If you have one of these units, this is the thread to get help.

If you simply want to talk about how you returned yours or how you never bought one in the first place, see Londo's long, drawn out thread on this page.

I've had this about two weeks and I LOVE it.

Questions: Is it possible to get an extension for the IR blaster? it won't reach to my STB.

What the best way to record shows longer than 2 hours and then transfer to DVD? I'm recording in SP mode and then doing a bit conversion to fit it on one 4.7 gb disk. Is it better, quality-wise, to record to the HDD at a lower rate and then do a high speed transfer to a DVD?

What bit rate do you record to the HDD? Where do you start to see a drop off in pic quality?

PS. Good thread. I learned a ton about the 32 here before I bought it. But I got tired of wading through all the posts about you know what.

I wonder if someone could take the time to outline in detail the specific steps required to edit out commercials from a recorded TV program. Thanks in advance.

Just going off of memory...Here's what I did.

Use the edit button to go to the edit menu, then select Chapter Edit. Start your first chapter mark at the start of the program, following any intro commercials, etc. Put chapter marks at the beginning and end of each commercial segment. If you fast forward through the show, it goes pretty quickly.

If you set it up right, all of the even numbered chapters will be the show you want to keep, and the odd numbered chapters will be the commercials you want to get rid of. Then create a playlist out of all of the even numbered chapters. From the Content menu use the Quick Menu to make a high speed copy of the playlist onto the HDD. You will end up with a new original version of the show without commercials. You can then delete the original recording, which will also delete the playlist you created.

The manual says that there can only be a limited number of chapters for each title, but I've done this with 3+ hour football games and created over 50 some chapters with no problem.

Anyone have a better method? I'd love to hear it.

A question. Is this limited to just the XS32 or can XS52 questions, answers and topics be submitted? I know there are some variations but should be mainly the same.

Thanks Bear15, I will try it out and I will let you know how it works.

Originally posted by kldat
A question. Is this limited to just the XS32 or can XS52 questions, answers and topics be submitted? I know there are some variations but should be mainly the same.

if the units are pretty much the same, other than one being hd and the other sd, i have no problem with it.

anybody else?

From other threads is seems that the 52 does not support RW, otherwise the menu structure and functions seem the same (?), so from my perspective this thread could include both.

Great idea to start a thread for users!

I am aware that one can select frame-editing or GOP editing on the Toshibas.

What do most people use here? I do not understand why someone would use GOP editing -- as that seems much less precise. Any thoughts or suggestions?

FWIW, I'm primarily editing home movies and most scenes have some sort of transition between scenes (wipes, fades). Thanks in advance!

Originally posted by grocky
From other threads is seems that the 52 does not support RW, otherwise the menu structure and functions seem the same (?), so from my perspective this thread could include both.

i agree. i still don't understand why they made the 52 without being able to use RW though, weird.

Originally posted by Bear15
I've had this about two weeks and I LOVE it.

Questions: Is it possible to get an extension for the IR blaster? it won't reach to my STB.

i can't say i know for sure but i'd be really surprised if there was one.

What the best way to record shows longer than 2 hours and then transfer to DVD? I'm recording in SP mode and then doing a bit conversion to fit it on one 4.7 gb disk. Is it better, quality-wise, to record to the HDD at a lower rate and then do a high speed transfer to a DVD?

i hope somebody answers this question, i've been wondering about this for some time now.

What bit rate do you record to the HDD? Where do you start to see a drop off in pic quality?

another good question.

PS. Good thread. I learned a ton about the 32 here before I bought it. But I got tired of wading through all the posts about you know what.

agreed, we already have more help in this thread than the 29 pages in the other thread.

Originally posted by Bear15
I've had this about two weeks and I LOVE it.

Questions: Is it possible to get an extension for the IR blaster? it won't reach to my STB.
Check Radio Shack, should be a simple enough deal, but I'm not sure.

Originally posted by Bear15
What the best way to record shows longer than 2 hours and then transfer to DVD? I'm recording in SP mode and then doing a bit conversion to fit it on one 4.7 gb disk. Is it better, quality-wise, to record to the HDD at a lower rate and then do a high speed transfer to a DVD?

What bit rate do you record to the HDD? Where do you start to see a drop off in pic quality?
My method is to guestimate the total running time without comercials. Regular tv shows are easy, typically 46 minutes / hour is safe. Football games are tougher, but if it goes around 3 hours 10 minutes, I have found that 2 hours 15 minutes (135 minutes) will get it to fit (trimming halftime out)

I then use the Quick Menu to set the AV Record Quality (I think that's it, I'm not at home). Move down to User5 (under HDD) and use the Frame Advance toggle to change the rate. At the bottom of the screen, you will see the efffective number of minutes that will fit on a DVD at that rate.
(One thing to try to remember is to reset the record mode back to SP after the record to HDD. Too easy to forget.)

I then record the program (from my Tivo, but you can do it live) to the HDD on the RD-SX32. When it's done, do the commercial editing (a little differently, I'll explain) and if the edited title is within the time guessed at, I do a high speed dub to DVD.

My way of editing commercials (no better or worse, just more comfortable for me.) is to block off the commercials first, then go into the EDIT button function and use the (I think) second to last option (Delete selected items) to delete the commercials from the original title. For football games, I then go back to chapter editing to combine chapters into the respective quarters.

The playlist is probably a better way to do the editing, but my little peabrain had some difficulty grapsing it at first, so I am used to working with the original title. I would have to agree the playlist is 'safer', (as I'm thinking through this more) because if you mess up, you haven't messed up your original.

I have noticed that up to about 2.5 hours, there is little degradation. When you gat past that and particularly at 3 hours it is more noticable. However, even at 4 hours, it is still better than VHS quality, IMO. For instance, I have recorded 3 episodes per disc of "Dead Like Me" (~45 minutes each) and they have only slight degradation from the original source.

The advantage of recording to HDD at the lower bit rate is (in my eyes, not sure if it's technically correct.) that the high speed dub is a quicker method of writing to disk, rather than going through the bit conversion step. I'm sure you will get other feedback on this. (Again, not sure if it matters, 'technically', but it works best for me.)

Here's my understanding, not guaranteed correct:

Bear15: basically the same steps I use, but I don't bother dubbing the playlist to the hard drive; I just dub it directly to the DVD. If I wanted several copies, it might make sense to dub a clean copy to the HDD first.

GOP vs Frame edit: if you're recording to DVD-Video (for playback in a regular DVD player), that format only supports breaks at the GOP boundaries. You'll find your nice frame breaks may move when you write to that format, so you'll get bits of commercials before / after. What I do is go into Chapter Edit - GOP mode, and for each chapter break toggle forward / back until it's where I want it (or as close as I can get it). Once this is done, the chapter breaks don't seem to move from where they're set. Of course you can't set them as accurately as you can by frame, but if you're writing to DVD-Video you're losing that accuracy anyway, so you might as well be in control.

Copying via playlist vs. deleting chapters: one consequence of deleting chapters in the original is a more fragmented drive, which will hurt performance and available space eventually, requiring a re-format.

Cheers... Perry.

Originally posted by PerryU
Here's my understanding, not guaranteed correct:

Bear15: basically the same steps I use, but I don't bother dubbing the playlist to the hard drive; I just dub it directly to the DVD. If I wanted several copies, it might make sense to dub a clean copy to the HDD first.

GOP vs Frame edit: if you're recording to DVD-Video (for playback in a regular DVD player), that format only supports breaks at the GOP boundaries. You'll find your nice frame breaks may move when you write to that format, so you'll get bits of commercials before / after. What I do is go into Chapter Edit - GOP mode, and for each chapter break toggle forward / back until it's where I want it (or as close as I can get it). Once this is done, the chapter breaks don't seem to move from where they're set. Of course you can't set them as accurately as you can by frame, but if you're writing to DVD-Video you're losing that accuracy anyway, so you might as well be in control.

Copying via playlist vs. deleting chapters: one consequence of deleting chapters in the original is a more fragmented drive, which will hurt performance and available space eventually, requiring a re-format.

Cheers... Perry. Excellent explanation of GOP v. Frame Edits. Thank you!

How do you actually toggle the chapter point back and forth? (I assume you mean you've already set the chapters and then go into the Chapter Menu)

I usually just watch the video, use the fast-skip/fast-rewind (+30/-10) to find commercials, and use the Chapter Point button on the remote. I see the wording on the Chapter Point Edit Menu implies you can move the actual point back and forth but I can't figure out how to do that. Or do you mean you set your chapter points within that screen and use the "Frame Adjust" buttons back and forth until you're at the right point?

I do it all in Chapter Editing mode. Once there, I press Quick Menu, choose Chapter Break Edit mode, select By GOP. Then I go through the show, and wherever I want a chapter break I set it, then cursor-down to the chapter list, and Frame-Adjust back and forth. Then cursor-up to carry on to the next break. It's a bit clumsy, but seems to work.

This looked to me like the chapter was being set initally by frame, then when adjusting it moved to the nearest GOP boundary. VideoGrabber cast some doubt on that though... see posts 565/6/7 in the other thread for details. I do know that before I did this I would set the break carefully to the frame I wanted, but when dubbing to DVD-Video it would move up to .5 sec, so I got frames of commercial or whatever. Doing it this way, I sometimes can't avoid getting (or losing) a frame or two of content (because the break is less than the GOP length of .5 sec), but wherever I set it, it seems to stay.

I also do the Chapter Preview as a last check before I dub it. Obviously I only go to all this trouble for stuff I care about, but it's neat that you can do it.

Cheers... Perry.

Originally posted by PerryU
GOP vs Frame edit: if you're recording to DVD-Video (for playback in a regular DVD player), that format only supports breaks at the GOP boundaries. You'll find your nice frame breaks may move when you write to that format, so you'll get bits of commercials before / after. What I do is go into Chapter Edit - GOP mode, and for each chapter break toggle forward / back until it's where I want it (or as close as I can get it). Once this is done, the chapter breaks don't seem to move from where they're set. Of course you can't set them as accurately as you can by frame, but if you're writing to DVD-Video you're losing that accuracy anyway, so you might as well be in control.

Ok, so if you're using GOP mode, you'll see the real place where the edits will be, while you're setting up the chapters or sections to delete? That sounds like it makes more sense, even if we'd really like frame accurate editing.

Do either of the editing "modes" (chapters vs removing sections) affect the audio and/or video gaps on the resulting DVD, or is this a result of seamless/not seamless when burning?

My (limited) understanding is that the GOP limitation is a function of the DVD-Video standard, not the recorder. The only improvement I could see is if it actually marked the chapters on GOP boundaries in the first place (when in GOP mode).

Not sure what you mean by chapter vs removing sections. To me these aren't two modes, but two steps in the process: first you mark the chapters, then you copy the ones you want (or delete the ones you don't). And if by audio / video gaps you mean blank space between scenes on the DVD, I don't think in terms of gaps. A title is a seamless stream of audio / video, with (potentially) chapter marks that simply mark a spot in the stream. Some of that stream may be black / silent, but it's still frame-by-frame recording. (The virtual 'tape' doesn't stop running, it just has nothing on it.)

If you want nice transitions when you're removing ads, you make sure your chapters include some dead space at the beginning and end. Usually a scene of TV fades to black, then the ad starts; if the black space is > 1 GOP long you can put the chapter break in the black on both ends of the break and get a nice, invisible black-to-black transition. If it's < 1 GOP, and the GOP boundary doesn't happen to fall in the black, you're stuck either cutting the fade short or catching a frame or two of ad (which often starts without a fade-in).

It'd be nice if you could insert a GOP-length of black, to give yourself more room to do a nice break. Come to think of it, you could do that by recording some dead air and adding a GOP-length chapter to the playlist, but it means doing two dubs. Neat idea, though, for perfectionists... I might try it! :)

Anyone having problems recording to HDD? I have gotten error messages on 2 occasions (at the end of the recordings) The first one was the last episode of Friends which did not please my wife... The error message says "Recording failed, if problems persists contact Service Center". Anyone know anything about this? Causes?, remedies?

If I look in the "Library" there is a record of the attempted recording, but instead of dates and times it states a bunch of zeros followed by other numbers.

Regards

Trickster68

as a matter of fact, i had it happen a couple of days ago for the first time.

i remember that it wasn't a timed recording, i just pushed the record button and after a couple of hours, i got the same message.

on the title, it had numbers too with "HD" at the end.

i'm wondering if i simply ran out of room on the hard drive now that i think about it.

Hmm... doesn't sound good, unless it's as simple as running out of HDD room.

If that's not the issue, and especially if you've used your HDD a lot, you might try reformatting. Don't forget to backup to DVD-RAM first.

Another possibility is a problem with copy-protection logic. I know little about it, but apparently our local cable co (Shaw) has been turning some scheme or other on and off on various channels. I've had no problems recording yet, though.

Originally posted by PerryU
Not sure what you mean by chapter vs removing sections. To me these aren't two modes, but two steps in the process: first you mark the chapters, then you copy the ones you want (or delete the ones you don't). And if by audio / video gaps you mean blank space between scenes on the DVD, I don't think in terms of gaps.

No, I mean literally removing sections -- I know there's the editing mode where you can choose start/stop and remove a section from a recording.

Also, others have mentioned that you get either audio fade-out before/after a split, or you get a video pause/glitch (sort of like a layer switch). I was wondering how to minimize those.

OK, I found the answer to some of my questions...

The IR cord is actually longer than I thought, so it will reach to my STB. But, the codes for my Motorola box don't seem to work. Anyone have problems with this, with a Motorola HD STB?

Also, if I turn the IR to "on", will all recording be done through the STB? I have a straight cable connection to the RF input, and also run the STB to Input L1 via Svideo. That way I can do programmed recordings without messing around with the STB, and still use the STB to record digital channels and HD programming. I'd rather record the regular cable channels through the RF connection, it's a little cleaner signal. But will the IR "on" override that and record everything through Input L1 using the STB?

I'm also experimenting with recording games a little slower than SP, so that they will fit on a DVD at about 2hrs20mins. Trying to find a happy medium between quality and time. The playoffs are coming........

