Well here is how its hooked up and still getting Pixilation!
:mad:

DVI cable from 6100 to Sony DVI input
Monster ($129.00)S-Video from 6100 to Toshiba S-video input
Monster ($129.00) S-video from Toshiba S-Video output to the Sony Input

Next we are going to try and exchange the 6100 (per the Future Shop Manager who sold us all of the above) and if that doesn't do it then we will ditch the Bell HD receiver. We are paying an extra 11.00 per month for only a handfull of true HD broadcasts anyhow!

Thanks for all the help!
:D

Originally posted by technochallenged
We are paying an extra 11.00 per month for only a handfull of true HD broadcasts anyhow!

Thanks for all the help!
:D


Yeah - I hear you there - I'm watching American Idol on Fox just for the picture, slim pickens here for sure!!

Looks like you guys have it plugged in the way it should be. Sorry, I mistyped my last post I meant to say '2700' receiver ( I don't have my tosh recorder on my 6100). However, you got me thinking, maybe I'll give it whirl this weekend if I get some free time and I can post publically or PM you if I'm getting the same type of 'pixelation' as you are experiencing (I'm heading out of town on business tomorrow morning and won't be back until Friday).

for "technochallenged" Does you STB have a s-video out? I have a HD811 and it has composite and S-video out for use with a vcr. I have the s-video out going directly to from my STB to my toshiba. I see no-pix. If i'm recording hd shows I usally set my recording level to man8.2bit rate. Not HD quality of cause but alot better then regular satalite channels.

Any RD-XS32 owners thinking about getting the RD-XS34 when it comes out? Double the hard drive space (160GB) and interactive program guide ... sounds interesting. Any takers?

I would have if I allready didnt have the XS32, I bought a DVD recorder more for the quality of recording HD broadcasts. My other TVs are not HD so dont see much of a need to buy another one until I get another HD TV. :D

Originally posted by JK27
Any RD-XS32 owners thinking about getting the RD-XS34 when it comes out? Double the hard drive space (160GB) and interactive program guide ... sounds interesting. Any takers?

I'm seriously considering it. I have the XS-32 and Pio 420 right now, but want a third one. I'm hoping to be able to find the manual online eventually. I wanted to verify if the recording modes are as flexible as the XS-32. (Something in the link to the summary info elsewhere made it sound like there's only 11 settings.)

Originally posted by EPlay
I'm seriously considering it. I have the XS-32 and Pio 420 right now, but want a third one. I'm hoping to be able to find the manual online eventually. I wanted to verify if the recording modes are as flexible as the XS-32. (Something in the link to the summary info elsewhere made it sound like there's only 11 settings.) This isn't the EXACT same machine as the RD-XS34 which will be released in the U.S. (check out the UK's funky rear panel AV connectors), but here's a link to the manual for the UK RD-XS34 (dated 12/18/04): Link to RD-XS34 Manual (UK) (http://tesc.toshiba.co.uk/Web/ModelLis.nsf/1f82d70b57a6d36d80256a000042a0fb/d41dc1f60c8527b080256f9b003f6eac/$FILE/1221RD-XS34SB_Ope1.pdf)

In that manual, page 43 states about recording rate: "Not applicable when “SP”, “LP” or “Auto” is selected. You can set a rate at intervals of 0.2Mbps from 2.0 to 9.2. (The upper limit of the value depends on the “Audio” setting.)" That appears to the be same as the RD-XS32 -- e.g., you can set any manual setting in .2Mbps increments.

I don't see anything in that manual that limits you to 11 record rate settings.

I have the Model 32 but I am really drooling over a couple Philips models that may or may not come out:
They will record DD and DTS over SPDIF inputs! (I think they are something like the DVDR740 and DVDR755 if I remember correctly.)

It appears that there may be a new crop of recorders that will record DD. (Let's face it, it is perfect opportunity to catch a few more dollars with an obsolete configuration before the mature HD DVD format grows up.

Frankly, given the choice between Surround Sound and HD, well... for me, that isn't even a choice that needs thought.... just so long as it is Leterboxed!

Originally posted by JK27
This isn't the EXACT same machine as the RD-XS34 which will be released in the U.S. (check out the UK's funky rear panel AV connectors), but here's a link to the manual for the UK RD-XS34 (dated 12/18/04): Link to RD-XS34 Manual (UK) (http://tesc.toshiba.co.uk/Web/ModelLis.nsf/1f82d70b57a6d36d80256a000042a0fb/d41dc1f60c8527b080256f9b003f6eac/$FILE/1221RD-XS34SB_Ope1.pdf)

In that manual, page 43 states about recording rate: "Not applicable when “SP”, “LP” or “Auto” is selected. You can set a rate at intervals of 0.2Mbps from 2.0 to 9.2. (The upper limit of the value depends on the “Audio” setting.)" That appears to the be same as the RD-XS32 -- e.g., you can set any manual setting in .2Mbps increments.

I don't see anything in that manual that limits you to 11 record rate settings.

Thanks, JK!

I was just a little puzzled by this statement in the specs summary:

"Preset bit rates and audio settings for 11 different recording options including selections for LPCM audio recording."

http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/tacpassets-images/models/rd-xs34/docs/rd-xs34_spec.pdf

Maybe that doesn't preclude a whole range of manual settings, though. :)

Originally posted by JK27
Any RD-XS32 owners thinking about getting the RD-XS34 when it comes out? Double the hard drive space (160GB) and interactive program guide ... sounds interesting. Any takers?


Well - I just picked up this player three weeks ago at Costco - if Costco gets the new ones in and I can return/exchange the X32 I might do it - but to be honest I'm perfectly happy with the x32 as it is and don't seriously consider to upgrade until there is a true HD recorder out there - which may never come to pass given all these regulations.

Hey, they state 0/7.5 IRE recording selection... I guess that solves the black level problem, eh?

Wouldn't it be nice if that option was available in a firmware upgrade for the XS32? Probably not, but then the BLB doesn't bother me anyway.

OK, who can help me with this?

Somewhere in the manual I thought there was a reference to turning off the display indicator during certain functions. For example, when making a high speed dub the progress indicator bar remains on the bottom of the screen until it finishes. How do I remove that? Some functions stay on the screen until they are done, but I thought I read that they could be turned off. Now I can't seem to find it in the manual, if it's there.

So its not my BEV 6100 causing the pixilation! It's the Toshiba! Further, I'm not getting any Dolby 5.1 out of it. Hooked up the new 6100 and poof the sound crapped out. Now the next challenge will be trying to get a new Tosh or ...... gulp!...repair! I bought this mid October 2004. Future Shop won't take it back - at least I don't think so. Any advice?

Techno

Originally posted by Mr. Stinky Pants
I'm a moron! I wasted money buying DVD Movie Factory 3. I already have Nero 6.6 and I just found out it supports reading/importing/burning DVDs with Dolby AC-3 encoding. So, I didn't have to buy Movie Factory 3 for this ability.

And I just imported my Battlestar Galactica video from DVD-RAM, authored a DVD (with menus etc) and burned it to a DVD+RW and it plays perfectly on my Cyberhome DVD player! And Nero was amazingly fast! After importing the video, it only took 26 minutes to burn the DVD! Amazing! I'm very happy! :)

:( This is interesting because I'm about to do exactly the reverse and try DVD MovieFactory, now going to version 4 and no trial version posted yet. I've had Nero 6 all along, and have never gotten a successful DVD from recordings done on the RD-XS32. What plays back is a distorted image that switches aspect mode soon after beginning most scene or chapter breaks. It looks like the playback is trying to stretch the image to fit a wide aspect screen. The image shows top to bottom, but the right and left extremes are cut off.

I don't know if the problem occurs when the data is decoded by Nero from DVD-RWs, or in another step of the process. When I play the mpg files in Nero Showtime, they look ok. It's the finished DVD that goes bad.

I'd searched this forum to see if anyone else had the problem. I've been using Tmpgenc DVD Author instead (no such problem there), but I'd prefer to use Nero if I could get it to work.

Has anyone burned a dvd in 16x9 that they recorded from cable (4x3 letterboxed) that was letter boxed 16x9? I will try and be more clear. I recorded a movie on digital cable (SD) that was letterboxed (black bars top and bottom, the movie is 16x9 if I zoom.). I am going to burn it to dvd. Should it be burned 4x3 or would it play back with out the black bars if I burned it 16x9? By the way, I have a Tosh xs52.

Howdy!
I just got the XS52 and NOTHING I burn to DVD will play on any of my other DVD players.
Any tips out there on how to get this to work? The disks play fine on the XS52.

you have to "finalize" the disk when your finished recording.

you'll see it in the "edit menu" near the bottom of the list.

Too bad this can't be automated somehow. I've burned dozens of disks and every once in a while I still forget to finalize one.

Did you guys see this? Interesting! It appears there may be a firmware upgrade out for the RD-XS32. Check this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5395193#post5395193

Could anybody host this file for downloading?

The discs are automatically finalized if you use the Create DVD Video (or whatever it's called, I'm not in front of my XS32 now and am blanking) option in the edit menu. :)

Originally posted by jmscott42
The discs are automatically finalized if you use the Create DVD Video (or whatever it's called, I'm not in front of my XS32 now and am blanking) option in the edit menu. :)

bingo! good stuff, jm. ;)

I do indeed finalize. I wonder if my memorex disks are the problem??
Would they not play in the Toshiba if they were duds?

Memorex discs are not considered quality discs.

Try to find Made in Japan Fuji or TDK discs, or possibly some Verbatim DigitalMovieReel discs (any should be fairly easy to find at Best Buy, a bit more hit and miss at other stores), and see if the problems continue.

I sprung for the VErbatim Digital Movie Reel disks. No dice.
Is there a specific setting I need to record to the HDD and burn to the DVD in order to make it work???

Odd thing is, I can play these disks in a PC with a DVD drive, and was able to have a friend burn the DVD onto a DVD+R that plays just fine.
If that helps pinpoint any potential problems, that would be grand.

I've tired the DVD-R's right off the toshiba in a number of DVD players and the non-PC ones simply won't play. I figure I have a setting out of whack.

You may have a defective unit...

Do you have DVD Compatible Mode set to "Main" in the settings?

And you're *sure* you're finalizing?

Do the discs spin up and try to start, or are they not even recognized in other players, or?

It's also possible whatever players you're using to check them just won't play DVD-R discs-- check the DVD listings at videohelp.com to see if your player is listed, and if it's known to have any problems.

if verbatims don't work, i'd say you definently have a problem.

i've never had even one coaster using different type's of verbatim's.

Originally posted by JK27
Did you guys see this? Interesting! It appears there may be a firmware upgrade out for the RD-XS32. Check this thread: postid=5395193#post5395193

Could anybody host this file for downloading?

I contacted Toshiba directly as soon as I saw the post regarding a firmware update in Canada, and have just received a response. The update exists, but is not yet being released in the U.S. because of legal issues. (There's apparently pending litigation regarding who is responsible for paying for the update for users who are out of warranty.) So, the trick to getting the update would be to get it from a Canadian xs32 owner who has access to it. JoeToronto, are you interested in helping?

Also, regarding the xs34, it was supposed to be relased in the U.S. in late March, and should be available any day now. As already noted here, it does have a "0 IRE - 7.5 IRE" recording switch which should eliminate any BLB problems for those who are experiencing them. (BTW, when I spoke to Toshiba customer service earlier today, they did acknowledge the existence of a "brightness problem" in playback on "some" U.S. televisions, although they continue to deny that it's a BLB!)

However, if xs32 owners would check page 161 of the Owner's Manual, there is an adjustment for brightness level in recording that I would think would fix this problem. Perhaps I am mistaken, but it would seem that adjusting the brightness level from standard to "Mode 1" would correct any Black Level problems later being experienced in playback. If anyone has tried this, I'd like to hear what happened. (My xs32 is currently on this disabled list, so I'm spending a lot of time doing research, but I'm not able to experiment with it at the moment.)

i'll try, cowboy. what do you want me to do? :confused:

JoeToronto -

Here's the original post:

Originally posted by sprung
Hi there,
we have 3 of these units at my work. One stopped functioning (overheating, couldn't finalize, etc) so I sent it for repair. When it came back I noticed that the DVD software version on it is now 1415. Our other 2 were still on 1414. I contacted Toshiba Canada (1-800-268-3404) and within 3 days they sent me a CD with the new firmware + instructions on the upgrade. I flashed the other 2 machines without any problems.

I haven't tried our old Memorex DVDs (I know, they suck) but that'll be the next test. With 1414 they would rarely burn properly.

nick

Addendum - all machines stayed at ZL11, only the DVD software portion of the information screen changed from 1414 to 1415 on the upgraded machines. The included installation paper made no mention of what improvements were made. However, I did a test burn on a Memorex DVD today and had no finalizing problems (they gave us lots of headaches before the upgrade). Still, one test isn't proof... And yes, that phone # is for Toshiba Canada.

