Funny thing as I was applying the region free hacking code. ?


What is this Hack code thing? What does it do. Please post it as I would like to try it !

thx

What is this Hack code thing? What does it do. Please post it as I would like to try it !

thx

The hacking code allows the 1600 to play any region DVD.

Power on the player
With the remote press setup
With the remote press the following sequence of numbers:
1, 6, 9, 5, 1, 8.
A hidden menu will appear
Choose your required region from 0-9 and hit enter
Region 0 sets the player to multiregional
Exit the menu and power off and on the unit, and you're done.

It didn't work. I guess I fell for the trick.

Read about the Region hack here (http://www.videohelp.com/dvdhacks.php?dvdplayer=cyberhome+1600&hits=50&Search=Search).

It isn't a trick. :)

Nice. Will try it. Alot more detail.

I hooked up a cyberhome regular DVD player into the front inputs and recorded the DVD "Training Day" to the Cyberhome recorder and it played fine.

Do all DVDs record? Of course this was just a test and I erased the movie from my dvd rw as I already own training day.

Just wondering.

Playback picture quality is not as good as I expected at first. The video is very blury and is not very detailed. The color is a little washed out. Even if the progressive scan mode is turned on, it feels like that I'm watching a movie similar to a VCR, probably SVHS, for picture quality.

I have the Ilo DVDR05, which is the same unit. I have no video problems. You must be having some other problem.

I just wanted to mention something I noticed about my 1600 ZU. I have noticed that sometimes a recording will fail when I've gone a little more than a hour into a disc (-RW). I thought maybe it was a machine problem or a damaged Disc. I also noticed that the machine would be VERY hot when this happened.
Tonight I put the machine up on four wine bottle corks. (uh - I save my corks, I didn't have to empty four bottles real quick - hic :confused: ) That put the machine 2 inches off the shelf. And air flow was very good as there is nothing around the machine, no walls. I recorded two discs (-RW) and filled them. One disc is one that had trouble before. The machine was warm, but not hot, after use.

I'll keep an eye on this and see if this is indeed a better way for me to use the 1600. I will need to glue its new cork feet on; it's a little wobbly.

I'll keep an eye on this and see if this is indeed a better way for me to use the 1600. I will need to glue its new cork feet on; it's a little wobbly.

Hi, the problem itself is over my head, but as far as the unit, would it help to glue some of those teflon discs you can move furniture with on the bottom? Might make sturdier feet than the corks.

I just wanted to mention something I noticed about my 1600 ZU. I have noticed that sometimes a recording will fail when I've gone a little more than a hour into a disc (-RW). I thought maybe it was a machine problem or a damaged Disc. I also noticed that the machine would be VERY hot when this happened.
Tonight I put the machine up on four wine bottle corks. (uh - I save my corks, I didn't have to empty four bottles real quick - hic :confused: ) That put the machine 2 inches off the shelf. And air flow was very good as there is nothing around the machine, no walls. I recorded two discs (-RW) and filled them. One disc is one that had trouble before. The machine was warm, but not hot, after use.

I'll keep an eye on this and see if this is indeed a better way for me to use the 1600. I will need to glue its new cork feet on; it's a little wobbly.

Thats ironic. I did the same thing Cyrano, (only I used spent .50AE caliber shells to raise my unit) I did this awhile back when I noticed the machine was getting a tad hot as well. Its defintely worked in that my machine gets warm at worst now a days. Its logical that the unit gets hot being that it's only raised about 1/8" , and theres no internal fan out of the box. It may sound ghetto (kinda funny) that I'm using spent shells to raise my 1600 but you can't see them. The way its set up it looks natural. (oh and just like Cyrano didn't have to empty bottles of vino, I didn't have to go and shoot off some rounds in order to get the spent shells, I save 'em those .50AE rounds are almost a buck a bullet. Ilike to reload, on a totally un-related note.)

Hi, the problem itself is over my head, but as far as the unit, would it help to glue some of those teflon discs you can move furniture with on the bottom? Might make sturdier feet than the corks.

The Felt pads I have are only about 1/4" high at best. I could pile them on (eight or more per foot) and achieve the 2" I got. (I don't have that many pads at home)
The machine really does need to be higher to get good air flow. IMO. It may not need to be 2", but I'd do at least one inch. Once I glue the corks it will be more stable. (And I may make each cork at little lower - but it does work.)
Although I might find something else. I might make something out of wood. I, basically, wanted to find something that would raise the machine into the air without causing any restriction to air flow. I didn't want to use pieces of wood that would block the sides.

AutoMP5: Your solution is very similar. Glad it helped you. I do like this little machine, but I needed reliability. Seems I've got it now, I hope. :rolleyes:

Today I scraped my first DVD-R with the Cyberhome 1600. I was recording Formula 1 (Monza) and I guess I didn't have enough space left on the DVD, now I can't read the disc and I missed the race! I'm using the 'Imation' brand DVD-R recordable disc and have NOT had any issues with this brand until today, this is the first time I scrap a disc... I was pissed!

Dear 1600 MU users,

Ive read about 100 posts in this thread, but not all, so forgive me if this has been covered.

I just bought my 1600 MU a couple days ago. I feel lucky that I have NOT had many of the problems mentioned here so far. I have downloaded the updates, but not installed yet. I notice it says: "DO NOT PERFORM THIS UPDATE WITHOUT CONSULTING A CYBERHOME TECHNICIAN." - should i ignore this and do it anyway??

My sound quality sounds fine. No bad discs yet. 2/2 OK so far.

The problems I am having and have not seen covered here are

1) when I try to play or record from my older Sony Hi 8 camcorder to my 1600 MU the image is great, except the top of the picture is distorted. The image kind of bends to the left and is jittery and flickering (BTW, there is no tracking control on this Sony, it may be auto?). I see that the same image is perfect- no jitters or distortion in the camcorder viewfinder, (altho it is only in B/W). I also tried playing the camcorder thru my VCR to a TV and again the image is fine. It is only when I play to the 1600 MU that I get the distortion. I am going thru the S-video cable. I have also tried going thru the RCA plugs and thru the VCR first, then thru RCA, same distortion.
Any ideas for a fix??

2) second problem has been mentioned in this thread, but have not come across any solutions: I can record programs on the 1600 MU with the TV tuner off-air just fine, and play them back on the 1600 MU OK, but when I put the DVD in my Mac or PC it doesnt work. On the mac I can see the files on the DVD, but when I try to play with the apple DVD player it only says "not permitted". On the PC it does not even recognize the DVD, it just says "please insert disc" as if there is no disc in?
I am a bit hesitant to update the 1600 MU, (since everything else works OK). First of all how do I know that it is not already updated? Is there a way to tell what firmware id in there now? The UPC on box does say " bios; 363/100N. IS THIS THE PRE-UPDATED FIRMWARE? Is there a way to tell onscreen (in the 1600 MU)??

Thanks for any ideas,

-Peter

PS forgot to mention, on my post above, that the DVD's I made were DVD-RW's, and I have not closed the session. Could this be why I am having the problem?? BTW, can I make more than one recording on a DVD-R before closing the session? Or must I only close after the first session?? can I close the session on a DVD-RW? and then erase that session again later??

PS one more thing, I did find that the same dvd-rw's do play in my el cheapo Norcent DVD player, but I don't get any sound, and go figure, the MP3 light comes on, rather than DVD light.

I have the ZU so my thoughts may not apply to you put I had and returned the MU. (Mine had the wavery audio) You can finalize -rws and erase later. Unfinalized -rs will probably not play in any other machines.
I can make several different sessions on a -R but must finalize to get it to play on another player.
The MU does not do Dolby Digital sound only MPEG. You might record some piano music and listen for the waver. Classical would tell the truth the best. But if you're not bothered it doesn't matter. :)

It could be that the DVD recorder is recording the area that is usually "overscanned" and not seen. No fix that I no of.

Hi Everyone!
Well, after reading this thread for hours yesterday, I did not find that anyone has posted about this problem.

I have a TV w/ VCR built in & cannot get the recorder to work with the VCR. I have only 1 video & 1 audio in the TV. When I choose TV tuner & then turn on the VCR, the recorder picks up whatever is on cable instead of the VCR. I have the 1600MU. I have not updated the FW because all else is fine except that slight hum in the background when the TV tuner is selected.

Has anyone else experienced anything similar? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Cindy

Hi Everyone!
Well, after reading this thread for hours yesterday, I did not find that anyone has posted about this problem.

I have a TV w/ VCR built in & cannot get the recorder to work with the VCR. I have only 1 video & 1 audio in the TV. When I choose TV tuner & then turn on the VCR, the recorder picks up whatever is on cable instead of the VCR. I have the 1600MU. I have not updated the FW because all else is fine except that slight hum in the background when the TV tuner is selected.

Has anyone else experienced anything similar? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Do you have the DVDR connected to the TV/VCR with the audio/video cables and also have the TV/VCR set/tuned to the L1 or VIDEO input? Most, if not all, DVD recorders do not output anything on the RF/coax. They just pass whatever (OTA, cable, etc.) on to the TV.

I actually emailed Cyberhome Tech Support on Monday to ask if they would post an updated firmware for us April 2005 ZU Owners. I also told them that the link to the manual is not working.

I haven't heard anything back from them yet.

This is an old post and maybe all resolved by now. I bought the DVR-1600 a MU unit yesterday and it plays DivX and I am estatic! Now I read it may burn DVD-R's
which would help since I am about 1 out of 2 for successful burns on the media I use now. But for $99 I am making great strides processing a backlog of some 50 DV tapes going back five years. Hope it has turned out for you.