Bear15, I have the same setup as you, and I didn't figure a way to have the Tosh change the Moto channels unless it's doing all its recording that way. Mind you I didn't experiment; just read the manual. My conclusion was that it will either tune the RF in or tune the cable box, but not both.

What I do when I want to record a digital channel is program the recording time into both the STB and the Tosh, setting the Tosh to L1. (With my provider's program guide, programming the Moto is pretty simple.)

Since I don't subscribe to a lot of digital channels, or have HD, 95% of my recording is analogue anyway.

HTH... Perry.

p.s. - because I never actually tried it, I can't help you with code for the Moto box, but I'm sure I've heard of it working.

i just found out that "100" works for expressvu/dish 3100 models.

Ok, been trying to get up to speed with our new XS32 that came down the chimney this Christmas. As you go you find you are asking yourself more how to questions to simplify common steps.

In trying to utilize just the XS32 remote I would like to find a way to switch back and forth between the current channel (when in normal tv watching mode) and the last channel, like most normal tv remotes do. This way I can watch two channels by being able to easily and quickly switch between the two. My wife just loves this habit.

Secondly, you seem to only be able to change tv channels on the XS32 remote by scrolling through the lineup, channel by channel. The number pad on the XS remote does not change the channels. Is there a way to customize the remote so that you can enter the channel you wish to go to so you don't have to scroll through all the channels in between?

toddreg,

In regards to your second Q, you can change channels either by "scrolling" through the list (forwards or backwards) or by entering the number directly using the number pad under the lid in the remote. I just tried it to double check before I posted, so I know for a fact that it works. I was in "HDD" mode, but I don't think that makes a difference.

Are you trying to change the channel on your TV, or on the XS32? IIRC, only the channel up / down buttons work the TV; the number buttons work when you're tuning the XS32.

My impression was the XS32 remote isn't great for use as a universal remote. I use a couple of remotes; I'm not sure how successfully even the better programmables would handle all the XS32 functions, but that's an option that might allow you one remote for most purposes.

Yes, I am referring to changing just the tv channels. And like you said I can only use the scroll function on the XS32 remote to change the channels, the key pad doesn't do it so I don't know what the first responder to my question was referring to. Are any buttons programable that you know of to perhaps handle the last channel function?

I don't know of any programmable keys on the remote; I suspect you're out of luck.

I find the remote pretty good for controlling the XS32: lots of function-specific keys in positions that seem to work well (except a couple under the door), but I don't use it at all to control my tv or cable box. My cable box remote is far more flexible; I use it for tv and stereo as well. So I'm stuck juggling 2 remotes. I might get a good programmable one day in hopes of simplifying, but as I said I'm not hopeful that it'll manage all the XS32 functions.

Cheers... Perry.

i agree 100%, the remote isn't really cut out to be a smart remote.

use something else, your better off.

I have a Home Theater Master MX500. Highly Recommended. Able to learn practically anything, and very flexible. But I haven't figured out yet what to label the "O" button.

I'm curious, does anyone use the DVD-RAM disks? If so, what for and how? I've recorded a number of -R, and will use the -RW quite abot to record shows and view them on other TV's. I see the flexibility of the DVD RAM's, but if I can't use them on any other players, aren't they basically just an extension of the HDD? Or am I missing something.

basically ya, their like a portable mini hard drive. they also hold more than other dvd's.

Originally posted by Bear15
Just going off of memory...Here's what I did.

Use the edit button to go to the edit menu, then select Chapter Edit. Start your first chapter mark at the start of the program, following any intro commercials, etc. Put chapter marks at the beginning and end of each commercial segment. If you fast forward through the show, it goes pretty quickly.

If you set it up right, all of the even numbered chapters will be the show you want to keep, and the odd numbered chapters will be the commercials you want to get rid of. Then create a playlist out of all of the even numbered chapters. From the Content menu use the Quick Menu to make a high speed copy of the playlist onto the HDD. You will end up with a new original version of the show without commercials. You can then delete the original recording, which will also delete the playlist you created.

The manual says that there can only be a limited number of chapters for each title, but I've done this with 3+ hour football games and created over 50 some chapters with no problem.

Anyone have a better method? I'd love to hear it.

I just received my RD-XS32 Friday and have already created a few dvd's from movies I had saved on my Directv Tivo, this unit is great. Thanks to all of you in this thread on the other thread for helping me make my decision.

Thanks Bear15 This method is prefect for removing commercials.

Also I have seen a few posters asking about what DVD-R/RW/RAM media that is best or which to use. Since we have this thread I was thinking of creating a post with a DVD-R/RW/RAM catalog of what everyone has used and what kind of success. Thoughts on this idea? I will maintain it if everyone thinks it is a good idea.

I just got a XS32 and I do not yet have a remote. I bought demo unit with no remote and will not get remote that I ordered until end of week.

Is there anyway to set up XS32 without remote? I have tried recording to HDD and it tells me that I have to put in the time (which I can't do).

I have a MX500 universal remote and tried the codes but they did not work. Any ideas? Any way to navigate setup with buttons on unit?

Thanks!

can you not just hit the record button as opposed to setting up a timer recording?

nope, if I hit record i get the time needs to be inputed question.

This is so agrivating. It has to be the first time I have bought a toy like this and I'm unable to use it. I spent hours trying to do with MX500. Oh well, I did get it cheap.

well ya, you got it real cheap and now you just have to wait for the remote.

the waiting must be hard though, it's a wonderful machine.

flipcody, you got a great deal on that XS32. Even if you need to buy the remote, it's worth waiting for at that price. In the meantime, spend your time reading through the manual. By the time you have all of that digested, the remote should be there. PS. My first Toshiba PS DVD was a Best Buy demo, great unit with no problems.

In regards to media: I rec'd a box of Memorex -RW as a gift. I opened two and I now have two shiny new coasters. Neither would even format. They meet the specs, they just don't work. I've been buying Fuji -R and -RW from Best Buy and haven't had a problem yet.

I bought some fugi from newegg and will report back on if they work ok or not. Im hoping so, Allready wasted money on some Ridata that didnt work on either the XS32 or my PC. Only reason I went with newegg over bestbuy is the bestbuy were only 1x as the ones at newegg are 2x.

Never trust Best Buy online's media speed descriptions (this goes for most online stores, such as Staples, CompUSA, etc). The SKU's for 1X media is the same as 8X media as Fuji increases the speed. If you order from BB you almost always get the fastest available (currently 8x). They don't keep stockpiles of old media around just to sell later on. ;)

I finally set up my XS32 that I bought in the weeks before Christmas. Unfortunately, it turns out that I have the ZL10 firmware. No big deal, I'm still happy with it. But is there anything I should look out for? Is media compatibility the big difference between ZL10 and ZL11?

I tried playing a DVD and I do noticed that the blacks seem somewhat lighter (in the scenes at the beginning of Superman with the Phantom Zone villians and Zor-El).

I placed an old problem DVD-RAM I had and tried to format it but it wouldn't do it. I even tried to do a physical format but it didn't help. This DVD-RAM came from a PC with a Panasonic LF-D311 drive. It used to work perfectly but then I tried to copy a Hong Kong DVD to it by using NeoDVD and for some reason I can never write to it afterwards. I can't even format it on the PC. I was hoping the Toshiba XS32 could format it and fix it.

I just think it's strange that I could ruin a DVD-RAM disk by trying to copy a DVD to it. And it's even stranger that I can't fix it by reformatting it. I thought DVD-RAM was supposed to be the most robust DVD media?

Anyways, I can't wait to get home after work and play with my XS32 some more.

I have only used Verbatim DVD-R's (Product Number : 94495) I have probably used closed to 100 (mostly in a pc) of these and I have not had one fail, and I just ordered more. The Verbatim's also have played just fine in every DVD player I have tried to play them in.

I've had mine since May '04 and still love it.

I've used a couple of different types of DVDs, with success. Presently, I'm using a Memorex 8x speed bought at BB. I've had no problems with any of the 10-12 I've used off the spindle so far.

As far as commercial editing goes, I use the playlist > DVD creation option. Works like a charm and the menus are a good enough for my uses.

Has anyone noticed any incompatibilities with playback on other dvd players? I have had one issue with Sonys, but that's it.

Originally posted by MASteve
Has anyone noticed any incompatibilities with playback on other dvd
players? I have had one issue with Sonys, but that's it.

I had an older Sony that won't play ANY burned DVDs (either +/- R), newer DVD players seem to have no problems with discs from the Toshiba.

Just a note: I have recorded many DVD-r's on my PC and played excellent. I also used my DVD-r=R+ with the recording recorder set to DVD-ROM and played excellent. I think the thing I noticed is that the blacks were blacker than normal and I used my TV settings to lighted the picture. I have the 11 firmware. I haven't recorded anything yet on the Toshiba. As soon as I get a chance to read all the manual I will though. I appreciate all you guys have posted here. For an Old retiree it takes a little longer to get this stuff down even though I been in this field for some odd 40 yrs.

Thanks, and keep up the excellent postings
Ralph P:D

wow, somebody older than me? ;)

Well, I just received my Fuji 2x DVD-RW discs from newegg and they appear to work so I am happy now. I was hoping the Ridata 4X that I bought from amazon for cheap would work but they do not, They wont even work in my PC DVD burners, So I would stear clear of those.

Originally posted by cbearnm
I had an older Sony that won't play ANY burned DVDs (either +/- R), newer DVD players seem to have no problems with discs from the Toshiba.


Thanks for the reply. It seems older Sonys may be the issue. I have an older GE player that plays every one. I also gave a bunch of discs as gifts that have all worked (so far).

Originally posted by cbearnm
I had an older Sony that won't play ANY burned DVDs (either +/- R), newer DVD players seem to have no problems with discs from the Toshiba. Interesting ... my oldest DVD player, a Sony, plays all DVD-R disks burned on my RD-XS32 without problem. It will also play DVD+R disks burned on my PC. I think this very well may be model-dependent -- as to which models will/will not play burned DVD media. I'll check my model # and post it after work.

How old of a Sony? I've got a Sony "300" (I think it may have some letters before the number, but 300 is the main component of the version #), and was just curious whether burned DVD-Rs will work on it. This was about the first relatively cheap Sony DVD player. IIRC, it was about $300 street.

Mostly I don't care if they don't, just curious. What about DVD-RWs?

Has anyone tried this? (I would but I don't have any -RW media yet to experiment with.)

To get frame accurate editing onto a DVD would this work:

1) Edit HD using VR (frame)

2) Do a Rate Conversion Dub HD to HD at the SAME bitrate. (When a bit rate conversion is done, all chapter markers are lost.) NOTE: it is possible that merging all chapters MAY accomplish the same thing.

3) Create new VOB chapters if desired.

4) Hi Speed Dub onto DVD.

This would eliminate the possibility of bits of commerials finding their way onto the DVD when the VR chapters are converted to VOB chapters during the Hi Speed dub.

Tom

PS: How do you go straight to your Subscribed Threads? Thanks

The PC drive is a Micro Advantage and the Media is Maxell DVD-R.

I made a DVD from a HD file that I created VR chapters. It was Hi Speed dub of a SP Mode, 4.6 Rate, D/M1.

This worked on my PC dvd drive.

Then I took a 3 hr program from the HD with VR chapters and did a rate conversion dub to the DVD where I used a Manual setting of a 3.0 rate to get the desired 3 hour capacity.

When I did the burn, I lost the chapters.

Just to make matters a bit more obscure, I dropped the DVD and it has some nicks in it. But it plays OK in the Toshiba. In the PC, it appears as an Audio-CD with no content.

I figure my problem might be:

1) I violated a "Standard" LP bit-rate.
2) Only the SP bit-rate is compatible.
3) I damaged the DVD just enough by dropping it.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
Tom

You know, 6volt, that just might work... now why didn't I think of that?? I've always set chapters using GOP, then created a playlist of the chapters I want, then dubbed directly to DVD... which is why I used GOP edit to begin with.

If you copy the playlist to the HDD, that creates a new title with just the content you want, and should be frame-accurate. I think whether you remove the chapters or not is inconsequential; dub that content to DVD and you couldn't possibly pick up bits of commercials that weren't in the copy, could you? Sounds right to me.

Thanks! Perry.

PS: Click on "User CP" (Control Panel) in the top menu. There's a panel in there showing current subscribed threads, and a link to view them all.

Thanks Perry for the CP tip. I probalby spent 15 minutes looking for that. Frankly, they should have a little button right on a forum page, but that is a small point.

Do you have any idea about my 3hour DVD compatability problem?

I was reading carefully the manual and they talked about rate conversion dubbing for 2 reasons:

1) Compress a long program to fit on a DVD-RAM, and
2) Convert VR to burn on DVD-R/RW.

It sounds like the 3hour "thing" I burned on my DVD-R is bogus???

Don't know about your 3-hour problem. Maybe someone else here; I'm far from the most knowledgeable. Quite a DVD newb, actually. (You did finalize the disc, I'm sure...?)

Good luck... Perry.

6Volt, which message are you talking about? When you do a rate conversion dub, you lose your chapter points (that's a given). There's nothing 'wrong', just inconvenient.

The trick with the XS32 is to try to figure out how long the program will be before recording so you can adjust the bitrate so you don't even need to worry about a later rate conversion; granted this isn't always possible (and the XS32 does a very nice job with the conversion) but it helps prevent stupid glitches like this from having their chance to mess your video up. :)

Or am I missing the post about the problem?

Does anyone know if there is a DVD-R bit rate / audio rate (M1/M2) matrix out there (similar to the DVD-RAM matrix at the back of the XS-32 manual)?

Tony

JMScott42:

Yes, you missed my problem.

I think I understand pretty much about the bit rate conversion and the losing of chapters.

The Problem is that my 3 hr DVD that I burned using a rate of 3.0 is not recognized by my Micro Advantage PC DVD burner.

I burned a LP DVD on the Toshiba and it was recognized.

So why the problem with the 3 hr DVD? In fact, it registers as a "Audio CD" with a single file fragment when viewed with Explorer.

I was just thinking that there is no such thing as a 3 hour DVD so maybe when I created one, it is some kind of non-standard format that conventional DVD players will not recognize.