So, apparently all that's necessary is for a Canadian owner to call Toshiba Canada (1-800-268-3404) and request a copy of the upgrade. Then, as jk27 suggested earlier, that owner would need to post it to a website for downloading by those of us south of the border. The technology should be compatible here - apparently the only thing stopping its U.S. release is legal issues. I can't see where there would be any impediment to a private individual sharing the upgrade with friends . . . . .

As far as what you'd have to do to post it for downloading, talk to jk27 about that perhaps . . .

nhcowboy commented:
> The update exists, but is not yet being released in the U.S. because of legal issues. (There's apparently pending litigation regarding who is responsible for paying for the update for users who are out of warranty.) <

Toshiba needs to wake up, and pull their heads out of {the sand}. Debating who's going to pay for a CD and postage to fix Toshiba defects, because some units are "out of warranty" is extraordinarily assinine. The increase in "good will" alone would more than compensate them for any minor financial considerations. Have they ever noticed little companies like, say, AOL, that GIVE AWAY mass quantities of discs for free?

> Perhaps I am mistaken, but it would seem that adjusting the brightness level from standard to "Mode 1" would correct any Black Level problems later being experienced in playback. If anyone has tried this, I'd like to hear what happened. <

It's been tried (and described here in the Forum more than once), and it makes things worse.

- Tim

Mode 1 does NOT FIX the black level bug.

It actually makes it worse. "Normal" Toshiba recordings are at least 0IRE standard, which means "enhanced black" capable DVD players will look perfect. Mode 1 totally screws up colors. (relative to what they should be)

(next time, I will read all the responses before replying. :) )

Thanks for getting back to me about my idea for a "Mode 1" fix. Sorry (but not surprised) to hear it doesn't work. This raises a new question, though. Tim said that the Mode 1 idea has been discussed in this forum before . . . . I've read this thread back to January and not seen it, and I've tried using the "search" function with no success. Can you tell me how to track down those posts?

There have been huge amounts of comment on the black level bug ("Lando" or "Londo" wrote a disserataion on the subject), and I have read a lot of them, however, "Mode 1" is new to me.

do you guys still want me to call toshiba?

if so, what exactly do i say? :confused:

I'm not up to speed here, but if there is a firmware update, I'd sure like to get it.

JoeToronto -

How about just telling them you have an xs32, you heard there's a firmware update, and can they send you a copy? If the other user's post was accurate, they should just send you a copy, no questions asked.

Btw, 6volt, thanks for pointing me to "Londo" - I found the thread he started and read through it - took about 5 hours, but probably worth it. Enough's enough, though. Glad JoeToronto started this thread instead . . . .

Why doesn't Toshiba just make the firmware update available for
download.

It's available in Canada now. Will be available in the US . . . sooner or later.

I just ordered this. It is supposed to speed up burning and improve burning. It was a callback and my son talked so info is secondhand. My son told them we were having trouble finding compatable dvds (saying the disks were damaged) and was told this should help and if it didn't to call another number because there are other things to try. Could be other improvements but this is all that concerned us and all he wanted to hear about. I am on dialup so unless it is a small file I don't think I can upload it. Should be here in a few days anyway. Let you know.

I'm the one who got the 1415 update here in Toronto, Canada. I just created an ISO image of the upgrade image CD (1.29MB) so if anybody is able to host it just let me know via PM. I created the ISO from with a DVD burning program where the option to create ISO image from disk was available. The weird thing is when I went to make an exact copy of the disk it wouldn't do it to DVD, it kept asking me to insert a blank CD instead. Guess the file is pretty small as the upgrade hardly takes any time at all.

For us (we have 3 Toshibas) the upgrade meant that all of our finalizing problems have disappeared. Even the crappy old Memorex blank DVDs are working without a hitch. Also, load time on blanks seems slightly faster.

BTW - Toshiba must have more money than brains. Both times I ordered the firmware update the lonely CD came in a giant (well, relatively speaking) box chock full of styrofoam peanuts and delivered via Purolator Courier. Wow!

Posted ISO and PDF instructions on Rapidshare. Email me (nbello@sympatico.ca) for the links.

nick

I wish I had a site to host it. I really want a copy.........

I think you may have posted the size wrong as 1.29MB. That's
kind of small.

You can upload this iso. file using the web site rapidshare.de. It's easy to use and there is no need to register. I'm looking forward to trying out this new firmware and hoping it cures my xs32 of it's inconsistent burns.

I followed the instructions in the PDF to the letter.. machine told me to turn off and back on to start upgrading.. after I turned it back on, it tries to start loading ("E-CODE" shows on front panel) and then gives an error message saying it is incompatible with this model. It pretty much freezes; I had to hold down the power button for about 20 seconds to make it shut off. No damage seems to have been done. :)

I tried it on a ZL10 (main firmware) machine; maybe this only works on ZL11 machines?

Thanks for making it available anyway.. was worth a shot. :(

just so you guys know, i've been on hold with toshiba canada for over 20 minutes. in this time, nobody has even taken the line to ask me anything like...oh i don't know....."do you still want to hold?". :mad:

i finally got through and taked to a guy named al who was excellent, he asked me what dvd drive software i had but i was in the car at the time. i got his direct number and just called him back from home but i had to leave a message for him.

i told him in the message that my software version is 1309, he told me earlier that if i had an old version, he would send me an update.

i'll repost as soon as i hear from him.

by the way, i have a website where i can post the update, i just don't know how to do it. :D

The firmware update that sprung put up on rapidshare worked on my ZL11 machine. Set up now shows the dvd drive firmware to be 1415. I've noticed faster loading times of blank dvd-r's. Loading times used to be up to two minutes. Now it's around 30 seconds. My dvd burns also have improved and appear consistent as I no longer see lighter/darker bands over the span of a burned disk. I have been using 4X Memorex and 2X TDK blanks. Thanks Nick.

I guess that pretty much confirms it's a ZL11 update since it didn't work
on my ZL10 either.

So that's very interesting. Definitely opens up the possibilty for hardware differences (perhaps an entirely different burner?) in the ZL11 machines...

Anyone in Canada with a ZL10 machine care to call up Toshiba and ask? :)

Originally posted by jmscott42
So that's very interesting. Definitely opens up the possibilty for hardware differences (perhaps an entirely different burner?) in the ZL11 machines...

Anyone in Canada with a ZL10 machine care to call up Toshiba and ask? :)

update: the guy from toshiba didn't call me back yet although i really think he just went ahead and sent me the update, we'll see.

by the way, i have a ZL10 machine.

Today i went to Wal-mart to buy some Verbatim DVD-R's (movie wheel type) because someone mentioned those are great. I've only had problems with the made in Japan Maxell's; "disc is dirty" issue, taking 5 minutes to get a disc recognized (if at all), etc. Anyway, I popped the Verbatim into the recorder and wham, it gets recognized within 2 minutes and had no other problems at all. I couldn't believe the Maxell's are that crappy!
I also saw a Sony 50 pack made in japan DVD-R for under $30. Are those any good? Because the Verbatim's are very expensive.

I have a new XS32 bought 2 weeks ago with Z11 & 1415 firmware
I have used Maxells (100 for $40 at FS) and Sony RW's with no problems at all.
Takes approx 30 sec to load

Originally posted by gxshiem

I also saw a Sony 50 pack made in japan DVD-R for under $30. Are those any good? Because the Verbatim's are very expensive.

I've used the made in Japan Sony 8X DVD-R, and they've worked wonderfully in my XS-32, as well as my Pioneer 420. (It's only capable of burning at 4X on the Toshiba, though.) Once in a while, CompUSA has great sales on them and I've stocked up. ($19.99 for a 50 pack)

Hi all,

I sent out my Tosh about 3 weeks ago and just got it back this morning. I was having a ghosting/pixalation problem as well as problems with sound. What they did was upgraded my firmware from 1414 to 1415. That's it - now I'll have to wait till my husband gets back in town to hook it up and try it out. Would be nice if Toshiba just had the frimware upgrade avaliable on their site - Sheesh!

Techno

I have a RD-XS32 with ZL10 firmware. One of the fine members of this site who is from Canada sent me the Canadian firmware upgrade from Toshiba. Unfortunately, when I run the upgrade, I get a "software incompatible error". Don't know if it's my firmware version or the fact that I purchased this in the U.S. Hopefully, Toshiba USA will release the firmware upgrade to its customers soon!

Just received the update CD and the version is 1416 not 1415 that others have received. I have the ZL11 firmware. Updating was straight foreward. I can now burn on some DVDs that before I could not and loading does seem faster.

Originally posted by paullyn
Just received the update CD and the version is 1416 not 1415 that others have received. I have the ZL11 firmware. Updating was straight foreward. I can now burn on some DVDs that before I could not and loading does seem faster. Are you in Canada? I see that the Canadian update disk states that it will only work with the RD-XS32C (which I'm assuming denotes Canadian) model. Thanks.

Yes I am in Canada.

Written on upgrade CD:

RD-X32C
DR-1
DR-2

hey paul, how long did you have to wait to get your upgrade after you called them?

i'm starting to wonder because it's been 12 days now since i called.

Ditto: I called a week or so ago, and still no disk.

I ordered it late on the April 12th and it came on the 25th.

i still hadn't received anything so i called al from toshiba back this morning and it ends up he blew the order, no big deal.

as a matter of fact, he said that since we had talked last, toshiba has issued yet another update which i should have very soon.

Geez, Toshiba Canada is just cranking out the updates.

Too bad Toshiba US pretty much sits around, thumbs strategically placed, pretending none of this exists.

Originally posted by jmscott42
Geez, Toshiba Canada is just cranking out the updates.

Too bad Toshiba US pretty much sits around, thumbs strategically placed, pretending none of this exists.

it is pretty amazing when you think about it, jm.

have you told these mofo's what's happening here?

Anyone know if there are ever plans for US owners of this recorder to be able to use new 16x dvds? I realize the burner doesn't record at that speed. However, my wife got me a spindle at Target and I wanted to use them but had no luck. I assume that like cd's the faster discs will sooner or later become the standard. This will not render our recorders obsolete will it? I have read the posts about the new canadian firmware. Does anyone know if this allows for the useage of faster discs? Also, I have the filter discussed on this forum from the guy in Florida. Anyone know if the new firmware causes the filter not to work? Anyone in the US been able to get ahold of the firmware update yet?

I apologize for not reading through all the postings in this thread to see if anyone has asked and/or answered this before. I'm freaked.

My Tosh has been making a lot of nasty hard drive noise pretty much continuously for several days. It interferes with regular viewing.

The recording/editing/dubbing features still seem to work ok, but I am afraid it indicates bad bearings in the HD and that can't be good.

I have had my machine for >1 yr. (Not sure when I bought it, around April of 04, I think. I was like the first user to own one on this forum. Maybe second.)

Does anyone else have this problem?

glg

(glgehman@magic-bullet.com)

Wait. I'm sitting here doing a rate conversion dub from HD to DVD with the sound muted and all I hear is the grinding/buzzing noise. Now it is being really intermittent. Different patterns. Stopping. Starting. It sounds like an angry sewing machine.

It's really hard for me to believe that that kind of noise could come out of a hard drive. Or, if it did, that the hard drive could do any kind of useful work at the same time. There is absolutely no visual artifacting.

I think it must be the cooling fan or -- are there any other fans or moving parts inside the unit?

glg

glgehman@magic-bullet.com

OK, it's the cooling fan. I just shot a blast of compressed air at it and the fan stopped spinning for an instant. With it, the noise stopped.

So, I live in a dusty environment, yes. I will see if there is a way to clean it out and/or lubricate the bearings.

glg

glgehman@magic-bullet.com

My unit also sounds like an angry sewing machine at times. I have only had it for about three months. I usually cycle the power and it goes away but it is rather frustrating. I always figured it was the fan. Perhaps I will try the compressed air as well.

A TINY squirt of WD40 does the trick. Probably, you could do this from the outside using the extender tube. The bearing end of the fan is facing outward.

Since my box is out of warranty, I opened it and disassembed the fan to clean it and then lubricate it.

For those interested, the HD is a Maxtor Diamondmax 16.

The DVD RAM drive is Toshiba SD-W3002.

All the significant ICs are on a circuit board under the drives, so I wasn't able to see them without removing the drives (which I'm not ready to do. Maybe after they fail).

Disassembly PDF attached.

glg

Originally posted by glgehman2
A TINY squirt of WD40 does the trick. Probably, you could do this from the outside using the extender tube. The bearing end of the fan is facing outward.

Since my box is out of warranty, I opened it and disassembed the fan to clean it and then lubricate it.

For those interested, the HD is a Maxtor Diamondmax 16.

The DVD RAM drive is Toshiba SD-W3002.

All the significant ICs are on a circuit board under the drives, so I wasn't able to see them without removing the drives (which I'm not ready to do. Maybe after they fail).

