They recently arrived at Sams Club for $198 and I've read mostly good reviews on Amazon. Anybody have any experience with them?

Anybody?

I purchased the JVC DR-MV100B earlier today at Sams for $199.
It will be used as the tuner for my Westinghouse LVM-42w2 HDTV. A Panasonic 58" plasma is replacing the 42w2 in the family room. The 42w2 is moving to the bedroom. The SD to the 42w2 via the carrier's DVR cable box or via the JVC appear the same in a back-and-forth switch test.

The first use of the JVC is as a CATV SD tuner described above. The second use of the JVC is as a SD DVD recorder, and to convert years of VHS tapes to more permanent DVD. I havn't tried out the second step yet.

I posted my question prior to buying one, in the hope that others had some experience with it.

I read 15 reviews on Amazon.com. 9 users gave 5 stars and 3 users gave 4 stars. Only 3 had some difficulties. Here's the link if you are interested:

http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B0015IL57I/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?%5Fencoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

I bought mine the other day and just hooked it up tonite. Hook up was pretty straightforward and, to my surprise, I was able to play DVD + RWs that I had recorded on my old Lite Ons before they crapped out.

The surprise was that those DVDs would not play on the Panasonic ES-15 that I bought at Sam's Club several months ago. Needless to say, the ES-15 goes back tomorrow.

I'll be using my JVC for some archiving of VHS tapes, for recording movies that I want to keep, and for time shifting TV programs, which is why I use +RW, no waiting for finalization, I can just erase them and record again.

Purchased a store close out model, so far no problems, it has played everything so far including my DIVX disc!!

Keep the reviews coming guys, I'm looking at them also. In particular, I am trying to determine if it is possible to record to DL discs. Nothing much is mentioned in the JVC propaganda, but several of their approved vendors (B & H Photo) say you can make a 12 hour recording to +R DL discs. Consumer Reports says these JVC recorders ar pretty good, except they also say the extended recordings (6 hour) are very poor quality. I am wondering: If you can make a 12 hour (DL) extended recording, why not a 2 hour (DL) XP recording with better quality?

If anybody is interested in why I am not considering the Panasonic DMR EZ48VK which seems to be the "one of first choice", it is because the behemoth @ 13.7" deep + wire clearance simply won't fit into my rack!

Any comments?

I've seen a number of people on other websites report they're snatching these up when they find them on sale. Apparently they are decent DVD and DiVX players and passable as DVD recorders, a bit better than average at normal recording speeds (four hours or less- anybody shoehorning 10 hours on a DVD-5 and expecting great quality is delusional, no matter what the recorder). These are not actually JVC-made, they are subcontracted out to another mfr, most likely Funai although perhaps someone else (supposedly there is an identical Insignia model at Circuit City, who ever makes that probably makes this JVC as well).

Those who need DVD-RAM functionality could reasonably consider this JVC as an alternative to the astoundingly buggy current Panasonics. Note however the manual very emphatically states the DR-MV100B is extremely picky about the signals it records, especially from its ATSC tuner which is only so-so. If there is the slightest video glitch the recording will pause for several seconds: the unit will not continue recording audio if the video is disturbed for any reason, making it as dicey as the Panasonics when it comes to timer functionality. The manual says absolutely nothing about DL recording: nothing. The symbol is not even shown anywhere in the manual. It may have DL capability as an "undocumented feature", but I have not seen any users comment on this yet?

The surprise was that those DVDs would not play on the Panasonic ES-15 that I bought at Sam's Club several months ago. Needless to say, the ES-15 goes back tomorrow.

The Panasonic DMR-ES15 is a 2006 model with an NTSC tuner, a good old workhorse that entered the marketplace in April/May 2006. My first ES15, purchased new in August 2006, has run up more than 3,000 recording hours since new, is now semi-retired and set aside for standby/backup service; ready, willing and able to go back into daily service at any time.

With the introduction of Panasonic's bug-laden 2007 Accutune ATSC/NTSC models (following implementation the digital tuner requirement of March 1 2007) the 2006 models became hard to find. Perhaps Sam's Club stocked up when the outstanding 2006 Panasonic models could still be had.

If Sam's Club is still stocking Panasonic's outstanding 2006 models shoppers should grab them up now!

Thought this might be the one....but there are two bad reviews on the Best Buy website (the only reviews they have)

Unfortunately, I am one who read all the good reviews before buying this unit. Even after problems with the 1st unit, I liked it enough to exchange it at Sam's for another of the same model. I use it with a great indoor programmable antenna as I do not have cable/satellite.

Although I initially had a good experience, after a few weeks the first unit began dropping audio on DVD/VHS recording or just watching TV through the unit. Changing the channel brought it back, but I'm not home when recording most shows. Most frustrating,it also began stopping recording randomly, and a couple of the times, I saw it flash a copy-right protected notice before shutting down. These were over-the-air broadcast channel shows which had already been recording for various times with no copy-right notice. The times I was present to experience the problems, there were no noticeable digital signal glitches.

The second unit began the same problems immediately. I have talked with JVC a couple of times as well as a local "authorized service" technician. The 1st JVC rep said he thought it was a bad tuner, to return it. I called again when the 2d unit began the problem, thinking maybe my older analog TV was the problem with only one audio connection. Both JVC techs and the Authorized Service Tech said that wasn't it.

The 2d JVC tech had told me she thinks it may be not using the recommended brand/type/speed disc - so I began looking online and all over the Ft. Worth/Arlington area for the exact combination. No luck - but I did change from Maxell DVD+RW 4x to Memorex DVD-RW 4x with the same results.

I went to WalMart and bought the Magnavox ZV450MW8A which seems to be working for now. It's not as "smooth", is a bit slower with not as many options, and the picture is good, but not AS good as the JVC. But it actually records and has audio!

As "buggy" as my Panasonic EZ-17 and EZ-28 recorders are (??), I've never had this problem -- I'll keep the Panasonics.

Is there a DVD recorder that does not have glitches? Seems that every recorder I have looked into has been flagged with some type of operating problem.

Yeah, the expensive DVD/HDD recorders of two years ago that nobody was willing to buy: they were relatively "glitchless". That's why everyone on eBay is chasing Pioneers, Panasonics and Toshibas from that product run, often paying as much or more $ for used ones than what they sold for new. The cheezy "combo" VHS/DVD recorders have always been crummy commodity units- always. You had a few very nice older Panasonic combos (not the current ones), but that was about it. The rest all have major issues, which are compounded in the current units by barely-functional ATSC tuners that wreak havoc with broadcast and timer recording. It isn't the blank media that fails, its the lousy ATSC tuners: they blank or glitch and the recorder stops recording. This is spelled out pretty clearly in most current manuals: don't let a customer support staffer snow you that you're using the "wrong media". Tell 'em, "it's the tuner, stupid", and return the unit.