Sounds like a bad burn (bad media, etc). Try a different brand of disc. There's no reason a 3-hour mode disc won't work. Or your reader just may not like it. I don't think you can trick the Toshiba into producing a "non-standard DVD" as it's all just MPEG-- bitrates and such must be within a certain range but the XS32 won't let you go outside of that.

Those SP,XP, etc modes are just there to give people a familiar (VCR-like) reference point.

I NEVER use the "presets" for my recordings and never have any issues like yours, so I'd assume it's media (or reader) related.

I guess I'll burn some "standard" rates and see if the media works. So far I have been 1 for 1 at LP.

Again, my concern is similar to CD. There are only so many minutes on an audio CD. I suspect the same of DVD.

But what you are saying is that you have burned extra time DVDs and have had them work in other set top DVD players?

OOPS! JM,

I did a bid conversion dub to the dvd. I did not Edit Create DVD Video disc.

I'll bet there is a good chance if I finalize that disc (I don't think it is done automatically when you do the dub) it may work!

I'm in the midst of clearing space to record stuff tonight. As soon as I get a chance, I'll edit this reply with the results.

Originally posted by JK27
Interesting ... my oldest DVD player, a Sony, plays all DVD-R disks burned on my RD-XS32 without problem. It will also play DVD+R disks burned on my PC. I think this very well may be model-dependent -- as to which models will/will not play burned DVD media. I'll check my model # and post it after work. I just checked and my Sony DVD player is a DVP-S530D. It will play DVD-R's burned on my RD-XS32 and DVD+R's burned on my PC's DVD burner. This is the oldest DVD player in the house and I was surprised it plays both -R and +R disks.

PerryU,

HAHA. You're stating the obvious, "did you finalize it?" hit the nail on the head! I did the bid rate dub onto the DVD-R and did not finalize it.

Well, before I was able to get it back into the Toshiba to finalize it, I had to polish the scratches out to get it to read. Wow, polishing a DVD is NOTHING like polishing a CD. That DVD plastic seems drastically softer that CDs.

Anyhow, this is Great News.

Yeah, that black level bug really sucks, but that is what video correctors are for.

This weekend I made my first DVD with my Toshiba XS32. I edited dubbed a copy of the premiere of Battlestar Galactica for my brother (he doesn't get cable) from the HD to a CompUSA DVD-R.

The results look fantastic and played fine on my Cyberhome CH-D300S player! I'm very happy! :)

The only negative is the menu are somewhat plain and unattractive.

I then dubbed a copy onto a DVD-RAM disk and imported on one of my computers with a Panasonic DVD-RAM drive. My computer was able to import the DVD-VR format. Unfortunately, none of my video editing software (Ulead Movie Factory 3 and Ulead Video Studio 7) can handle Dolby Digital audio. Does anyone know of a good video editiing software that can handle it?

Also, has anybody had any problems with Memorex branded DVD-RAM disks? The ones I have that are biege in color seem to have problems. I don't know if it's because I first used them on a computer and then tried to use them on the Toshiba. They can't even format.

The Memorex DVD-RAM disks that are transparent purple seem to be okay. But that could be because I first used them on the Toshiba and only used the PC for reading them (and not writing or formatting them).

The next Memorex DVD that I buy that actually works in my XS32 will be the first...

On second thought, no it won't because I won't buy any. It's too much of a crapshoot. And what do I do with the coasters I have now? send them back so they can send me more coasters?

I know some people have had good luck with Memorex, but it's the luck of the draw. I'll stick with Fuji. 100% so far.

Question: Has any one found a way to stay in editing mode when assigning frames to chapter thumbnails? Everytime I assign a frame it exits out and I have to go back in and select the next chapter to do it all over again. Am I not doing this right?

Does anyone know what type of fire wire cable I need to connect my video camera?

To clarify, the camera end is very small, and the other end is only 4 pins I believe. I would think a 6 pin would do it, but I need one that will still fit the camera.

thanks

Originally posted by MASteve
Does anyone know what type of fire wire cable I need to connect my video camera?

To clarify, the camera end is very small, and the other end is only 4 pins I believe. I would think a 6 pin would do it, but I need one that will still fit the camera.

thanks

Most camera's are 4 pin firewire connections, if it is small then it is a 4 pin connection.

Originally posted by PhinPhan
Most camera's are 4 pin firewire connections, if it is small then it is a 4 pin connection.

That seems to be the problem. The camera end is smaller than a 4 pin.

Thanks for the reply

The 4 pin firewire connectors are very small (Well, it's what's on the front panel of the XS32). If it's not exactly the same connection as the XS32's front, are you sure it's firewire? I don't think there are any non-standard firewire cables.. (even my dad's Sony, King Of Proprietary Connections, uses a standard 4-pin firewire cable)

What kind of camera (Make and Model) do you have?

Originally posted by PhinPhan
What kind of camera (Make and Model) do you have?

It's an older model

JVC GR-DVL720

I've used it with my PC in the past via firewire with no problems, but I dont' have a DVD burner in that machine

Originally posted by MASteve
It's an older model

JVC GR-DVL720

I've used it with my PC in the past via firewire with no problems, but I dont' have a DVD burner in that machine
???

You say that you've connected to your PC in the past but now you're saying that you are unsure as to how to connect a firewire connection to your camcorder?

Apologies for asking the obvious question, but are you sure you're looking at the right port? A firewire 4-pin looks like a flattened skull (sorry, that's the best I could do). A firewire port is not round.

And if you follow this link:
http://shopper.cnet.com/JVC_GR_DVL720/4014-6500_9-30076576.html?rvwtp=4507-6500_9-30076576&tag=nav&cip=1&orderby=90&sort=
you will see that your camcorder does have what should be a standard firewire port.

Originally posted by jemaerca
???

You say that you've connected to your PC in the past but now you're saying that you are unsure as to how to connect a firewire connection to your camcorder?

Apologies for asking the obvious question, but are you sure you're looking at the right port? A firewire 4-pin looks like a flattened skull (sorry, that's the best I could do). A firewire port is not round.

And if you follow this link:
http://shopper.cnet.com/JVC_GR_DVL720/4014-6500_9-30076576.html?rvwtp=4507-6500_9-30076576&tag=nav&cip=1&orderby=90&sort=
you will see that your camcorder does have what should be a standard firewire port.

Thanks for the reply.

I know how to connect it, it just doesn't fit inot the Toshiba.

The camera end is not flat at all, it's a square connector that I goes into the firewire port on the camera (not standard). I am wondering if I need to special order a cable that has that small connector for the camrea and will still fit the Toshiba. Is the port on the Toshiba a 4 or 6 pin port?

i'm far from an expert but it sure sounds to me like you have the wrong cable.

isn't a square connection used for hookup to a computer?

Originally posted by joetoronto
i'm far from an expert but it sure sounds to me like you have the wrong cable.

isn't a square connection used for hookup to a computer?


I seem to have the right cable for the computer (4 pin port) but not for the XS32 (? 6 pin port).

Originally posted by MASteve
I seem to have the right cable for the computer (4 pin port) but not for the XS32 (? 6 pin port).

if you mean i was right, just say it so i can celebrate. :)

Originally posted by Bear15

Question: Has any one found a way to stay in editing mode when assigning frames to chapter thumbnails? Everytime I assign a frame it exits out and I have to go back in and select the next chapter to do it all over again. Am I not doing this right?

Bear, I think that's the only way to do it. When you have the screen with all the chapter thumbnails laid out (From "Content Menu", I select the title thumbnail for the playlist copy I want and press "star"), it seems you can highlight one, choose Create chapter thumbnail from the quick menu, but after selecting with the "enter" button, it does take you back to the screen with all the chapter thumbnails. I guess they think you want to see what the present thumbnail is before changing it.

Soooooooooooo..........

Has anyone attempted to put a larger HD in ?

Actually, it has taken me about 3 months to fill the drive up and force my burning of DVDs.

If the drive was twice as large, it actually be easier to, if there was a way to do it, to swap the drive, and connect the full one to a PC and transfer all files at once. Bonus would be always getting a defragged, empty drive every 2 months or so.

The XS32 is a 4 pin firewire cable..

Anyone try the HP DVD-R red disks on sale at Staples 50 for $18???

I just got some and was hoping to find some compatability info on them and there is NOTHING on the regular forums.

BTW, is the mediamatch site still current???

Has anyone tried to use a universial / programmable remote with their recorder? If so which one and how well does it work.

These Memorex DVD-RAM's really suck. Too bad I bought a ton of them (about 15) in the past. Even the purple clear case ones are starting to give me problems. Brand new and just opened, they cause my Panasonic LF-D311 drive (on my computer) to blink 2 times. This is supposed to mean the drive thinks either the disc or the lens is dirty.

When I use an Optowrite DVD-RAM disk, the drive doesn't blink so I'm thinking there's something wrong with the Memorex DVD-RAMs I have.

My Toshiba XS32 seemed to have trouble formatting them too. It paused during the formatting process at 30% and 75% but managed to complete.

These Memorex DVD-RAMs have given me a bad impression of DVD-RAM technology. The reason I went with DVD-RAM is because I heard it was supposed to be the most robust optical format around for important data archiving. But the unreliability of these Memorex discs gives me pause for concern for trusting DVD-RAM with important data.

I hope the Emtec DVD-RAM discs I recently bought at eBay restores my trust and belief that DVD-RAM is the best.

BTW, I bought Ulead DVD Movie Factory 3 Disc Creator for the purpose of importing the DVD-RAM videos into my PC. This software supports AC-3 (Dolby Digital ) encoding and decoding. I tried to use it last night to import my Battlestar Galactica recording from DVD-RAM for authoring a DVD with better looking menus but I aborted because it was taking too long (I think it was having trouble reading the video from the Memorex DVD-RAM because my Panasonic LF-D311 was constanting blinking twice -- which indicates it thought the disc or its lens was dirty)

I really like Number Six!

(could that be a Prisoner reference?)

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! :)

Bear15 & All

Just got my RD-XS32 yesterday from Newegg.com, two day delivery service. Have recently used a Pioneer 220, some Lite-ons and ilo's, needles to say I now have the best. I never had much of a problem using various media but today I got stumped. Saw your thread on Fuji-R and
-RW, got a five-pack of RW's and a 50 pack of -R's. Can't get either one accepted by the Tosh. I also tried a compUSA-R which didn't work but a old used memorex-RW works fine. I wonder if my setup has missed something with the -R's not recognized. I might go back and get some Verbatim - I think I saw a thread that said they worked okay. You guys have a fery informative thread here.

KJK77 (oldgoat)

After I purchased my Toshiba xs32, I called Toshiba and they specifically told me to use Maxell's or Taiyo Yuden (made in Japan DVD-R x4) or Verbatim or Fuji (DVD-RW x2, MCC, made in Singapore). I have had good success with these 4 disc types.

Originally posted by KJK77
Bear15 & All

Just got my RD-XS32 yesterday from Newegg.com, two day delivery service. Have recently used a Pioneer 220, some Lite-ons and ilo's, needles to say I now have the best. I never had much of a problem using various media but today I got stumped. Saw your thread on Fuji-R and
-RW, got a five-pack of RW's and a 50 pack of -R's. Can't get either one accepted by the Tosh. I also tried a compUSA-R which didn't work but a old used memorex-RW works fine. I wonder if my setup has missed something with the -R's not recognized. I might go back and get some Verbatim - I think I saw a thread that said they worked okay. You guys have a fery informative thread here.

KJK77 (oldgoat)

No doubt the XS32 is a great machine been using it now for a couple of weeks without a hitch, Unlike my liteon clone that froze at times and died after just 8 months. Crossing my fingers on this one. Anyways I bought the fuji 2x -RW from newegg and they work fine.

Nascar24/Grocky

Thanks guys for the response. I have to drive 22 miles to BB to exchange the Fuji's that I bought today, I'll start looking closer at manufactured point of origin. I'm bad about picking up "on-sale" media. Never was a big issue with me previously. :D

Originally posted by KJK77
Bear15 & All

Just got my RD-XS32 yesterday from Newegg.com ... Saw your thread on Fuji-R and -RW, got a five-pack of RW's and a 50 pack of -R's. Can't get either one accepted by the Tosh. I also tried a compUSA-R which didn't work but a old used memorex-RW works fine. I have had great success with TDK 8x DVD-R's and Sony DVD-RW's. Got both on sale at Best Buy. Good luck!

How long does it take your X32 to load blank DVD's? I've been using the yellow Maxell 4x DVD-R and sometimes it takes way over a minute not to mention a couple of times it fails to load. Trying again usually get them to load.

Let's put it this way, if you wanted to record something quickly directly to DVD, I could never attempt it due to the long, long load time.

Is this normal?

I can't comment so much on blank media, but it sure takes a while to load a previously burned or even a commercial dvd. Just a minor annoyance; not sure why, unless it has to run through its whole list of supported media / recording types to identify it.

Originally posted by 6volt
How long does it take your X32 to load blank DVD's? I've been using the yellow Maxell 4x DVD-R and sometimes it takes way over a minute not to mention a couple of times it fails to load. Trying again usually get them to load.

Let's put it this way, if you wanted to record something quickly directly to DVD, I could never attempt it due to the long, long load time.

Is this normal?

I just did test loadings with Ridata 4x and Sony 8X DVD-Rs. Both took 35 seconds to load on my XS-32.

i just make sure i always have a blank disk loaded.

if you forget though, just record to the hard drive.

You have time to make dinner in the amount of time it takes to recognize a DVD-RAM. ;)

I just found a use for my bad Memorex DVD-RAM disks. I just popped out the Memorex DVD-RAM and reused the cartridge by putting in a Fuji DVD-RAM disk (that came without a cartridge) inside the Memorex cartridge. Viola! Now my high quality Fuji DVD-RAM disks are protected.