Disassembly PDF attached.

glg

holy crap! good stuff, glg. ;)

were complete opposites, me and you. when i have a problem with something, i throw the friggin thing out. :D

Thank you for posting the very detailed guide! It's interesting to finally see the internals. I am especially interested that it looks like fairly standard parts are used internally. Now who will be the first lucky stiff to try to swap DVD-RAM and/or HDs?

I wonder if it would be possible to swap the drive for an LG (ideally, better firmware support) or Panasonic (may be more 'identical') to get better burning quality... hrrrm, maybe if I decide to get an XS34 I could start getting creative with my XS32...

I bet it's >50% likely you could swap the DVD drive and it would still work. (Though, is the LG a DVD-RAM drive?)

I am guessing that the HD has all the core functionality programmed onto it. When I was worried about a failing hard disk, that was my fear. Yes, you can swap in an identical 80 gig maxtor. But what kind of file system does it have and is the native box smart enough to format and install a bare drive?

Or is the HD basically a big ROM with all the system intelligence permanently stored on it? I periodically get a 7071 HD error, so maybe I'll find out one of these days. Frankly, I've never known a Maxtor drive to run more than 3 years without trouble.

Anybody know if something like Norton Ghost can make a bit-wise duplicate of non-DOS file systems???

glg

The best buy I can find out there right now for this unit is $299.00. Does anyone know of a better deal out there?

Keep in mind....for 299.00 you are probably getting a factory refurb.

What's the general concensus on these refurbs? Good as new or caveat emptor-DVD-R Lottery??

I doubt it's a refurb unless it says it is specifically. I don't think BB even sells 'true' refurbs although some may be returns and/or floor models. The XS32 is just at the end of its model cycle, stores will be clearing them out to make room for the XS34 and the like.

Happens every May.... I picked up my open box E80 this time last year...

Originally posted by jmscott42
Geez, Toshiba Canada is just cranking out the updates.

Too bad Toshiba US pretty much sits around, thumbs strategically placed, pretending none of this exists. Here's what Toshiba USA Customer Service said when I asked about a U.S. firmware upgrade:

Toshiba's response: "Thanks for writing! We appreciate your interest in Toshiba. There is no upgrade for US models.

Rick
Toshiba Customer Service"

No upgrade for U.S. models ... no kidding!! I already knew that. My response: "Rick:

Thank you for the response. Yes, I am aware there is no upgrade. I am wondering why the Canadian customers are receiving upgrades to firmware for this machine, while U.S. customers are not. That does not seem equitable to U.S. consumers, in my humble opinion. I guess the better question is, "Why aren't there upgrades for the U.S. machines?". Thank you."

Toshiba's second response: "I cannot say why Toshiba of Canada LTD. is upgrading firmware on their units. They are a separate company and we have no interaction with them.

Scott
Toshiba Customer Service"

Well, that was helpful, wasn't it??? NOT!! :rolleyes:

I'm not going to be holding my breath for Toshiba USA to roll out any upgrades.

Originally posted by JK27
Here's what Toshiba USA Customer Service said when I asked about a U.S. firmware upgrade:

Toshiba's response: "Thanks for writing! We appreciate your interest in Toshiba. There is no upgrade for US models.

Rick
Toshiba Customer Service"

No upgrade for U.S. models ... no kidding!! I already knew that. My response: "Rick:

Thank you for the response. Yes, I am aware there is no upgrade. I am wondering why the Canadian customers are receiving upgrades to firmware for this machine, while U.S. customers are not. That does not seem equitable to U.S. consumers, in my humble opinion. I guess the better question is, "Why aren't there upgrades for the U.S. machines?". Thank you."

Toshiba's second response: "I cannot say why Toshiba of Canada LTD. is upgrading firmware on their units. They are a separate company and we have no interaction with them.

Scott
Toshiba Customer Service"

Well, that was helpful, wasn't it??? NOT!! :rolleyes:

I'm not going to be holding my breath for Toshiba USA to roll out any upgrades.

lol, no. no, i wouldn't hold my breath after that wonderful exchange.

ok, i got my update in the mail today. the whole process only took about 2 minutes and the machine immediately loaded a disk it wouldn't load at all before.

good stuff.

I'm sure the lack of a US upgrade is directly related to the pending class action lawsuit:

"If you purchased or acquired a Toshiba brand DVD player (excluding laptops) prior to October 15, 2004, your rights, including claims for damages relating to an incompatibility defect alleged to be contained in the players, may be affected by the settlement of the Class Action"
"The Complaint in the Action asserts that Toshiba DVD Players are not fully compliant with the specifications set forth by the DVD Forum, but that TACP nonetheless represented to Class Members that its DVD Players were, in fact, fully compliant with such specifications. The Class Representatives have thereby asserted causes of action for breach of express and implied warranty as well as claims for violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. "

Apparently by charging people to upgrade firmware just to be able to play many new DVD's Toshiba is being sued for fraud and breach of warranty.

The Claims period just clsoed so once the decision has been finalized..we may see some movement on a TACP-US policy on firmware

bingo! good work, dave.

add to that the comment a toshiba rep made to someone here just a couple of days ago where he said "toshiba canada is a seperate company from toshiba u.s.a." and the picture becomes even clearer.

if i lived just an hour more south of here, i'd join in the class action lawsuit. ;)

Originally posted by davemcs
I'm sure the lack of a US upgrade is directly related to the pending class action lawsuit: Interesting! I hadn't even heard about this. Only time will tell ... bring on the upgrades!!

That only appears to affect older, play-only units.

I think Toshiba's indifference towards customers (which includes the whole black level bug blow-off) is more at fault than anything... As much as I like the idea of a "fixed" XS34, I would probably find myself going Panasonic next time around...

(I have to say, not releasing prepared, well-functioning, firmware is just laziness or indifference. It appears to really help the XS32s that have it, and not making it easily and widely available for US consumers is a pretty stupid move.)

Those of you that have upgraded the firmware, what have been the results ?

Other than being able to recognize disks that before you could not use, have you noted any other "improvements" ?

Originally posted by jmscott42
That only appears to affect older, play-only units.

I think Toshiba's indifference towards customers (which includes the whole black level bug blow-off) is more at fault than anything... As much as I like the idea of a "fixed" XS34, I would probably find myself going Panasonic next time around...

(I have to say, not releasing prepared, well-functioning, firmware is just laziness or indifference. It appears to really help the XS32s that have it, and not making it easily and widely available for US consumers is a pretty stupid move.)

Would it be safe to say that you would choose the Panasonic E95 over the Toshiba RD-XS32 if you could do it over again? If so, is it solely due to the issues fixed by the "canadian firmware" and the black level bug or are there other reasons why you dislike the XS32?

I love the XS32. I hate the company that made it and some of the bonehead things they've done in the last 6 months or so. ;)

I'm not familiar enough with the E95 to make that call. I will say I have an E80 and hate the way it works compared to the XS32. I do probably 90% of my recording on the XS32, saving the E80 for timeshifting, and/or projects that I may send to people who I am concerned about the black level bug hitting me. But for most of my personal stuff I use the XS32 as I feel it provides much better overall quality (both of the video and of the finished product).

I got a call last night from Panasonic wanting me to extend my E80's warranty 2 more years (since I got it a year ago Saturday) for $150. I had to laugh; if the E80 went out I'd definitely be looking for a brand new one (model, not E80!). At this time I'm really interested in the Panasonic EH50 (or whatever the new model is) but I would definitely want to be sure the whole editing/playlist situation is better than the E80.

(I should add I think the E85 is much closer to the XS32 in editing than the E80; so I assume the E95 is as well.) I'm talking things like making playlists based on original shows to dub, so you don't have to use 'shorten segment' to edit commercials (but still do a high-speed, non-reencoding dub!), the 10 second 'instant replay' button, the configurable fast-skip button, getting a time bar up on the screen so you can see where you are, etc. This all makes editing on the XS32 painless, compared to the E80.

I know computers can do much better editing in general but for the way I use DVD recorders (usually making quick archives of TV shows and occasionally special occasion type stuff) I've never found a smoother workflow for me than just using the XS32 for everything. (I can't find a program that just always works-- I'd go nuts testing everything I do for audio sync, or proper encoding, etc.. stuff I seem to have a lot of trouble with. I probably just haven't spent enough time mastering it but at this point I feel like what's the point? the XS32 does everything I want.)

I would never buy a DVD recorder that doesn't write to DVD-RW. Period. For me, the only way to guarantee burn quality is to rip the finished disc and re-burn using my PC's DVD burner. NONE of the standalones update firmware nearly enough and it gets hard to find good media. The XS32 DESPERATELY needs a firmware update as (IMHO) its burner is horrible. (I've done the scans on my Plextor, it's ugly, folks). But since I can burn to DVD-RW, it's fairly irrelevant as long as the burn is readable one time...

So, it's a tough call. I'm not in the situation, thankfully, or else I'd go crazy trying to figure out what to do. Panasonic makes nice all around units but without some of the flash of the other models. I really think the XS32 produces a better product than the E80 does. Now, how the E95 compares, I don't know. So, no, the Canadian firmware doesn't help in the decision.

Hopefully this way-too-long-diatribe helped!

Originally posted by dylan420
My unit also sounds like an angry sewing machine at times. I have only had it for about three months. I usually cycle the power and it goes away but it is rather frustrating. I always figured it was the fan. Perhaps I will try the compressed air as well. Just wondering, does the fan on the XS32 stay on ALL the time?? I just received the XS34 yesterday and the fan has been on ever since I plugged in the power cord, regardless of whether the power is switched on or not. Is that normal???

shawbros,

No, the fan on my XS-32 does NOT stay on if the power is switched off.

The XS32's fan turns off when the unit is off...at least I've never noticed it blowing when off... mine is really quiet but some people have louder ones.

Anyone with an XS32 looking to upgrade to a newer generation or diff manufacturer? Lemme know..I can't find any new models locally and refurb kinda scare me esp. from these off-off brand vendors (erfurb depot, pcmall, etc)

I will probably just bite the bullet and go with the XS34..but maybe someon ehas a new boxed xs32 sitting around..right?? :D

Wow, thanks JMSCOTT!

You made the decision more difficult. ;-)

I knew the XS32 had a pro with the ability to write in -R, -RW and -RAM but you make it sound like an even bigger advantage.

I am concerned about the black level bug but I'm not sure how big of a deal it really is. I am also concerned about getting a refurb although it is waranteed.

On the other hand, the Panasonic has a bad rep for not being reliable. Someone said that it may be a non-issue as many more Panasonics are sold but I'm not so sure. Every web site that has reviews has many more reviews for the XS32 compared to the E95.

And then you have about a $40 higher price for the Panasonic.

It is a tough decision.

One question though, I thought the XS32 could do timeshifting just like the Panasonic. Don't they all call it timeslip? Is what you are referring to the ability to pause a live show while it is recording and come back to watch from where you left off while the recorder continues recording in real time?

Originally posted by jmscott42
The XS32's fan turns off when the unit is off...at least I've never noticed it blowing when off... mine is really quiet but some people have louder ones.
Originally posted by EPlay
shawbros,

No, the fan on my XS-32 does NOT stay on if the power is switched off.
Thanks for your feedback, guys! I'm kinda concerned, at this rate the fan's gonna be howling in no time! Any XS34 owners out there have the fan running constantly???

Well, the RW advantage is that you're burning a basically "complete" disc. RAM is great for some things, but if you're not editing it on the computer it's a bit useless as a "pre-master". With the XS32 I can just burn a -RW as I would a -R, and can just rip/re-burn it in about 20 minutes (with 8x media) and I'm done.

I bring it up as without firmware upgrades, media that these various set top units like gets harder and harder to find. I have a stash that will hopefully last through my E80's useful life but I definitely notice the newer the media, the worse the old burner in that unit works. (using quality scanning, again)

I do think Panasonic's overwhelming popularity (like them or not I am sure they sell MANY, MANY more units than anyone else.) plays a lot into it. I've had really good luck with most Panasonic electronics I've ever bought. Of course, it IS luck.

Black level can be an issue. It really, REALLY depends, which is awful. Depends on what you're recording (I notice it most from DirecTivo recordings and much much less on VHS recordings, and I don't think it exists by definition from DV/firewire recordings), the type of playback DVD player, how the TV is calibrated, etc. What is frustrating as you could almost as likely find a TV miscalibrated so that "standard" (proper IRE levels) DVDs are too dark. There are too many variables to be able to predict how it would affect you.

And yes, the XS32 does timeshifting (timeslip). Just the way I have the system hooked up the E80 is the unit I usually use to do that...

How long have you left the XS34 turned off? I wonder if they've designed it to keep blowing for 5-10 minutes after power off, just to be sure it's truly cooled down? (Which would be a great design. ;) But probably not the case).

I'd call Toshiba and see what they say...