Anyone who seriously wants to buy a good DVD/VHS combo should look thru DigaDo's very informative posts, and start hunting for the better-grade but discontinued Panasonics he recommends. If you're willing to spend the money, the Canadian Pioneer x50/x60 series and Panasonic DMR-EH55 etc are excellent DVD/HDD recorders with few problems (assuming you can find one). The current Phillips 3576/Magnavox H2160 are OK, otherwise everything left on USA shelves is degraded junk: the ATSC tuners are a universal joke that cannot be relied on- you're better off buying an older, better grade recorder second hand and getting an outboard ATSC box for it.

CitiBear, I just returned one of the Philips 3576 DVD HD recorders because it had a bad tuner.

Glad to see we're getting some activity here. Although I would have preferred to keep this thread for owners of the JVC DR-MV100B helping other owners of the JVC DR-MV100b. No offense to other brands but there are plenty of other forums on AVS touting and comparing other brands.

About 1 1/2 months ago I spotted this JVC at Sam's Club and there were about 20 on the shelf. I jotted down the model number and checked around on the internet for a while.

When I bought mine 3 weeks ago there were about 7 left on the shelf and 2 days ago there was just 1 and somebody was studying it. I told him to buy it or it would probably be gone pretty quick.

OK, back to my progress.

In the last few days I recorded a couple of TV shows on VHS using the timer feature. No problems and the recordings came out fine.

Last year I'd recorded Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy on one of my Lite-Ons and, as I mentioned earlier, had it sitting in a pile of DVD recordings that couldn't play on the Magnavox that I have long since returned (the squirrelest machine I ever had) and wouldn't play on the Panasonic ES-15.

I had recorded it on a DVD+RW (as I always use for TV shows so I can just erase and record over and over) and when I played it found that the picture quality was kind of washed out. The movie was on again yesterday so I recorded it again on another DVD+RW and the picture was just amazing compared to the other.

I have a supply of Fugifilm DVD+RW 4x that I'll be using for a while. I also have some Sony DVD+RW.

Each time I finished watching the recorded program I initialized the disc so it's ready to record the next time I want it. Takes less than 30 seconds except for one disc that I thought was blank. The machine took a couple of minutes to initialize that one and then it worked fine.

I read the two reviews on Best Buy. I think the guy with the rabbit ears is most likely having a reception problem and I don't know what's happening with the copy protection that the other guy is experiencing.

Now that the new season is starting first run programs I'll record them for a while and report back with the results.

The big advantage of buying from Sam's Club is if problems show up months from now it goes right back for a refund. I had my ES-15 for 7 months thinking it was just bad recordings from bad machines (the Lite Ons) but once I figured out that there was nothing wrong with the recordings I got my refund without a blink.

Anyone who seriously wants to buy a good DVD/VHS combo should look thru DigaDo's very informative posts, and start hunting for the better-grade but discontinued Panasonics he recommends. If you're willing to spend the money, the Canadian Pioneer x50/x60 series and Panasonic DMR-EH55 etc are excellent DVD/HDD recorders with few problems (assuming you can find one). The current Phillips 3576/Magnavox H2160 are OK, otherwise everything left on USA shelves is degraded junk: the ATSC tuners are a universal joke that cannot be relied on- you're better off buying an older, better grade recorder second hand and getting an outboard ATSC box for it.

I've posted information concerning new old stock or refurbished Panasonics here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14759445#post14759445

Also see earlier posts #110 and #112 in that same thread.

I had recorded it on a DVD+RW (as I always use for TV shows so I can just erase and record over and over) and when I played it found that the picture quality was kind of washed out. The movie was on again yesterday so I recorded it again on another DVD+RW and the picture was just amazing compared to the other.

Sorry for going a little off topic here, but I was wondering if you remember about how many times you used/erased/reused the same DVD+RW before you felt there was a noticeable drop in quality. I just started using a Sony DVD+RW (using a Philips 3390) and plan to record/erase/re-record on it. I wonder if I would get longer life from the DVD+RW due to the brand of the disc and/or my recorder. Thanks!

Sorry for going a little off topic here, but I was wondering if you remember about how many times you used/erased/reused the same DVD+RW before you felt there was a noticeable drop in quality. I just started using a Sony DVD+RW (using a Philips 3390) and plan to record/erase/re-record on it. I wonder if I would get longer life from the DVD+RW due to the brand of the disc and/or my recorder. Thanks!
When I mentioned the difference in picture it was between machine and machine. For the year or two that I was re-using the DVD+RWs on the Lite Ons there was no discernible change in quality from each re-use of the discs. And I probably had about 20 on hand that I re-used night after night for that year or two and I'm still using them. I've only just started using the old DVD+RWs on the JVC so it's too early to tell if there are any issues due to age and re-use. If you are time shifting TV shows like I do, all I can suggest is keep using them till they wear out. They are certainly cheap enough.

OK, thanks for the clarification.

Experience similar to GGriff.

My two tries with the Pana DMR-ES40V and two trips for warranty service on the second of the two resulted in an expensive doorstop - never really worked. Toshiba quit 2 months out of warranty and so on to the JVC DR-MV100B.

I'm 12mi. line of sight from the antenna farm in Phila. Samsung LN32A450 picks-up 55 analog & digital stations with a Terk HDTVa in one position. Most all are watchable and all the major stations come in strong & steady within 1 or 2 bars of pinning the signal strength meter. Plug in the JVC and it grabs 44 stations combined and again all majors are 5x5 like the Sammy. Not bad. First off-air recording on DVD-RAM is virtually perfect - hard pressed to tell it from the original. Older dvds never looked better than when played in the up-converting JVC. Bosco! Second recording on DVD-R is more of the same and all is copacetic. Then the trouble starts...

I'm watching as the unit records and everything again looks and sounds fine but on play-back the video remains excellent but the audio is experiencing hiccups. The audio track begins to drop-out or break-up for a split second while the video continues on without a glitch. Commercial titles continue to play without problem - it's only the JVC recorded discs that are problematic. Continues to get worse with every recording and now the audio is beginning to waver while the video soldiers on. Machine begins to randomly shut down in Rec Mode while recording off-air network broadcasts with a copy-protection warning on non-copy protected material.

JVC tech support is polite and earnest but clueless as to the cause (seems like a software problem to me). Shipping to JVC Factory Service on my dime in the morning but am not hopeful after my Pana experience. More and more people are beginning to report the same problems but JVC techs claim ignorance. Think I'm looking at another expensive doorstop - can't anyone make a decent recorder? I'd avoid this one until or if they get these problems sorted out. Wish I had.

Doc

Experience similar to GGriff.

My two tries with the Pana DMR-ES40V and two trips for warranty service on the second of the two resulted in an expensive doorstop - never really worked. . .

Think I'm looking at another expensive doorstop - can't anyone make a decent recorder? I'd avoid this one until or if they get these problems sorted out. Wish I had.

Doc

The DMR-ES40V is not a good product. Mine spent the better part of two years in its original box in a closet. In the last year its been the VHS/DVD player on the family TV. I paid $269.99 for this player.

