Aldis deal - dvd recorder (the vcr type)

[DrPizza]

Deal's been going for a while... they discounted them down to $99.
I grabbed on last night, zoomed over next door and picked up a 50 pack of dvd+'s 8x at Staples (on sale for <$20) plugged the sucker in, and started recording...

Took a few minutes to figure it out... I don't like the shape of the remote, remote button to program is relegated to the less often used size buttons.. fairly intuitive to program.
One thing I don't like: If I program it to record an event in the future, it won't record it if the dvd-recorder is left on (wtf?) Not that it matters, but it's helpful to know that before you get the sharpie out and label the dvd. Now I've got a blank dvd labeled with a movie that I probably won't find on tv again for 3 years.

Since I have digital cable, I've gotta use s-video cable from the cable box to the dvd-recorder (I could also directly send in the cable signal, but the majority of the shows I'd record (movies) are on the digital channels)... thus, if I want to watch tv, the dvd recorder has to be on.

I've recorded 2 movies so far... both turned out really well. (Time to go start it up for "The Rock".. nah, recording Italian Job now. Someday when I've got the free time, I'll be able to watch all these movies that I paid a cable bill for.)

If you're looking for simple, it couldn't be simpler. I haven't even begun to start to explore what all the little buttons do, but for now, I'm content to pop in a blank DVD, wait 30 seconds or so while it formats it. Then, I can either program it (takes the skill of an 8 year old to figure out) or, the moment the movie comes on, press the record button and that's it. If a movie is going to be over 120 minutes, then I'd have to change the quality first.

Playback on the big-screen: I can't discern a difference between the digital cable and the dvd-recording.

Full range of outputs on the dvd-recorder... component, s-video, optical, etc. PLUS, it came with a big pile of applicable cables. (batteries included for the remote as well )

Very nice sleek design. I don't care for the blue LED that lets me know it's on... seems a bit bright. It might have complex features, but operation for basic recording (plus I set chapter marks for every 5 minutes - default is 10) is incredibly simple. As easy as putting in a dvd and pressing "record."

Personally, for $99, I'm extremely pleased.

--------------------------------------
Aldi's
Starting Dec 12
Medion DVD Recorder
-records DVD+R, DVD+RW
-plays DVD, DVD +/- RWVCD, SVCD & audio CD
-one touch recording (OTR)
-slim line design
-video formats 4:3 & 16:9
-S-Video input/output
-S-Video cable and AV cable
-remote control
-one year warranty

Not too shabby for the price.
Brand is well known and respected in Europe, still trying to gain a foothold in the US market.

edit: not too hot of a price on the LCD tv AFAIK

 

[timswim78]

That DVD recorder is tempting. It should be a lot easier to use that instead of my current Video Capture Card / DVD Burner.

 

[DrPizza]

that's the reason I'm getting it.. I have digital cable which means I need a cable box for my computer, as well as a digital capture card... (already have the dvd burner and software)

This just makes it so much simpler. I've been waiting for prices to come down for a while... they used to have this at Aldis for ~300 IIRC.

 

[timswim78]

What I would like to do is leave this hooked up with a DVD+RW disc at my parent's house and program it to record the 4 cable shows that I watch each week. (I don't have cable in my house). Then I could change out the disc once a week.

 

[ouzome]

Thanks OP. Here is an alternative:

Text

Not sure about the difference in features . . .

 

[DrPizza]

Originally posted by: ouzome
Thanks OP. Here is an alternative:

Text

Not sure about the difference in features . . .

Hey, $10 less, plus its features include firewire input - that'd be great for the dvrecorder...
Anyone heard of Maxent?

 

[Gil T Pleasure]

iLO DVD+R/RW Recorder for $150 at Walmart.

 

[timswim78]

Originally posted by: Gil T Pleasure
http://www.walmart.com/catalog...gsp?product_id=3168469 ">iLO DVD+R/RW Recorder</a> for $150 at Walmart.

Link Fixed:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog...gsp?product_id=3168469

 

[DrPizza]

egads! My local walmart's prices for dvd recorders are $100 more than the walmart.com prices..
No wonder I hate it so much there!!
I figured that if walmart's prices were $349 for the phillips that $170 was a good deal at Aldi's...
But, if I can grab the phillips for $200 at wallyworld online... tough decision - medion or phillips?

 

[DaveSimmons]

The iLo at $149 from walmart.com actually has decent reviews at http://www.avsforum.com/

I'm thinking of getting one just to transfer some tapes and laserdiscs, instead of getting a Hauppage PVR-150 PCI card ($80-100) then having to deal with learning the software.