Originally posted by jmscott42
How long have you left the XS34 turned off? I wonder if they've designed it to keep blowing for 5-10 minutes after power off, just to be sure it's truly cooled down? (Which would be a great design. ;) But probably not the case).
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing like on those Enermax power supplies. But no, I turned it off last nite and it was still blowing in the morning!!!
I'd call Toshiba and see what they say... Well, I'm in Canada and mail ordered it from ecost so Toshiba probably won't entertain me unless I ship it back to the US. I thought I was getting a real deal but just noticed the local Best Buy just got it in stock for only $100CAD more (that's like $80USD). I'll drop in tomorrow to check out one of the display models but I'm thinking it will probably be off like the XS32. Damn...

JMSCOTT,

Thanks a bunch my man. You are a wealth of information!

So, when push comes to shove, do you still lean toward the E95 or XS32?

It sounds like it comes down to the following:

RXS32 = BLB bug, -RW capability, 80GB HDD, good quality, refurb
E95 = no -RW, good recording from analog tapes but potential overall "PQ" issues, 160GB HDD, possible quality issues, brand new

Does anyone have any experience with Digital1234.com?

Here's their page from Resleer Ratings.com:

http://resellerratings.com/seller8288.html

as always Caveat Emptor!

Crappy website and customer service but they seem honest which is most important. Not sure why they got a non-existant returns rating as one guy had a good experience with the XM radio reciever he returned.

Originally posted by shawbros
Originally posted by jmscott42
How long have you left the XS34 turned off? I wonder if they've designed it to keep blowing for 5-10 minutes after power off, just to be sure it's truly cooled down? (Which would be a great design. ;)
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing like on those Enermax power supplies. But no, I turned it off last nite and it was still blowing in the morning!!!
I'll drop into Best Buy tomorrow to check out one of the display models but I'm thinking it will probably be off like the XS32. Damn... Just a followup to my own post and for jmscott42 or anyone else who might be interested...
I went to Best Buy to check out the display model and was shocked to find that the fan continues to blow even after switching the power off! So this happens on both US and Canadian models and is either intentional or a design flaw!

Hey all,
Just wanted to drop a line to let you all know that just over a year into having my XS32 it died. I didnt use it much either, maybe the first couple of months I got it I recorded some things and then it sat for about 8 months before I started recording some cartoons for my daughter. Had it running for about 3 days when I came home from work to find it was dead. No power, tried different outlets, played with the power cable, no luck. I called Toshiba and they told me to hit the road. Unfortunately, I paid about $550 for it a year ago and I can only imagine what parts and labor is going to cost should I opt to go that route. I was always a big fan of Toshiba but this is the second dvd product of theirs that has malfunctioned on me. That fact, coupled with the "customer support" I received will ensure I never buy another Toshiba product. I hope I can save what I did have on the hard drive but who knows, I would not know where to begin. I can see me sending it away for service only to have it come back with the hard drive reformatted and my wallet a few hundred dollars lighter.
I was very happy with it when it worked, it was difficult to figure out but I taught myself enough to do what I had to do and it worked great, too bad the workmanship was so shoddy.

Burgh

Hi there,
just a note that I received the new Toshiba 1416 software update. Toshiba couldn't tell me what improvements it makes but I went ahead and updated all 3 of our units immediately. I've also been asked by Toshiba to no longer provide/upload the ISO image of the update. Canadian customers are asked to contact Toshiba directly at 1-800-268-3404 to request the update. US customers may be outta luck...

The upgrade arrived via CDRom. I don't have any 4X DVDRWs to test unfortunately.



nick

Did they send you a disc containing it or what?

Can you try a 4X DVD-RW to see if it now works?

Hey guys, I was reading the manual for the XS34 last night and was wondering about whether or not the unit would pass the composite or S-Video signals through. Let's say I send the audio and S-video signals from my SAT reciever into one of the inputs on the recorder. Will I get the same signal from the audio and S-video output from the recorder? If so, will it pass the signal if the recorder is off or only when it is on and/or recording? I it passes the signals because I don't want to split the output from my SAT reciever.

If it's like the XS32, you can hook up your sat to one of the inputs and then just watch it through, yes. You don't need to be recording, you just need to set the TV to Line1 (wherever the XS34 is hooked up), and the XS34 to Line1 (or wherever the sat box is plugged in).

The XS32 does need to be turned on, I would assume the XS34 would as well.

or you can just bypass the unit altogether when you don't want to record.

Originally posted by jmscott42
If it's like the XS32, you can hook up your sat to one of the inputs and then just watch it through, yes. You don't need to be recording, you just need to set the TV to Line1 (wherever the XS34 is hooked up), and the XS34 to Line1 (or wherever the sat box is plugged in).

The XS32 does need to be turned on, I would assume the XS34 would as well.

Excellent, thanks guys. I may try to hook the bad boy up tonoght but I have to say that the owners manual takes some time to get through.

Well, I gave it a try this morning and the composite video signal fed through when the unit was powered on but went away when I powered it down. I set the input on the XS34 to the input my SAT receiver signals were plugged into. Any ideas?

I don't know of anything that passes through s-video or composite without power. My old VCR was the same. Seems to me RF is the only signal that passes through with no processing; for any of the others, including RCA audio, you need power to the box.

I think the time has come for A/V signal pass-through. If you find yourself sending your only output into your DVD recorder, you really need to have that signal passed though. I guess I will have to either split the signal or use a switch.

Does someone have a link to which thread has the info where someone opened (I thought) an XS32?

I wanted to look up info on the DVD-recorder inside to see if there were firmware updates for it to deal with higher speed DVD-RWs.

This thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=518412&page=9&pp=20
says that the RD-XS34's manual says "Discs labeled DVD-RW Ver. 1.1 or 1.2 can be used.
Discs compatible with 2X speed recording (labeled Ver. 1.1/2X etc.) can also be used."

The RD-XS32 manual says:
Discs labeled DVD-RW Ver.1.1 can be used.
Discs compatible with 2X speed recording (labeled
Ver.1.1/2X etc,) can also be used.

though page 6 says "ver 1.1 or later".

So now I'm confused whether the "write protected" problem I had with 4X DVD-RW was really the fact that they're 4X or not. If so, it'd be useful to find that other thread so we can see if there is a firmware update from the recorder manufacturer. (It was a non-Toshiba DVD recorder inside, right?)

I have a Toshiba RD XS32, and, with one exception, I have been pleased with it.
I was wondering if anyone else experienced this, as Toshiba claims it is normal

The problem is when there is a power outage, the machine looses the programmed recordings and I must direct it to reset the time. Since the machine has the ability to store many programmed recordings, I have to have to enter them all again when this happens.
Since my $50 Panasonic VCR does not have this problem, it seemed that the Toshiba would have some kind of solution for a power loss.

i've never had that problem, sgm. we have alot of short blackouts too.

I formatted a DVD-RW and the "disk info" showed I had the full 4hours available to record. I set it to record the two-hour season finale of "24". The red record light was on. I think I also set it to record a one-hour program following "24". I don't recall what it was.
The next day, when I checked the disk, I was HORRIFIED to see the message, "disk not recognized, needs to be formatted". The disk info screen shows no time recorded, but also all zero's for time remaining.
Have I lost all hope of retrieving "24" from this disk? What do you think happened? Just a corrupt disk? But why would the red record light be on, indicating it was recording? I do think there was some kind of error message in the library listing on the morning after, but it is not there now.
If I have lost "24", any tips on good web sites for downloading missing TV episodes?? Thanks.

The power problem can be rectified by using a $30 UPS sold in most computer
stores and even walmart. I have my entire system hooked up to one. We get
power hits all the time here in Florida.

As far as recording tv shows on DVD, it is probably best to record them on the
HDD first, then make a quick dub over to DVD. You never know when the recorder
will not like the media for whatever reason.

I had a power outage last week and was amazed that the Tosh DID remember everything. Especially as it was programmed to start recording whilst the power was off (approx 1/2 hr). When the power came back on, it fired up and recorded immediately. Good job too or I would have missed even more of "coronation Street" :)
Regards
Matt

[QUOTE=zabler]The power problem can be rectified by using a $30 UPS sold in most computer
stores and even walmart. I have my entire system hooked up to one. We get
power hits all the time here in Florida.

Thanks for the advice about overcoming the power loss problem with an UPS. I had been thinking about that as a solution. What I have learned about this problem from this and other sites is that this appears to be unique to the Toshiba XS32 sold for use in the US. If someone out there has a US version that does not have this problem I would be interested in knowing about it. Otherwise, I will assume that Toshiba does not think retaining the settings in an electrical outage is an important option for its US customers.

New quesion. Has anyone used an XS32 or XS34 to record from a DishNet or DirecTV receiver? More specifically, is there any way to get the TV guide to control a Dish receiver?

sgm26,
My unit is a US unit (although I am in Canada). Purchased from ecost. It definitely has the "U" at the end of the model number, and I use no UPS. Maybe it comes down to firmware versions or something.
Regards
Matt

I agree with Matzamiller. My XS32 suffers no memory/settings loss of any kind during brownouts/blackouts...Simply using a cheap power strip with minimal protection.

New quesion. Has anyone used an XS32 or XS34 to record from a DishNet or DirecTV receiver? More specifically, is there any way to get the TV guide to control a Dish receiver?

I have the XS32 IR blaster controlling the 311. It has limited control using the VCR Plus + codes of the TV Guide. The trouble is you have a limited amount of channels that the codes are assigned to. I found about 35 channels of Dish Network that correspond the codes. You can go to www.vcrplus.com and get them. They include Cinimax, Showtime, HBO, HBO2, SCIFI, Starz, TMC and TNT. But don't change the original remote setting of the remote assigned to the box or you might run into trouble.

... The problem is when there is a power outage, the machine looses the programmed recordings and I must direct it to reset the time.
... my $50 Panasonic VCR does not have this problem...
Just moved my Canadian XS32 (1416 software); 6 days before my TV showed up, so the XS (which I lovingly packed and moved myself) sat unplugged all that time.

Tonight I hooked everything up, and my recordings and programs are intact.

I'm thinking the Tosh might have a battery like computers have to keep the clock and rom active when the power's off. Maybe you have a bad or missing battery, or the connectors are loose (many computers use kludgy spring connections that are notorious for breaking), or some similar problem? If you're still under warranty I'd suggest a service call; otherwise a screwdriver and a careful poke around.

Good luck... Perry.

Thanks for the input on my problem with the memory loss on my Toshiba.
While the Toshiba service center told me there was no memory backup for this problem, they have not received very good marks for their customer service.
So, I will contact them again and press the issue. I will keep you folks informed, and again thanks.

I have the XS32 IR blaster controlling the 311. It has limited control using the VCR Plus + codes of the TV Guide. The trouble is you have a limited amount of channels that the codes are assigned to. I found about 35 channels of Dish Network that correspond the codes. You can go to www.vcrplus.com and get them. They include Cinimax, Showtime, HBO, HBO2, SCIFI, Starz, TMC and TNT. But don't change the original remote setting of the remote assigned to the box or you might run into trouble.

How did you tell your XS32 to control your 311 receiver?

How did you tell your XS32 to control your 311 receiver?


Page 19 of the installation guide "Connect the plug of the supplied IR control cable to the Channel Change IR jack on the recorder (XS32). Place the transmitter near the set top box connected to the recorder (DVD recorder)." I used a double sided tape to place it right on top of the IR window. It then refers you to page 36. "When the recorder (XS32) is operated for the first time: Press Setup." Select Set Top Box Setting. Select DBS. Select IR control "on" Select the way signal is input from the set top box. Select Line 1 or Line 3. Press the number buttons to enter the 3 digits of a brand code of you set top box obtained from the table (page 39) Echostar DSS Codes 092, 100. Also listed is Hughes DSS and Scientific Atlanta.

Its been over six months ago since I did it but that is how I remember doing it.

Thanks for the input on my problem with the memory loss on my Toshiba.
While the Toshiba service center told me there was no memory backup for this problem, they have not received very good marks for their customer service.
So, I will contact them again and press the issue. I will keep you folks informed, and again thanks.

Could you also ask them if they're going to issue a firmware upgrade to deal with 4X (and higher?) DVD-RWs? Yes, I know I should do this too, and I intend to eventually.

I'd even pay for a firmware upgrade. There have been sales on DVD-RWs sometimes lately, but they're always the 4X kind.. As I reported in another thread, those don't work.

Page 19 of the installation guide "Connect the plug of the supplied IR control cable to the Channel Change IR jack on the recorder (XS32). Place the transmitter near the set top box connected to the recorder (DVD recorder)." I used a double sided tape to place it right on top of the IR window. It then refers you to page 36. "When the recorder (XS32) is operated for the first time: Press Setup." Select Set Top Box Setting. Select DBS. Select IR control "on" Select the way signal is input from the set top box. Select Line 1 or Line 3. Press the number buttons to enter the 3 digits of a brand code of you set top box obtained from the table (page 39) Echostar DSS Codes 092, 100. Also listed is Hughes DSS and Scientific Atlanta.

Its been over six months ago since I did it but that is how I remember doing it.

Thanks. I'll give it a shot. I didn't know DBS would be an option so I said that I had no reciever when I did the initial setup.