My experience with this machine is described in more detail here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14487824#post14487824

For future reference, avoid the local "authorized" service shops that service many brands but specialize in none. For Panasonic owners there is a better alternative:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14451908#post14451908

I noticed all the ones you mentioned were combo units. If you would be ok using a separate VCR(maybe use your old Panny or JVC just for the VCR) I'd suggest the Philips 3576 available at Sams clubs for $248.
Like all DVDRs some people have issues with them but IMO less than just about anything else out their. It has the advantage of a HDD which once you get used to it you'll never want to go back to a HDD less unit.
Too bad you didn't get the '05 ES-30 combo instead of the '06 ES-40. The ES-40 is very problematic while the ES-30 was about the best combo Panasonic made. You'd probably still be using it if you'd got the ES-30.
While the newest EZ-x8 series of Panasonics seem more reliable than the EZ-x7 series I'd still probably give the nod to the Philips for the reliability factor.

I noticed all the ones you mentioned were combo units. If you would be ok using a separate VCR(maybe use your old Panny or JVC just for the VCR) I'd suggest the Philips 3576 available at Sams clubs for $248.
Like all DVDRs some people have issues with them but IMO less than just about anything else out their. It has the advantage of a HDD which once you get used to it you'll never want to go back to a HDD less unit.
Too bad you didn't get the '05 ES-30 combo instead of the '06 ES-40. The ES-40 is very problematic while the ES-30 was about the best combo Panasonic made. You'd probably still be using it if you'd got the ES-30.
While the newest EZ-x8 series of Panasonics seem more reliable than the EZ-x7 series I'd still probably give the nod to the Philips for the reliability factor.

To Jeff's good advice I would add my positive experience with the near bullet-proof 2006 model Panasonics. My 2006 Panasonic DMR-ES35V and DMR-ES15 (and the 2005 DMR-ES30V) models and my 2007 Philips DVDR3575H/37B HDD/DVD recorder are real workhorses that continue serving me well.

At some point I may transition to a heavier reliance upon my 2007 and 2008 model Panasonics, a fearful thought.

Sorry - been away from the computer for awhile. DigaDo & jjeff, thanks for the suggestions. I did look at the Philips mentioned but don't really need the HDD capability. The fact that all my machines are combos is just coincidence though I do like saving the shelf space that a combo affords. Mainly I was looking for machines capable of using DVD-RAM as I have quite a few and like the convenience of moving between different units without the need to finalize the disc.

Still find it hard to believe that no one seems able to build a reliable DVD recorder - even a simple one without all the bells & whistles for time shifting. I have cheap VCRs still working fine after a decade or more.

Hauled the Pana ES40V out of the closet (mostly timer and tuner problems) and connected it to a Zenith DTT-901 with good results so far. Sent the JVC100B off to the Factory Service Center and they've had it a full 7 days and haven't touched it yet. They've now had it longer than I have. Got a tech support reply this afternoon to my initial inquiry re: the problems with this unit sent 11 days ago with a totally useless result. Checking reviews on Amazon and elsewhere to find a growing number of people reporting the same problems - especially in the latest reviews. Sounds like a firmware problem to me. Wonder if it's just a recent bad production run? Fast losing confidence that this will be satisfactorily resolved.

Doc

Experience similar to GGriff.

Machine begins to randomly shut down in Rec Mode while recording off-air network broadcasts with a copy-protection warning on non-copy protected material.

JVC tech support is polite and earnest but clueless as to the cause (seems like a software problem to me). Shipping to JVC Factory Service on my dime in the morning but am not hopeful after my Pana experience. More and more people are beginning to report the same problems but JVC techs claim ignorance. Think I'm looking at another expensive doorstop - can't anyone make a decent recorder? I'd avoid this one until or if they get these problems sorted out. Wish I had.

Doc

I was having a similar problem both with manual and timed recordings where the unit would just stop recording because of a supposed copy protection problem but it was never during the show but always during a commercial.

I ended up getting the JVC DVD-RW 4X discs that are the tested and approved type listed in the owner's manual and formatted them in the VR mode and now no more shut downs. I have recorded quite a few different shows on different networks that were giving me trouble before with timer record and no problems anymore.

Link to discs I bought that work for me:

http://www.amazon.com/Jvc-Vdw47Eu5-Dvd-Rw-5-Pk-4X/dp/B0002EGFK8

I was having a similar problem both with manual and timed recordings where the unit would just stop recording because of a supposed copy protection problem but it was never during the show but always during a commercial.

I ended up getting the JVC DVD-RW 4X discs that are the tested and approved type listed in the owner's manual and formatted them in the VR mode and now no more shut downs. I have recorded quite a few different shows on different networks that were giving me trouble before with timer record and no problems anymore.
It's the VR-mode that made them recordable cuz VR-mode discs aren't universally "portable." RAM discs also record in VR-mode.

It's the VR-mode that made them recordable cuz VR-mode discs aren't universally "portable." RAM discs also record in VR-mode.

I had first tried two other brands (Sony and one other) of DVD-RW discs formatted in the VR mode but they were just as bad as the DVD+RW or DVD+R discs as far as randomly shutting down during a recording because of the supposed CPRM problem.

I did everything exactly the same but the JVC discs work and the others do not. I though that is was interesting that if I recorded a program with no commercials it didn't happen. When I talked with JVC about it they were aware that it happened during commercials.

I had first tried two other brands (Sony and one other) of DVD-RW discs formatted in the VR mode but they were just as bad as the DVD+RW or DVD+R discs as far as randomly shutting down during a recording because of the supposed CPRM problem.

I did everything exactly the same but the JVC discs work and the others do not. I though that is was interesting that if I recorded a program with no commercials it didn't happen. When I talked with JVC about it they were aware that it happened during commercials.
LOTS of people have been reporting copy-once protected stuff being broadcast since about Sep 1, and one person might have nailed the "commercial-only" thing... he works in video and thinks commercial producers are using RIAA-protected music/soundtracks and THAT's what's triggering the CP. I ran a video lab and do know that production houses often use "canned" sound or music that is protected in some way (don't know details of that), and they could be running that with their video w/o caring about any protection "flags"?

It would be really interesting if someone who gets a CP flag on a broadcast or cable program could record it thru line inputs, but leave off the audio cables!? :D

Of course, you'd have to know the program's commercials had the flag, like one person's "Smallville" program via OTA antenna OFTEN gets the flag but only the prime time one or something like that.

Pres. Bush just signed a RIAA-backed bill to make copyright protection stronger.

LOTS of people have been reporting copy-once protected stuff being broadcast since about Sep 1, and one person might have nailed the "commercial-only" thing... he works in video and thinks commercial producers are using RIAA-protected music/soundtracks and THAT's what's triggering the CP. I ran a video lab and do know that production houses often use "canned" sound or music that is protected in some way (don't know details of that), and they could be running that with their video w/o caring about any protection "flags"?

It would be really interesting if someone who gets a CP flag on a broadcast or cable program could record it thru line inputs, but leave off the audio cables!? :D

Of course, you'd have to know the program's commercials had the flag, like one person's "Smallville" program via OTA antenna OFTEN gets the flag but only the prime time one or something like that.

Pres. Bush just signed a RIAA-backed bill to make copyright protection stronger.

That was very interesting and may have hit the nail on the head. I had been having an ongoing conversation about the problem with one of the head Engineers at Comcast and Fox. I just passed this possible answer on to them via email and asked them to pass it on to try to get something done about this.

