive fills up. With my Panasonic, I just let it overwrite and no worries.
4. No TV Guide? I don't know if this is a real con because from reviews I've read on other DVRs that have it, it's a crap shoot whether it works or not.
5. There's an annoying bright blue light when this thing is recording. I'll just have to cover it up with some tape.
If you have the money to spend - go buy a Panasonic (at around 450.00).
If you don't, then this is an excellent alternative (at around 300.00).
I'd stay away from the cheap ones, because that's what they are.
I can't comment on the DVD playing/recording abilities of this thing as I'll still use my reliable Panasonic for those functions.
I'll probably keep this one unless something goes really wrong over the next few days. I am extremely tired of researching DVD Recorders. I almost went and bought an old TIVO with the Basic Service so I wouldn't have the monthly fees. But I hate buying used equipment - especially off of eBay.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Philips DVDR3575H/37 1080p Upscaling DVDR with Built-In Tuner

Click here for more information about Philips DVDR3575H/37 1080p Upscaling DVDR with Built-In Tuner

Read More...