Could you also ask them if they're going to issue a firmware upgrade to deal with 4X (and higher?) DVD-RWs? Yes, I know I should do this too, and I intend to eventually.

I'd even pay for a firmware upgrade. There have been sales on DVD-RWs sometimes lately, but they're always the 4X kind.. As I reported in another thread, those don't work. I urge all Toshiba RD-XS32 owners to contact Toshiba Customer Service and request that they issue a firmware upgrade for the U.S. models (as Toshiba Canada has done). An improvement in compatibility with more media would be a useful upgrade. Here's the link to the online email submission page: Link to Toshiba Customer Service (http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/customersupport/contact.asp)

hey guys, i need a question answered, please.

two nights ago, i thought i recorded the eagles concert on NBC and just now i thought i recorded meet the fockers on bev and both times, i ended up with a blank screen.

did they figure out how to block certain programs from being recorded?

thanks, joe.

I urge all Toshiba RD-XS32 owners to contact Toshiba Customer Service and request that they issue a firmware upgrade for the U.S. models (as Toshiba Canada has done). An improvement in compatibility with more media would be a useful upgrade. Here's the link to the online email submission page: Link to Toshiba Customer Service (http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/customersupport/contact.asp)

It may have been earlier in this thread, but when someone mentioned the Toshiba Canada firmware upgrade, I asked if it helped compatibility with 4X DVD-RWs, but never got a response as far as I saw.

Can we just use the Canada firmware upgrade on our US XS32s?

Umm, at the bottom of the link you posted, it says:
For assistance with Toshiba DVD Recorders or TiVo Digital Video Recorders, please call 800-319-6684.

So I don't think asking the question on that form will be useful, plus none of the popup choices really are appropriate.

hey guys, i need a question answered, please.

two nights ago, i thought i recorded the eagles concert on NBC and just now i thought i recorded meet the fockers on bev and both times, i ended up with a blank screen.

did they figure out how to block certain programs from being recorded?

thanks, joe.

Well, it already detects copy protection, but I'm guessing that you set the recording to record from one of the inputs that had no signal coming to it, rather than the tuner.

Once so far I accidentally started a timer recording to the DVD instead of to the hard drive. (Not _completely_ illogically, the recording screen uses the current device as the default.. But as someone who records everything to the hard drive then moves it to a form of DVD, I don't really want that behavior.)

Plus I recorded the Eagles concert just fine. Though I may end up buying the commercial DVD someday, since it's probably got a lot more songs.

Hello All!

First, about the xs32 firmware upgrade, it is now available in the U.S., as far as I know. A Toshiba customer service rep. contacted me weeks ago to find out what firmware version I have so that he could send me the upgrade. The only reason I haven't gotten it yet is that I have not yet set up my xs32 (and thus don't yet know my firmware version) . . . . . Which leads me to my next questions . . . . .

Now that the xs34 has come out, should I get that instead? Since I can still return my xs32 and haven't even set it up yet, should I just skip it, and go straight to the xs34? It's not in at Best Buy yet, but it's bound to get there sooner or later . . . . Or should I just save my money and stay with the xs32?

And (okay, this is the really basic question), about connection cables: everything I am using has S-video input/output except for one crucial component - the television! So, yes, I can hook everything up with the more expensive S-video cables (rather than using basic RCA) - but is it worth it if, in the end, I still have to convert back to coaxial cable to get to the TV? In other words, whatever great improvement I get in video quality using the S-video connections, will it all be lost on my dinosaur of a TV? It makes no sense to spend the extra money on cables if I won't be able to see the difference. (Although I guess it would improve the quality of the DVDs I record and, someday, when I get a new TV, I'd perhaps be able to appreciate the better quality . . . .?)

Was planning to hook up the xs32 later today, so would appreciate any insights on this! Many thanks!!!

Hello All!

First, about the xs32 firmware upgrade, it is now available in the U.S., as far as I know. A Toshiba customer service rep. contacted me weeks ago to find out what firmware version I have so that he could send me the upgrade. The only reason I haven't gotten it yet is that I have not yet set up my xs32 (and thus don't yet know my firmware version) . . . . . Which leads me to my next questions . . . . .

Now that the xs34 has come out, should I get that instead? Since I can still return my xs32 and haven't even set it up yet, should I just skip it, and go straight to the xs34? It's not in at Best Buy yet, but it's bound to get there sooner or later . . . . Or should I just save my money and stay with the xs32?

And (okay, this is the really basic question), about connection cables: everything I am using has S-video input/output except for one crucial component - the television! So, yes, I can hook everything up with the more expensive S-video cables (rather than using basic RCA) - but is it worth it if, in the end, I still have to convert back to coaxial cable to get to the TV? In other words, whatever great improvement I get in video quality using the S-video connections, will it all be lost on my dinosaur of a TV? It makes no sense to spend the extra money on cables if I won't be able to see the difference. (Although I guess it would improve the quality of the DVDs I record and, someday, when I get a new TV, I'd perhaps be able to appreciate the better quality . . . .?)

Was planning to hook up the xs32 later today, so would appreciate any insights on this! Many thanks!!! How do you know the U.S. firmware upgrade is available? I ask because multiple Toshiba customer service reps have said it's not available. Why did a customer service rep notify you? Interesting! Do you have a contact person or email you can contact and verify? Please let us know.

As for S-Video cables, they supposedly provide a 50% better picture than RCA cables, so I would recommend using them for as many connections as you can. Your TV must be pretty old to not even have S-video connections. If you plan on upgrading your TV soon, however, you might wait so that you can buy component video cables (better than S video). And TV's are getting cheaper and cheaper! Food for thought ...

jk27 -

I contacted Toshiba customer service a month or so ago, complaining about the upgrade not being available in the U.S. The representative I spoke to said he would het back to me. He's now called me several times in the past several weeks to find out what firmware version I have so that he could send me the upgrade. I can only assume that he wouldn't be doing this if the upgrade were not now available. The only reason I don't have it is that I never got the xs32 set up, so I couldn't tell him what version I need. I will be talking to him again tomorrow or the next day (he's supposed to call me back), so I'll get more info for you then.

About the TV - my feeling is, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. But in the meantime, would I be able to see the difference if I used S-video cables, or would it all look the same to me?

You didn't answer my question about upgrading to the xs34 - any opinion?

Thanks!

Hey guys, I'm thinking about the xs34 (which is basically the xs32 with large HDD) and was wondering if someone can answer my questions-

1) Can it record HD channels? (I know it's downconverted to 480i)
2) can it record widescreen
3) how loud is the fan when everything is off?
4) how does it get TV Guide uploaded?

Hey guys, I'm thinking about the xs34 (which is basically the xs32 with large HDD) and was wondering if someone can answer my questions-

1) Can it record HD channels? (I know it's downconverted to 480i)
2) can it record widescreen
3) how loud is the fan when everything is off?
4) how does it get TV Guide uploaded?

First of all, the XS34 eliminates the black level bug of the XS32 and I think it also burns at a higher speed. Oh yeah, the fan stays on so, if that scares you, maybe the XS34 isn't for you. ;)

1) It does not have component video inputs so it can record the 480i output from a reciever that is tuned to an HD channel but it does not input 1080i and downconvert. Your receiver does that.
2)Yes but it depends on how you define "record widescreen".
3)The fan is on? I can't hear it.
4)I don't use TV Guide as I have a SAT reciever but I understand that it gets the data from your antenna/receiver when it is powered off.

Huskymaniac- Thanks. Just to clear up-
1) So I can record HD channels, I assume the quality is very decent at least?
2) Can it record widescreen, same size as what's on my screen, 16:9, etc.
4) When you say antenna/receiver/ you mean my cable STB? Or do I need to set up a ota antenna?

hey guys, i need a question answered, please.

two nights ago, i thought i recorded the eagles concert on NBC and just now i thought i recorded meet the fockers on bev and both times, i ended up with a blank screen.

did they figure out how to block certain programs from being recorded?

thanks, joe.

I recorded the Eagle on my Toshiba. The source was HD. Made for a great dvd once I edited out all the commerials. Audio recorder very well also. The Toshiba recorded it from my Dish HD811 reciever

Just thought of this one, needed to make a copy of a program for a friend to watch that I also wanted to see via the HDD. This would have required recording to both the HD and a DVD at the same time. Any chance this is possible with the 32? How about time slipping while recording both?

I know I could just record to the HDD and then dup to dvd but it would be more convienent to do both at the same time. Might sound crazy but thought it was worth asking.

hey you guys, is there anyway to watch what's recorded through componet cables instead of s-video?

i'm getting interference on my s-video cable and i can't fix it for the life of me. :confused:

i can watch live tv through componet but i want to watch recorded material too.

thanks, joe.

Just thought of this one, needed to make a copy of a program for a friend to watch that I also wanted to see via the HDD. This would have required recording to both the HD and a DVD at the same time. Any chance this is possible with the 32?Can't be done.

Hey guys, I'm thinking about the xs34 (which is basically the xs32 with large HDD) and was wondering if someone can answer my questions-

3) how loud is the fan when everything is off?

3)The fan is on? I can't hear it.It's not loud but I can definitely hear it. Not a good idea for the bedroom.

It's not loud but I can definitely hear it. Not a good idea for the bedroom.

You are too light of a sleeper. Also, I plan on making a lot louder noises in my bedroom. ;)

hey you guys, is there anyway to watch what's recorded through componet cables instead of s-video?

i'm getting interference on my s-video cable and i can't fix it for the life of me. :confused:

i can watch live tv through componet but i want to watch recorded material too.

thanks, joe.

I don't understand the question.

Are there any XS34 owners watching this thread? As of yesterday, I'm the happy owner of one and have a few ?s.

Are there any XS34 owners watching this thread? As of yesterday, I'm the happy owner of one and have a few ?s.
Sure, but maybe post it in:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=540826
so these guys don't feel like we're hijacking their thread!

Hi folks.

I'm using my XS32 as my only player, connected to an older Denon stereo for sound. This is strictly a 2.1 analogue system, with no decoding of any kind. (I'm pretty much an audio ingnoramous, so if my terminology is incorrect please excuse me.)

My problem is volume control. I need to crank my volume way up for dialogue, but then sound effects threaten to blast the neighbours (we live in an apartment). We watched The Incredibles last night, and my volume thumb is sore from the workout. I've noticed the same effect on many other movies as well, to varying degrees. In scenes with both dialogue and background effects, it's nearly impossible to find a level where the dialogue is comprehensible.

I'm using an analogue L/R audio cable, the only option the amp has. The XS is set to "Analog 2ch" Output; on most disks the only Sound setting available is 5.1ch. DVD Dynamic Range Control is On, but I've tried it both ways with little noticeable difference.

In my limited understanding, it seems the centre channel is being decoded at too low a volume. Is this possible? Is there anything to be done about it? I never noticed this problem with my old Panasonic s35 (since sold). Do I need to get another player just for this?? Or is it just that DVDs are recorded for people with dedicated sound-proof HT rooms and younger ears that can adjust to a huge dynamic range?

Thanks for any comments... Perry.

p.s. I know the obvious answer is to get a proper AV system, but it's not going to happen for a while... we're in a temporary home just now, and when we move to a new place my first priority is a plasma TV.

Is there a way to replace the hard drive in the RD-XS32,or can you just replace the one that is in it?I just bought a used one that will lock up after 21 minutes of recording..

Have you tried formatting the drive? You never know...

I don't understand the question.

i did it, i by passed my s-video cable, thanks anyways buddy

i have a new problem and this one is really weird. i recorded some video on my camcorder and went to look at it through the rd-xs32. the video was great but there was no audio at all. i put the disk (dvd-ram) back into the camcorder and the sound played with no problem. i tried another dvd i had lying around in the recorder and the audio was fine.

i can't think of it being anything other than a dirty disk but i've tried cleaning it 3 times now and still nothing. :confused:

update: the disk plays fine in my laptop but i still don't get audio when i play it in the recorder.

i'm really stumped. :confused:

Is there a setting that allows you to change audio options based on the media type? Or maybe there is some type of audio compression used at the time of recording that the DVD player does not recognize or support.

Is there a setting that allows you to change audio options based on the media type? Or maybe there is some type of audio compression used at the time of recording that the DVD player does not recognize or support.

i didn't change any settings at all that i can think of.

i managed to work around it by using cables from the camcorder into the input 2 of the recorder. now i noticed that all the video's i recorded, which are on my hard drive of the recorder, don't have audio.

:confused: :confused: :confused:

I may have missed a previous quote.

My XS32 is about 12 months old, and has recently started making a loud humming noise at times - similar to a hard drive rotating.

This is intermittent - can happen at any time and goes on for many minutes. Quite disturbing at night whn one is trying to sleep.

Any ideas.

Have you tried formatting the drive? You never know...
Perry I did a format,seems to work fine now,thanks for the tip.

I may have missed a previous quote.