I brought up the fact that their advertisers would most likely not be happy to find out that people were not able to time shift the show to a time they could view it and thus never see the commercial they had paid to run.

That was very interesting and may have hit the nail on the head. I had been having an ongoing conversation about the problem with one of the head Engineers at Comcast and Fox. I just passed this possible answer on to them via email and asked them to pass it on to try to get something done about this.

I brought up the fact that their advertisers would most likely not be happy to find out that people were not able to time shift the show to a time they could view it and thus never see the commercial they had paid to run.
That last is an EXCELLENT point! :D

RJRSW - I have that exact JVC DVD-RW from Amazon and lost an attempted time shift recording in VR mode 19min into the recording during a commercial. Using Verbatim, JVC and other recommended blank media had the same result as well as the audio problems. I doubt the media is the answer as I've been successful using the same media on the Toshiba and Panasonic models connected thru a Zenith DTT-901 that I've been using since the JVC 100B has been in the shop.

If the copy-protection flag in commercials is the problem then I would think that the recorder manufacturers would also express concern as well as the advertisers. Afterall, aren't the vast majority of recorders used for off air time shifting? Consumers hardly need the hassle in addition to the DTV changeover.

Should be a software work-around if, in fact, it's legal.

Doc

Can any of you DRmv100b owners confirm that HDMI is used for VCR playback?

RJRSW - I have that exact JVC DVD-RW from Amazon and lost an attempted time shift recording in VR mode 19min into the recording during a commercial. Using Verbatim, JVC and other recommended blank media had the same result as well as the audio problems. I doubt the media is the answer as I've been successful using the same media on the Toshiba and Panasonic models connected thru a Zenith DTT-901 that I've been using since the JVC 100B has been in the shop.

If the copy-protection flag in commercials is the problem then I would think that the recorder manufacturers would also express concern as well as the advertisers. Afterall, aren't the vast majority of recorders used for off air time shifting? Consumers hardly need the hassle in addition to the DTV changeover.

Should be a software work-around if, in fact, it's legal.

Doc


I have recorded at least 10 shows that were stopping during a commercial everytime I tried before. I'm now using the JVC DVD-RW 4X initialized in the VR mode and I have not had one timer or manual recording stop for any reason.

I hold my breath every time but so far not one failed recording since I started using the new discs.

Can any of you DRmv100b owners confirm that HDMI is used for VCR playback?

The only cable coming out of mine is a HDMI going directly to my receiver and I can confirm that both the VCR and DVD will play back both audio and video over the HDMI cable.

Thanks RJRSW for confirming the info. Does the 100B doing any upscaling on the VCR. How does the VCR tapes look. (got a ton of old VCR tapes)

Thanks RJRSW for confirming the info. Does the 100B doing any upscaling on the VCR. How does the VCR tapes look. (got a ton of old VCR tapes)

I never allow any upscaling by any of my source equipment. I use whatever the native resolution of the media is and let the TV do the scaling.

Most of the newer TV's today are far better at scaling than any of the components are. I have tested it on many source types and every time it was better with the TV doing the scaling. I have a Pioneer plasma and it does a awesome job of scaling any source and even accepts 1080p 24fps source material like is used on Blu-ray movies.

Keep in mind the final result depends on the source and how good the tape was in the first place. When you compare the VHS tapes against DVD and Blu-ray it doesn't compare but is watchable. I have a lot on D-VHS and that is 1080i and looks as good as Blu-ray most of the time.

Thanks RJRSW, I pulled the trigger on the 100B mainly because it was the only VCR combo, that I found, that used HDMI. I have a highend Toshiba and will pul the trigger on a Sammy soon. So after your comments I should be happy.

The Pannys, EA-38 and EZ-48 combos will also output VHS over HDMI but their probably a fair amount more $$ than the JVC. The EZ-48 will also not allow the VHS to record digital stations from it's built in tuner. Not sure about the JVC, or if that even matters to you.

The Pannys, EA-38 and EZ-48 combos will also output VHS over HDMI but their probably a fair amount more $$ than the JVC. The EZ-48 will also not allow the VHS to record digital stations from it's built in tuner. Not sure about the JVC, or if that even matters to you.

The JVC will record the HD digital stations to DVD but as I recall not to VHS with it's built in tuner for both OTA HD digital and unscrambled Cable QAM HD digital.

Note however the manual very emphatically states the DR-MV100B is extremely picky about the signals it records, especially from its ATSC tuner which is only so-so. If there is the slightest video glitch the recording will pause for several seconds: the unit will not continue recording audio if the video is disturbed for any reason,

Wow, you never know where you will find your answer! I've got this intermittent sound drop-out problem on an older JVC MVsome-such (not home to check model) and it sounds like this may be the issue. Need something to replace the JVC junk (which I bought a few years ago because this forum said it was good).

Seems like every model I look at here has its detractors or issues. What to do, what to do.

The DR-MV100B is picky about the media that is used because of the copy protection schemes used today. After I switched to JVC DVD-RW 4X formatted in VR mode I have not had any failed recordings at all. If you read the manual it states that if you do not use the media as shown in the correct format there can and will be failed recordings. See page 5 in the manual and they explain what you have to do and why to meet the CPRM requirements for recording.

The failed recording problem always occurs during a commercial and it appears some commercials are using canned sound tracks with a flag that is causing the recording to be terminated if the media does not meet the requirements.

According to pg.5 of the JVC manual,

"Copy-protected video includes DVD-Video discs and some satellite broadcasts"

"Video that is copy-once only can only be recorded using a DVD-RW disc in VR mode or DVD-RAM disc with CPRM"

To record CPRM programs a recorder must be enabled compatible with the process and the proper media must be used. The JVC unit is compatible with this process which when used correctly allows you to record the source material once but disallows additional copies. Normal over-air programs and commercials DO NOT use the CPRM process. As proof of this have you seen or heard of any other recorders besides this JVC100b failing to record off-air programs? I've tried 2 different Toshiba units, a Panasonic and a Sony without a single failure on the very same program material in the same set-up as the JVC which fails the test. If normal off-air programs suddenly started broadcasting CPRM material, recorders from all manufacturers would be failing to record the material and consumers would be up in arms. I've been searching all over the internet for others having this copy-protect failure and the only ones I've found have been JVC100B owners.

What I believe is happening here is that there is a firmware problem in which the JVC CPRM enabled unit is mis-identifing normal source material as CPRM protected and is requiring the use of the DVD-RW CPRM compatible in VR mode to proceed. There is no good reason that the consumer should be required to use the more expensive and difficult to find JVC DVD-RW media in order to work around a faulty firmware product. And then there is the continuing audio problems... Firmware again?

Doc

docfager

Did you read the post #28 in this thread? The problems really didn't show up at all for me until around September. Prior to that I was recording on DVD+RW and DVD+R and never had any recordings fail. Then all of a sudden most of them were failing. I wouldn't think that after about 5 months of no recording problems that all of a sudden the firmware failed in my unit. It only occurs on certain commercials like Oral B for example. Something has changed in how they are being produced or broadcast.