Dave

I took my April ZU unit back to Best Buy yesterday. It had reached the point where it would not record for longer than an hour or so and then ruin the disc. This problem had gotten progressively worse even after setting a fan in front of the unit to make it run cooler. I got a credit (even after two months) and bought a Panasonic DMR ES10 for $168.00 after a $20.00 dollar rebate. There is no comparison between these units. The ES10 is a pleasure to use. None of the problems that plague the 1600. I should have bought this unit first and saved two months of trouble. Live and learn.

I have been having a problem with the 1600ZU that I purchased in June 2005
It ate discs or wouldn't recognize them.
I sucessfully recorded about 4 programs, but those were all about an hour long and it's looking to me.. after reading these posts that the problem is due to heat.. but I didn't really notice that sadly until after I did the Firmware Updates.

I follwed all of the instructions to the T for the 1600 ZU I even vcompared the instructions here and on the cyberhome web site to make sure I didn't screw anything up. The machine said the updates were succesful and then I tried to put in a +r disk Verbatum as Cyberhome suggested... Now it won't recognize this disk or any other. I put the disks in and instead of a question about formatting I see a cd made with dotted lines appear in the upper right corner and then it dissappears. That is all except that the deck reads it as a bad disk.

I am really frustrated.. I sadly bought this 98 days ago and now I can't even return it.

Any ideas?

Also I keep seeing posts where the refer to R- disks.. I thought this only recorded to R+ or RW+ disks?

thanks

Technodweeb:

See the post above yours.. Maybe you can take it back. I know I'm only buying this stuff at Costco from now on. Everything has a lifetime warranty there.

I am really frustrated.. I sadly bought this 98 days ago and now I can't even return it.

Any ideas?

You didn't happen to buy it using a credit card that doubles the warranty as one of its benefits, did you?

I was able to do the first part of the update of my 1600 MU , the version now says 105N, but when I try to do the second part of this update my 1600 MU says "unknown disc"! I have reburned the disc 3 times, followed all the instructions, used the free program "Burn at Once". I even re downloaded the second file, the 413 disk, and burned a 4th disc. This time I even labled the CD "Update 2", altho it comes out as "Update_2". Not sure what else to do, any ideas?? I'm wondering if I should go back and do part one of the update again??

Peter

I am really frustrated.. I sadly bought this 98 days ago and now I can't even return it.

Any ideas?


thanks

You could always buy another one and then return the original one with the receipt for the newer one. That at least would give you a chance to have another shot at a non-defective one. ;)

Hi all!
Im from Singapore..After reading so much bot cyberhome 1600, my frds and i decide to get one ourselves coz we had quite a lot of VHS to convert into DVD.
I bought it at SGD$269.
The unit is produced in jun05.
So far when i tried it, i didnt have any sound problem, image problems seems good, coz my video tape is a bit not so good, having those jaggy at the side, so when i played, the screen will show those irritating lines, but when i recorded and play on 1600, amazingly, the "lines" are mostly gone.
Is it only Sima CT-200 can solved the problem on copyprotected issue??
Thanx

Suggestion: Is it too late to try and add a poll to this thread? I'm curious what the overall rating is on this...

Last week I got one for $88 at Frys. This week I intend to return it. Even after the firmware upgrade, it is just too finicky for me to tolerate.

Last week I got one for $88 at Frys. This week I intend to return it. Even after the firmware upgrade, it is just too finicky for me to tolerate.

I don't blame you. If I could return mine I would. I've got mine working all right now (crossed fingers at the ready) but I would steer people away from this machine. For just a little more there are better machines.

However, I have transferred a lot of SVHS tapes and LDs for very little cost. For me it works, but it is NOT user-friendly.

First of all, you have to burn disc 2 as an image file, or disc in the program burnatOnce, or else it doesn't work, at least not for me, and I wasted 6 CDR's learning this. I called CH's support number, and after waiting half an hour on the line, they told me this. On the first disk this went ok without doing this.
After doing the upgrade, it said it was successful. I clicked OK, and turned off the unit. But when I checked it still says the version number is the 105N, which was the first update. But it seems to be working, as it now says a blank DVD is 61 min in HQ, rather than 59 min, a big improvement.

PS...
Altho at first I seemed to have good luck with this unit, then I started having lots of disc errors, using a cheap DVD brand, which actually does not have a brand name on it!
Then I switched to FUJIFILM DVD-RW's, and at least so far no problems. The tech from CH said this was one of the recomended brands.

I'm looking to purchase one of the 1600MU's and had heard that it was across the board in all modes HQ,SP,LP etc... short by 1-2 minutes? Are saying this has been fixed in a new firmware?
Thanks!

I have found that my success rate for DVD-R's is only about 50 %. I think I'll stick with +R's for now.

Well, i had mine continuously recorded 3 dvd disc for 6 hrs in a day and didnt have any problem..
but jus tt the very first disc i recorded, though could be watch on dvd player, but have no idea y when i placed into the pc to burned extra copy, it give error...

Unfortunately, Wow & flutter seem to be pretty bad with this unit, even using the recommended FUJIFILM DVD-RW's and recording at high Quality setting. I tried both audio settings. I did not really notice it until I recorded some classical music. It's downright annoying! Anybody found a workaround for this?

printmaster - take it back.

That's the achilles heel of this unit and if you need to record music there is no (to my knowledge) workaround.

Plus it doesn't record dolby digital and the sound quality pales in comparison imo.

I have a sony 315, which has some bugs but is far superior.

I had the 1600 and returned it. Actually, I had 2 of them. Plus a friend of mine still has his, and the "M" units have this problem.

I am curious. This machine is cheap, and small. I sure wanted it to work. But it did not work for me, and did not for many readers of this thread.

So why is this thread have so much traffic? There are plenty of reliable models for $35-$70 more. For example, I'm happy with the magnavox I bought. I'd sure like to have other videophiles hacking away at this machine to discover new capabilities. But the hackers are all over here...

FYI the Cyberhome DVR 1600 is on clearance at Target. Most stores in my area are sold out but the clearance price is $76.98. I bought a display model for 33% off the clearance price (it was missing all accessories, including remote though).

No offense to anyone who owns one (and likes it), but I found the Cyberhome to be CRAP in every respect.

Re: the Wow & Flutter on the MU unit - this is caused by the unit's internal tuner, and is NOT in any way related to the brand of media used. With tape formats, Wow & Flutter results from inconsistant speed and alignment of the tape across the recording/playback heads. In that regard, a different brand tape may have better guides and lubricants to minimize the problem. But with DVDs in general, (and a very simplistic explanation) they either work or they don't. The "Recommended Brands" will give a higher percentage of successfully recorded and finalized discs, but won't have less Wow & Flutter, richer colour tones, or other quality differentiators familiar to tape users.

I had an MU for about 5 days, found it to be completely unacceptable for my use, and returned it. I then got the Lite-On at Costco, knowing that I could return it pretty much any time for any reason. Now that Costco is blowing out Panasonic ES-10s, that sounds like a good reason to me... =)

-mike

Re: the Wow & Flutter on the MU unit - this is caused by the unit's internal tuner, and is NOT in any way related to the brand of media used.

-mike

It is true that the wow and flutter is not related to the media type or brand. But the wow and flutter shows up with any input, not just the tuner.

The Cyberhome 1600MU should be avoided completely. And people should return it so that the manufacturer and the retailers realize that such products are not acceptable.

My ZU does what I need but I would not buy it again and do not recommend it. There is no audio problem with the ZU and it is Dolby Digital instead of the MU's MPEG.

No offense to anyone who owns one (and likes it), but I found the Cyberhome to be CRAP in every respect.

Forgot to mention: I thought so lowly of it, I threw it away rather than try to sell it on eBay. I think that says a lot right there. I was seriously afraid I would get a negative user rating from whoever bought it once they found out what a piece of junk it is.

I have a Cyberhome DVD RW 1600 and it records nice resolution but the sound is terrible. I have my cable tv connected to my tv and the DVD RW 1600. Using composite cables I have the VCR hooked up to the back and the Memorex DVD player hooked up to the front of the DVD RW 1600.

Does anyone have suggestions how I can get the sound not to whistle? My tv is capable of connecting S-Video and Composite Outputs.

Please help. Thank you.

I have a Cyberhome DVD RW 1600 and it records nice resolution but the sound is terrible. I have my cable tv connected to my tv and the DVD RW 1600. Using composite cables I have the VCR hooked up to the back and the Memorex DVD player hooked up to the front of the DVD RW 1600.

Does anyone have suggestions how I can get the sound not to whistle? My tv is capable of connecting S-Video and Composite Outputs.

Please help. Thank you.

The 1600MU (find the MU designation on the box near the bar code) has a mono TV tuner that whistles no matter how you connect it to your TV. If you record from another source you will not have the whistle. But the sound (noticed mostly during music) will be warbly.
The ZU version has a mono TV tuner that does not whistle and the sound is quite excellent with no "wow and flutter".

I would return the 1600MU and get the ZU if possible or better yet get another make of recorder. The Liteon 5005 is just a little more money but works pretty well. (I tried one for a while) It is only a mono tuner like the cyberhome, however. Both recorders record stereo through auxiliary inputs though.

There are other recorders to consider. And there are many people here who know a lot about them. (I only know a little about the 1600ZU and MU - I returned the MU after finding its failings impossible to live with.)
Lurk and read and post and you'll find good advice.

Good luck.