My XS32 is about 12 months old, and has recently started making a loud humming noise at times - similar to a hard drive rotating.

This is intermittent - can happen at any time and goes on for many minutes. Quite disturbing at night whn one is trying to sleep.

Any ideas.It might be the fan.

Hey ransome, glad to help. Sometimes my crazy ideas actually work!

Cheers... Perry.

Anyone try the German firmware update? Sounds like this is definitely desirable, however, I don't know German.

http://www.toshiba.de/consumer/dvdsupport/88/

i used an online translator and the first paragraph says "Change: This firmware improves the Medienkompatibilit aet for DVD rRW of blanks. The Kompatibilit aet to DVD RW media with 4x speed was extended with this update. Those max. Scanning rate for -RW is 2x." :D

good luck, here's the translator (http://www.worldlingo.com/en/products_services/worldlingo_translator.html)

Anyone try the German firmware update? Sounds like this is definitely desirable, however, I don't know German.

http://www.toshiba.de/consumer/dvdsupport/88/ If the Canadian firmware patch didn't work on our U.S. machines, I highly doubt that the German firmware patch will work. Or maybe it will ... and will convert all your menus to German ;) I'll wait 'til somebody else tries it out. :p

I have to find the site where I got that, I think videohelp.com???

The big deal was that a DVD loads in 20-30 seconds instead of 2 min and there might be support for 8x media.

I didn't have time to fully research the forum thread.

I recently upgraded to a DirecTV HDTV receiver (H10, Manufacturer 200 (which I believe is Samsung)), and I cannot determine the correct 3 digit code to have the IR blaster control the STB so that I can program recordings and have the XS control the STB. I had this setup great with my previous Hughes unit, but the Toshiba setup manual does not list codes for DirecTV boxes and Toshiba support was no help at all. I have tried all Samsung codes plus everything from 091 to 109 inclusive. Has anyone encountered/solved this issue?

Thanks!!!

I recently upgraded to a DirecTV HDTV receiver (H10, Manufacturer 200 (which I believe is Samsung)), and I cannot determine the correct 3 digit code to have the IR blaster control the STB so that I can program recordings and have the XS control the STB. I had this setup great with my previous Hughes unit, but the Toshiba setup manual does not list codes for DirecTV boxes and Toshiba support was no help at all. I have tried all Samsung codes plus everything from 091 to 109 inclusive. Has anyone encountered/solved this issue?

Thanks!!!

i think we all have encountered it, fondueski.

i gave up on ir blaster completely. i just use the guide from the sat receiver i'm using and the timer on the recorder. it takes a minute longer, if that.

Same story as previous poster -- trying to make this RD-XS32 control a Motorola DSR-550 (Voom) receiver. Everything works great except the IR blaster, and I have tried all the Motorola codes.

Before giving up and just using the workaround mentioned: Any tips? (Motorola is a fairly common brand and I had hoped for better luck . . . )

ttt

Is there a setting that allows you to change audio options based on the media type? Or maybe there is some type of audio compression used at the time of recording that the DVD player does not recognize or support.

evidently i did change a setting of the recorder because i went into audio/video settings and changed the sound option to pcm and it works fine now.


i had it on bitstream and all cd's and some dvd's played fine but not all of them and nothing from my dvd camcorder was working.

thanks anyway, husky. ;)

Good to hear Joe.

On the subject of SAT recievers, my DishNet HD receiver must have just downloaded new firmware because the guide now displays the TVGuide logo. I wonder if that means I can now use the RDXS34 to control it.

Good to hear Joe.

On the subject of SAT recievers, my DishNet HD receiver must have just downloaded new firmware because the guide now displays the TVGuide logo. I wonder if that means I can now use the RDXS34 to control it.

only one way to find out buddy. :)

hey, have you guys noticed how cheap these recorders are getting now?

Is anyone having a problem with recording content onto Office Depot or Memorex DVD-R discs??? I cannot record onto these DVD-R discs. Please help!!!!

I don't know about Office Depot, but I have read in many places that Memorex does NOT make their own discs, they buy from many vendors and put Memorex on the label... which means that quality will vary a LOT

A couple places to read

http://www.adobeforums.com/cgi-bin/webx?128@385.Md3OeCb8tJW.60@.3bb8b0bf

http://www.adobeforums.com/cgi-bin/webx?128@385.fnL6eqV5FnS.13909618@.3bbb4061

Is anyone having a problem with recording content onto Office Depot or Memorex DVD-R discs??? I cannot record onto these DVD-R discs. Please help!!!!

Never used Office Depot. However, I had a 50% failure rate with Memorex DVD-Rs. They did record and finalize OK, but would freeze and skip during playback. Doing a CRC check found errors on them. The worst DVD-Rs I've used so far were Staples, though I'm not sure who actually made them.

guys, the best thing you can do is not to skimp out when it comes to dvd's. if your happy with a particular brand (as i am with verbatim), stick to them and buy a whack of them when they go on sale.

i and others have learned this the hard way, my hundred or so coasters are my proof. :)

guys, the best thing you can do is not to skimp out when it comes to dvd's. if your happy with a particular brand (as i am with verbatim), stick to them and buy a whack of them when they go on sale.

i and others have learned this the hard way, my hundred or so coasters are my proof. :)

Yeah but doesn't verbatim use AZO? AZO had the worst long term aging results in CD-Rs. It appears as though all DVD-Rs are either AZO or Cyanine due to an absorption wavelength problem in Pthalocyanine as in it doesn't absorb red. Therefore, it looks like the best DVD-Rs should be the best Cyanine based ones out there. I would guess that either means T-Y or the new MAM-A gold disks. I hope NIST releases some data soon.

Anyone figure out how to put a bigger HD in one of these?

I wonder if Toshiba is using Linux?

Even putting same size drive in would be good. (It takes me months to fill up the HD)

After returning 50 new but unusable DVD-RWs, and knowing about the Canadian and Euro firmware upgrades, I got pissed and emailed Toshiba USA. They responded that it's better to call the 800 number. Which I did.

Friendly guy, but pretty useless for info. Will US owners be getting an upgrade? Dunno. Are you working on one for US? Dunno. Why do other countries get it and we can't, considering that we must be a pretty large market? Dunno.

The only thing useful that I learned is that they do listen to user feedback. Without any prompting from me he volunteered that in fact, one guy in the office keeps an eye on "a forum called, I think, something like AVS" to see what users are saying. And he said, "If we receive enough calls on a subject we usually end up doing something about it." No doubt 'cause it's no fun to listen to complainers all day.

So, USA owners, keep the topic alive. Call Toshiba - it's toll-free. 800-631-3811 M-F 8am-7pm, Sat 9-5:30, Central time.

I am a current owner of an XS32. I posted this question 2 times on the XS34 thread with no reply. I am wondering if backup discs (RAM or -Rs) burned on the XS32 would be compatible to dub onto the XS34 HD? If so I am also wondering if it is possible that after it is on the XS34 HD, if could now make finalized discs with the correct Black Level?

Thanks for any help!!

:-)
Rob

So are the black levels ok now on the new XS32 and SX52's ?

bump bump.... ?

This thread is fading......

I am a current owner of an XS32. I posted this question 2 times on the XS34 thread with no reply. I am wondering if backup discs (RAM or -Rs) burned on the XS32 would be compatible to dub onto the XS34 HD?
It will probably work for the RAM.

If so I am also wondering if it is possible that after it is on the XS34 HD, if could now make finalized discs with the correct Black Level?
This would not be possible in hi-speed. I just tried to do this by re-recording in real time via Line-U and setting the Black Levels but it won't work. The only way to correct the black level is to playback on the XS32 with black level set to enhanced and record it on the XS34 with the "Input Black Level" set to "Standard".

So, USA owners, keep the topic alive. Call Toshiba - it's toll-free. 800-631-3811 M-F 8am-7pm, Sat 9-5:30, Central time.

I talked with Toshiba America today (but I called this # 800-319-6684) and spoke with a representative who said that there _is_ a firmware update available for the American model of the XS32.

She asked for my current version number (I gave her both version numbers, the 'Software' and 'Drive' version numbers) and she verified I needed the Update, then said they could send me a disc with the Firmware Update.

I asked if it would update both the 'Software version' and 'Dvd drive software' and she said no, just the 'drive software'. She said that there's no need to update the 'Software version' number. I think differently but I didn't want to argue with her.

I asked what bugs in the Firmware were fixed with this Update and she said emphatically that there were no bugs to be fixed and that it was just an Update to make more discs compatible. hmm...

I gave her my postal address and then she asked for the serial number but the unit is on loan to my brother and I didn't have that detail written. She put me on hold temporarily (maybe she was asking a supervisor if it was OK to mail me the disc without a serial number) but when she came back she wouldn't complete the transaction without the serial.

BTW, she also asked where I bought the unit (what store), I told her, and when.. She was particularly interested in when I bought it. I gave her a ballpark estimate (which, without finding the receipt, I'm pretty sure is reasonably accurate) but she didn't seem satisfied and kept pressing me.. dont know why, just thought it was curious.

I asked if I could download the Update from the 'net and she said, "No! It's a disc.. there's no way to download it from the internet". I tried to explain Disc Images to her but it was a lost cause.

Chuck -
Brilliant! I'm on it. I'll find my s/n and Amazon receipt tonight when I get home and give them a call tomorrow. On behalf of all of us, thanks!!!

(I gave her both version numbers, the 'Software' and 'Drive' version numbers) and she verified I needed the Update, then said they could send me a disc with the Firmware Update.

What is the most recent version of the software? My unit has Software Version ZL11 and DVD Drive Software 1415.

What is the most recent version of the software? My unit has Software Version ZL11 and DVD Drive Software 1415.

That's a good question and I'd like to know the answer myself, but I neglected to ask.

I did tell her that I was on 'Software' version ZL10 and she had no response. I tried asking if it was possible to move up to ZL11 (as I know from other XS32 owners here at AVS) but it seemed to confuse her. She only knew of the 'Dvd Drive' version.

But, I was on a so-so connection (cell phone) to her and it's possible she didn't understand me because of it. I'll give her the benefit of the doubt on that one.

This gets stranger all the time. My XS32 was purchased in Jan05. It lists ZL11 and 1414. I called Toshiba America this morning. Again, friendly guy who spent 25 minutes on the phone with me. He told me he would gladly send the update disk. But his explanation was that the update would only be good for allowing playback of some newer movies - it won't affect the ability of the unit to work with newer types of DVD blanks. He mentioned that the XS32 should presently work well with up to 4x -RW; it's the new 8x that cause problems. (I'm pretty certain the ones I had to return were 4x; kept getting "disk is protected" error each time I loaded one.)

Furthermore, he then looked closer at the upgrade list. Said "I'm not showing an upgrade available for 1414. I only show upgrades available for owners of 1416 and 1314." So he then became reluctant to send the disk, worried that it might corrupt my machine. I insisted that he go ahead and send it. I think he mis-understood; one would think that 1416 and 1314 represent the latest version numbers of the software. (The "1314" sounds a bit weird but maybe early versions of XS32 were 13xx?)

Anyhow, I'll hope for the best when I get the disk.

This gets stranger all the time. My XS32 was purchased in Jan05. It lists ZL11 and 1414. [...] "I'm not showing an upgrade available for 1414. I only show upgrades available for owners of 1416 and 1314." [...] I think he mis-understood; one would think that 1416 and 1314 represent the latest version numbers of the software. (The "1314" sounds a bit weird but maybe early versions of XS32 were 13xx?)

Yeah, they were.

I got my machine in the Summer of 2004 and have ZL10 and 1309. Old versions, so the "1314" version is probably for 13xx machines like mine that cant take 14xx or higher.

He mentioned that the XS32 should presently work well with up to 4x -RW; it's the new 8x that cause problems. (I'm pretty certain the ones I had to return were 4x; kept getting "disk is protected" error each time I loaded one.)

I don't know what version of the software mine has, but I definitely returned some 4X ones for that same reason. I posted about here, and finally RTFM-ed, showing that the manual states that it only takes 1x and 2x DVD-RWs.

Hi all
Am a new member just joined
noticed earlier talk of increasing the hard drive size
has anyone done it yet ?
I doubled the size of my sons hard drive in his SKY + receiver
all we needed to do was to change the drive and then do a SKY reset and all went well.
Does any one know how the tosh drive is set up (eg fat 32 ?)

Can the XS34 handle 16x blanks, I only tried it 3 times so far, the first one worked fine the second two had some weird results?

I called 800-631-3811, let the rep know that my firmware information wa ZL11 and 1414, and she is sending me p/n DVD146 update for my Toshiba RD-XS32. I've been having trouble recording on DVD-R 4X media lately (TDK and MAXELL) so I guess I'll see if this helps.

I love this unit, but the media issues have been a pain lately. Still several months warranty left, so if this doesn't fix it, this baby goes back to Toshiba!