GO FIGURE -- As I previously reported, my RD-XS32 burns okay to the Hd, -Ram, and -RM, starting last Friday I have tried DVD-R's --TDK 2x-8x, Maxell, Fuji, Verbatim 1x-4x, Imation, CompUSA. On 1 occasion the Tosh accept an Imation after the 3rd try. Today I picked up a 15 pack of Office Depot 4x DVD-R's, the Tosh accepts these DVD's and they happen to be the cheapest I have found, I'm gonna quit looking for other brands since these are working. I now can take full advantage of what this recorder can do, lots of manual reading and learning the remote control, lots to absorb for an old buzzard like me.

KJK77:D

After creating chapter marks, how do you delete just one mark or all the chapter marks? Do you use the "merge with previous cptr", "merge with following cptr", or "merge all chapters" commands or is there another way?

I was messing around with a recording last night and actually deleted the chapter I created which was not the thing to do because that deleted that section of the recording.

Yup, the Merge commands are the way to go.

I just bought the Toshiba RDX32 and i'm unable to get the IR Blaster working. I have an Old Shaw digital cable box, General Instruments, I think it's model is: DCT 1124/1251 (or so it says on the bottom). i've tried all of the GI codes, the Gerrold and Jerrald, and a few other codes as have been suggested on the forums (092, 100) but nothing works. No matter which code I use I am unable to get the DVDR to change the cable box's channel. This is frustrating as without that I can't have the recorder change the channel when taping off of timer. Which sort of defeats the purpose of the unit. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm not ruling out a faulty IR blaster as well but I suspect my cable box isn't compatable or needs a code that isn't listed in the manual. Still NONE of the codes seemed to even partially work which is usually strange in IR Blasters as often a wrong code will at least change the channels incorrectly.

Does anyone know of a specific Shaw cable box that has worked for their RDX32? (if I know one works for sure then I might try and get my hands on it.)

The other question I have is what is the best way to set up the system? I have a surround sound receiver to go along with the DVDR, Shaw Cable Box, a VCR, another DVD (which I will likely play back movies from although eventually I may want to try copying movies for that DVD to the DVDR) and a Playstation 2. Right now i have it set up so the cable from the wall goes into the cable box, out of it and into the receiver (via 3 pronged video/audio cable) which goes to the DVDR (via a 3 pronged video/audio cable as opposed to say S-Video). The old DVD goes to the receiver then to the DVDR (just like I did with the VCR prior to the DVDR). The Playstaiton will likely be hooked up to the front jacks in the DVDR. This system means the DVD player and cable stream runs through the receiver first before going to it's final destination. So that the receiver switches between VCR/now DVDR (which is also TV mode), and DVD player and it allows me to tape off of any channel (although if using a timer can only tape of a single channel unless I manually change it).

The system I used was if I had to tape off of a scrambled channel I taped it off of the main TV. If I wanted to tape off of timer and it wasn't a scrambled channel then I would tape it off of a different VCR/TV set up so I could have the timer change channels. So generally speaking I would tape off of the second TV, grab the tape and run it off of my main TV for playback. Now I'd love to be able to use the DVDR to record off of any channel with the timer changing channels for me (obviously need to get the IR working). Baring that I would like to set up my system so I can switch between recording through the cable box (so have to manually change the channel but can tape any station) and bypassing the cable box so I can record any non-scrambled station with the timer changing the channels for me. (I don't have a problem grabbing a switcher or manually swapping the cables so I could tape off of the cable box as that's the system I used before I got my 2 VCR set up). I tried to set it up so I could swtch between cable and TV mode but it didn't work for me.

IF I can't get it set up so I can record off of timer and have it switch the channels for me I will probably return the system. (No point in dishing out $700 for a DVDR if I end up having to tape off of my VCR, especially since my main VCR is crapping out on me and will need to be replaced). Then I would either give up on the DVDR and pick up a cheap VCR to replace my main VCR and use the system which was working fine for me. Or pick up a cheaper DVDR (doesn't have a hard drive but the $300 cheaper Toshiba DR2 being the likely candidate, DVD Ram is a decent alternative to a hard drive) and grab a cheap VCR to do the playback shuffle I was doing before.

I hear that the Shaw Cable Boxes now have a reminder feature so you can set up a timer with the cable box and have it change the channel with the recorder just set up to start recording at the right time. But my cable box is unable to do that (it's old probably can't accept the change in programming). If that's the case I might grab one of those (preferably rent like i'm doing now) so I can chagne the channels while recording off of timer either by the cable box's feature or by IR Blaster.

Originally posted by PhinPhan
After creating chapter marks, how do you delete just one mark or all the chapter marks? Do you use the "merge with previous cptr", "merge with following cptr", or "merge all chapters" commands or is there another way?

I was messing around with a recording last night and actually deleted the chapter I created which was not the thing to do because that deleted that section of the recording. I recommend that you always create a playlist prior to editing. That way, if you delete something from the playlist (e.g. a chapter that you really wanted to keep) the original is still on the HDD.

Jason, the nice thing about the XS32 is that it is very flexible and you can set it up in almost any configuration. A lot of it has to do with the number of inputs your TV has, and if your cable box has more than one output.

Mine is set up this way: I have a cable splitter with one half running to the cable box. From the cable box I have component inputs to the TV, and S-video inputs to the XS32 on L1. The other half of the cable splitter runs to the XS32 RF input, and then looped out to the TV main RF input. I also have the XS32 component outs connected to the TV. (My TV has two sets of component inputs). I also have a VCR connected to the XS32 L3 inputs. All sound is run directly through the surround system receiver. I don't run any video through the surround receiver as I think it degrades it somewhat. The XS32 is set up as though w/o a cable box, although one is connected to the L1.

With this configuration I can:
Watch TV off the main cable input (better quality), or digital / High Def.
Watch DVD's or TV through the XS32.
Record any analog TV channel w/o the cable box.
Record any digital or HD through the L1 input
Record any combination of both, BUT I can't set up timer recordings with more than one digital / HD channel w/o changing the channel myself between recordings. This is the only drawback, but it hasn't caused me a problem yet.

If your cable signal is strong enough, splitters are invaluable. You get the best of both worlds.

Jason, I have a similar setup to Bear15, and it works very well, especially since a lot of Shaw stations are still analogue so you don't have to use the cable box to record those stations. (In fact the analogue stations look consistently better direct through the XS32 tuner than via the cable box.)

I had (owned, not rented) an old Motorola DCT2000 cable box (not as old as yours, though!), which died; Shaw just replaced it with a newer 2500, no charge. I don't think they rent any cable boxes any more, and I don't know what you'd have to pay for a 2500, but I'd call them up... you might get a deal if you turn in your rental. The 2500 lets you set up a timer program to 'record', so it turns on the box (if off) and tunes the station at the correct time. Means you have to set up both the cable box and XS32, but not a big hassle and works fine for me.

I didn't bother trying the IR repeater, because I wanted to use the XS32 tuner for analogue stations. I believe if you set it up to use the IR, it assumes you want to do all your tuning that way, so you can no longer use the built-in tuner.

Originally posted by Bear15
Jason, the nice thing about the XS32 is that it is very flexible and you can set it up in almost any configuration. A lot of it has to do with the number of inputs your TV has, and if your cable box has more than one output.


Thanks for your help. I've got my system working more or less the way I want it to work (yay, don't have to take it back). I'd like to think I could have done it myself (when I woke up this morning and started thinking about the setup again I was thinking along those lines before I read your message), but it's nice to have someone say "this is how I have mine set up and it works." That way I know i'm on the right path and when it didn't work right away I just kept plugging at it (my receiver made it a bit difficult to set up particularly getting it to do the sound right). After some experimenting it came down to treating the DVDR the way I treated the receiver (as the central point where everything goes through and it determines which feed is shown). Under my old setup the receiver determined which visual and audio feed to show. Now the DVDR is where I set which feed to watch (cable box, non-box cable feed, and normal DVD). The receiver only gets switched when I want to watch a DVD (for some reason I couldn't get the DVDR to put out Dolby Digital so DVD movies used surround sound but by running my old DVD's audio directly to the receiver I can get it to go surround sound so no big deal there)

So the system is working fine. I can watch TV either through the cable box (changing channels via the cable box's remote) or through the direct feed (changing channels through the DVDR) either way I can record, pause live TV etc. Which should also mean that I can have the DVDR change the channels during timed recordings (as long as I set it to the correct feed) for unscrambled stations and anything I need to tape from a scrambled station has to go through the cable box and I set the box channel. As far as I can tell I can even set timer recordings to tape off of the unscrambled channels changing channels when needed and set other recordings to go off of the box. So if say there's 4 shows I need to tape unattended, 1 of them off of a scrambled station and 3 off of different unscrambled stations i can do that as long as they don't run at the same time (although I will experiment to see if one can record off of the cable box AND the unscrambled feed at the same time. I suspect not but if I can...) Of course I would have preferred it if the IR blaster worked so I could record any channel off of timer and have it automatically switch stations but this will do. Perhaps in the future I will check with Shaw and get a newer terminal as apparently their newer terminals have a feature that changes channels off of their own timer if I can get that then I will be able to get it working almost perfect.


Now to sit down and read the manual to figure out how to operate it correctly...

Maybe you can get a new box from the cable company?

Wow, this thread jogged my memory to check on something....

One thing I really like about the XS32 is the ability to schedule weekly recordings, just schedule it once and forget it. That is so handy, I don't have to think about it and I always have shows waiting to be watched. Well, I just checked my Motorola cable box and it can do the exact same thing. Just program it for whatever HD or digital channel I want, and the frequency that I want to record it. Then set the XS32 for the same thing on input L1, and I've got digital recordings every week. Now I can schedule multiple recordings off the box. That solves just about every programming issue I had.

I'm not sure of all cable STB's have this ability, but I'll bet most of the newer ones do.

exactly, that's why i don't get hung up on the ir blaster not working.

both my satellite receivers have timers too.

Forgive a senior: But I have made a play List and now how do I delete the commercials?
Thanks\Ralph

Hi Ralph.

If you've done the following:
- Set chapter marks in the recording
- Created a playlist of just the chapters you wish to save

All you have to do is copy (dub) the playlist, either to the HDD or DVD. Whereas a playlist is just pointers into the original title, when you copy a playlist it actually takes those chapters of the original title and creates a brand new title with just that content. In other words, you don't delete the chapters per se, you just leave them behind.

Hope that makes sense...

Perry.

Originally posted by Bear15
Wow, this thread jogged my memory to check on something....

One thing I really like about the XS32 is the ability to schedule weekly recordings, just schedule it once and forget it. That is so handy, I don't have to think about it and I always have shows waiting to be watched. Well, I just checked my Motorola cable box and it can do the exact same thing. Just program it for whatever HD or digital channel I want, and the frequency that I want to record it. Then set the XS32 for the same thing on input L1, and I've got digital recordings every week. Now I can schedule multiple recordings off the box. That solves just about every programming issue I had.

I'm not sure of all cable STB's have this ability, but I'll bet most of the newer ones do.

That's what I'm hoping to be able to do in the future (when I get a new cable box). I'm just not sure if Shaw still rents cable boxes or if I have to buy one in order to replace the one i'm renting. That's someting I need to check out (perhaps later tonight once i've got done some things that need to be done unrelated to my new toy). The box I have doesn't have any timer type features so...

On the subject what type of DVD R does the XS32 do? + or - ? I just found out that there's a difference and I need the right type of DVDR disc in order to use it if the XS32 doesn't do + and -. I'm also assuming that if a friend's DVD player is listed as DVD-R then it can play - but not +. I may need to return the sppindle of DVDR's I bought...

Originally posted by Jason Potapoff
On the subject what type of DVD R does the XS32 do? + or - ? The RD-XS32 can record on DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM.

First: GREAT thread - very informative. Has already answered a couple of my questions.

I've had my RDSX32 up and going since mid December. I'm not the type to read instructions (I know, I know, not good, not good) but am more into trial and error - thus the following error...

I have 8 or 10 movies recorded to my hard drive and never had the
"DVD Compatible Mode" set to either SAP or MAIN and once I finally read the manual, it says theres no use to set this function when dubbing but to set prior to actually recording to the harddrive. So, is there any way to record these movies to a DVD without bringing another DVD burner into the equation (which I don't have)? or are they pretty much trash??

Thanks for all the knowledge - again, very informative!

I have a RD-XS52. I discovered something lastnight, it should do the same on the XS32. On a 1 hour recorded show, at the beginning of a commercial if you press the right arrow button it jumps 3 minutes ahead. An Icon of "1/20" appears so I guess it jumps ahead 1/20 of the recording. So I guess a 2 hour recording will jump 6 minutes. So on a 1 hour show it will work as a 3 minute commercial skip.

luuz'r, I haven't tried this, but you could try either a line dub or a rate conversion dub. (I think that's what they call those procedures... I'm not at home to check.) I'm not sure either option will work; I don't really understand what the compatibility mode is all about. Just ideas.

Perry.

p.s. both procedures are in the manual... it's rtfm time.

born can do a Rate Conversion dub, which runs in real-time. I.e., it takes a lot longer, and sacrifices a bit of PQ, but it will get the shows from your HDD to DVD just fine.

- Tim

I just bought my XS32 from Amazon for $351.44, no tax or shipping, a big difference from Target who wants $599.00 for the same unit.

I currently own a Panny E55 which I'm returning to Circuit City, good price of only $229.00

I've heard the manuel stinks on the S32, have any simplified instructions been created in any of these S32 threads?, is the manuel better or worse than the panny manuels which are no bargain.

I have a comcast digital cable box, is there any kind of timer recordings I can set up between the two.

chole,

Check out this link

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=178082&highlight=xs32+manual

Originally posted by grocky
chole, Check out this link

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=178082&highlight=xs32+manual

great stuff, grocky. ;)

i think i'm gonna make a seperate post for it, so we can find it easily.

Originally posted by grocky
chole,

Check out this link

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=178082&highlight=xs32+manual

I created a PDF of this post.

PDF (http://home.frognet.net/~clewis/RD-XS32.pdf)

Originally posted by PhinPhan
I created a PDF of this post.

PDF (http://home.frognet.net/~clewis/RD-XS32.pdf)

Thanks, that should help a lot...