Just an update on my June 1600 ZU unit. I did the firmware updates a day after purchasing it. I've made over 100 recordings with this unit and it is basically given me no problems. The majority of my recordings are in 2 or 3 hour mode. (suprisingly I've never even used HQ mode I don't think....) The majority of my recordings are converting old vhs tapes to dvd or dvd to dvd of movies I OWN. The one thing about this machine (I don't know if this is an issue with all dvd recorders, or just one of the 1600's quirks) if you let the disk your recording stop itself becuase it becomes full, then your probably going to have a useless disk. I've found this to be the only consistant problem with my unit. I just have to be home to stop the recording before the disk becomes full, or simply set the timer. I've used +R/RW's and -R/RW's without fail. It prefers ceartin brands over others but thats been covered many times over. I guess I'm one of the few fortunate people to get a 1600 there still happy with. Its paid for itself 20 times over so if it craps out tonight I'm still ahead in my book. Good luck to all.

I pretty much echo autoMP5's words. I still have my 1600ZU (I wasn't sure if I was clear that I still had my Cyberhome in my previous post above) and it has transferred a lot of tapes and Laserdiscs for me.
Good luck

BTW, I didn't do the fw update. I might still do it but it works so I don't want to change that.

I've had better luck than spiderbite, below me, but I would not recommend this recorder either. I don't use the builtin tuner at all now that I have an HD tuner that has a 480i output. Works very well.
But get something better. And return this machine if you still can.

I have the ZU unit and it's a piece of crap, thank god I only paid $69 for it, I only use it now to copy my old VHS tapes. I also noticed the the unit locks up sometimes when channel surfing in 'tuner' mode and when this happen it scraps the DVD disc.

Basically you get what you pay, this unit is **** and I'd never recommend it to anyone.

Ran out of time to exchange (bought it July 2, 05.) It works fine recording from the tv. Only sounds bad when dubbing DVDs or VHSs from those machines with this Cyberhome 1600 recorder. Too bad. I bought it to swap David Bowie footage I've collected, most of it music and interviews. :(

I pretty much echo autoMP5's words. I still have my 1600ZU (I wasn't sure if I was clear that I still had my Cyberhome in my previous post above) and it has transferred a lot of tapes and Laserdiscs for me.
Good luck

BTW, I didn't do the fw update. I might still do it but it works so I don't want to change that.

I've had better luck than spiderbite, below me, but I would not recommend this recorder either. I don't use the builtin tuner at all now that I have an HD tuner that has a 480i output. Works very well.
But get something better. And return this machine if you still can.
\

I will echo MP5 and Cyrano...i primarily use my 1600ZU to copy TV shows from my TIVO and have had no problems except for when the disc gets full like MP5 said then i cannot transfer to my CPU, thank god i use RW's but this has already paid for itself...and even tho they are now $76 at target i cannot bring myself to buy another (why tempt fate) yeah if it dies tomorrow i will be PO'd but i will go find another mid priced on this time.....

If the quality looks bad on a normal TV, I'd shudder to think what it would look like on my 100" screen! :o Spend the extra money and get a truly good brand (Panny or Sony) then do a side-by-side comparison on a TV larger than 27" in order to see just how sloppy the recordings are with the cheap recorder. I'd take one good recorder over 5 junk ones anyday.

Bumgrappler and other curious parties,

I have successfully cleaned the lens of a tabletop CD player with a cotton swab and photographic quality lens cleaning fluid. The CD player began skipping then pausing then ultimately stopped reading disks altogether. Dust does tend to accumulate inside electronic components especially if they include fans drawing air through the device. Though I haven't opened a DVD player/recorder, I suspect the process is the same since the len's surface faces upward to read the bottom surface of the inserted disk. After removing 4 or so screws and the cover of the machine, the lens was easily accessible. First I CAREFULLY used some canned air to blow out the entire inside of the unit. Then using a cotton swab JUST dampened with PHOTOGRAPHIC quality lens cleaning fluid I lightly swiped the lens and dried it with a dry swab. DON'T SCRUB. Voila! Works like new. Please aware of the warranty exceptions to opening your device, mine was 7 years old thus nothing to lose. And I am not factory trained. As a matter of fact the next time I perform such a cleaning I will use photographic lens paper in lieu of the cotton swab. Good Luck.

Ok so I had my player for a bit that I got at target. I ended up getting the MU unit since being able to play Divx is very importaint to me. I returned my Philips 642 (that was just a dvd player with divix playback) and got this unit for $20 more. It was a good deal. I have been able to record dvd+r on it with no problem but I'm encountering a strange result with my dvd-r Legacy disks (that I got 100 spindle of cheap)
Seems like eather they work fine but when I go to finalize they turn to coasters. Now after I did the firmware upgrade I get simular but yet different results.

Here is what happens now and I wonder if anyone has had expierience with this problem.

Seems like the unit always prompts me for a blank disk before a scheduled recording session. So as schedule recording is about to kick off it asks me to insert a blank disk with a hit "ok" or "Cancel" propmt. If I hit ok it will start recording normaly on the disk already in that unit (which was formated) and all seems ok.

If I set the schedule to record another show since I still have 2 hrs left on disk in EP mode. It will do the same thing.

Is this some setting that needs to be turned off or something. Is it my bad DVD-R disks or what? Why even have a schedule record if its going to ask you to hit "ok" every time. Now I haven't tried going back to my DVD+R disks since I have less of them to mess around on.

gwave,
Save yourself a lot of time and frustration; take that thing back where you got it and buy a namebrand recorder such as the Panasonic ES 10. I did after two frustrating months of creating coasters. As time went on it just got worse. The Panasonic is easy to use, has a very good picture, and is reliable. It is also under $188.00. Good luck!

yes, but will that unit play Divix? I really need a divix player as well as a recorder. I'm low on shelf space so I need to have it in one unit not two.

yes, but will that unit play Divix? I really need a divix player as well as a recorder. I'm low on shelf space so I need to have it in one unit not two.

You might want to start a thread with your question about a recorder that will play back DIVX as the subject. Perhaps someone will know. The Cyberhome 1600ZU (I returned the MU as its sound problem soon became obvious to me) is not a very good machine, IMO. I do own one but I would return it if I could. I get use out of it but I'd rather have gotten a more reliable recorder.

yes, but will that unit play Divix? I really need a divix player as well as a recorder. I'm low on shelf space so I need to have it in one unit not two.

There's an LG recorder that plays Divx (and Xvid), but I don't remember the model number. It's main deficiency is the *only* S-Video input in on the front of the unit, behind the front panel. The back ONLY has composite input. I think the designers were asleep when they designed it. :confused:

have made copies from vhs,cable,dvd's,analog tv, and so on withalmost flawless success. Have ran this thing pretty hard and after 140+ burns it is performing like a champ. picture quality is great either on my 36 upstairs or the 51 incher downstairs, it simply looks great. the sound is pretty good also. I would buy it again and if it were to be down to a reasonalble clearence price after xmas I might pick up another ZU. Very pleased!

Yeh mine works flawless with dvd+r too. Hey I just noticed something today, durring the start of a scheduled recording it says something like "About to start scheduled recording" and then it promts with an "OK" and waits for a couple min, is this normal? Why would it ask for an "ok" if this is a scheduled recording where most people would not be present to press "ok" . i don't know if this is due to new firmware since I never noticed this before the upgrade but then again I was not always around for scheduled recordings to start.

Mine is CH-DVR 1600MS.
But i cant find any update for MS
Is it the same as MU or ZU??

I have the Cyberhome CH-DVR1600 (MU) series DVD recorder. The first one I bought wouldn't read DVDs. I mailed it back to them and they send a replacement within 2 weeks. I visited the Cyberhome website, downloaded and installed the latest firmware in the recorder. At this point, I'm pleased with the quality. I did find a website and found a fix to reset the region code to "0", but I couldn't find a fix for the Macrovision. So, I did a test by playing a copyrighted movie in my Lite-On LVW-5007 DVD Recorder and recorded about 10 minutes with the Cyberhome. There was no problem and it recorded the copyrighted movie well. I used the simple three plug video/audio cables, not S-video. Another thing. I had bought 100 of the cheapest 4x single layer DVD+R discs. I've burned about 12 of them and they burn very well in both recorders. Time will tell, but I have no complaints at this point.

Hello, ive been looking around for the cheapest dvd recorder out there when i came across this one. I have read about maybe 300-400 posts already and i would like for someone to give me the main Pro's and Con's of both version models (Zu and Mu). I want someone to put down the bottom line of what each has to offer. The type of recorder i want has to deal with recoridng Tv shows on schedule, converting vhs to dvd, uploading the dvd on the computer so i can edit the stuff, and able to make it record from a digital camera. When reading through all of this topic, no one has asked a single question about this..can you record a channel while watching a different channel at the same time?

If you want Divx get the MU, if not, get the ZU. The ZU is easier to encode on the PC from what I understand, and it has better sound over the cable/antenna inputs. MU plays Divx and sounds good when not useing the onboard tuner. No you can not record one channel and watch another unless you run some type of splitter. Both do scheduled recordings. No you can not copy protected video. (unless there is a trick I am not aware of).

[QUOTE=gwave]
Seems like the unit always prompts me for a blank disk before a scheduled recording session. So as schedule recording is about to kick off it asks me to insert a blank disk with a hit "ok" or "Cancel" propmt. If I hit ok it will start recording normaly on the disk already in that unit (which was formated) and all seems ok.

If I set the schedule to record another show since I still have 2 hrs left on disk in EP mode. It will do the same thing.
QUOTE]

The issue might be that you have the machine ON when the scheduled recording time comes up. With VCR's, the machine needed to be OFF to utilize a scheduled recording. Since you have the machine ON, it wonders if you are planning on doing something else with the machine during that time, and so asks the quesstion.

Try to keep the machine OFF when a schedule comes up. There's no reason to have the machine on at that time. I'll bet you have no problems recording even when putting a second show on the same disc later.

Just my own guess . . .