The requirement of "Video that is copy-once only can only be recorded using a DVD-RW disc in VR mode or DVD-RAM disc with CPRM" is not a JVC requirement it is a CPRM requirement to allow recording if a broadcast flag is present. JVC is required to meet the copyright regulations in their products, it isn't a option only if they want to. There are a lot of older models that do not meet the copy rules but the rules were not in effect when they were manufactured.

I'm not defending JVC and I'm sure they are aware of it. They knew right away when I called it was happening in commercials. If there is something they need to adjust in the firmware they will issue a update. Untill that occurs I will continue to record using the suggested discs and method that they suggest and that is working for me.

RJRSW

I have, in fact, read all of the posts including #28 and I'm not necessarily saying that something didn't change in mid-Sept., just that the JVC firmware is not properly handling it. I'm fairly certain the firmware on your unit did not suddenly fail after 5 months but rather it failed to handle the problem when it first appeared in Sept. I spoke to the tech who is working on my unit and according to him this is the first he has heard about the shut-down problem and was surprised that it occurred during standard off-air broadcast recording or during commercials. He checked the JVC service master database and said there was no info on the problem or any service bulletins. He is still working on the CPRM angle.

CPRM has been around since the 90's and was developed by IBM, Intel, Matsushita and Toshiba. As I said, in the past week I've substituted both an older Panasonic and two newer Toshiba recorders the most recent model being the DR560. All are CPRM compatible and enabled and none have exhibited the problems of the JVC100B even once in over 12hrs. of some of the same off-air broadcasts on which the JVC unit failed and none of the blank media I've used (Imation & Verbatim DVD-R and JVC DVD-RW formatted in video mode) has failed to record a single commercial including at least one Oral B (the 7000 vibrations one).

The JVC100B is still the only unit that I've seen that is exhibiting this shut-down problem which still leads me to believe that it is a glitch in the software implementation of the CPRM standard.

My question is if I program the DVD to record a TV show can I watch a different show while the dvd is recording on the same tv assuming the over the air broadcast is running thru the comb unit first? Thanks

In that case you'll want to turn off the RF modulator in the DVDR(most combos have them). Then you'd be able to record one channel while using your TVs tuner to watch a different channel. Is that what you were getting at?

Jjeff, Thank you. That is what I was getting at. I am looking to buy this unit but wanted to make sure I could record and watch TV at the same time.

Jjeff, Thank you. That is what I was getting at. I am looking to buy this unit but wanted to make sure I could record and watch TV at the same time.

I just used a splitter and connected a separate antenna connection to the JVC and a separate one to the TV. That way you can use the JVC's tuner and the TV tuner at the same time allowing you to record any channel on the JVC and watch any channel on your TV.

Unfortunately I bought this piece of junk before seeing these comments. I have the copy protected issues mentioned above. It happens every time I try and record a show. May record for 4 mins or 29 before it stops. I checked 2 of the events and both were doing commercials. Ridiculous. I am sending a query to JVC to see if they have a firmware update but thought I would see if anyone has come up with a solution that really works.
I am on Comcast cable.

Unfortunately I bought this piece of junk before seeing these comments. I have the copy protected issues mentioned above. It happens every time I try and record a show. May record for 4 mins or 29 before it stops. I checked 2 of the events and both were doing commercials. Ridiculous. I am sending a query to JVC to see if they have a firmware update but thought I would see if anyone has come up with a solution that really works.
I am on Comcast cable.

I was having the same problem being caused by flags imbedded in commercials that use certain music tracks. The DR-MV100B is very picky about the media that is used because of the copy protection schemes used today. After I switched to the media that was shown in the manual the JVC DVD-RW 4X, and this part is very important, they must be formatted in "VR" mode. I have not had even one failed recording in the last few weeks at all since switching to the JVC media and formatted them correctly.

If you read the manual it states that if you do not use the media as shown in the correct format there can and will be failed recordings. See page 5 in the manual and they explain what you have to do and why to meet the CPRM requirements for recording.

The failed recording problem always occurs during a commercial and it appears some commercials are using canned sound tracks with a flag that is causing the recording to be terminated if the media does not meet the requirements.

Link to discs I bought that work for me:

http://www.amazon.com/Jvc-Vdw47Eu5-D.../dp/B0002EGFK8

Just curious, did you try any other brand -RW media, and are the JVC discs noted on the package as being CPRM complaint?
Personally I've never seen any RW discs stating whether they were or were not CPRM compliant, but then again I've probably not studied the JVC discs.
BTW I believe the B&M store Ultimate Electronics stocks JVC -RW discs, not sure if they're the correct ones though. UEs are mostly located in the midwest to western states.

Just curious, did you try any other brand -RW media, and are the JVC discs noted on the package as being CPRM complaint?
Personally I've never seen any RW discs stating whether they were or were not CPRM compliant, but then again I've probably not studied the JVC discs.
BTW I believe the B&M store Ultimate Electronics stocks JVC -RW discs, not sure if they're the correct ones though. UEs are mostly located in the midwest to western states.

I tried two other brands ( Sony and Fuji I think ) of DVD-RW and they did not work, same problems. Nothing on box about CPRM, the only thing I see is they are shown on the side panel as version 1.2/4x DVD-RW.

I bought mine from Amazon and have used 4 out of the 5 discs formatted in VR mode not Video mode that is what the initial format is by the unit. You must format them again and choose VR then. Like I said since going to these discs and formatting them correctly I have recorded dozens of HD shows with the QAM tuner with not one failure.

the JVC DVD RECORDER IS MADE BY LG ----------
I've seen a number of people on other websites report they're snatching these up when they find them on sale. Apparently they are decent DVD and DiVX players and passable as DVD recorders, a bit better than average at normal recording speeds (four hours or less- anybody shoehorning 10 hours on a DVD-5 and expecting great quality is delusional, no matter what the recorder). These are not actually JVC-made, they are subcontracted out to another mfr, most likely Funai although perhaps someone else (supposedly there is an identical Insignia model at Circuit City, who ever makes that probably makes this JVC as well).

Those who need DVD-RAM functionality could reasonably consider this JVC as an alternative to the astoundingly buggy current Panasonics. Note however the manual very emphatically states the DR-MV100B is extremely picky about the signals it records, especially from its ATSC tuner which is only so-so. If there is the slightest video glitch the recording will pause for several seconds: the unit will not continue recording audio if the video is disturbed for any reason, making it as dicey as the Panasonics when it comes to timer functionality. The manual says absolutely nothing about DL recording: nothing. The symbol is not even shown anywhere in the manual. It may have DL capability as an "undocumented feature", but I have not seen any users comment on this yet?