Glitches? XL11...
1) I've been using Ritek 8x disks, so far it doesn't seem to be a problem except for a possible mid-way picture freeze for a second or 2. I believe that this may be either a glitch of the disk or the recorder.
2) I've also noticed glithes on satellite channel # changes:
- After using the REC function and inputting i.e ch 522 for recording and after setting all other parameters then exiting; I then use the satellite remote to change to i.e ch 300 until recording starts, I see the Toshiba retype ch 300 for recording. This is totally bizzar and I've noticed it a couple of times already.
- Secondly, I've also used the REC funtion for a MON-THURS setting for i.e. ch 300, however on the 2nd night if I add another ch to record i.e. 422 (after ch 300 was recorded on Mon), then the ch 422 will get recorded., which is ok. But Tues' (Mon-thur setting) will remain on 422 and record. I haven't verified yet if the XS32 had reset to last recorded ch (422) or if it didn't set the channel at all. Has anyone else seen this?
So far, I've had to leave the sattelite receiver on the ch that I needed to record for the Mon-Thurs setting.

OK, here's a couple of questions I've been wondering about...

When watching TV or a standard TV HDD recording, do you use the progressive scan or not? It seems to me that at clarifies, but also brightens the picture.

Also, what do you have the Progressive Conversion setting at? Auto, Video, or Film. Do you change it according to content, or leave it be?

When watching TV or a standard TV HDD recording, do you use the progressive scan or not? It seems to me that at clarifies, but also brightens the picture. On my RD-XS52 I use interlaced and for DVD I use progressive.

Also, what do you have the Progressive Conversion setting at? Auto, Video, or Film. Do you change it according to content, or leave it be?(Not the sameas progressive and interlace output) I'd leave it on Auto (default), it auto detects whether the source is film based or video based and engages 3:2 pulldown as needed.

Timer Recording of Both DBS & OTA

Does someone have a better solution to the following problem than mine? I was a bit disappointed to find out during Setup that you can get the unit to use the satellite DBS box, or the regular OTA channels, but not both. I have an old Dish receiver that cannot be pre-programmed to switch channels, so I need the XS32 to do this when recording stuff in the wee hours. I don't get my locals via satellite - they come in the old fashioned way via an aerial.

So, here's how I fooled the system to get both. Not pretty but it works without too much hassle. In Setup, configure to use the IR blaster with a DBS box. Then exit, go to Record menu, program the DBS events you wish to record. The channel selection will accept the DBS channels (you'll notice that you can't get to any of the regular TV channels). When finished, go back to Setup, and turn off the IR function. You will receive a warning that this affects your programmed recordings - ignore it. Go back to the Record menu, program the OTA events. The channel selection will now accept the regular TV channels.

Tried it last night and it worked great - it grabbed Letterman off of the local cbs station, and a few hours later it changed the DBS box to the correct channel and recorded via the Line1 input (my S-video satellite feed). So other than a hassle of having to toggle the IR on and off in Setup, it works. But is there a cleaner way to do it? I'm new to the XS32 and might well be missing the obvious. Thanks

Brilliant! That's a really creative kluge, qdh. I would never have thought it would work.

My cable box is programmable, so I don't bother with the IR blaster, but I would have used it if it was configurable both ways. Your way would work, but just as much trouble as programming twice, so I probably won't bother.

If there's an easier way, I'd like to know too.

I was pretty surprised it worked, too. Won't complain, though.

For anyone keeping track of media -
Sony -RW 2x worked fine.
Maxell -RW 2x worked fine (on sale this week at Office Depot, 15pack, 2 for 1 = $20 for 30 disks)

RD-XS32 IR Blaster Problem
Need help with IR blaster on rd-xs32. Have Time Warner Pioneer Voyager STB (HD version), and I tried all the Pioneer codes in the manual + RCA, Sony, etc... (other major brand codes). Anyone have any ideas how I might be able to rectify this? I currently have to set the STB on the right channel then set the recorder. Would rather just set the recorder and save a step.

Thanks,

Ed

How do you set the Recorder to tape at the same day and time each week without setting each day? Have a Time Warner Digital Cable box and would like to find a way to set that to tape at the same day and time each week also without having to set it each time I want to record a show.

thanks
ed

Originally posted by rxfilr
How do you set the Recorder to tape at the same day and time each week without setting each day? Have a Time Warner Digital Cable box and would like to find a way to set that to tape at the same day and time each week also without having to set it each time I want to record a show.

thanks
ed

When you're in the recording timer menu, hit the "down" arrow when setting the date -- it will scroll through "every day", "Monday through Saturday", "Monday through Friday", "Monday through Thursday", "Every Saturday", "Every Friday", etc.

Thanks EPlay will try that when I get home. Did not see that option in the manual.

ed

How to delete a chapter while editing?
Recorded show, want to clip commercials, use the chapter create and delete all odd chapters to get rid of commercials. But how do I delete a chapter while in chapter create mode? Tried to hit the delete button and does not remove chapter. Can't figure out how to start over when I make a mistake and add a chapter break by accident.

thanks
ed

Uhm, has anyone been able to burn 2 or 3 DVD's consecutively? My XS32 can't recognize the third disc after burning the second disc. I have to turn the XS32 off and wait for a couple of hours before I can burn the next DVD. Anyone ahve this problem?

Originally posted by rxfilr
How to delete a chapter while editing?
Do you mean deleting a chapter mark? Use the Merge Chapters option to 'merge' the chapters before and after the mark you want to delete. (From memory, I think you get at this from the Quick Menu.)

Cheers... Perry.

hey guys, before i crack open these maxell dvd's i just bought, i want to make sure they're all right since i bought 40 of them.

they're "up to 4X 4.7gb write once single sided data/video" disks with a yellow face.

thanks, joe.

by the way, staples has them on sale, 20 for $30.00cdn.

edit: i just remembered that i also have a pack of sony dvd-rw 4.7gb disks too, are these ok?

thanks again.

What is the trick to burning a 3 hour movie in the Toshiba? Cant get it figured out....

Thankx

you mean other than just changing the setting to LP from SP?

Another cheap brand of DVD-R: Mitsumi 4x, currently on at FutureShop, 100 @ 39.99. Anybody try these? At that price, might be worth it even at a high reject rate...

(Sorry, joe, no info about the Maxell or Sony.)

I recently recorded some content to the HDD that I would like to burn onto a DVD-R. It seems like I could use either of two procedures outlined in the XS52 manual:

1. High speed library dubbing
2. Creating a DVD video using DVD-R

Am I correct that either procedure would work? Is there any advantage to one over the other? Are there conditions/situations when I should choose one over the other.

Thanks in advance.

BTW - love this unit so far. I've had it for less than a week and I am really happy with functionality, picture, and relative ease of use (given all the power & flexibility).

fondueski, either will work. There are actually 2 steps you need to do: dub the content, then finalize the dvd (at least if you want to be able to watch it in a normal player). The finalize step includes setting various options (like wheter to start play at the menu or at the first title), creating your menu(s) (title and, optionally, chapter) and 'closing' the dvd-r. Once finalized, you can no longer write to that disc.

The library dub procedure just does the title copy to the dvd. You can do that, then finalize it later (there's a separate procedure just to finalize); you might do this if you want to copy another title to the same disc at a later time before you create the menus and close it off.

The create a dvd procedure lets you dub several titles, then finalize, all in one step. You answer all the questions at the beginning, then hit go and it does both the copy and finalizing with no further input from you.

Hope this helps... Perry.

I just found this thread. I was tired of people complaining and telling me they took there back. I love mine and use it everday. Thank you for starting this thread.

no problem, lolowar.

just an update on the 40 maxell dvd's i bought the other day, THEY DON'T WORK!

i took one 20 pack back today but i'm stuck with 20 coasters to add to my 40-50 or so from the past. :confused:

Originally posted by rgb30b
What is the trick to burning a 3 hour movie in the Toshiba? Cant get it figured out....

Thankx

rgb30b,

Whether recording to the HDD or directly to the DVD burner, you always have full control over the bitrate.

As always it is preferable to record to the HDD first so as to have full control over all processes. I assume however you are asking how to get a 3 hour movie to fit onto a 2 hour disc, without regard to editing content. If this is so, then you simply press the AV Record Quality listing in the Quick menu. Use the direction buttons and the frame adjust to change any MN (manual) setting you see in the list. Pressing the Frame adjust changes the bitrate up or down as needed. You will see the recording length in minutes change at the bottom of the screen. You simply need to make a manual setting for a 3.0 bitrate and then select that setting for the recording.

If you are trying to get edited content onto the disc at the highest useable bitrate you must first adjust the bitrate to account for length including edited commercials before recording OR just go the simple route and choose the rate conversion dub option from the Quick menu for any material already recorded without regard to bitrate or recording length.

Cheers.

joetoronto,

Where are the Maxell's made that "did not work", Japan ??

Originally posted by grocky
joetoronto,

Where are the Maxell's made that "did not work", Japan ??

yes sir.

Joe,

That is strange indeed. I've been using yellow faced 4X Maxell's DVD-R's for quite a while with the XS32 without a single hiccup. Now I'm into the 8X Maxell Gold faced (Japan)...no problems.

ClarkeBar,
Nice info, I appreciate the assistance.

Thankx

Originally posted by ClarkeBar
Joe,

That is strange indeed. I've been using yellow faced 4X Maxell's DVD-R's for quite a while with the XS32 without a single hiccup. Now I'm into the 8X Maxell Gold faced (Japan)...no problems.

i don't understand what the problem is then.

i do know that at one point yesterday, the recorder wouldn't accept any kind of disk at all, i had to reboot the friggin thing.

I'm just getting around to burning my first DVD and I have a question. When archiving episodes of a network show, how many episodes do you put into a single 120 min DVD? I was orignally thinking 2 but when I started the process i noticed that there was enough room to stick a third episode. Now i'm assuming that the recorder is automatically lowering the quality a touch in order to get that third episode in (yes the episodes end up getting cut to 45-46 minutes after i've removed the commercials but three 45 minute episodes is more than 120 mins). I'm not sure if it's lowering the bitrate of the 3rd episode or if it's going to lower the bitrate for all three episodes since i'm dubbing them to disc at the same time. I'm also curious what everyone's preference has been for achiving? Obviously putting 3 episodes instead of 2 to a disc is going to save on money/dics but how does the quality suffer? Is the drop off in quality not that noticible? Or am I going to notice that quality has been dropped in order to squeeze an extra epsidoe on a single disk. (i'm thinking the quality shouldn't drop that much as we are looking at only 15 minutes of "overrun".

I'm also using title menu, and chapter menus if that makes a difference as well.

Right now, since this is as much of a test as anything else (plus I only have 2 episodes of the show i'm archiving) i've decided to go with 2 on a disc. Partly to test and partly since i'm lending the disc to a friend so he can watch the series which he doesn't get. Then next week i'm going to make a new disc and put all three episodes onto it and compare the quality. That way my friend won't have to wait so long to watch the 2nd part in a 2 parter plus just to be able to compare the two discs. In the end if the drop in quality isn't that noticable then i'm thinking i'm going to go with 3 episodes per disc just to save on number of dics used. (network show, going to be 22 to 24 episodes a season so squeezing an extra episode per disc is going to add up).

Also I plan on transferring some VCR tapes into DVD's once I get around to hooking the VCR up to the system. Does anyone have any advice on transfering shows from old VCR tapes to DVD? I'm planning on taping the show to the HDD then burning it to DVD (so i can do chapter lists and the like) . I'm assuming it's just a matter of hooking the VCR up to another input line to the DVDR, playing the program off of the VCR and taping it much like one would do a TV show. Then dub it to a DVD just like any other recording. Obviously the quality is only going to be as good as the tape's quality. Of course the question of which speed to tape it to comes up (most of the TV programs recorded to VCR were done at LP so put as many episodes on per tape). I'm aussming that I should go with as high of a qualty I can even though that will use more discs but considering the low quality of the tapes in the first place I won't be able to afford to lose anymore quality. Has anyone had experience in this regard that could offer suggestions?

Finally I would also like to set my system up so that I can occasionally record from my DVDR to the VCR. (for times when I want to lend a recording to a friend who can't view DVD 's i've burned.) Preferably i'd like to set it up in such a way that I could have the ability to do both: transfer/record programs off of the VCR onto the DVDR as well as recording stuff from the DVDR to the VCR, without having to switch around the cables. I'm thinking that it's just a matter of having the VCR go into one of the Toshiba's input lines, and running one of the Toshiba's output lines into one of the VCR's input lines. Then it's just a matter of being on the right line in order to perform the function I want. Is this possible or am I trying to force the Toshiba to do too much?

Originally posted by Jason Potapoff
[B]I'm just getting around to burning my first DVD and I have a question. When archiving episodes of a network show, how many episodes do you put into a single 120 min DVD? I was orignally thinking 2 but when I started the process i noticed that there was enough room to stick a third episode. Now i'm assuming that the recorder is automatically lowering the quality a touch in order to get that third episode in (yes the episodes end up getting cut to 45-46 minutes after i've removed the commercials but three 45 minute episodes is more than 120 mins). I'm not sure if it's lowering the bitrate of the 3rd episode or if it's going to lower the bitrate for all three episodes since i'm dubbing them to disc at the same time. I'm also curious what everyone's preference has been for achiving? Obviously putting 3 episodes instead of 2 to a disc is going to save on money/dics but how does the quality suffer? Is the drop off in quality not that noticible? Or am I going to notice that quality has been dropped in order to squeeze an extra epsidoe on a single disk. (i'm thinking the quality shouldn't drop that much as we are looking at only 15 minutes of "overrun".


I find that the best way when recording is to first calculate how many minutes the content will be MINUS commercials, then record at the best bitrate for that length. I've decided to record at 4.2 (133 minutes a disc), which fits 3 episodes nicely on a disc after the commercials have been deleted. I'm satisfied with that quality, but as you said, maybe you can experiment with the higher bitrate (6.0) which would equal about 90 minutes on a disc (2 shows minus commercials) to see if the difference is worthwhile.