John

Well my cybyerhome 1600 has treated me well but I decided to upgrade to a higher end machine. Not such a pleasent suprise. I've read everything I could about makes, models, etc. on this site as well as others. I decided on the pioneer 633H-S. One of the reasons I wanted to upgrade was to get an HD. I've got plenty space with my new unit. This post is a bit off topic but not totally. For one, the 1600 claims to be a +R+RW machine which we all know is false. From what I gathered if your machine was capable of +R format then it would not likely record -R format as well, giving us 1600 users a suprise and a nice bonus. Well the pioneer I bought clearly states its a -R machine. I figured since the 99$ 1600 recorded both formats then a machine that costs over 400 bucks would do the same. As well as posts in the pio. threads indicating being able to record -R and +R formats. Well suprise, suprise my pioneer won't even initalize +r disks. I decided to initalize them in ol' faithful, my 1600 then tried to record. No dice. I've tried 3 different brands. This kinda pissssss' me off but it also makes me like the 1600 even more, which I've been a fan of from the begining. I have an off topic question if anyone knows a solution I'd appreciate it. Is there anyway to merge 2 different recordings off of the HD into one? I know I could record one title to a disc then the other title but I'd like to be able to do it whille both titles were still on the HD. The manuel doesn't cover this issue, kind of a crappy manuel. I don't know if this is a pioneer question or a HD one. More than likely I'll return the pioneer for something else. (other issues that would have me continue to go off topic.) Anyways the 1600 ZU is still badassss and I will continue to use it. I've got about 100 +R disks that are useless to my pioner. Oh the 1600 fell about 4 feet onto a hardwood floor the other day!!! It still works to my suprise. After the fall I shook it to see if there was a rattle but no rattle! One more positive about the 1600 ZU is it takes a licking and keeps on ticking. I like the 1600 more and more. Especially since I've been able to compare it to a machine that was well over 400 bucks. Any advice on the HD dubbing would be welcomed.

It is designed to record +R & +RW and everybody has found out that it will record -R & -RW, is this correct??

Yes true.

PS. Here is one for you video pros. Why is it when I record to a dvd+rw on my 1600 then attempt to play the movie on my pioneer dvd player I get two images side by side of the movie? If I fast forward it goes back to one image but when I hit play its a double image. I do not get this when I put the same disk onto my computer. Also the pioneer unit plays other dvds fine. whats going on here?

uh ... er ... yer recorder is a hunk of crap? ;)

It is designed to record +R & +RW and everybody has found out that it will record -R & -RW, is this correct??
Key word is DESIGNED. Mine used to, but now won't work with anything except the +RW format. Won't recognize -R, will record +R but will say afterward that the disc is empty, when, as others have seen, it's obvious that the burning occured by looking at the underside of the disc, but the disc stil ends up a coaster.

But, regardless, I don't really mind, since +RW works fine, and if the program is something I'll want to keep, I'l put it on my PC and trim the beginning and end to keep only the program (like the Bob Dylan--No Direction Home program on PBS last night and tonight). So no big deal really.

John

whats the best but easiest pc prog to use to transfer from dvd+ rw to dvd+r?

I tried one last week but returned it. The audio had a constant hum during playback (of recorded tv).

Cyberhome's download page has just posted new firmware updates for both the ZU and MU...Let's hope this update addressed the sound issues on the MU.

whats the best but easiest pc prog to use to transfer from dvd+ rw to dvd+r?


I use Nero after i record to an +RW...i rip it to my PC HD using DVD Decryptor which puts it in a folder of your creation all nice and neat..as i said i then use nero to put in chapter stops or create a main menu, take out commercial breaks etc...
let me know if you have any other questions

Has anyone noticed that Target has replaced the Cyberhome with a brand called Trutech for $99? Looks like merely a cosmetic change. I've only seen "MU" versions on the shelves. Has anyone tried one to see if some of the 1600's shortcomings have been addressed?

BrandsMart USA in FL has the 1600 on sale for $78.88

How much lower can they go :D

Has anyone noticed that Target has replaced the Cyberhome with a brand called Trutech for $99? Looks like merely a cosmetic change. I've only seen "MU" versions on the shelves. Has anyone tried one to see if some of the 1600's shortcomings have been addressed?

It could be that Target is getting into the private brand game like Wal-Mart (Durabrand) and Best Buy (Insignia) to increase margin in the items, since nobody makes enough money on these things anyway. Just a thought....

Please explain to this novice how you use the upgrades of firmware for the 1600 ZU if I don't have a computer? I don't understand how the firmware works and what it's for.

Anyone? Thank you.

Also, is there a difference between the Cyberhome 1600 ZU May 2005 and other months of ZUs?

I've tried searching for the answer about Pal and NTSC. Where is it please?

I heard there is new Firmware for MU that just came out. Has anyone tried it yet and noticed anything different or new?

Got Cyberhome DVR 1600 yesterday at Wal-Mart (Canada) for $99.99. It is MU, BIOS: 413/105N, manufactured: July 2005.
I confermed that it plays DivX, also was able to record on DVD-R and DVD-RW. My RW had some previous recordings on it, so it was not recognized at first. Had to format it on PC, then re-format it on DVD player. Did scheduled recording. Worked just fine.

Be sure and record some music with the MU to test it. Piano music is best for warble (wow and flutter) test. Use the auxiliary inputs, not the hummy tuner.
It's a good idea to do this before 30 days (return time) is up.

Annette_Marie: I am using the April 05 ZU version and since it works I'm not going to do a firmware upgrade. Maybe someone else could tell you what improvements it offers. Sometimes it is best to not upgrade. My Cyberhome isn't great but it records what I need it to. The tuner is mono but hum-free (unlike the MU).
I do all of my recording through the Svideo input. MY HD tuner has a 480i output. The recordings look pretty good. Not HD but clean. And the sound (Dolby Digital unlike the MU which is MPEG and can make music quite sour) is excellent.
I'm happy with this little machine although it is very quirky! I put it into Progressive mode and couldn't get a video signal out of it for a long time today. I needed to pull the plug on it for a little while and eventually my Component input on my LCD HD TV found a signal. I really thought it was busted. :(
I recommend leaving it in Interlaced mode! Even getting Progressive mode to stay was difficult.
If you're buying a new DVD recorder spend a little more and get a better machine. But make sure you're getting Dolby Digital and not MPEG. And if you use the built-in tuner get one that is humfree and Stereo.

Just picked up a ZU May 2005 model from Target. Display model with manual, remote and cords, no box for $20. The guy could not find the remote and stuff and thought it was a DVD Player, so he let me have it for $20. After finding you need the remote to run it, I called back and someone else found the stuff.

I have never had a DVD Recoder so total noob here. Recorded from another DVD Player with DVD+R Memorex discs on SP (2 hour). I used just the Yellow Video cord, not SVideo. It recorded just fine and the disc played on my Sony DVD Player with no problem. Picture quality was definatley less than the original, but not bad at all, very watchable. It looks better than VHS quality, but not by much. maybe the S-Video from the source would help.

I am not using it watch DVD's, just record, and for $20 I don't care what the playback is, just want to copy a few DVD's now and then.

I did not have time to read through this whole thread, but for what I paid, it seems to work fine so far.

One question:

I have a May ZU Version 05.66/097
I do not use the Tuner. Just recording a few DVD's now and then.

Should I bother with the firmware updates? It seems to record and play fine. I am not interested in a few minor issue fixes.

Has anyone downloaded the new firmware for the MU. The instructions are poor to say th least. There seems to be no seperate loader firmware for the MU, it does state that it is the same loader firmware for both models but the disk will not work. The second disk, back end will work with the MU.

Typical of Cyberhome.

I also tried to use the lastest firmware upgrade without success. The MU does not reconize the Loader disk. The Firmware disk does seem to want to work but I did not install it because the Loader disk needs to be run first according to the directions. I did have to rename the files with a .ISO extension in order to use the image files with my CD burning software (Sonic and BurnNow).

The recorder seems to be work okay. I had problems with finalizing disks one time. The disk could not be read after it was finalized. After upgrading the firmware it seems to work but the disk are nor reconized by my other DVD players (both are Toshiba).

I am still not sure about this recorder. I still don't trust it. Picture quality is marginal at anything longer then the 2 hour speed.

I have emailed Cyberhome but I have not received a reply yet. They have a problem with their instructions. They are incorrect. I know how to burn an image disk and they have only posted the first file for the Zu model. It is normal that the disks will not be recognized by your Toshiba player. They will only be recognized by the player that needs the firmware update.

I just got this DVD recorder few days ago from Wal-Mart for $99 CND. It's the July version with Servo FW 1.05 and System FW 4.13.

Before buying, I did read the good, bad and ugly posted in the few hundred posts above and decided to see it for myself. I needed a recorder with Divx and Xvid playback support for as cheap as possible and that sold me on the MU.

So far, so good. I did some movie recordings and worked great using 8x Memorex +R & -R. After finalizing, it worked in both a recent Pioneer player as well as an old Apex. As others, I have also encountered the sound problem. I was transfering a Formula 1 race from VHS to DVD and when at the end the national anthemns were played, it got really unbeareable to listen. It did truly sound like a warped vinyl record.

In light of this, I decided to upgrade the firmware. Just like for the others here, the Servo disk also gave me Unknown disk error. I asked customer support about it and got a reply in less than a day. Not the right reply, so it didn't help, but at least someone wrote back. Since out of the box it came with Servo v1.05, I figured I will be ok without updating that. I did the System FW update and it went through ok. Now the version shows as 5.40.