Now that we've completed the DTV conversion (Jan. 15 here in Hawaii) I am researching what could be a better part of the mix than my VCRs, which (yes) still tune/record the old-analog-now-ostensibly-digit channels but, of course, cannot tune to the 'real' (QAM) digital channels. So far, this JVC seems a good candidate (tho' the bad reports for this category, in general, are discouraging). Since I have a number of DVD-Ram disks (from my dead Panny DVR) I'd like to hear experiences with that media on this unit. (And, yes, I had read through this thread and seen the recommendations for the DVD-RW from jvc.) Thanks. ~ Keri

Hi Group, been watching the postings for a week or so and it's been interesting seeing how the issues with this machine keep going back and forth........
I Got mine last thursday from Amazon.com(1/15/09) and have only had a few hours to play with it but so far:
First I hooked it up on the main television with my Comcast cable going directly into it-no cable box. Went through the setup procedure and to my surprise, it detected 134 digital channels whereas my Olevia HDTV detected 82, so the tuner pulled in 52 more channels, interesting. I did some scanning of the channels and found that the tuner in the drmv100 grouped the HD channels together and not after their 'over the air' channels like the Olevia does. (5-5.1 6-6.1 etc). Also I saw no stuttering on the channels-the tuner seemed rock solid. I also went through the 'Output' control to see what 720 and 1080 i&p looked like and although 1080 things got kinda weird, but that's because the Olevia is only capable of 720. And at 720p the picture looked top notch. Colors/Black level and such were very nice to look at.
Next, I popped in a Memorex Dvd-r and recorded two hours of our local PBS station KCST, and the recording was flawless. No shutdowns or interuptions, so tonight I'll pop in another blank and record the local nbc station and see how that goes.
As to the heat issue a few people have brought up on other sites, there's an easy explanation for that, the main 'vent holes' on the unit are on the bottom of the unit. JVC uses very cheap square felt/rubber pads as feet and they barely lift the unit off the surface you put it on, i'd say maybe 1/8th of an inch, which it totally inadiquate for any kind of ventilation!! So I installed 3/4" rubber feet and in using the unit in a 68 degree bedroom for 3+ hours watching dvd's and vhs tapes, I could detect NO excessive heat.
For now that'll have to do as I'm at work and I actually have to work!
More later.......
Good Group!!!!
Mickboy

Well I did some more testing last night and the JVC DR-MV100B (heretofore referred to as 'The Unit') performed flawlessly!
A couple of specifics about the Unit:
Mine, ordered from Amazon, was manufactured in November of 2008.
The Palate full of JVC's at our local Sam's club had an earlier manufacture date of April 2008, much earlier then my Unit, so if there was any upgrades to the firmware and or guts, I would guess that this unit would incorporate them.
After another 4 hours on and 2 hours burning the unit above the dvd port was just barely warm, and I mean just barely, so the rubber feet I installed seem to do the trick on ventilating the unit properly.......and after leaving the Unit on all night long, it still is just barely warm....good news.
All the test recordings onto dvd blanks were done in the regular 'video' mode.
Test one was our local pbs station, channel 9 on a Memorex 16x dvd-r blank.
The second test was on Fox Network HD channel for two hours on a HP DVD+R 16x RW disc formatted again for regular 'video' mode.
The third test recording I'm burning as I type this is again on a Memorex 16x DVD-r blank and so far it hasn't stopped recording-I'm recording the local NBC affiliate-non HD channel.
I also did some more 'play' tests on some more very old vhs 'collectors' tapes. I've been collecting Rock and Roll video since 1978 and as anyone who has done that knows, those tapes almost always suffer from loss of sync from being duped multiple times and from almost always coming from 'private' hands and duped on consumer machines without studio gear like time base correctors/chroma correctors and such that keep the video signal stable. Once again, I'm convinced that this Unit has a Digital Time Base Corrector and other Digital signal processing circuits and they work!!! I put in a Who concert from 1978 and even though the beginning is mired in multiple sync loss/breakup of picture the Unit played it! I put the same tape in my older JVC S-VHS deck and it puked on the tape big time!! Nothing but the blue screen of death, so to have a VHS deck that has this kind of circuitry for around $200, when just a decade ago you'd have to spend upwards to $10,000 for a studio grade tbc, is just mind boggling!! So, even though the construction wont win any awards for being industrial grade, it is constructed very well for what it is. So a few more tests are coming, like duplicating a vhs tape to dvd, and I'll post my results in a few days, but for now, I'm totally jazzed at having this Combo unit. It opens up my old VHS library for archiving in a very quality and convenient way and all for $200!
I'll be keeping my eye out for any 'refurb' units as so many people have been returning them as defective, when I believe they might not be, and I'll be picking up a couple of more for the future.....
It's all Good!!!!
Mickboy

Thanks for the updates, keep us posted. It would be nice to have a decent combo to suggest. How is the picture quality in speeds above 2hrs/disc? If the unit has a 3hr speed I'd be particularly interested in how they looked. JVCs of the past were noted for there ability to convert VHS to DVD with even iffy VHS tapes. Sounds like you're finding this is the case with this new unit also.
Other users had reported CP problems with this unit and someone also wrote if he used JVC -RW discs the problems went away. Sounds like you're just using regular discs, and Memorex:eek:at that.

How do you determine the tuner is bad?

I just thought I'd let you guys know that JVC has posted a firmware update on their website for the DVRM100B to take care of the copy-protection problem that causes the recording interruptions from the commercials. Now the machine does everything I need!

ina555

Thanks for the heads up on the firmware update. Have downloaded it and installed it without problems. The channel setup is gone so in the process of rescanning the channels and setting up favorites again. Will be trying different disc formats to see if the recording failure during commercials is gone on all types and formats.

Update:
I recorded the superbowl and all the commercials on a standard DVD+R disc with no problems. It looks like the firmware update fixed the problems.

Glad I could be of help...enjoy!!

I purchased this DVD/VCR combo to copy TV and transfer VCRs to DVDS. Copying from VCR to DVDs is easy with no problems. The copying TV shows on VCRs is easy. HOWEVER the copying TV shows on DVDs is a problem. Using new DVDs (R or RW)and recording from TV, the DVD recorder stops time recording at random times. You cannot be sure that the recorder will copy all or any of the TV program. I have contacted JVC. This was their reply:To prevent that problem JVC recommends to use a compatible CPRM disc formatted in VR mode. CPRM compatible DVDRW discs. I think this is unacceptable. When I record manually I have no problem, only when I have the recorder set to a timing option. Today doing it manually I had a problem after 45 minutes and it stopped saying it was copyrighted, I just hit record again and it continued to record the rest of the movie. Something is definitely faulty with this machine..

I purchased this DVD/VCR combo to copy TV and transfer VCRs to DVDS. Copying from VCR to DVDs is easy with no problems. The copying TV shows on VCRs is easy. HOWEVER the copying TV shows on DVDs is a problem. Using new DVDs (R or RW)and recording from TV, the DVD recorder stops time recording at random times. You cannot be sure that the recorder will copy all or any of the TV program. I have contacted JVC. This was their reply:To prevent that problem JVC recommends to use a compatible CPRM disc formatted in VR mode. CPRM compatible DVDRW discs. I think this is unacceptable. When I record manually I have no problem, only when I have the recorder set to a timing option. Today doing it manually I had a problem after 45 minutes and it stopped saying it was copyrighted, I just hit record again and it continued to record the rest of the movie. Something is definitely faulty with this machine..