Best to all,

Roger

Hi all
Am a new member just joined
noticed earlier talk of increasing the hard drive size
has anyone done it yet ?
I doubled the size of my sons hard drive in his SKY + receiver
all we needed to do was to change the drive and then do a SKY reset and all went well.
Does any one know how the tosh drive is set up (eg fat 32 ?)

Please search. Nobody has done it. At best people have been able to put in other hard drives, but only the same amount of storage is used.

I wasn't aware people have put in other hard drives. I would like to do that. Was this discussed on this site?

I wasn't aware people have put in other hard drives. I would like to do that. Was this discussed on this site?

Yeah but I don't remember what thread. I don't want to spread misinformation, so I avoided mentioning this in my first reply. But I seem to remember (i.e. THIS COULD BE WRONG) that people were saying that the machines were recognizing when you switched BACK to the original hard drive, and forcing them to format it.

In other words, they weren't able to swap hard drives back and forth.

But I could be totally mixing this up with some other issue.

Plus if you get rewritable DVDs, that seems 'good enough'. 20 rewritables will be more than the hard drive space. (If you could easily put in a bigger hard drive, I could see the advantage of that, though less so than with a Tivo.)

Plus if you get rewritable DVDs, that seems 'good enough'. 20 rewritables will be more than the hard drive space. (If you could easily put in a bigger hard drive, I could see the advantage of that, though less so than with a Tivo.)

That's why I got my Panasonic E-500 with its 400 gig HDD. That's 89 hours at XP! (And no, I'm not worried about the HDD crashing. ;) ) They don't sell 'em that big any more in the US since the drive to make 'em smaller and cheaper.

RG

I just recorded a show from one of the Startz channels and now I have this Icon beside the thumbnail, which I have never seen before. If i go into the title information screen for this program it says "Copy Never" beside the icon.

Is this the copy protection icon, or something different?

I just recorded a show from one of the Startz channels and now I have this Icon beside the thumbnail, which I have never seen before. If i go into the title information screen for this program it says "Copy Never" beside the icon.

Is this the copy protection icon, or something different?

Yes. Welcome to the world of CPRM (content protection for recordable media). You will be able to watch the show from the HDD as much as you want, but you will not be able to dub it to a recordable DVD.

RG

Can't let this thread die.

Seriously, I have two questions:

1) Is there some way I can keep a thumbnail even when I have deleted the chapter that contains the image that I took the thumbnail from?

In other words, the thumbnail seems like just a marker into the show. But I was hoping it really is stored separately. (Sometimes I want to nuke the opening credits of a music show, but use the "Soundstage with Sheryl Crow" or somesuch as the thumbnail.)

2) Do other people's machines make a really _sick_ sound with some discs? Mine has done this from day 1, AFAIR. At first I was afraid, but it seems to be consistent, and I think it happens more often on DVD-RWs and DVD-RAMs than with DVD-Rs.. (_may_ happen more often on unfinalized DVD-RWs but I'm much less sure of this.)

In other words, when it's mounting the disc at first, I hear what seems like 'groans'. Not normal seeking that I would normally expect. But it doesn't happen on all discs, and I haven't ever had one of the discs that I do hear the sound on fail at playing or recording.

My 32 stopped burning DVD's, same media as last 11 months, tried 3 different kinds of media. Why would it suddenly stop burning? I hope I don't need to call Toshiba, their service blows.

Referring to qdh-123 post on 12 August where he mentions an european upgrade

I am in the UK & I contacted Toshiba only to get the following reply


"There is no firmware upgrade available for the machine that you are talking about" so it looks like we have an issue as well.

My main problem is finalising RWs my machine seems to erase the content when I finalise

Any ideas ??

I am in the UK & I contacted Toshiba only to get the following reply


"There is no firmware upgrade available for the machine that you are talking about" so it looks like we have an issue as well.

I think I had heard Germany although I generalized and said Europe. Sounds like you'll have the same issue that we had when the Canadian upgrade came out before the US version. When I quizzed the tech support folks, they insisted that each country has its own team of people writing firmware. If true, that has got to be an incredibly inefficient method of running a company. I've got to believe that all NTSC machines are pretty much the same, and all PAL machines are pretty much the same. Why would different teams be independently writing and releasing at different times? Let's face it - in today's world a big-name company manufactures the product (in China), writes the software (in India), and collects the profits (in Japan). We call this The American Way.

I have not experienced the -RW problem you described, both pre- and post-upgrade. I can only suggest that you quiz others in UK whether they too have the same problem (indicates firmware bug), or not (indicates problem specific to your machine). Good luck.

Can't let this thread die.

2) Do other people's machines make a really _sick_ sound with some discs? Mine has done this from day 1, AFAIR. At first I was afraid, but it seems to be consistent, and I think it happens more often on DVD-RWs and DVD-RAMs than with DVD-Rs.. (_may_ happen more often on unfinalized DVD-RWs but I'm much less sure of this.)
Got a brand new XS54. I would think it's either similar or exactly the same drive in there. It is the noisiest DVD drive I have ever owned by far. I'm not going to use it much and not at all for playback but I wondered about it as well. So far it burns perfectly.

Yeah, I'm not actually hearing the drive *most* of the time.. It's just on specific discs, and I think only on rewritable discs. It really is a "sick" sound. It's like squelchs and such -- but I haven't noticed any problems, nor have a disc rejected as unmountable.

Ok, so now I've had the biggest case of data loss ever. Last night, I started dubbing a chapter from a show to a DVD-R and got some kind of error message briefly that then went away (I think it said immediately data was corrupted). The machine was hung, so I had to force power down (hold power button for 5 seconds).

Now it THINKS that the hard drive is completely empty. Well, it gives a "data corrupted" message, and un-helpfully tells me to reformat it and that my data would be lost! (But it already seems lost..)

The remaining space indicator IS about right, if you ignore the very last recording that was recording while I powered it down. (The recording before that still shows up in the Library list -- but of course it thinks that the disk containing that item isn't mounted.)

I have ZL11 and DVD drive software 1414.

Has anybody heard of being able to extract recordings AT ALL from the raw hard drive? I'm doing a bit of "mpeg recovery" searching.. Seems to me that the vast vast majority of the recordings are still on the hard drive, and they're in DVD compatible mode. So with the right tools I should be able to recover most of it.

BTW, the drive wasn't completly full -- I had a bit over 10 mins left -- and it was recording the Conan U2 show.. so I was trying to make room.. sigh..

I think I can answer the 1st one, but you would be limited to keeping the thumbnail as a menu background when finalizing a DVD, don't think you can keep the thumbnail if I read you correctly.

On HDD, go to content menu

Make sure cursor is highlighting the clip where you want to capture a thumbnail

Press Quick menu, go to save captured image

find the image you want and press save (middle green)

When you burn a disc, you'll find it on the last page(s) of menu selection icons

For the 2nd one, I've heard that noise too, I've read elsewhere on the forum that it is a known fan problem, but sure sounds scarier than that. Occasionally I find the disc isn't seated right and it never reads the disc at all

I would be interested to know if anyone in Canada has gotten a firmware update, I've had mine for 11 months so far.



Can't let this thread die.

Seriously, I have two questions:

1) Is there some way I can keep a thumbnail even when I have deleted the chapter that contains the image that I took the thumbnail from?

In other words, the thumbnail seems like just a marker into the show. But I was hoping it really is stored separately. (Sometimes I want to nuke the opening credits of a music show, but use the "Soundstage with Sheryl Crow" or somesuch as the thumbnail.)

2) Do other people's machines make a really _sick_ sound with some discs? Mine has done this from day 1, AFAIR. At first I was afraid, but it seems to be consistent, and I think it happens more often on DVD-RWs and DVD-RAMs than with DVD-Rs.. (_may_ happen more often on unfinalized DVD-RWs but I'm much less sure of this.)

In other words, when it's mounting the disc at first, I hear what seems like 'groans'. Not normal seeking that I would normally expect. But it doesn't happen on all discs, and I haven't ever had one of the discs that I do hear the sound on fail at playing or recording.

Yup, got mine a couple of months ago. I don't burn enough disks to notice if it improved compatibility, and nothing else changed noticeably.

Can't let this thread die.

2) Do other people's machines make a really _sick_ sound with some discs? Mine has done this from day 1, AFAIR. At first I was afraid, but it seems to be consistent, and I think it happens more often on DVD-RWs and DVD-RAMs than with DVD-Rs.. (_may_ happen more often on unfinalized DVD-RWs but I'm much less sure of this.)

In other words, when it's mounting the disc at first, I hear what seems like 'groans'. Not normal seeking that I would normally expect. But it doesn't happen on all discs, and I haven't ever had one of the discs that I do hear the sound on fail at playing or recording.


This would be an unbalanced disk problem. If you run your fingers around the edge, you'll find it bumpy. Just take some fine sandpaper (1600 grit or whatever), rotate the edge of the disk and presto, you just finished off the manufacturing process (these manufactures need to get there butts kicked).

Make sure you wipe off the dusk before inserting!

-------------------------

I believe Toshiba still has the following problems that have not yet been rectified yet on the XS32:
1) NTSC black level problem.
2) Various levels of recording onto the disk as seen by the light-dark-light-dark reflection on the recording surface. After recording 2-3 disks in a row, the disks are just "light". Makes me wonder if they were recorded at all!

Well Toshiba, if you can't back up yur products you will eventually lose! Good luck to you in your HD-DVD quest and anti-broadcast recording........Blue-ray here we come!

Umm, most of us knew about the 'black level' bug when we bought it. I haven't noticed it.

As for the 'different levels', I think it's simply showing a different reflectivity based upon what was recorded on it.

(My biggest problem is my hosed hard drive! I have to find a replacement drive on ebay or somesuch so I can keep my old drive to hopefully figure out the disk format to recover some of the stuff.)

Umm, most of us knew about the 'black level' bug when we bought it. I haven't noticed it.

As for the 'different levels', I think it's simply showing a different reflectivity based upon what was recorded on it.

(My biggest problem is my hosed hard drive! I have to find a replacement drive on ebay or somesuch so I can keep my old drive to hopefully figure out the disk format to recover some of the stuff.)

----------

I think this recorder uses a 80G hard drive. Any hard drive, 80G or more will work. But, the recorder will only format up to 80G. Another way/reason for them to sell you a new one with a larger capacity hd.

----------

I think this recorder uses a 80G hard drive. Any hard drive, 80G or more will work. But, the recorder will only format up to 80G. Another way/reason for them to sell you a new one with a larger capacity hd.

Have you *ACTUALLY* put another hard drive in and formatted it?

As I explained in my thread(s) about the woes of my hosed hard drive, I tried copying (with the UNIX command 'dd') from my old drive to another one I had laying around.
Putting it in the Toshiba just gives a bad disk error.

However, on the original drive, it does recognize the disk (and say it's corrupted).
So I'm suspecting that it is checking something like the drive brand and/or size before even trying to mount it.

The "the recorder will only format up to 80g" is specifically regarding the Panasonics. I too thought it was about the Toshibas too, but after my hard drive incident I went back and searched around, and all I could ever find was people putting a new drive in a Panasonic.

If someone can actually get _any_ drive reformatted in a Toshiba, I would be overjoyed.. But again, mine just gives a "drive error" on the front panel and hangs.

I will host any files people want to have hosted for free I am going thru this toshiba BS as well and think we need to have a place to get these updates so again anyone who has these firmware upgrades or software please let me know and I will host the files. I currently run a hosting site for some friends and have about 40 gigs worth of space. :) :cool:

I have a RD-XS32 and have had no luck getting the firmware upgrade.I have also been trying to find out what dvd ram this uses so I might replace the POS.
If anyone knows where please let me know I will host it for everyone.

What is your firmware version now? I have it and installed it. I would have to look for it though?
RP

My firmware right now is ZL11.

My DVD drive software _was_ 1414, but that was upgraded to IIRC 1416 when I got the update.
(Darn, I have seen a couple of the exact same hard drives on ebay but not been able to get them.. one is even batches of 3 via a local store.. trying to contact them to buy a single one if they get more batches in. I'll probably spend up to $40-ish at most on a similar model # 80 gig Seagate drive, hoping it'll work.)

From my recollection that is the updated firmward update. I will look for it in the morning and if it isn't I will get back to you.
RP

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=576714&highlight=firmware+toshiba
mentions a firmware update -- but that one is probably the same one I got, for the DVD drive.

The XS34 thread mentions a firmware update for *both* the XS32 and XS34 regarding the daylight savings time change.

I can't find it via search, but I'm virtually positive I read (possibly way earlier in this same thread) people mention firmware versions higher than ZL11.

My DVD has suddenly stopped burning. Tuesday it worked and today it doesn't, nothing gradual. It still reads everything just fine. I tried several different DVDs & RWs that have always worked. Even tried DVDRam. It says they are damaged or dirty. Cannot even format. Any suggestions?

Call up Toshiba.

Yet another strange experience last night. I tried to record something (an ep of Commander in Chief) to DVD-RW (my 2 Tivos were recording other things). I came back to see ALERT on the front of the machine. My fears were that it would be the "data is corrupted" message.