Folks, here is the GOOD NEWS! I recorded the same Formula 1 VHS in SP and this time around the anthemns palyed great. The sound was true to the original recording. I also tried it in LP and ELP and it had no signs of the problems from before. Just to make sure, I popped in my 3 Tenors DVD (that's as close as I have for something instrumental) and that also recorded perfect. At this point I am a happy camper. As long as it lasts me until next summer when I pick up one of those Pioneers with HD (or whatever the best will be at the time), I'm happy.

So far here is MY list of Pros and Cons of the MU

Pros:
- costs little ($99 CND)
- records to both + and - media
- plays Divx/Xvid
- much better quality than SVHS (that I've been using until now)

Cons:
- records MPEG 2 and not AC3 sound
- useless noisy mono tuner
- not all DVDs created can be read by PC
- long term reliability questionable

I got a reply from Cyberhome on whether to update my May ZU. He said:

If your unit is not experiencing disc incompatibility or finalization
errors, then there is no need to update the firmware.

I went ahead and did it anyhow with no problems. I think having the newest version is best. Some have said it finalizes quicker too.

When i got my Mu i did the update without even trying it out, ive recorded a few shows direct thru s-vid from my motorola dvr.
The audio problem is thru recording thru the tuner, not composite or s-vid.
I never heard any audio wobble either.

bump

Whats the current good update for MU thats worth loading?

The sound wobble in the MU model has been fixed by this new firmware update. I have installed the frmware and the wobble effect is gone. And for those who installed the previous version of firmware update : june 2005 version, you don't need to install the front end file of the new update as mentioned in Cyberhome's instruction. I find out when I put the front end disc into the player, it won't install the file because it has the same file as the previous one. I instead install only the backend file which is working ok and the new version is v.5.4.

The sound wobble in the MU model has been fixed by this new firmware update. I have installed the frmware and the wobble effect is gone. And for those who installed the previous version of firmware update : june 2005 version, you don't need to install the front end file of the new update as mentioned in Cyberhome's instruction. I find out when I put the front end disc into the player, it won't install the file because it has the same file as the previous one. I instead install only the backend file which is working ok and the new version is v.5.4.

This is excellent news. Can anyone else confirm this?
I still have the ZU and while it's not as user friendly I am making good discs with it. I do prefer DD to MPEG.

Anyone else having problems with the timer record option?

Anyone else having problems with the timer record option?

There is one other post in here about a timer recording issue but I forget where it is. It concerns a question the machine displays when a timer recording starts, asking if you want to continue with the recording.

What problem are you having?

It was me that noticed a messege such as Insert Disk for recording even though there was a disk. I had to say "ok" for it to read disk. It seems to work fine now a days though. It didn't like my DVD-R 75% of the time yet its fine with dvd+R

I have encounted playback problems such as video and audio going out of sync on the Cyberhome; eg: video not streaming smoothly but audio would stream fine
The same DVDs plays good on my other players. I have loaded the latest firmware.
It is mainly DVDs that I authored myself with TMPGenc. I have been using Maxell DVD-r 8x.
Just wondered if anyone has this problem.

I downloaded the latest software and timer recording appears to be working correctly. My only problem now is the lousy audio off of the internal tuner. I assume that this unit does not support BTSC audio as I do not see a "stereo" indicator.

After i updated the firmware it just froze, i left it for 5 mins and had to remove the power cord to reboot it, i thought i had a dead duck as others here said after firmware updates.
Rebooted fine and i hope the time display issue is fixed, the time would be 5 mins fast after a few weeks.

I use my DVR 1600 as a PAL to NTSC converter. I have quite a few PAL vhs tapes and DVD's, that I want to convert to NTSC DVD's, preferrably DVD-R and of high quality. I have found this to work, better than any of the high price alternatives.

If I record a PAL signal with the DVR 1600, it converts the signal to NTSC and makes a NTSC DVD+R or a sometimes playable, on other players, DVD-R disc. None of this is discussed in their manual. The signal conversion to NTSC is great, however the recording result is average, with all the problems discussed in this thread.

If however, I use the DVR 1600 in a bypass mode, s-video in s-video out (no recording), to my Panasonic E-95 HDD recorder, as an example, the results are excellent. You will have a region free PAL and NTSC recording capability and all the editing features, flexible recording, high speed dubbing. etc..etc.. and the DVD-R quality that the Panny E-95 offers.

I never use the DMR 1600 tuner and have not had any trouble with the unit. For PAL DVDs use the DMR 1600 as a player and NTSC converter, for PAL VHS tapes, as NTSC converter only. You don't ever have to use it's problematic recording capability.

Hi Tony, do you know which model/version do you have ? is it a MU? ZU? ME?

Because mine is a ZU and definetely, it doesn't convert PAL signals (from tuner, a/v inputs) to ntsc, althought it works ok If i try to play a PAL disc.

thanks,
pablo

Hi pchemes,

I have three DVR-1600 recorders. All are MU units, one built in May 2005 and two in June 2005. I bought the two extra units so I would have spare ones if one fails, after reading this thread. So far I have used all units and they work fine. I have none of the problems discussed in this thread, but then I have never used the tuner or timer recording on them.

The one hooked up to my Panasonic E-95 (NTSC dvd recorder US model) through s-vhs, has the following data:

Vi : C01912MCU
Servo : DX041D D100N
Adsp : V08.00.01:45 R02
Control: C00000363

All units were purchased from BestBuys in California, about a month ago for $99.00 ea ( truly a best buy).

I feed the units from PAL Sony 9500MDP (PAL) S-VHS medical VCR, or from a Panasonic commercial 7330 s-vhs VCR source units. Both source units output PAL and do not convert to NTSC ( confirmed by DVDO HD scaler and video monitor, but not in loop during interlaced 480i recording).

For PAL dvd to NTSC dvd recording, I use a Panasonic industrial DVD-V-7400 PAL player through the DVR-1600 feeding my E-95, or the DVR-1600 as the source player if extra picture controls etc, are not neccessary. My DVR-1600 MCU units convert PAL to NTSC automatically, always NTSC out. There is no way that I know to convert NTSC to PAL on ny DVR-1600 (hidden menu?)

Hope this helps.

Hi pchemes,

Correction: I use the Pioneer industrial DVD-V-7400 DVD player as source and
not a Panasonic DVD-V-7400 as stated. The Pioneer is one of the best built dvd players with a 34,000 hr MTBF.

Anyone successfully use the firewire input to record from a Motorola cable box. I bought a Cyberhome 1600, but I don't want to waste $30 for a cable if it's not capable.

BTW the 1600 seems to be working well after installing both firmware updates.

Jon

Just got my DVR1600 MU built in aug 05 I thought it would have up to date firmware but didn't. Right away I heard the wow in the audio so I downloaded the new back end firmware 5.40. It went right to nero to burn, audio is now perfect. I'm now very happy with this machine.

Do DVD-RW's recorded on the 1600MU need to be finalized to play on other players?

The manual says that DVD-R's do but doesn't say whether DVD-RW's need to be or not. I am using Maxell DVD-RW's which record and playback fine on the 1600, but they won't load on my PC or DVD players.

All DVD-RW discs will need to be finalised b4 playing on other DVD players. There is no need to be finalised with DVD+RW discs to play on other DVD players.

I really need help. I can only record channels 3-13. I tried going to setup then to general and then i tried to select tv signal, add\delete channel, and automatic search, but it won't let me.

please help!

You need to set it to cable.. Then let it autotune you channels.

Jon

Anyone successfully use the firewire input to record from a Motorola cable box. I bought a Cyberhome 1600, but I don't want to waste $30 for a cable if it's not capable.

BTW the 1600 seems to be working well after installing both firmware updates.

Jon


Thats a BIG NO-GO, i thought the same thing, firewire off a moto is a whole different signal than a camcorder, plus the bandwith off a STB would fry the guts out of the 1600.

I got one for my birthday. So far, it has not worked at all. I inserted blank media, and the format prompt comes up. I tell it to format and the format starts and it takes about 3-4 minutes before returning with a "Disc Error" message, so I saw there we some firmware updates which I did and then tried again. Still no luck.

I got the same results with both Memorex 8x DVD+R and TDK 8x DVD+R.

take it back! That sounds like a defective unit. I used Memorex dvd+r and dvd+rw and they work just fine . The DVD-R are hit and miss but work 75% of the time.

Hi, I have a very peculiar problem with my Cyberhome DVR 1600. I was trying to change the "Scan Mode" option under A/V Output- Video option. It gave me a warning saying if the picture is not correct, the settings will be restored in 10 seconds. I said Yes and thats it the TV screen went blank. Nothing happened even after 10 seconds and now I am stuck. I turned off and tried again and nothing. No image in the TV screen. Seems like the DVD player works but nothing shows up in the TV. My TV (Sony KV32HS500) supports interlaced as well as progressive scan and this shouldn't be an issue.

I even tried connecting the DVD player to another TV and same issue, nothing in the TV screen but the lcd panel in the DVD player shows that it can identify the DVD and if press play it even shows that it is playing.

Is there a way to get back to the factory default? This option has to be done not by looking at the TV screen as currently nothing comes up on the TV.

srajarat: Same thing happened to me. I unplugged the unit for a couple of hours and I got the picture back. I was trying to get the Recorder into Progressive mode and I got it. However I went back to Interlaced as my TV allows for more display modes in that setting.
I do remember thinking I was now the owner of a boat anchor, but the 1600 did start working again. :confused:

Good luck.

Whew !! I had to perform the blind key sequences with my remote as there is an option in the General->Restore which restored the factory defaults. I popped in a DVD, pressed Stop. Then pressed Setup and then Enter then 5 times down arrow key, then the right arrow key to select the Restore option and then the left arrow key to select the Yes, voila. Now I got my picture back in the TV.

Is this recorder compatable with DVD-Ram disk?