Also I plan on transferring some VCR tapes into DVD's once I get around to hooking the VCR up to the system. Does anyone have any advice on transfering shows from old VCR tapes to DVD? I'm planning on taping the show to the HDD then burning it to DVD (so i can do chapter lists and the like) . I'm assuming it's just a matter of hooking the VCR up to another input line to the DVDR, playing the program off of the VCR and taping it much like one would do a TV show. Then dub it to a DVD just like any other recording. Obviously the quality is only going to be as good as the tape's quality.

Exactly the way to transfer the tapes. I've transferred some tapes which were only recorded in EP, and in this instance, I recorded at a higher bitrate which would fit about 90 minutes (2 episodes) on a tape.

Finally I would also like to set my system up so that I can occasionally record from my DVDR to the VCR. (for times when I want to lend a recording to a friend who can't view DVD 's i've burned.) Preferably i'd like to set it up in such a way that I could have the ability to do both: transfer/record programs off of the VCR onto the DVDR as well as recording stuff from the DVDR to the VCR, without having to switch around the cables. I'm thinking that it's just a matter of having the VCR go into one of the Toshiba's input lines, and running one of the Toshiba's output lines into one of the VCR's input lines. Then it's just a matter of being on the right line in order to perform the function I want. Is this possible or am I trying to force the Toshiba to do too much?

I have mine set up the exact same way and it works fine. :)

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally I would also like to set my system up so that I can occasionally record from my DVDR to the VCR.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have a sneaking suspicion we may all be hauling out our old VCRs again once they start using the Copy Never signal more often to block DVR recording. I'm not watching a lot of commercials anymore and I suspect I'm not the only one. From what I'm hearing the PPVs are already blocked to my XS32, although they record fine on my old VHS....

i'll tell you this, i've been transferring home movies from vhs to dvd for the past 2 weeks and i'm really happy with the quality.

Tried to copy some of the childrens Disney VHS tapes to DVD but the DVR would stop me. If it's my VHS tape why can't I make a backup copy. Is there a converter that can connect b/t the VHS and DVDR to stop anti copy signal?

VideoMagic (http://www.stardevelopment.com/videomagicdvd.htm) maybe.

Has anyone tried to output from a pc via firewire to the XS32 or XS52? The application would be to edit video on the PC using editing software and then send it back to the XS via firewire for recording to the HDD or burning?

I have video editing software on my laptop PC, but no DVD burner.

Thanks in advance.

I'm 99% sure it's been tried and didn't work. The Toshibas "listen" for something identifying itself as a camera to be plugged in... which your computer isn't going to claim it is. So the Toshiba doesn't even notice.

Just the explain the 1394 port. This port works as a Master / Slave operation. The Toshiba is Master configured and so is the computer, therefore it will not work when connected together (computer-Toshiba). Whereas, the camera is configured as a Slave, so it will work when connected to the computer or Toshiba.

Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone has tried playing DVD+R Dual Layer media on their XS32? I'm dying to pick up a dual layer burner for my computer but at the moment, the only available Dual Layer burners are for the +R format.

Thanks for your time!
Fred

Originally posted by Ogar
Just the explain the 1394 port. This port works as a Master / Slave operation. The Toshiba is Master configured and so is the computer, therefore it will not work when connected together (computer-Toshiba). Whereas, the camera is configured as a Slave, so it will work when connected to the computer or Toshiba. That makes sense. Any way to change the configuration of the RD-XS32 to be "slave"?

HoustonGuy recently posted a link to this article Linkification (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=all&type=&manufacturer=0&maxprice=0&deInt=0&mpeg=0) which appeared in hometheaterhifi.com and this quote about Toshibas and black levels caught my eye: "The lack of standard 0 IRE black is frustrating, but practically speaking most people will be able to handle it fine, perhaps even easier than the "correct" 0 IRE level. (This is because of limitations in the way most televisions are designed, but that's a rant for another article.)"

Personally, I have not yet been able to detect any "black level bug" on the RD-XS32. I have burned DVD's and played them on 2 Sony players, 1 Denon, 1 Toshiba, 1 Fischer and 1 KLH ... no BLB yet! All have been played back on a 53" Sony HD RPTV calibrated with Video Essentials. I've tried with component video, S-Video and compositive video cables. Nada! I recently wrote Toshiba inquiring about the BLB and Customer Service sent this reply back, "There was never a black level problem with either [the RD-XS32 or the RD-XS52] ...." The truth is out there ... :)

So much for the nay-sayers ... :D

As if Toshiba's customer support will admit to any problems they don't have to??

The Toshiba does not record at the proper US NTSC IRE levels. Period. It offers no option to change that. There should be no dispute to that fact.

What the dispute should be is how big of a deal this really is. The incorrect IRE levels are NOT visible under ALL conditions. They are VERY easily hidden, and very player/TV/configuration dependent. This is a large reason why I kept my XS32 despite black level problems -- there are so many weird variables that there is just as good a chance you'll have some weird problems set up some other way.

I think those who scream "BLACK LEVEL!! BLACK LEVEL!!!" every time someone as much as THINKS about buying a Toshiba are overstating the problem; although I think claiming it doesn't exist is a bit of an overstatement, as well.

The truth is definitely somewhere in the middle. :)

"The truth is definitely somewhere in the middle."

As it almost always is.

Toshiba RDXS32 questions from a newbie
I would like any help that I can get. I recently received a free toshiba RDXS32 with the purchase of my new HDTV. I really like the idea of using it but I am having trouble figuring out some things. First of all, is there a way to record directly from the guide on my cable box? I have Time Warner cable and there is a way that you can use a standard vcr to record directly from the guide.

If I can't record from the guide, what is the best way to set it up so that I can use the vcr plus features? Will I be able to schedule recordings, etc.?

I also am wondering if it is possible to record something on the hard drive and then burn it to a dvd.

Any help will be greatly appreciated. The manual for this thing is an inch thick and very hard to understand.

Thanks for your time.

The RD-XS32 uses VCR+ and an IR Blaster, so you can program it to record at any given day/date/time (including recurring times) AND using the IR Blaster, it can change the channel on your cable box for you at that time. I am not aware of any way you can use the guide on your cable box to control your RD-XS32.

Yes, yes, yes, you can record DVD's from your Hard Drive to DVD-R, DVD-RW or DVD-RAM ... at high speed. You can also edit what you have recorded on your hard drive prior to dubbing to DVD.

Yes, the manual's thick, but once you jump into it and start trying it out, it gets much easier. Don't be afraid to make a few test recordings. Good luck!

Originally posted by JK27
That makes sense. Any way to change the configuration of the RD-XS32 to be "slave"?

Actually, I was wrong in the Master/Slave operation for Firewire. Master/Slave is used in USB while Firewire is peer to peer. Anyway my guess is that you would need to modify Toshibas firmware.
I found this as a sight for firewire info:
http://www.firewire-1394.com/firewire-vs-usb.htm

Originally posted by dylan420
Toshiba RDXS32 questions from a newbie
I would like any help that I can get. I recently received a free toshiba RDXS32 with the purchase of my new HDTV. I really like the idea of using it but I am having trouble figuring out some things. First of all, is there a way to record directly from the guide on my cable box? I have Time Warner cable and there is a way that you can use a standard vcr to record directly from the guide.

If I can't record from the guide, what is the best way to set it up so that I can use the vcr plus features? Will I be able to schedule recordings, etc.?

I also am wondering if it is possible to record something on the hard drive and then burn it to a dvd.

Any help will be greatly appreciated. The manual for this thing is an inch thick and very hard to understand.

Thanks for your time.

You may not be able to use your cable box as the master REC setup as it may not contain the Toshiba IR codes. However, you can use the Toshiba via IR Blaster to set-up the cable box for recording (well, again....if it has the codes for the box...I'm assuming that it does). Using the Toshiba, you can enter the VCR Plus guide via the REC Menu.

The toshiba guide does not contain IR codes for my cable box which is the pace DC550P from Time Warner. Anyone have any ideas?

I would just try all the codes till you found one that worked. You might get lucky. My cable box is a motorola and the irblaster works fine. If you can't find a code you may want to see if you cable box can change channels on its own. I know its double the work, but it will work.

I am a newbie at this and I need some help! I've just received my first DVDR (Tosh. RDXS32) and I can't get it hooked up:confused: My system consist of: Ultimate TV (Direct TV), TV, Yamaha RX-V1200 Receiver, Playstation and VCR. I have the UTV connected with S-Video to the Yamaha and the Yam. with S-Video to TV. I also have some optical connections between Playstation, Yam., and UTV.

I've taken the VCR out and want to put the DVDR in. I've connected the DVDR to the UTV with the supplied cables, as per manual. I've connected the DVDR to the TV with cable as per manual. Then I connected the DVDR with an optical cable to the Yam..

I switch it on and I can't get the DVDR setup screen. I do have sound. I left everything as is, but I add an S-Video Cable between the DVDR and the UTV and the TV - now I have the setup screen and I have sound. Great, but if I switch the DVDR off, my picture is gone. Do I have to keep the DVDR switch on if I just want to watch sat. TV and I don't want to record something:confused:

When I had my Playstation and VCR connected, I had to press the "DVD" button on the Yam. remote to play the playstation (playstation was connected to Yam. through DVD input on back of Yam.) and the "VCR" button to play a video. If I connect the DVDR to the Yam. the way the playstation is set up, it doesn't work!!

I will appreciate any help on how to set my system up. I am extremely confused and frustrated by this!! Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

Execusa,

Not sure if I understand the connection problem.

Also not sure what Ultimate TV entails...Is there a recorder with the Direct TV? Or is it just a receiver? I'll assume it is just the receiver unit.

What outputs are there on this unit? Can you split the signal so it feeds the XS32 tuner and the TV separately? If so, then you can run another feed from the XS32 into the TV set (provided you have multiple inputs available.)

Now all you need is to set your TV to the appropriate input channel when using the XS32, the same input linked to the optical audio connection on the Yammie. Don't waste time piping primary video through the Yammie. If your TV set has enough inputs on the back you will not need video from your audio receiver except for menu/setup and your Playstation using the Monitor Out.

ClarkeBar,

Thanks for the help. Basically, I need help in setting up my system. I am not sure if I am connecting the right cables to each component eg. the back of my Sony SAT W60 has S-video in/out, video in/out (cable), digital audio out and audio (R/L) in/out.

Do I connect ALL these cables to the Tosh.? Question, if I connect the UTV to the Tosh. with video and audio in/out cables, do I still have to connect with S-video - doesn't the video cable replace the S-video? What do I do with the digital audio out on the UTV - maybe to the Yam.?

My TV is a Sony XBR and it has 2 x S-video in's, 3 x video & audio in's (cable) and HD/DVD audio / video (cable) in's. What do I connect to these? It also has the regular coax cable in's.

The Yamaha has digital output optical for cd, cd-r, dvd, d-tv/ld. Digital input (with cable) for cd and cbl/sat. It also has audio in/out (cable), S-video in/out and video in/out (cable) It also has the "Component Video" in and outs.

Ultimate TV is similar to TIVO. Mine has a HD. I would like to setup my Tosh. so that I can do the following:

1) Copy from my UTV HD to my Tosh. HD.
2) When I watch regular sat. TV (and don't want to copy something on the Tosh.), I don't want the Tosh. switched on. Is this possible?

Out of all of this, which "outlets" on the UTV do I connect to the Tosh. and out of the Tosh to the Yam. and what do I connect ot the TV??

Again, thanks for your help.

First off the input on the UTV are not useable so count that out. just hook S-video and analog audio outpouts to the Tosh and the Video and digital output to the Yam. That should solve the problem.

So I'm still learning the ropes, but even on the hard drive, if I either remove chapters from an original recording, or do a playlist recording of several chapters, then copy that to an original recording, there are noticable gaps when one chapter stops and another one starts.

Am I mixing up memories of the Panasonic recorders and Toshiba recorders? I though there was a 'seamless' setting somewhere (though that had audio consequences I believe).

I think the problem will be _at least_ as bad after I burn to DVD-R. (I burned one so so far and made one coaster -- the coaster was by choosing some menu item I no longer remember -- not burning a show or playlist.. It just started burning on the DVD, but I don't know what it was copying.)

I am still making some chapter edits, so am living with the consequences for now (since mostly I'm doing musical shows that I don't care as much about), but when I start dubbing my Tivo'ed 'er' episodes, I'm hoping to make less noticable pauses, if possible.

Is it possible?

thanks.

Addendum: I may follow up on this more later in a separate thread, but some gripes:
1) It sometimes but not always remembers if I was in chapter or show mode when I go back to various screens. I haven't figured out why it sometimes remains in chapter mode but usually doesn't.
2) Similarly, it seems to want to go back to "live TV" very often after 'finishing' something, rather than going back to the menu I was previously at. I'm being vague because I don't remember exact circumstances at the moment, but it happens often.
3) Having to hit time slip rather than being able to just PLAY the current recording is silly. It's just software, it should be able to do it similarly to PVRs.
4) I can make chapters when viewing the current show, but I don't see the chapter tickmarks in the timeline.
5) Way too many useful buttons are under the cover.

Even with those gripes, it's growing on me. Even keeping the same basic UI, it could be "cleaned up" a lot without huge changes. Things are more consistent than they seemed at first -- e.g. blue and yellow buttons on remote do analogous things on many different menus.

I'm not real up on this but it may be that editing in VR mode which is accurate to frame results in "adjustments" when burning a DVD.

Editing in VOB mode ( I think) eliminates this, however, I think your edit boundaries are approximately 1/2 second apart - so there goes your frame accurate edits.

I proposed earlier, that maybe doint a VR edit, THEN doing a rate conversion dub at the same rate may "repair" those edits.

I wonder if Broadcast Flag is implement in the RD-SX32???

I only owned a Toshiba RD-XS32 for a week but I made an observation during that time that I thought I would share.

The two units I tried rejected most media with the "check disc damaged or dirty" message. I noticed a lot of media including Taiyo Yudens and Riteks have some tiny bumps on the edges from the glue. I decided to clean a few up with a little file. I did this to three discs that were previously rejected and they loaded and burned properly afterwards. I think the Toshiba tray is less forgiving to imperfect edges.