It was a different message, something like "there is a problem with the disc. It is now read-only". This was after it had absolutely been recording part of the episode (I watched the counter tick as I came back into the room to FF my Tivo that I view in another room while exercising).

So I lost that ep of Commander in Chief. Bad, but good that it didn't actually wreck the whole disc. It did think that the disc had 0 space free, but I didn't try remounting that particular disc after the following steps.

Sometime later, I was trying to mount unfinalized DVD-Rs I had. It wouldn't mount them (and boy, it takes a looooong time to give up). I tried several. At first I was thinking that the recorder finally died completely.

But after powering off and powering on the recorder, I could now mount DVD-Rs again, and successfully recorded a few musical performances from talk shows to DVD-R.

i've had to reboot 3 times now myself, god only knows why. :confused:

Well, now I'm actually starting to think the DVD recorder itself might be going flaky. It happened again. Obviously I have to find my receipt and see if I can get it exchanged/repaired.

I meant to post a picture of this at some point, but when I was looking at DVD surfaces more recently after having probs, I notice that at least one DVD-RAM I have has a distinctive 'ring' around 1/3 from the outside. The others don't. So I almost wonder if the surface is somehow being scraped. Seems HIGHLY unlikely, but these weird probs have just started recently, and seem to happen on recordings _after_ the first on a particular DVD-RAM or DVD-RW. (I'm still succeeding in recording ot DVD-Rs)

My DVD recorder keeps giving me an error message saying that the blank dvd-r that I placed in the tray is either broken or needs cleaning, but these are brand new dvd-r's and after inspecting them, the are not broken or dirty. I have tried cleaning the lens on the recorder, and it still doesn't work. Any ideas?

My DVD recorder keeps giving me an error message saying that the blank dvd-r that I placed in the tray is either broken or needs cleaning, but these are brand new dvd-r's and after inspecting them, the are not broken or dirty. I have tried cleaning the lens on the recorder, and it still doesn't work. Any ideas?

I'd say call up Toshiba and complain. (I'm going to write down the software version and such I have before I call them up with the hang I mentioned in a thread I started.)

Hey guys,

I'd like to start off by thanking everyone here for the invaluable information which steered me away from the logitech machine and towards the Toshiba xs-34.


You do realize you're posting in an XS32 thread, not an XS34 thread, right? XS32 has no TV Guide On Screen.

sorry, rookie mistake, I'll try and repost. (original post deleted)

I use the Yellow Maxells and they usually never load on the first try.

Usually, loading them a 2nd time is all it takes.

Today, I must have tried over 4 times on one blank, and over 2-3 times on another one with no success.

I tried turning unit off, then on.

What I did notice was the "MN PROGRESSIVE" was displayed in the LCD panel when I was trying to load them.

In an attempt to "free up some logic hang" I loaded a pre-recorded DVD. It loaded in 10-20 seconds and the display went to "SP PROGRESSIVE"

Then I tried a Maxell and it worked the first time.

I am sure that loading the pre-recorded DVD was the solution.

naturally, I can't explain why this happened.

I have the Toshiba RD-XS32 and have had it for about a year. The Disc drive does not want to close. I have no problems getting it to open but it doesn't want to close for some reason.

Sometime earlier in the year, I call Toshiba and they advised me to turn off the power, unplug the unit for 30 seconds and then reboot and try to close the tray. It worked at that point. I really haven't tried to use it since. I just used it to record TV shows and then delete, never using the disc drive.

Today, I decided I wanted to use the drive to watch some DVDs since I am switching my old Panasonic Home Theatre out for my new Yamaha YHT-360 Home Theatre system. Well, the disc drive is not closing again. I call Toshiba and they tried to tell me to send them the unit along with about $140 dollars and they would send me a refurb. My g/f didn't purchase a warranty when she bought it from Best Buy, so no I am out of luck.

Does anyone know what I can do to fix this problem, besides sending it to Toshiba?

Thanks,

Pup

anybody? This is driving me nuts. :confused:

This is going to sound silly, but from years of experience with my son, VHS machines, DVD players, and DVD recorders, have you looked inside with flashlight, or taken off the outer cover, to see if there is anything jammed inside? With my son, it was usually toys, trading cards, and coins.

This is going to sound silly, but from years of experience with my son, VHS machines, DVD players, and DVD recorders, have you looked inside with flashlight, or taken off the outer cover, to see if there is anything jammed inside? With my son, it was usually toys, trading cards, and coins.

it not anything like that. it's some kind of defect in the recorder.

Hi,

This is probably the stupidest question on this forum.

I bought an XS 34 yesterday and have spent the better part of the last 24 hours trying to make it work. I have the connections right (Cable point to digital cable box to XS34 to TV) and I am getting the cable channels. However, I don't get anything overlay signal from the XS34 - no "Loading" sign, no response from "Setup" or "Easy Navi" key. I have done an autoscan from the TV to see if the XS34 was on a different frequency, but no luck. I tried putting in a DVD in the XS34, presses play, and ran the scan again, but again, no luck.

I am sure I am missing something simple and after the last 24 hours, my brain has stopped working. So, would appreciate any and all help to tell me what I am doing wrong.

Regards,

P.

I don't believe the DVD Recorder outputs anything on the RF cable, that's just a pass through of whatever it gets. You need to be looking at what comes out of the A/V outputs (composite, component, S-Video).

I don't believe the DVD Recorder outputs anything on the RF cable, that's just a pass through of whatever it gets. You need to be looking at what comes out of the A/V outputs (composite, component, S-Video).

I have the component audio/video connected....

I have done an autoscan from the TV to see if the XS34 was on a different frequency, but no luck. I tried putting in a DVD in the XS34, presses play, and ran the scan again, but again, no luck.
If you connected the DVD Recorder to the TV using Component Video, then what are these "scans from the TV" that you keep mentioning? Just select the appropriate A/V input on the TV, the one that the DVD Recorder is connected to.

This may be related. The Motorola 6200 box does not overlay anything on its IEEE TS output. It does the overlays only on composite and SVHS. (Someone once explained why this was likely on this forum - may be because you need another overlay system at HD resolutions or an upconvert for the overlay. So to do the overlay, you need 2 upconverts possibly depending on signal.)

Perhaps the same thing for the Zenith? maybe no overlays on Component?

Good news! The dealer took back the unit and gave me a fresh one. This one works as advertised! Now look forward to the days when I decide when to watch TV!

I've run into a problem regarding AV Quality when I create a DVD from HDD content.

It all started when I decreased the HDD bit rate from 4.4 to 4.0 to allow (3) 1 hour edited TV shows to fit on a DVD.

My first attempt was to simply do the process which I've done many times. The problem was that the DVD was treating the HDD content as if it had the size of 4.4 bit rate.

So I change the DVD bit rate AV Quality to 4.0 to be the same as the HDD.

Still, the DVD was treating the HDD content as if it was 4.4 bit rate size.

I even set the DVD AV Quality to 2.0 bit rate and still, I couldn't add any additional content because the HDD stuff was still be treated as 4.4 bit rate size.

I was able to do a Rate Conversion Dub from 4.0 HDD to 4.0 DVD but that screwed up my subchapters. Besides, why should I have to do a Rate Conversion when both rates were the same? Of course, Rate Conversion is not high speed which really is unacceptable.

The only other thing I can think of is to try a High Speed Dub followed by a Disc Finalize, however, I don't think I should have to do this too!.

If I set the DVD AV Quality to 4.0 bit rate, shouldn't I be able to create a DVD using DVD-Video Creation???

NOTE: I have mode set to MAIN so everything should be OK as far as that goes.

Let me take a shot at this:

Did you record content onto the HDD with HDD Bitrate set to 4.4 and then change the HDD Bitrate to 4.0, and expect the previously-recorded content to somehow change its bitrate?

Bob,

That is a good point. No, I'm pretty sure I got the HDD bit rate at 4.0 because I set it about a week ago and have been recording a lot of stuff since then.

I tried Dub and that didn't recognize my settings (same problem as create DVD Video.)

This is perplexing.

I even thought you might have to reload the DVD after changing the AV/Quality bit rate. But No, that didn't do it.

Right now I'm trying to fit 6 episodes on a DVD, however, I have the DVD and HDD set to 4.0 and I'm putting 5 on the DVD using DVD-Create and it appears to be doing this High Speed.

What is interesting is that when I do a Rate Conversion, my 4.0 settings are shown on the screen.

Hummmmm.... I tried my rate conversion DVD in my PC and my PC hung when I picked a chapter to play. I had better be sure the 4.0 bit rate is a form that can be read by my computer - it reads the 4.4 standard stuff just fine.

Hopefully there is some way to look at the Properties of a Title on the HDD and determine what bitrate it was recorded at.

Aha! Title Information gives the bit rate and now I'm pretty sure I found my problem.

My main concern was BattleStar Galactica, getting the new season at 4.0 bit rate. however I had 6 epis of an anime which it turns out were about 4 @ 4.4 and 2 @ 4.0 so obviously, they wouldn't fit on a DVD.

Now when I did the traditional Video Create, the DVD was set at 4.0, however, it recorded the Titles from the HDD just the way they were. 4@4.4 and 1@4.0

When I did the Rate Conversion, they were all recorded at 4.0 and all 6 fit the DVD.

_______________________________

I believe the only time the DVD bit rate is actually used is if you record directly to DVD (not from HDD) or when you do a Rate Conversion (I'm not totally sure, but RC may use the DVD bit rate as a default.)

_______________________________

Boy, this was a splendid waste of a few hours!!!

Thanks for your help, Bob. Your thoughts definitely helped get me looking at the problem from a different angle as required!

Tom

So have any people in this thread moved on to newer/other model DVD/HDD burners?

I was wondering if the Toshiba w/TIVO basic is able to burn from the TIVO?

Well I just bought one, I have a directv tivo and the tosh records what I play, but I have yet to edit and burn. I put a blank fujifilm in and it recognized perfectly. I'm considering the upgraded firmware I found on a thread.

Yeah, If you have the TIVO version Toshiba, can you burn a DVD from TIVO drive?

Well I just bought one, I have a directv tivo and the tosh records what I play, but I have yet to edit and burn. I put a blank fujifilm in and it recognized perfectly. I'm considering the upgraded firmware I found on a thread.

Which firmware are you talking about? (I want to see if it's the same as what I was mailed months ago -- it was ONLY for the DVD player section, and apparently made no difference as far as my personal use.)

Firmware is from a Toshiba Germany site. http://www.toshiba.de/consumer/dvdsupport/89/ DVD firmware 1416

That's the same version you can get on a DVD from Toshiba US.

Bummer, I was hoping you were talking about a regular software update, not the DVD software.

I'm having a problem with my recorder Toshiba RD-SX32 recognizing DVD-r (TDK). The unit was powered down for a few months and when I powered it back up it started having problems. Before I powered it down it would recognize the same brand disk, even off of the same spool. I have tried Verbatim and memorex. It is hit and miss with all three brands. It recognizes DVD-RW's just fine and records great. When it does recognize the DVD-R disk the first couple of chapters did not play. Very strange. If anyone has an idea I would really appreciate it. Toshiba recommended powering it down for 3 minutes. I did that but again results are erratic. I hope this post is not too lengthy but I wanted to try and give enough details to get help.
James

I have ownded the xs32 for over a year now and never had a problem loading blank DVDs. I pretty much always use TDK's. Once in a while the Loading icon blinks and then stops after a few times without the window saying "A blank DVD-R is loaded." That is usually cause the DVD may not be layed in exactly right. But all of a sudden, I am getting a failure where is says the DVD may be damaged. I don't believe it is a bad batch of DVD's cause I am using from 2 different spindles and the same problem. Sometimes it is ok on the second attempt, sometimes it takes a 3rd attempt or I may never get it and I have to load another DVD. Like I said, I have had the system for over a year so I don't think it is a firmware issue. One thing I can say that happened differently recently is a tried using the DVD-RAM disc that came with the system. The thing did not want to eject and it finally ejected with a little proding, but the mechinism seems to be working fine. I am totally lost here. This morning I turned it off completely cause I never really turn it off. I don't think it will work but worth a try. It will be off for about 8 hours by the time I turn it on. Anybody else have this problem?

Also, does anyone know if the newer xs34 can read dubbed discs from the xs32?What I mean is, I have a bunch of discs that have dubbed shows on them, but are not finalized. I use them for easy dubbing for friends and stuff so I can remove the stuff from the hardrive. From the manual it seems like it is pretty much the same system except for some enhancements and stuff so I am hoping it would read them in case I buy a new one.

:-)
Rob

Did you try unplugging it?
when I called tosh the girl told me to unplug it first, kind of a "cold reboot".

Plumbum, yep I tried that. The Toshiba rep. recommended 3 minutes, didn't help. Did it help you?
rgn2000, are you able to burn and play a disk when it finally recognizes the disk? The problem your having sounds really close to whats goin on with me.
James