Jon

I got one for my birthday. So far, it has not worked at all. I inserted blank media, and the format prompt comes up. I tell it to format and the format starts and it takes about 3-4 minutes before returning with a "Disc Error" message, so I saw there we some firmware updates which I did and then tried again. Still no luck.

I got the same results with both Memorex 8x DVD+R and TDK 8x DVD+R.

I had similar results with mine. I believe that earlier in the thread someone listed the media that aren't officially supported by this unit. If my memory is correct (it comes and goes), TDK and Memorex were two that could give you problems. I, too, was using TDK and Memorex; however, when I switched to Philips media, the problem was nearly eliminated.

Whew !! I had to perform the blind key sequences with my remote as there is an option in the General->Restore which restored the factory defaults. I popped in a DVD, pressed Stop. Then pressed Setup and then Enter then 5 times down arrow key, then the right arrow key to select the Restore option and then the left arrow key to select the Yes, voila. Now I got my picture back in the TV.

WOW :eek: Good work, Congrats. This is info worth having.

Made region free with the following hack:

To change setting from region 1 to the region of your choice:
1. Power on the player
2. With the remote control press set up.
3. With the remote control press the following sequence of
numbers: 1, 6, 9, 5, 1, 8.
4. A hidden menu will appear.
5. Choose your required region from 0-9
6. Region 0 sets the player to multiregional.
7. Exit the menu and power off and then power on. The player
will now be set to the region of your choice.

I happened to visit a Wal-Mart at Mississauga, Ontario and found 3 sets of MUs and 2 sets of ZUs (both of them are Cyberhomes). Out of curiosity, I bought the MU. Firmware is 41D/105. Tried Fuji DVD-RW disc, recorded fine and played fine. PQ with 2h, 3h, and 4h are good but with 6h you easily noticed PQ degradation.

I have also recorded with Maxell, Memorex and Fuji 4x DVD+RW. They all recorded fine, however, there are playback freezes on the 1600MU after firmware update. They play fine on other DVD recorders and players. Will need to explore further.

A->B Erase works on all Fuji DVD+/-RW, Maxell DVD+RW and Memorex DVD +RW discs after firmware update. It did not do A -> B Erase on Fuji 2x DVD-RW b4 firmware update.

It has 8 recording programme timers which are 3 more than my Daytek P30 and my ILO R04.

It has little editing features (cut commercials) which of course is better than nothing as compared with ILO R04 and Daytek P30.

I made it region free with the above procedure, i.e. setup, record, 1, 6, 9, 5, 1, 8, a hidden menu appeared, and then 0. Voila!

There is about 5 seconds delay of machine response to key pressed and is acceptable to me though improving to within 2 seconds will be perfect.

The sound recorded thru the TV tuner is awefull b4 firmware (September 2005) upgrade. It improved a lot but still has little distortion with slow soft tunes, not very noticeable though.

The following region hack does not work on my 1600MU:

1. Press Setup
2. Press Rec
3. Press 8,1,0,5
4. Press Rec
5. Select the region code with the number keys or the navigation keys. 0 for Multiregion.
6. Press Setup to return from the setup menu

Is this recorder compatable with DVD-Ram disk?

Jon


Bump

Is this recorder compatable with DVD-Ram disk?

Jon

No, only DVD-R/W and DVD+R/W.

Does this recorder handle HD TV well? How about Surround Sound?

Also have you guys noticed that it tends to start recording a few minutes before a show starts or is this just my clock being off. Seems like I get 3-4 min of stuff before the actual scheduled program starts. When I go to edit out the extra stuff using A-B edit it works but it never takes out the thumb picture (in menu) of the extra show no matter how soon I start the edit.

atrac,

Thanks for the info concerning DVD-Ram.

Jon

atrac,

Thanks for the info concerning DVD-Ram.

Jon

My pleasure. :)

Does this recorder handle HD TV well? How about Surround Sound?

Also have you guys noticed that it tends to start recording a few minutes before a show starts or is this just my clock being off. Seems like I get 3-4 min of stuff before the actual scheduled program starts. When I go to edit out the extra stuff using A-B edit it works but it never takes out the thumb picture (in menu) of the extra show no matter how soon I start the edit.

My MU advances time say like 2-3 minutes per month, i was hoping the latest firmware upgrade would help but it did not.

Too lazy to read thread, but I've read that Walmart will be having this recorder on sale on black friday day after Thanksgiving for $79

Both these i believe are the same recorder, I bought a ILO a few days ago. I have a few problems with it. One is that the picture is kind of blochy on all the inputs. I have my digital cable receiver hooked into it for S-Video and it doesn't look that much better compared to Video1, i have tested on HD (1hr), SP (2hr), Sp+ (3hr), and LP (4hr) speeds and with the blotchiness. It doesn't make much difference from 1 - 4 hour speeds. haven't tried 6 or 8 hours yet. Thats on the recording, since i have an awsome dvd player and only got that to record cable. I use imation 4x -DVD-RW and most of the time it works ok. I found out that the chapter stops causes my computer to read the disc and errors. (i put the movies and shows on there to edit and put them on a final dvdr. since if you use DVD shrink you can put more than 1 movie on a disc without much reduction.), I was upset cause last night I recorded a Stand up comedian, recorded it just like i did before, and it wouldn't play on anything. Like most people think the remote sucks. I hate how you have to select a source. I don't see why they just couldn't have you push the source button to cycle through them. but noo, every time you put in a disc and want to get it back to record you have to go into a menu to select the source.

Overall for $98.00 i give this a 4. For anyone that doesn't want the high quality recording and doesn't mind VHS quality. (which is understandable since DVR's are much cheaper than vhs). I would buy it for the price.

I got 90 days to return it so i'm gonna bring it back within that time and get a panasonic, which is the highest rated DVD Recorder at Circuit city. and for less than $200.00.

Also, I have tried recording before and after the firmware updates.

I haven't had any of the problems you are experiencing, other than the crappy remote and often awkward ways doing things. My picture quality is great. I'm also running the new firmware, but can't comment on any improvement since I automatically upgraded without even trying out the unit. I would suggest you exchange your recorder and see if the problem was a defective unit.

Jon

I haven't had any of the problems you are experiencing, other than the crappy remote and often awkward ways doing things. My picture quality is great. I'm also running the new firmware, but can't comment on any improvement since I automatically upgraded without even trying out the unit. I would suggest you exchange your recorder and see if the problem was a defective unit.

Jon

Jon,

Like you, I am not having any trouble with my unit. Some of the problems are symptomatic of possible environmental issues, maybe the audio problems like hum, etc. are grounding or shielding problems. I have a May '05 UM with original firmware. Audio is great, no probs with the tuner. No media problems yet. Only thing I did was make it region-free. This appears to be a phenomenal unit...

UPDATE - Audio

I went ahead and recorded Peter Gabriel Growing Up Live to a DVD on this machine and played it through my Denon 1801 + JBL Studio Monitors. The warbling others have talked about was evident in the recording. I applied the Firmware update 9/2005 and the audio problems went away.

In applying the firmware the following occurred:

1) The front-end update went fine. Machine re-booted itself and I powered off/on and reset the defaults. On my unit the General | Defaults are labeled differently in the menu than in the instructions.

2) I then applied the Back-End upgrade. At the end of the upgrade, after pressing ENTER, the machine did not reboot and said UPGRADE on the LCD display.

I unplugged the unit, plugged it back in and re-applied the upgrade. This time everything worked fine.

A new system and loader firmware came out 9/27. Does anyone know what they fix and or change. I have a 1600MU manufactured May 2005. I don't seem to be having any of the problems others have reported and question if I should update.

I read on another board the new firmware still allows you to reset Region but enables Macrovision?

It improves the playback sound by a large step and is acceptable in general but still need further improvement especially when playing soft slow audio CDs, the sound is distorted slightly. It probablly increase support of more blank media.

Can anybody tell me the difference between the ch-dvr 1200 and the ch-dvr 1600? Only the 1600 is on the cyberhome site. As somebody mentioned last week, walmart is selling the dvr1200 for $68 on Friday.

Can anybody tell me the difference between the ch-dvr 1200 and the ch-dvr 1600? Only the 1600 is on the cyberhome site. As somebody mentioned last week, walmart is selling the dvr1200 for $68 on Friday.

It's hard to tell from the picture in the Wal*Mart flyer, but it seems that the 1200 at does not have the firewire port.

Ok I have the 1600ZU and every now and then it will give me a bad disk message after I finalize the DVD (I am using memorex DVD+R 16X) and on top of that when I do get it to finalize {cross my fingers} when I play back the DVD in any other player including my computer it freezes up continuously.
Can someone please help me out? What am I doing wrong or was my mistake buying this machine?
Billy

Ok I have the 1600ZU and every now and then it will give me a bad disk message after I finalize the DVD (I am using memorex DVD+R 16X) and on top of that when I do get it to finalize {cross my fingers} when I play back the DVD in any other player including my computer it freezes up continuously.
Can someone please help me out? What am I doing wrong or was my mistake buying this machine?
Billy

Yep. +R, -R, none now work for me. The +R used to, and I had 1 or 2 -Rs work, but now all fail.

However, +RW I have no problems with. I think you'll just have to use rewritable disks and make the transfers on your PC to +R or -R discs if you want to keep the info permanently. I don't have any other issues with my ZU, and am pretty happy with it over all.
John

Hey guys, I just picked this one up, the MU version, and i've been trying to d/l the firmware update from the site, but I think they removed it, everytime i try the link it times out, any ideas? if possible can anyone post it somewhere? any help would be great

Nevermind, i'm an idiot

Nevermind, i'm an idiot


If you are an idiot and figured it out then I must be a complete moron.

Please explain how you got it to download.