Here is a weird one:

I have had mine reject the yellow Maxells that Toshiba specifically recommends.

Every one that has been rejected, I wipe it on my shirt that I'm wearing, put it back in and it is accepted.

One thing I noticed was that the disk is quite warm when ejected after rejection. I am beginning to think that this heat factor is an issue with accepting the disk.

Could some micro scratches stabilize the reading of the disk???

Originally posted by 6volt
One thing I noticed was that the disk is quite warm when ejected after rejection. I am beginning to think that this heat factor is an issue with accepting the disk.


Yes, I think that's also a factor. I remember that it would "load" the first two or three discs on a cold startup. After that, I start to get the disc errors and it progressively gets worse.

Originally posted by 6volt
Here is a weird one:

I have had mine reject the yellow Maxells that Toshiba specifically recommends.

Every one that has been rejected, I wipe it on my shirt that I'm wearing, put it back in and it is accepted.

One thing I noticed was that the disk is quite warm when ejected after rejection. I am beginning to think that this heat factor is an issue with accepting the disk.

Could some micro scratches stabilize the reading of the disk???

thanks for the info, i recently bought 40 of these maxell's and almost all of them wouldn't load, i'll try what you said.

meanwhile, i've bought a boat load of verbatim dvd because i've never even had one of them give me a problem, weird.

Verbatim's work great. So do Imations. I had way to many problems with maxells

Joe / lolowar, are the Verbatims you're using any special kind, e.g. made in Japan 4x? We're talking -r, right?

Thanks... Perry.

Hi I just recorded my first DVD RAM Disc. I can play the Disc on the XS32 but it will not play in any other DVD Player. I have 3 more - 2 Sonys and one JVC. They all say disc error or tell me to load a disc. The DVR will not let me finalize the disc so what could be the problem? I was able to view the video only on my computer via Windows media player however there was no sound and the picture kept breaking up every 5-10 frames.

DVD RAM isn't compatible with most players. If you want to be able to play your disc on over 90% of all players, you will have to use DVD-R. They are very affordable now, but don't skimp and buy the cheapest brand.

Thanks a bunch for the reply.

I thought the DVD RAM was the best technology out there - what the heck is the point, especially if you have a DVR with HDD? I paid quite a bit for these stupid RAMs! Of course there is no mention of this in the owners manual and I'm still waiting for a reply from Toshiba. Wow this is time consuming stuff! Im trying a TDK DV-RW, hopefully that will work.

Like others on this forum I've noticed that it takes a long time for the XS-32 to load blank DVDs. Quite a bit longer for blank RAMs! Oh and by the way the RAMs were Memorex in the purple cases - silver discs.

One last thing and this might seem dumb but I've got to ask. What's the deal with the recording time on the DVRs? How come the discs that contain commerical material seem to hold much more data. Look at movies - 2 hours great quality and they still look as if they could hold a lot more. Where do I buy these Discs? :confused:

Originally posted by technochallenged

One last thing and this might seem dumb but I've got to ask. What's the deal with the recording time on the DVRs? How come the discs that contain commerical material seem to hold much more data. Look at movies - 2 hours great quality and they still look as if they could hold a lot more. Where do I buy these Discs? :confused:

Commercial discs are usually dual-layered (twice the capacity) and pressed not burned. DVD recorders (and PCs) only burn discs. There are dual-layered media and burners now, but they are more expensive and there may be some compatibilty issues. It's possible to adjust the bitrate and record more than two hours on a dvd-r, but the quality will suffer. Personally, I always stick with two hours.

Originally posted by PerryU
Joe / lolowar, are the Verbatims you're using any special kind, e.g. made in Japan 4x? We're talking -r, right?

Thanks... Perry.

yes perry, i've tried a couple of different types of verbatim (including the type that look like movie reels) and i haven't ended up with 1 coaster yet.

i now have verbatim disks coming out of my......well, you get the idea. ;)

Originally posted by PerryU
Joe / lolowar, are the Verbatims you're using any special kind, e.g. made in Japan 4x? We're talking -r, right?

Thanks... Perry.

Perry,
I have been using the Verbatim's with Part Number 94495. I have used about 50 of these now and have not had one problem, they may be more expensive than others but in my opinion well worth the extra money.

BUY.COM (http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10341370&loc=101&sp=1)
PCMALL (http://www.pcmall.com/pcmall/shop/detail~dpno~135667.asp)

Thanks, folks! I'll give 'em a try.

The Verbatims I get them from Sams Club in a 50 pack spindle. DVD-R 8x. Not sure where they are made. Cost about $22-$24 dollars a spindle

Now I need some help. I just got a HD sat tuner from Dish. Model 811. Has anyone setup the RD-xs32 to change the channels on it. I'm not sure what code I will have to use or if it will even control it. I have never used it to record from a Satilite STB.

Originally posted by MarkhamPete
Commercial discs are usually dual-layered (twice the capacity) and pressed not burned.

Also, as you presumably know, but the original questioner doesn't, is that the commercial DVDs are VERY carefully encoded with much much higher quality MPEG encoders than we have.. and in a multi-step process.. They try encoding it, and redo parts that don't encode well.

Originally posted by technochallenged
I thought the DVD RAM was the best technology out there - what the heck is the point, especially if you have a DVR with HDD?

One point is to be able to easily have a way to move to and from the hard drive without wasting media.. and as I and many others have said, you also have all of the editing features on the DVD-RAMs that you do on the hard drive.

I admittedly bought the XS32 partially because it does BOTH DVD-RW and DVD-RAM, but mostly I'll use RW to bring a recording somewhere else. I may end up buying two packs of the cheap double-sided DVD-RAMs mentioned in the other thread.

One point is to be able to easily have a way to move to and from the hard drive without wasting media.. and as I and many others have said, you also have all of the editing features on the DVD-RAMs that you do on the hard drive.

Again excuse my ignorance - I'm a newbie, but what do you mean when you say that the RAMs give you an easy way to move to and from the harddrive without wasting media? Why would you want to do this when you can't play that RAM disc anywhere except on the Toshiba? Why not do your editing right from the Hard Drive. Further why not just use a DVD-RW?

I admit the DVD RAM was a big selling feature for me as well. My origonal intention was to record a program from my BEV HD Satellite stations and be able to watch them later any where else. (Like in my exercise room!) The quality promise of the DVD RAMs was very enticing especially after years of watching VHS tapes that were used over and over again.

Oh well deep down inside I knew there was no way things would be that easy! LOL

somebody stop me, i'm about to open the manual if i don't get help soon. :D

i can't remember how to change the setting to allow fitting a movie that's 2 hours and 15 minutes long onto a dvd.

i know there's a way to only degrade the quality of recording as much as is needed as opposed to going to LP.

anybody?

I have to use the bitrate conversion. That is what I think it is called. You may find it when you have the file selected in the content menu then click the quickmenu button.

Or while you are not on a menu, press the Quick button. There is a setting for Picture Quality Datarate or some such (not at home right now). This option allows you to set the recording rate for either the HDD or DVD. You can tweak the bitrate in .1 Mbps increments. The time displayed tells you what will fit on standard disc. Just keep dropping it until you hit 135 minutes or more.
Try to remember to reset it when you are done. (I've forgotten a few times myself.)

And by all means, burn that manual before the unthinkable happens. :D

i wish one of you guys were home. i hit the quick menu and then i hit "bitrate" which brought up a vertical bar on the right side of the screen but i don't know what to do with it.

could it be the "av record quality" you guys are talkin about?

in this mode, i can set it to 171 minutes but that's too long.

edit: ok, i think i got it. i went into the "content menu" and hit "bitrate conversion" or something like that. i can't remember what else i did but i think it's dubbing because i have that vertical bitrate bar on the right side of the screen again but now it's moving up and down. :confused:

I have the XS52. Going by it's manual,

quick menu>av record quality>4.0 puts 1hr19min on DVD with D/M1 audio, 3.8 puts 1hr19min on DVD with D/M2 audio, 2.6 puts 1hr21min on DVD with LPCM audio.

Ahhhhh I see what your doing. Yes the bitrate conversion is what you wanted.

daryl: i think it's dubbing but it going at regular speed.

is this normal?

thanks buddy. ;)

You can adjust the 5 settings in the AV Record Quality menu -- scroll down to Setting 4 or 5 and change the bitrate/audio settings with the frame adjust buttons on the remote.. then go to the top, and select that preset for HDD recording.

Originally posted by jmscott42
You can adjust the 5 settings in the AV Record Quality menu -- scroll down to Setting 4 or 5 and change the bitrate/audio settings with the frame adjust buttons on the remote.. then go to the top, and select that preset for HDD recording.

that's what i tried when i found the 171 minute setting, i couldn't find something closer to what i wanted.

it says it's dubbing now but it's going at regular play speed.

i'm really confused now.

thanks anyways, jm.

Originally posted by joetoronto
daryl: i think it's dubbing but it going at regular speed.

is this normal?

thanks buddy. ;) I honestly don't know. I haven't dubbed anything yet.

I think that's normal Joe.

From what I remember, you can't use high speed copy with any bitrate conversions.

Originally posted by joetoronto
that's what i tried when i found the 171 minute setting, i couldn't find something closer to what i wanted.

it says it's dubbing now but it's going at regular play speed.

i'm really confused now.

thanks anyways, jm.

Did you try changing the bitrates, though, in the menu itself? You should be able to adjust in about 2-minute increments if you just tweak the bitrate. All of those settings are entirely customizable; if you put the cursor over one of the bitrates, you can adjust it (instead of just accepting the preset options)

I have done the bit rate conversion several times and everytime it plays the movie at normal speed, so that is normal. It also mentions this in the manual.

coolio, thanks to all you guys. ;)

Hi all - great thread! I purchased this DVD recorder on Monday at Costco and have been doing a lot of experimenting (and reading the manual joetoronto - it's not 'that' bad ;)).

This player has worked very well except in one area - playing DVD-R backups from another device! This player has failed to read any of my backup disc's I have made with DVD Xcopy. My son is 2 1/2 and likes to get at these disc's, so I bought DVD Xcopy and I backup up his movies and keep those handy (this way i have the original if he damages the copy). I've got TDK, Taiyo Yuden, and Princo discs, and none of them are recoginized or I just get the DVD X COPY Black warning menu up, and that's it. Not only that, but the discs will not eject, nor will the unit respond to any commands (including the power button). I have to unplug the power, then plug it back in and press open/close until it receives the open message and ejects the disc. Has anyone else had problems with Computer backups of movies on this Player? I have 3 other DVD players (including one built into a 14" tv) and ALL these backups play fine on the other players.

Thanks!

You have to be in the content menu first. Then select the video you want, then choose the quick menu

I use dvd shrink and have no problems with my backups

It doesn't bother me so much that it doesn't play them - what bothers me is that it actually locks up my player. I'm just wondering if it could be a fault with the one player and I need to exchange it. Other than that, this player is absolutely fantastic! I think the people running it down here are just jealous of it and run it down with those dumb BLB comments to justify the brand they chose over the Toshiba.

For the price and features at the time. RDxs32 was the way to go. Never had a black lever problem, but I only use it to record from cable and firewire dv to from my camcorder.

Krunch,

While the Toshiba is trying to load the DVD, all functionality basically "locks up."

After a couple of minutes, if the disc is not successfully loaded, it will eject the disc with a message and functionality resumes.

I think in some distant posts, there was some mention of the laser going bad requiring a drive replacement. I'm really not very sure about this, but you might want to search previous postings.

The drive you made the DVDXcopies on may not be compatible with the Toshiba. Incompatibilities are quite random, however, the later the unit the more likely it is compatible.

Oh one thing, when you burn your dvd's w/xcopy, the slower you set the burn rate (2x, 1x), the more compatible the resulting disc will be.

Thanks 6volt - maybe I'm not patient enough with the player to load the movie. I have a Pioneer A05 burner in the computer for making backups and creating home movies with. The home movies I made on the computer with the Pioneer A05 work just fine on the Toshiba (both still's with background music an actual movies made with a JVC camcorder), it just seems to be the Xcopy backups that don't work. It's only my Son's movies and even then he has a smaller TV we use for him (and he only watches about 5 minutes of it anyway :)) so it's really not a big deal. I'll try another movie and just let it sit and see if it eventually loads or ejects.

But other than that, it's a great player and the editing features on it is amazing. It's also very easy to use - the manual is big, but it explains everything. As I read in another post - take it in slowly- don't try to read it all at once. Although, I'm already getting to be an 'expert' on this player at least in terms of editing, thumbnails, dubbing, and burning DVD's :D

One other question that I may have missed - but will this player burn 8x discs at 8 speed? The manual says 4x discs, but I thought I read a post on this thread or another one saying it would burn at whatever speed the media was good for.

It'll burn up to 4x. It burns 2x media at 2x, 4x media at 4x... so it will determine speed by the media, but only to a certain extent.. ;)

Probably a little late, but here's what I do:
If I want to burn a DVD from an external source that I know will be over 2 hours (Let's say 2:15)
Quick Menu
AV Record Quality
press (down) until I get to row 4 or 5 (Let's say 5) (to get to DVD, if you want to adjust the DVD burn rate, move to that column)
press (right) once to get to the rate column
Then use the (FrameAdjust) button to set the corresponding rate:
(5.0)=112 min
(4.8)=117 min (4.6)=122 min (SP) (4.4)=127 min (4.2)=133 min
(4.0)=139 min (3.8)=146 min (3.6)=153 min (3.4)=162 min
(3.2)=171 min (3.0)=182 min
For 2:15 (135 minutes), I would use (4.0)
press (left) then (up) until you return to the HDD setting
Use (FrameAdjust) to select the proper setting (5)

Then record from your external source to the HDD. Do whatever editing you require, then you can do a FastDub to DVD.
Of course, if you are not going to do any editing, you can burn directly to the DVD, setting the Quality as above, except you would select DVD, not HDD

Regardless, when you are capturing from the external source, it will only happen in real time.

Actually, I timed mine burning the Yellow Maxell DVD-R's and it burned a 2 hour disc in 15 min, so that is actually 8x. I believe these are 4x DVDs too.