 

[DrPizza]

I wasn't too successful in finding a review at avforums on the iLo...
Anyone else better at searching than I am??
Maybe I was just in the wrong place - idunno - but I thought I was going in the right direction.

 

[DaveSimmons]

User reviews thread in the "DVD Recorders" forum not a staff writer review.

 

[DrPizza]

Price reduced... updated, plus I snagged one... review in original post.

 

[Bekker]

Got one for $99 and am extremely happy with it. Recorded disc looks better than the TV source view. I was not happy to see that to be made compatible with other DVD players one might have to use finalized DVD +R discs, but then found out I could read the DVD RW disc with Win DVD player straight from the recorder, no finalizing required. I did have to use a DVD +r finalized disc for playback on my other standalone DVD player though. If you can find one for $99, it is a no brainer when good DVD players still sell for not much less.

 

[DrPizza]

I actually had mixed feelings about the discs being finalized... (there may even be something in the menu somewhere, but I haven't looked yet) - when recording 30 minute shows, you can just toss the dvd back into the recorder the next week without much though and record the next week's episode.

Since they have 1 more left at my local Aldi's, I'm thinking of snagging that one; then I'll have one for each television - no problems with compatibility, plus I can record 2 shows at once that way. Really can't beat the price.

 

[Bekker]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
I actually had mixed feelings about the discs being finalized... (there may even be something in the menu somewhere, but I haven't looked yet) - when recording 30 minute shows, you can just toss the dvd back into the recorder the next week without much though and record the next week's episode.

Since they have 1 more left at my local Aldi's, I'm thinking of snagging that one; then I'll have one for each television - no problems with compatibility, plus I can record 2 shows at once that way. Really can't beat the price.

I would do the same if they had any more here, but they do not. I do not think you can record on the disc again once finalized, so I try to make sure I record lots on each disc before finalizing it.

 

[AnyMal]

can it re-write DVD-RW?

 

[Bekker]

Originally posted by: AnyMal
can it re-write DVD-RW?[

I have not done so yet, but I think it can ... otherwise, why use DVD-RW discs at all? I will be doing that in the near future and let you know the results.

Bekker

 

[Bekker]

I have founhd one real drawback to9 thyis recorder. When recording from TV it does not vapture closed caption. As I am almost deaf I really need this feature badly. I tryed many workarounds with no success and finally called techy support (they speak Engilsh!) and was told it could not record cc from TV ... have not tried copying a movie so I don't know of it copies cc from those.

 

[woowoo]

Originally posted by: Bekker
I have founhd one real drawback to9 thyis recorder. When recording from TV it does not vapture closed caption. As I am almost deaf I really need this feature badly. I tryed many workarounds with no success and finally called techy support (they speak Engilsh!) and was told it could not record cc from TV ... have not tried copying a movie so I don't know of it copies cc from those.

Somehow it would need to record line 21 of the composite video signal

 

[Richardito]

Originally posted by: DrPizza

Originally posted by: ouzome
Thanks OP. Here is an alternative:

Text

Not sure about the difference in features . . .

Hey, $10 less, plus its features include firewire input - that'd be great for the dvrecorder...
Anyone heard of Maxent?

I have that Maxent Recorder and have had no problems in about two months. I use it to transfer my TiVO programs to DVD. The HTPC video/audio input video capture project box was too buggy for me. The stand alone DVD recorder is cheaper, better and much more reliable.

 

[tomho]

the Medion costs ONLY $99 (IF you can find one...there were 2 left at my store in Indianapolis last week) while the Maxent costs $140 so I don't understand why it's "$10 less"

Oh, by the way, the Medion also plays VCD which MIGHT be important to some of you.

 

[Bekker]

Woowoo,

Thanks for the info. I tried recording from a TV that was showing cc but had no luck. Guess I will just have to blow my wife's ears off!

 

[Perknose]

They are still out there in places. I looked up Aldi in the yellow pages on-line -- the stores don't list phone #'s, but the district offices ARE listed (here in Pa.). I called and got a crisply efficent and helpful woman (I think she wanted me - I base this on the fact that she didn't hang up) who quickly tracked down a store that had two in Abington.

Went there, they weren't out, but the (also highly competent) teller knew that they were locked in the office. She said, "You wan't both?", so I went for it (I'm highly suggestible).

Medion is a "real" mainstream brand in Europe.

Quality units. Great deal. Thanks, OP(izza)!