Go to these links and download the firmware update and update instructions and your recording stoppage problem will be fixed, it is caused by music soundtrack copy protection flag in the commercials. It was a well known problem and the new firmware fixes it, thanks to ina555's original posting of the fix being available:

Firmware:

http://resources.jvc.com/Resources/00/01/14/68.ZIP

Instructions:

http://resources.jvc.com/Resources/00/01/14/70.PDF

Thank you all for this thread, especially for noting firmware updates. I've never registered for a forum before, but you guys really helped me. I thought I'd never find a vcr, combo or otherwise, that was worth anything. And I have dozens and dozens of tapes to copy to DVD.

After reading this, I now think this is the machine for me, good pic quality, great with old tapes and glitch fixed, not overly sensitive otherwise to copy protections. No goofy drop-outs for chaptering or anything?

If I'm wrong, and you still can't recommend this model, please say so. If there are any other currently available (retail) models you'd recommend, could you mention that too?

Thanks, again,
A first time (anywhere) poster

Has anyone actually tried to record a digital channel to VHS? There's nothing in the manual to indicate it cannot be done.

Not sure if you saw this post, but it was in response to my question about that exact question. Not that I don't trust the poster but you might want to PM him to verify. He did preface the answer with "as I recall".
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14926964#post14926964

Recently purchased this machine - from Sam's - and so far no real problems. Although must say one's comfort level takes a hit opening up the packaging and coming across the quick start literature with arial for aerial and monoral for manual. Had to use a rf modulator as older tv being used as monitor when setting up recordings - does not have seperate audio / video inputs. Question: I am set up with cable access only. Note claimed capability to up convert (?) as well as markings showing that machine can record in dts and hi fi on vcr tape. My unit will be used only to record cable transmissions -I am sort of confused between features that appear to be teamed with player as opposed to those that are distinct to recorder. I want to record at highest resolution with intended playback on my home theatre equipment which includes optical audio into av system and high def lcd via dvi and component options.
I've turned all the options on -but don't see any prompts that hi fi or dts is happening - tho must say does sound and look good when I play on home equipment.
Downloaded and prepared the firmware update - but have not had to use it yet.

Regards to all.
Barry

Firstly, thanks to everyone for all the information provided in these posts. It has been extremely helpful. I have just bought the DRMV100B and not had a chance to test it out yet. I guess I'll install the firmware first.
I have some basic questions, hopefully somene can help me with.

1. Approx how many minutes of Off-the-air digital signal recording can be accomodated on a standard 4.7 gb dvd media?
2. Does the length of recording depend on the quality of signal (720p/1080i)?
3. Can this machine record on Dual Layer DVDs?
I need to decide between single or dual layer DVD media.

Thank you.

Firstly, thanks to everyone for all the information provided in these posts. It has been extremely helpful. I have just bought the DRMV100B and not had a chance to test it out yet. I guess I'll install the firmware first.
I have some basic questions, hopefully somene can help me with.

1. Approx how many minutes of Off-the-air digital signal recording can be accomodated on a standard 4.7 gb dvd media?
2. Does the length of recording depend on the quality of signal (720p/1080i)?
3. Can this machine record on Dual Layer DVDs?
I need to decide between single or dual layer DVD media.

Thank you.

1. XP=1 hour, SP=2 hours, LP=4 hours and EP=6 hours.

2. NO (very slight difference depending on source)

3. 4.7 GB only

Thanks RJRSW.

I had a chance to plug in the DRMV100B yesterday. I have not installed the firmaware yet. A few quirks however were discouraging.
First, the picture would only show in B&W using s-video out and no picture at all using video (yellow) connector. Was hooked to my Samsung 40 inch LCD 1080p. I reset factory defaults, switched/powered off, rebooted, switched between 480i/480p and restarted, re-checked cable connections, but nothing helped. Finally moved the machine to my old Sony tube TV and the picture shows fine in color. Then, moved back to my Samsung and like magic, the picture shows fine in color. I did nothing different this time to my DR or TV.

Then I select DV input (just trying out the menu options) and it turned off most other menu options and said camocrder not connected. I switched off, powered back but still kept showing camcorder not connected message and would not let me get out of the DV input mode. Finally went thru factory default settings and reset the settings. Was fine again.

The software looks buggy and am not encouraged so far. The machine has a Nov 2008 manuf date. I'll try to install the firmware today.

Thanks again.

JJEFF Said: "Other users had reported CP problems with this unit and someone also wrote if he used JVC -RW discs the problems went away. Sounds like you're just using regular discs, and Memorexat that."


LOL!!!! Yes, I'm using the dreaded Memorex blanks, but my boy got em for me as a Christmas present and they make good 'give away's'!!
Sorry for being tardy, but the wifes been 'remodeling' for the past 4 weeks and I havent
been doing too much at the computer.....

Made three more test burns using one Memorex and One Ritec 8x DVD-R inkjet printable discs-both at the 6hour slow speed on the NON HD NBC affiliate and on TNT network and on both burns there was no stoppage at all due to copyright or anything else. So, I'm thinking that the units Manufactured in November onwards have the new firmware that addresses past issues. So what now......

Well, I just got my Second 100b unit yesterday!!!! Got it from an Amazon seller for $179 out the door including shipping!! It's funny that since I bought the first one and started researching the bugs, the price on Amazon has steadily gone up (remember I paid $199 for the first one through Amazon and now it's up to $249.69 on Amazon. I got the newest one from an Amazon 'third party' seller as an open box unit-but the thing doesnt even have fingerprints on it!!!) And Sam's club as of three days ago, is sold out. So it seems like those who are hip to it, are snagging these up-and again-I'm glad I was able to find a second one at a good price.....thank you Amazon seller Superfast!!!

More on the new machine later.
Mickboy

No, brothers and sista's, our 100b does NOT burn to Dual Layer discs.....
I saw on their wesite that it says "12hour burn time on a DL Disc".
But last night, I popped in a blank (8x JVC) DL disc and the 100b would'nt
recognize the disc and spit it out. But more on the 'new machine later'.
Mickboy

About a week ago - dropped a line to this forum / category and was basically positive about my recent purchase/experience with this unit. Have since realized that the copy protection regimen is quite active - resulting in many recordings set via timer - not happening. Dull as I am - wondering if there was some set up choice I had made which was causing failures in dvd recording while vcr recordings progressed just fine. When I tested various over air channels / cable channels as to whether they could be ]nstantly recorded - many channels showing movies could not. We never got to a problem commercial - immediately a notice jumps us saying "copy proteced cannot record" I have installed the firmware update and it has no effect in allowing those channels to be recorded. The notice on JVC website says update is meant to resolve copy right issues as well as audio dropout problems. If a program is being shown on public television should one be able to use this recorder - to record it? It has a tuner -one would think to allow purchaser to tune over air/ cable programing - it has a recorder which would give you idea you could record what it will tune. Not talking about making copies of commercially available dvds - but over the air / cable broadcasts. Is this a failing of the machine or will there be a problem whatever brand of dvd recorder with tuner one uses in attempting to time shift a broadcast? Perhaps a clue as to this particular model recorder -is that attempts to record (instant record) the same point in a broadcast - may on some channels first be refused as copy right protected / when a second later the unit will accept the record command. All in all - annoying what? Maybe it is protected if the leading character is scratching... . his head.
Barry

I have not had a recording fail since I started using the JVC DVD-RW discs formatted in the VR mode and now after updating the firmware I have also recorded on DVD+RW and DVD+R also with no recording problems with them.