Go figure.

Is there any way to slow down the burn rate???

15 minutes is actually a 4X burn. :) Don't worry about how data you're cramming on the disc (that is marketing speak -- how like Sony claims 24X burning -- 6 hours in 15 minutes. There is no such thing as a 24X burner.). The true test is how much DATA, not how many HOURS.

1X burn of a full disc (4.7gb of data) = 60 minutes
2X = 30 minutes
4X = 15 minutes.

And no, no one's ever found a way to slow down the burn rate, which is REALLY too bad as it would really help compatibility.

Hey All,
I have created a PDF document of how to’s that I think are pretty straight forward and wanted to share them with everyone (the editing out of commercials is Bear15’s method). Please if I made any errors in the steps I have listed or if you notice any typos or anything please let me know. If you have any how to’s that you would like to add to the PDF please feel free to send me a word document or similar to word (please send something that is already edited with a numbered list) and I will add it. I know the other PDF that I created already exists but I wanted to create a more straight forward how to for everyday tasks if you will of using the Toshiba RD-XS32 DVD Recorder. Plus for some that come here that are new we can point them to one document that will tell them how to do most of these everyday tasks.

Also I copied the Rate Conversion Chart from the manual of Quality Rates and how much space it will take up and the HDD and a on a DVD.

I hope these are useful to someone.

How To PDF (http://www.frognet.net/~clewis/HowTo.pdf)
Rate Chart PDF (http://www.frognet.net/~clewis/RateChart.pdf) I have this rate chart in an excel spreadsheet if you would like that send me a PM with an email address and I will send it to you.

Very cool, Thank you!

good work, thanks PhinPhan.

Great work, PhinPhan, thanks! Toshiba should buy it as an addendum for their manual.

Thanks, I am glad you all like them. Like I said if anyone wants to add anything just let me know and I will update them.

PhinPhan, great job. How about adding the instructions on how to create new menus as posted by djweaponx in the thread "creating Toshiba RD-xs32 menus"

Thanks

I'd like to see some explanation and directions for using GOP editing vs. Frame editing, for accurate burns to DVD-Video. I've given my understanding of this earlier in the thread, posts 13 / 16 / 18; then 6volt came up with a neat idea in post 53 that I haven't tried yet.

I know you asked for an edited / numbered list, and I'd like to accomodate that, but I'm not sure when I'll have the time. Thought I'd mention it anyway, in case you feel like tackling it.

Thanks again... Perry.

Just wanted to update my post about this player not playing backup copies of my Son's movies with DVD Xcopy. I didn't check the condition of the discs (finger prints and a few scratches). I guess this player being a burner is sensitive to those things. I copied a few more movies and they play just fine on a fresh disc. However, my 8x Taiyo Yudens will not work on this player (I get a disc error message) when burned. If I put a blank one in it reads it just fine.

Overall though, I've had this player for 5 days now and love it. Now that I know what to watch for in backup copies of movies (they play in all my other players anyway) I have no worries.

Again, a great thread - and a great player!

Has anyone found a vcr code to set into a universal remote that code control the rdxs32? If so what is the model of vcr that work. I tried the toshiba vcr codes and they don't work

I'm really confused about what "1X" means.

With CD-R's I think 1X rate was the rate of an audio playback.

Of course with dual layer -v- single layer and the infinite variability of bit rate, DVD playback can be just about whatever you want.

If 1X is 60 min for a single layer DVD, that would suggest that this is the "standard" DVD playback rate. If this is so, then the 2 hr single layer rate is sub-"DVD quality???"

Confused.

PS. I'm just getting up to speed with my first dolby surround system at home and am furious that it appears to be technologically impossible to timeslip the dolby digital or DTS audio stream. Since I have been LIVING off of Timeslip, the thought of having to go back to being WELDED to the TV to experience the surround is HIGHLY OFFENSIVE!!!!

6volt: I'm not sure, but I interpreted the 60-min 1X rate like this: if it takes 60 minutes to write 4.7Gb of data, that's 1X. If you can do it in 30 minutes, that's 2X.

That's completely separate from the bitrate. That 4.7Gb can hold 2 hours of playback, or with more compression, 2-1/2 hour, 3 hour, etc. The same amount of data (4.7Gb) is written, but represents different lengths of playback at different bitrates.

Again, I'm not positive about this, but that's my understanding.

Cheers... Perry.

I update the HowTo PDF to include the custom menu's section. I also added a how to for creating a DVD. Let me know if I have something wrong, or if the wording needs corrected please let me know.


How To PDF Ver1.1 (http://www.frognet.net/~clewis/HowTo.pdf)
Rate Chart PDF (http://www.frognet.net/~clewis/RateChart.pdf)

PerryU,

I might have been a little unclear, there are 2 bitrates that enter my reasoning: 1) the Toshiba recording bitrate, and 2) the bitrate associated with 1X.

For instance 1X would be 4.7gig/60/60 = 1.3meg/second. (Another thing, does the DVD hold 4.7 mega bytes: 4.7mB, or 4.7 mega bits: 4.7mb? where there are 8 bits (2 hexadecimal digits) to a byte.)

Again my confusion: 1X can be defined as any burn rate. However, with CDR, they chose 1X to be the audio playback rate. So is the 1X DVD rate associated with any kind of playback rate?

I guess that is my real question.

Sorry, 6volt, I think I'm over my head. Hopefully somebody more knowledgable will chime in.

Well, the spec is 1x CD = 150 kB/s and 1x DVD = 1353 kB/s.

So for CD, that is 650mB/60/.150 = 71.1 minutes.
and DVD is 4700mb/60/1.353 = 57.9 minutes and
8500/60/1.353 = 104.7 minutes for dual layer.

Well, this 1x DVD standard is based on what I wonder? The CD definitely is based on playback time.

I'm trying to copy a program from my hardrive to a dvd disc, it's 149 minutes, when I set the record time to (manuel 171) and press the save button it seems fine but then just goes back to (SP 122 min) when I check it or try to make the recording. This is a simple thing to do on my old panny, why I'm I having such a hard time doing someting that should be simple?

You have to do a Bit Rate Conversion.

Note than when you do that, it will play thru the DVD at normal viewing speed - it will not do a high speed dub.

Also, you can set the desired bit rate 2 ways (I think):

1) set the bit rate on the DVD drive,
2) set the bit rate from within the Bit Rate Conversion windows.

Hopefully, I got that all right.

NOTE: when setting the bit rate for the drive, there are 5 predefined settings. You have to modify one of those, THEN, change the drive setting to conincide with that one. Usually, it makes sense to change one of the MANUAL settings, rather than the SP, LP, etc.

Originally posted by chole
I'm trying to copy a program from my hardrive to a dvd disc, it's 149 minutes, when I set the record time to (manuel 171) and press the save button it seems fine but then just goes back to (SP 122 min) when I check it or try to make the recording. This is a simple thing to do on my old panny, why I'm I having such a hard time doing someting that should be simple?

Please describe exactly what you are trying to do, step by step. I think I understand but there are so many little adjustments/tweaks/different ways of doing things it's hard to know exactly what to tell you.

You have to set it BEFORE you record. The XS32 (and I assume 52) also lets you set a different bit rate for recording to HDD or DVD. If you're in the "AV Record Quality" screen, be sure you set the proper one for which you want to record.

I very rarely use Rate Conversion Dubbing and I'm not in front of my XS32 so I can't walk you through it.

What mode is the 149 minute program recorded in? It sounds like SP but hard to tell. If it is, go to Rate Conversion Dubbing and it should walk you through it.

I tried rate conversion dubbing and it only recorded the first chapter of 14 chapters and then stopped?

The original copy was recorded on the hardrive in SP quality, after editing out the commercials I'm left with 2 hrs and 48 minutes which I want to put on one disc.

I go to the quick menu (AV record quality) make the correct changes on the Dvd disc side but it keeps going back to SP 122 when I go to make the recording?

chole,

I'll bet when you are in the av record quality menu, you are not changing the rate NUMBER, 1 thru 5, to the drive. I believe you use the Frame advance curved rocker on the remote to do this.

You can change the rate of NUMBER 4, but you have to set the drive to NUMBER 4 too.

I'm suggesting this because, I used to do this when I was learning that operation.

I have a complete Rate Conversion walkthrough in the How to PDF.

How To PDF Ver1.1 (http://www.frognet.net/~clewis/HowTo.pdf)
Rate Chart PDF (http://www.frognet.net/~clewis/RateChart.pdf)

hey PhinPhan, when i click on that link, all i get is mumbo jumbo. :confused:

What version of Adobe Acrobat are you using? I created them using version 6 so you would need at least that version. Also try to download them to your computer and then open.

Originally posted by PhinPhan
What version of Adobe Acrobat are you using? I created them using version 6 so you would need at least that version. Also try to download them to your computer and then open. I'm using Adobe Acrobat 6.0 and those documents open up just fine. Thanks for creating/posting those docs!

that's funny, this time it opened. i'm using 5.1 by the way.

Hi all.

I have a new problem with my Toshiba since installing my BEV HD Reciever. Viewing the satellite TV signal through the Toshiba, timeslip playback and recording to the HDD or a disc result in very poor picture quality, even at the highest rate settings. I suspect it's the way we have everything hooked up because this was not an issue when we just had our old Satellite recievers hooked up to the Toshiba.

I believe right now my husband has it set up this way:
Satellite (BEV 6120) to TV ( 57" Rear Projection Sony HDTV KP57WS510)
via DVI cable and then TV to Toshiba via S-Cable.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Originally posted by 6volt
Has anyone tried this? (I would but I don't have any -RW media yet to experiment with.)

To get frame accurate editing onto a DVD would this work:

1) Edit HD using VR (frame)

2) Do a Rate Conversion Dub HD to HD at the SAME bitrate. (When a bit rate conversion is done, all chapter markers are lost.) NOTE: it is possible that merging all chapters MAY accomplish the same thing.

3) Create new VOB chapters if desired.

4) Hi Speed Dub onto DVD.

This would eliminate the possibility of bits of commerials finding their way onto the DVD when the VR chapters are converted to VOB chapters during the Hi Speed dub.

Tom

PS: How do you go straight to your Subscribed Threads? Thanks[/i]


I just tested doing the rate conversion method and it does work. It is time consuming, but if it is an important video it can be used. Also it was mentioned that using GOP editing in the chapter editing, when you hit the frame advance it moves to the next GOP segment, but it doesn't. It really moves exactly 15 frames so if you were at 12:35.02, and hit the advance forward it would move to 12:35.17 not 12:35.15 as what some people may have thought. I am still not sure how the GOP editing it done to eliminate bits of commercials. In the earlier post it seemed like the explanation was to create your chapters then go into edit mode and then tweak it with the GOP editing. The way he described it almost seemed like he was saying just move it forward then back and that would force a GOP edit but in a sense it would be keeping it at the exact point where you originally had it since moving it forward goes 15 frames and back would be the same 15 frames back. This apparantly works in eliminating possible commercials. I guess depending on how many chapters you have and how long the show is, would determine what is the best method. rate conversion is time consuming (real time dub), but no work. The other is just plain work and depends how long it will take you to do the work. Do you want to spend your time wating or doing?? Either way there are work arounds. I wish I came to this forum before I made a few videos.


:-)
Rgn2000[B][I]

Originally posted by technochallenged
Hi all.

I have a new problem with my Toshiba since installing my BEV HD Reciever. Viewing the satellite TV signal through the Toshiba, timeslip playback and recording to the HDD or a disc result in very poor picture quality, even at the highest rate settings. I suspect it's the way we have everything hooked up because this was not an issue when we just had our old Satellite recievers hooked up to the Toshiba.

I believe right now my husband has it set up this way:
Satellite (BEV 6120) to TV ( 57" Rear Projection Sony HDTV KP57WS510)
via DVI cable and then TV to Toshiba via S-Cable.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

techno - I hope you're not trying to compare this to HDTV? I have a 2700 that my Tosh is plugged into (I also have the 6120 in my H/T room). These players CANNOT record in Hi-Def - no player can. View the signal through your S-video and that is what you'll be recording. The quality of recording at it's best setting on my 2700 is about the same on my TV - one in a while there is a little blip - only happens once at the beginning of some recordings - but that's it.

So - to summarize - do not look at the DVI input and expect that quality from the Tosh - switch to an S-Video connection and that is what you are sending the player.

No I'm not trying to compare to HD - I know that the Tosh won't record in HD quality. What I meant is that the picture "pixilates" when there is any kind of movement on the screen. It's not the recording quality - Im positive because it appears the same way when I am viewing the sat SD picture through the DVD Player. That's why I'm convinced it has something to do with the hook up. This didn't happen when we had the Tosh set up with the 3100 BEV receiver.

Originally posted by technochallenged
No I'm not trying to compare to HD - I know that the Tosh won't record in HD quality. What I meant is that the picture "pixilates" when there is any kind of movement on the screen. It's not the recording quality - Im positive because it appears the same way when I am viewing the sat SD picture through the DVD Player. That's why I'm convinced it has something to do with the hook up. This didn't happen when we had the Tosh set up with the 3100 BEV receiver.

Fair enough techno - just wanted to make sure as I've read threads in the past of people trying to record HDTV (that's what I wanted to do - but got sick of waiting for the HD-PVR and bought the 6100 receiver).

Originally posted by technochallenged

I believe right now my husband has it set up this way:
Satellite (BEV 6120) to TV ( 57" Rear Projection Sony HDTV KP57WS510)
via DVI cable and then TV to Toshiba via S-Cable.

Try plugging the 6100 directly into the Tosh via the S-Video cable (my 6100 is plugged into my tv this way so it will work) then use the s-video out from the tosh to the TV. So in the end it will look like this:

DVI cable from 6100 to Sony DVI input
S-Video from 6100 to Toshiba S-video input (line 1 or line 2)
S-video from Toshiba S-Video out to the Sony

My guess is your TV is doing something strange to the signal. I wouldn't use the TV to filter/pass through the signal from the 6100 to the Tosh, the TV should be the receiver, in other words the last device in the chain to receive the signal.

Good luck - let us know how it goes!