Thanks, Mark

I bought an October05MU version of this unit today at a Black Friday sale at CompUSA. Does anyone know if it has the latest firmware? I'd really like to not bother if I don't have to. The web site is not helpful.

I bought one of the 1600s in CompUSAs Black Friday sale, went in at Midnight **sigh** so my wife can play Thai DVDs and hopefully easily record on to DVDs. This is likely a better player than my old Toshiba SD-2109. I tried to download the updated BIOS and it the Cyberhome downloads are down. I have emailed them.

Although it doesn't seem to correlate with the infomation on the Cyberhome, if you look on the end of the box there is a globe showing the default region and UPC code. Below that there is a tag to show what model it is and the BIOS installed. Try it and see if it works without the updated BIOS. Sound seemed to be the issue fixed.

My unit is a CH-DVR 1600MU, manufactured in August 2005, BIOS 413:105N

I have not opened this yet, trying to determine if it will fit our needs for $79. It has the Dolby Digital emblem on it, hmm.

Earlier in this thread, there was mention that WalMarts ILO is the same machine as the 1600. This is the website and it has some additional info like a list of compatible DVDs:

http://www.iloservice.com/

What type of DVD media does my DVDR05 support for RECORDING? The DVDR05 will record on DVD+R and DVD+RW media. The different brands that have been tested and known to work are the following. This is NOT by all means an exhaustive listing:

* Fuji
* Sony
* Verbatim
* Imation
* Ritek
* CyberHome
* MBI
* CMC Magnetics
* Daton
* InfoDisc
* Intenso
* MCC
* Medianca
* Nanya
* Ricoh
* RiData
* Samsung
* Lead Data
* GQ

Dead 1600MU?

I got it out of the box and connected it up. When I loaded a DVD, VCD, or any disk it just says "no disk" on both the unit and TV screen.

It has the sound of very muted woodpeckers when the disk is loading.

I also reset the region to 0 and still no joy. Any other ideas, I think I have a DOA Cyberhome 1600MU and may need to make a trip to CompUSA. POOP.

Do the usual rules for loading the firmware still apply to the latest firmware or is there a new trick to get it on trouble free?

I bought an October05MU version of this unit today at a Black Friday sale at CompUSA. Does anyone know if it has the latest firmware? I'd really like to not bother if I don't have to. The web site is not helpful.

I also got the exact recorder. It has already loaded with the latest firmware (both front and end). I've tested recording from Firewire with both NTSC and PAL video in, tuner, and S-video in. All work fine. I have not tested using it as a PAL-NTSC converter as someone said above. If it works, I can move my converter to another TV set with another multi-system VCR. I've tested DVD-R and DVD-RW in 1hr, 2hr, 3hr, and 8hr mode. They all work fine. I cannot really tell the difference between 1hr and 2hr mode in picture quality. The only problem I notice is the PAL Firewire input recording, the frame drop is noticeable, presumably as an outcome of the video signal conversion.
There is a small problem with the audio input impedance problem that if I have the same audio input splitted to feed to another device, the recorder will receive no audio sginal. As soon as I unplug audio input to the other device, it works fine. Most people may not see this problem. I am using a 5-in/4-out AV switch that channel 4/5-input share the same button.
I also verified the PAL-NTSC converter function by playing a PAL video tape on a multi-system VCR with PAL video signal going through the DVR-1600 to TV. This basically replace the stand alone PAL-NTSC converter that I have been using. The Cyberhome works well and I can burn that onto DVD as well without problem. This time I do not see any significant frame drop.

I see Cyberhomes site is listing a new front end download dated 11/28/2005 for both the MU and ZU models. Anyone know what this is intended to fix?

Jon

Hi Everyone...

I found this board while searching for a "hum" sound coming from my 1200.

It appears that it has the newest firmware(checked the cyberhome site), so I don't think that would be a fix. It's not extremely noticeable, but it is definitely a nuisance.

I've isolated the hum to the tuner in the dvr itself. For instance, when I connect a cd player to the rca inputs in the back & run it through the dvr, there is absolutely no hum at all. Also, my tv is running from the coax out port of the dvr and there is also *no hum* in that situation. So, the hum is present only when coming through the tuner of the dvr.

I've read about people thinking it might be a shielding/grounding situation. I was just wondering if anyone has opened up a 1600 or 1200 and have attempted to locate a grounding problem with the tuner?

Someone posted earlier that they don't make ZU anymore. If this is true, is MU better than ZU? Should I return my ZU and get an MU? I've had a lot of problems with DVD media even with the latest firmware update, so I'm wondering if that's caused by a difference between the ZU/MU.


Thanks for any advice

The buzz in the MU tuner (it's not in the ZU tuner) seems to be part of the design. I haven't opened up the machine to see if there is a way to fix it though. Many people have reported it. I use an HD tuner for my TV recordings now so the tuner doesn't matter to me. Its Mono is a deal killer anyway, IMO.

The MU had a problem with its sound which some say is now fixed with a new fw upgrade. However, the MU is MPEG sound. The ZU is Dolby Digital. My Zu does a very good job although I remember that the MU I owned for a short time had VBR (variable bit rate) and its PQ might be better. I remember that the bit rate would change quite a bit depending on screen action. The ZU bit rate stays pretty much the same within a narrow range.
I must say, though, that the PQ I see on our 80" PJ driven screen looks OK with the ZU. From what most people say the MU is better, but I didn't like the sound problems. Perhaps they are fixed now but I can hear even the slight offpitch in a soundtrack. (That's the problem my MU had) And I prefer DD to MPEG. I do have 2 DVDs of the same program made on each recorder. I couldn't see any difference in PQ.

I just got the latest 1600MU came with updated firmware (built in Oct2005). I do not notice the hum noice with the tuner. Perhaps they have it fixed. I do found a low audio output problem when the input source is from the back. Other than that, it works pretty well particularly with Firewire input. I have tested DVD-R, DVD+R, and DVD+RW and all work. I got one DVD-R coaster (out of 6) that I filled up the disk and stuck. It is detected as unknown disk afterward. I am still not sure if I did something wrong since I have the disk ejected before hitting the stop button. Anyway, I have solved most of the problem by reorganizing my I/O switch box. I've removed my video system converter from my stack as the 1600 can work as a converter also (even on S-video input). Ventilation is very critical for this unit. I am using the Teon 8x media which was on clearance at Staples (40-pk for ~$6).

So I got the 1600 and the famous "hum" noise in tv tuner mode, is this a product issue? If so, does anyone know if cyberhome is aware or creating a fix, otherwise this thing is going back to the store. Records well, but 90 bucks doesnt justify having to hear the noise in every recording, thats lame.

I am using the Teon 8x media which was on clearance at Staples (40-pk for ~$6).
Teons can be very poor media to use. I had a number of coasters the last time I tried them. BTW, the coasters would often still work in the drive that burned them but not in any other DVD player.

So I got the 1600 and the famous "hum" noise in tv tuner mode, is this a product issue?
In my experience the answer is, Yes. That is why I took my MU back and got a ZU. Although now I no longer record through the 1600's tuner. (I use an HD tuner)

Hopefully a firmware upgrade can fix it. But I don't know. It is pretty annoying.

So what, do I need to dig through the stack of players and find the one that is the "zu" not the 'mu" unit? Is there a price difference between the two...why arent the models specified? Seems odd.

Fear not little ones with major problems with the Cyberhome DVD equipment for I have good news.
I just saved.......No just kidding. I have the telephone number for Cyberhome because they never get back to you via email.

(888) 302-2727 Monday-Friday 9:00AM-6:00PM Pacific Time

They keep you on hold for a while but hey it's better than waiting for an email return that never comes :D

Fear not little ones with major problems with the Cyberhome DVD equipment for I have good news.
I just saved.......No just kidding. I have the telephone number for Cyberhome because they never get back to you via email.

(888) 302-2727 Monday-Friday 9:00AM-6:00PM Pacific Time

They keep you on hold for a while but hey it's better than waiting for an email return that never comes :D

There is a regular number that you can call that might help and get a live person
(510) 226-2723

Thanks for the info, talked to the tech guy and he couldnt figure out the humming problem, switch this, try that - nothing of significant value to solve this problem. It will be packed up and back to the store tomorrow. Is there a chance a different unit might work correctly or are they all problematic in this case? Thought I might do a return and test another.

Thanks for the info, talked to the tech guy and he couldnt figure out the humming problem, switch this, try that - nothing of significant value to solve this problem. It will be packed up and back to the store tomorrow. Is there a chance a different unit might work correctly or are they all problematic in this case? Thought I might do a return and test another.

I think it's just as people have said...the MUs have the hum and the ZUs do not. I isolated EVERYTHING from my setup separately and determined 110% that the hum was coming from the tuner.

I probably won't even waste my time calling the tech support number. I believe that most likely the hum *is* coming from a bad ground or a design issue in the tuner circuit. I don't think the WM that I bought my 1200 at has anymore in stock, so I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I really wanted this recorder to work out, but I just can't live with the humming noise....way too annoying.

The MU, ZU designation is on the box with the serial number. There is no price difference. The MU is a more user-friendly machine. The menu is better and it is faster in its functions.
But, if you want to use the tuner don't get the MU. Others are saying the MU is fine as far as wow and flutter problems are concerned. But I still don't like the MPEG sound. I prefer the ZU with DD.

Actually if I could still return mine I would and I'd pick up the Liteon 1101 at BB for $79 and give it a try.

Good luck.

Ill go that route, grab the Liteon and see what gives. Ill post my review of that unit.

Looking forward to the review. The liteon was $79 last week. I can't be sure of its price today.

I want to start a petition to report this company (cyberhome0 to the BBB. Let me know if you are interested.