You might want to try and track down some JVC discs, if you live near Ultimate Electronics (midwest through the west) they seem to stock JVC discs, otherwise the internet would probably be cheaper.
If you could do without the VHS section I'd probably suggest a Panasonic EZ-28. Panasonic seems to be about the least likely to get CP problems of the units sold in the US. They also sell the EZ-48 with a VHS section but there seems to be a rather high rate of failure with that model, so I wouldn't really suggest it unless you feel lucky.
My Panasonics burn just about anything I've put in them and I've never got a CP warning recording OTA, only if I try recording a CP'd DVD from another player or a CP'd VHS from a player.
Unless you find a EZ-28 referb'd or used it's probably going to cost as much or more than your JVC combo:( It's retail is $229.

jjeff

I see you live in Burnsville. Before I moved to Tucson in 1982 I lived in Apple Valley on Lake Alimagnet right next to the border of Burrnsville. I'm going back to visit for the first time in 27 years this coming June and from looking at the maps there have been a lot of changes including the I35 freeway almost in the back yard of one of my former homes. That area behind that home was just 100's of acres of hills, ponds and woods that we used to ride our snowmobiles and dirtbikes in.

Alimagnet is a beautiful park which my kids and I walk many times/year.
35E came through quite a few years ago but didn't really effect the park, at least as I knew it.
They won't let you ride dirt bikes or snowmobiles there anymore, Apple Valley is pretty much all developed. You wouldn't recognize Cedar Ave and Co 42, it's like grand central station now:D
Seems like lots of Minnesotans end up in AZ, probably due to the lack of cold and snow in AZ;)

I do not miss the cold and snow for even one minute. We have the Mt lemon ski area that I can see from my home that is about 25 miles from me and if I feel the need to see or touch snow once in a while I can quickly drive up there. It looks just like you are driving in northern Minnesota up there and then I can come back down to the sun and 80 degree temps again. We can enjoy the view of the snow on the mountains that surround Tucson but seldom see any in Tucson.

You know that 2 weeks a year up there that I remember where the weather is perfect and the mosquitos are gone, well we have at least 6 months of that kind of weather every year and with no humidity here the summer temps feel about the same.

Can someone tell me where these can be purchased still?

Can someone tell me where these can be purchased still?

Saw them recently on Amazon for under $200

They are around $240 for me when I searched, maybe I will ook harder :/

Sams club is sold out also

The Sams clubs near me are sold out of just about every DVDR. I believe they only had a <$99 tunerless Magnavox, it's pretty bleak for DVDRs.

Still got plenty of 'em at the Sam's Club here. But then, it seems like we still have all that kind of stuff well after most areas don't anymore. We don't sell very much of it here (which is kinda unusual, considering the store itself is busy as heck all the time).

I think what it is is that there are a lot of people with mucho enough buckos around here (I'm not bragging, because it surely ain't me), and snobiness factor, (many people around here are very much that way - again, that's not me) that they are more the "provider DVR-type" crowd.

That, and they just haven't learned not to overstock those items too much in the first place, because it's always the original stock that sits there forever. I don't think they ever had to replenish the stock of any recorder, ever (don't seem to do it on any of the other electronics, either, such as the computers, etc. So if it sells, it's gone, if it doesn't, it sits there forever. jjeff can tell you - they kept that crummy, ugly Pioneer VHS/DVD/HDD recorder on the shelves here for at least two years after he ever last saw it by him).

they kept that crummy, ugly Pioneer VHS/DVD/HDD recorder on the shelves here for at least two years after he ever last saw it by him).

You've got that right:D except it didn't have a HDD, just DVDR and VHS and man it was ugly.

Oh, OK. For some reason, I was thinking it had an 80GB HDD. Maybe it wasn't that model, then, but I do seem to remember Sam's carrying a Pio with an HDD at one time. I think they had it before that one, although the two models crossed over a bit in their carrying of them here.

I performed the software update exactly as per instructions and I am pretty sure it took because I had to reprogram all my channels.

Not using the correct -rw in vr format, it failed even worse than before.
one recording totally did not start at all, skipped entirely.
one recorded for an hour and then shut off.

guess I will have to try buying those expensive disks.

when this machine works it is very nice, when it doesn't its horrid.

I would have returned it to sams long ago if I had not lost the receipt.

the tuner does work very good for OTA tv, much better than converter boxes, that is the only thing I can say about it.

I have not had one record failure since doing the firmware update and I have used Sony DVD+RW 4X , JVC DVD-RW 4X and CompUSA DVD+R 4X to record on and they all went perfect.

What speed are the discs you are using? It appears that from the owners manual they require disc's of at least a 4X speed rating.

Mine are 4X. I have been using -rw vr mode and it works ok, though some of my recordings say for 59 minutes are shortened to 53 without loss in the actual tv program and I think it is still stopping during the bad commericials but then starts back up maybe??, but have not again tried any other type of disks.

JVC DR-MV100B Finally - How to FINALIZE that DVD! (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1147461)

I bought the JVC-DRMV100b last February and it worked GREAT for 90-days! Then random on-and off. I had downloaded the latest software patch. but tyhis is NOT the problem.

The unit has gotten so bad that it wopun't stay on long enoght to even do a reset!

The media used DOES NOT MATTER!!! Even turns off when playing or recording VHS tapes.

This unit is a very good IDEA, but the REALITY STINKS!!!

JVC tech support was prompt, but no solutions. I've seen other post with this probem. DO NOT BY THIS UNIT.

Your the first person to post with that problem I have seen. I have had mine for over a year and the only problem I had was the recording copy protection problem and that never occured again after the firmware update. I have made hundreds of recordings with no other problems.

JVC DR-MV100B Finally - How to FINALIZE that DVD! (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1147461)

See page 21 of the owner's manual for instructions on how to do it.

I record the national news to watch after dinner. When I passed by the DVR I saw a light flashing so I turned on the TV...

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Then I pressed stop and record
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When the next program started I was able to record.

When I checked the recording it ended 3-4 seconds into a commercial, 23 minutes into the broadcast.

I have installed the new firmware but still seem to have this problem from time to time. The mode was VIDEO, VR may work better. From what I read all DVR's expreience this problem to some degree --- but during the national news!!

For the first time I dubbed a VHS Tape to disc yesterday. Everything seemed to go smoothly except after I finalized the disc and then played it on a standard player and my computer the display was 16x9 instead of 4x3 - short and fat. Did I miss something simple?

Answer: If the DVR tuner is set to a 16x9 station the wide flag will be set true, so when dubbing tape to disc make sure you are tuned to an sd station. (Software bug)

I know this thread is old but just wanted to tell everyone out there that I had my JVC DR-MV100B for not quite 1 year and I am told that it cannot be fixed. I don't recommend this unit!

Can you post more info. What failed, who said it can not be repaired?