I went out last night and bought the 1600MU. Recorded a show with a 4X DVD-R disc . When I tried to finalize it I got "Disc Error". What's up?? I've read from many of you that DVD-R/RW work fine in this machine, otherwise I wouldn't of purchased it!! HELP!! :(
had1

Not sure about your "error" problem, but did you notice a humming noise on your machine while in the tv tuner mode? It blows that Cyberhome is unloading these machines - knowing it has this problem?

I went out last night and bought the 1600MU. Recorded a show with a 4X DVD-R disc . When I tried to finalize it I got "Disc Error". What's up?? I've read from many of you that DVD-R/RW work fine in this machine, otherwise I wouldn't of purchased it!! HELP!! :(
had1

Both -R and -RW's work in mine, but remember most burners are DVD brand sensitive. Your problem may be that the brand of disc you purchased is not compatable with the Cyberhome. All brands of DVD burners have this issue. Also have you updated your firmware??

Last but not least, I wish people complaining about the tuner hum would indicate if they have updated their firmware or not?? I have a MU model with a May 05 build date and updated firmware. Mine does not have a hum problem. Did the frimware fix the hum?? I don't know, since the very 1st thing I did when I opened the box, was update the firmware.

Jon

Both -R and -RW's work in mine, but remember most burners are DVD brand sensitive. Your problem may be that the brand of disc you purchased is not compatable with the Cyberhome. All brands of DVD burners have this issue. Also have you updated your firmware??

Last but not least, I wish people complaining about the tuner hum would indicate if they have updated their firmware or not?? I have a MU model with a May 05 build date and updated firmware. Mine does not have a hum problem. Did the frimware fix the hum?? I don't know, since the very 1st thing I did when I opened the box, was update the firmware.

Jon
I just want to echo what Jon says. Could those who have the hum problem please state what their firmware # is? Maybe we could learn something.
What is your fw # Jon?

I have had excellent luck with Memorex, TDK and Fujifilm 4X to 16X media. I have had bad luck with Teon. (Teon is bad in most machines, IMO)
My model is the ZU April 05 with no update done. I don't want to do an update unless it shows me a problem. So far it does what I need it to do.

My Zu's Version #s are: Main: CH_18.3.01.05.56 Loader: 090NDX

BTW: The Liteon I mentioned above is still $79 at our BB. I'd get one but I've enough toys. :)

Last but not least, I wish people complaining about the tuner hum would indicate if they have updated their firmware or not?? I have a MU model with a May 05 build date and updated firmware. Mine does not have a hum problem. Did the frimware fix the hum?? I don't know, since the very 1st thing I did when I opened the box, was update the firmware.

Jon

No problem, here you go...

Ui: C00055MCUND
Servo: DX041D D 105N
Adsp: V08.00.01.45 R0.2
Control: C00000439

Is this not the latest firmware? On the cyberhome site the latest MU firmware is the 105N(have it) and the backend is the 5.40 (is this the 55MCUND on my unit?). If so, then obviously the 55 is above the 5.40.

Is it possible to flash the firmware to an older version, or would that ruin the unit?

No problem, here you go...

Ui: C00055MCUND
Servo: DX041D D 105N
Adsp: V08.00.01.45 R0.2
Control: C00000439

Is this not the latest firmware? On the cyberhome site the latest MU firmware is the 105N(have it) and the backend is the 5.40 (is this the 55MCUND on my unit?). If so, then obviously the 55 is above the 5.40.

Is it possible to flash the firmware to an older version, or would that ruin the unit?

No the Control: C00000439 is the back end as I have a MU manuf. Oct 05 that says BIOS: 540/105N and i have

Ui: C00065MCU
Servo: DX041D D 105N
Adsp: V08.00.01.46 R0.2
Control: C00000540

Cyrano,

Mine is a May 05 manufacturing date with updated firmware and no hum.

Firmware is as follows;
Ui: C00065MCU
Servo: DX041D D 105N
Adsp: V08.00.01.46 R0.2
Control: C00000540

Jon

No the Control: C00000439 is the back end as I have a MU manuf. Oct 05 that says BIOS: 540/105N and i have

Ui: C00065MCU
Servo: DX041D D 105N
Adsp: V08.00.01.46 R0.2
Control: C00000540

So could I just upgrade the backend to the newer version?? The way the download page reads, you have to upgrade the the loader first and THEN the backend. My loader seems to be current though, but maybe upgrading the backend would get rid of the hum (that would be awesome :))

So could I just upgrade the backend to the newer version?? The way the download page reads, you have to upgrade the the loader first and THEN the backend. My loader seems to be current though, but maybe upgrading the backend would get rid of the hum (that would be awesome :))

Just go here and download the backend file, burn it to a CD and finalize. Then just put it in your player and follow the directions.

http://www.cyberhome.com/downloads.asp?Product=1600

Jon

Just go here and download the backend file, burn it to a CD and finalize. Then just put it in your player and follow the directions.

http://www.cyberhome.com/downloads.asp?Product=1600

Jon

Thanks :) I'll give it a try in a bit & I'll post back with results!

I am using the ZU so perhaps it is different for me but my details are so different that I wondered if I need to go somewhere else to get my fw info.
I got my numbers by going to Setup, then Version, then the info I put up earlier came up.

If the MUs are indeed fixed with the new fw then I should have kept my MU. I first got the ZU, then people raved about the MU so I traded in the ZU for one. But after recording a musical production with it, and also noticing the hum on the builtin tuner I returned it for another ZU.
I am happy with the ZU, although I remember that the MU menu and overall user-friendliness was better. And I do think the MU had the potential for better PQ although I could not see an improvement on my 80" front projected picture. The bit rate is higher with the MU and seems to be VBR. (more complex scenes have a higher bit rate)

I would like to hear for myself that the audio problems are indeed gone. The tuner hum doesn't matter to me as I don't use the builtin tuner. (I got the Radio Shack HD tuner [Accurian] that was on sale for $90. The PQ and SQ are incredible with it)
Perhaps I'll give the MU a try again. :confused: Or I might try the Liteon @ BB for $79. It also has a DV input, I think.

I do like the way the ZU handles almost every -RW and -R I throw at it. It doesn't like cheapies like Teon, though.
Anyone else here go from ZU to MU and can you delineate the improvements?

Thanks!

I do like the way the ZU handles almost every -RW and -R I throw at it. It doesn't like cheapies like Teon, though.

Thanks!

Didn't upgrade yet, but wanted to reply to this... my MU handles all kinds of crap! It worked GREAT with TEON dvd-rs, and reads & records to an old scratched up hp dvd+RW. Media compatibility seems to be great with this thing.

The only thing I noticed besides the "hum" is that if you have the "memory" feature turned on (resume dvd playback from same spot), it takes FOREVER for discs to load.

It might depend on which batch you get with cheap media. I only tried one Teon in the Cyberhome (bad). 99% of the recording I do is with my HTPC DVD burner. It has only had problems with a batch of Teons I bought at Staples last year. The DVD were a little oily on the edges and had a strong odor. I didn't get coasters per se. The discs would always play in the PC's DVD burner that created them but they wouldn't always play in other players. I've had not such problems with any other brands.

I believe Videohelp.com has mentioned Teons as a brand that is more variable than most in its quality control. I won't use them again. They were $5 for 40 when I bought them.

I'm glad your batch was good. :)

I bought a DVR1600 at Brandsmart (Atlanta) a few days ago, it is an MU unit, with Oct 2005 manufacturing date. Firmware versions seem to match latest versions available at Cyberhome web site.

So far, have confirmed it will record on DVD +-R media, and also confirmed the annoying background audio hum when recording with built in tuner. Since the audio hum is such a well known and obvious flaw as noted in this forum, one has to marvel that the factory was still cranking them out with the hum in October 2005.

I am assuming I can get around the hum if I use composite video and line audio input fed from a cable box or DVR, so for the price I guess I can't complain!

...I do found a low audio output problem when the input source is from the back.I have the same problem with my ZU unit. Asked ages ago whether anyone else had experienced this, but no-one answered.

I have to tweak the volume up when I copy the DVD-R files to my PC, using Nero.

Sorry for the delayed post... the upgrade didn't work :( it gave me a message about not being compatible (this *is* a 1200 after all). Maybe since the actual 1600 has firewire.... in any case, I think I'm going to return it this weekend. I just can't decide on a replacement.

I got the 1600MU last week from CompUSA for $80AR. It was built in Oct 2005 and came with the latest firmware already (105N/540). I have no humming noise problem, but low audio input from the back. Otherwise, it works pretty good. I have tested DVD-R, DVD+R, and DVD+RW using Teon, Staples, HP, and generic brand. FYI, all the 8x DVD+R I tested from Teon, HP, and Staples are from the same OEM with the same manufacturing code. All have no problem except for one that I ejected it before pushing the stop key after recording. I have burned 6 or 7 DVD so far and they can all be played in my other 3 DVD players (Apex, Electrohome, and AIWA) as well as on my HP DV4000 laptop after finalizing.
I've tested it with recording from TV tuner, DV Firewire, S-video, and RCA video input and they all work fine. There are some minor problems with this unit, such as the audio input level from the back being low, but I am satisfied with it overall.

Here are a few features I found that are not officially listed:

Dual format recording: I have tested DVD-R, DVD+R, and DVD+RW and they all work. I assume it would also work with DVD-RW too as other reported, but I don't have such media to verify it. All disks have been tested in playing back with Apex AD-1165 and on my laptop.

Recording PAL video: First of all, it plays any PAL DVD or VCD as most DVD players. This unit is set for NTSC output with an NTSC tuner, however, it will take PAL video input from S-video/RCA or Firewire and burn as NTSC. The quality with the Firewire PAL input of the single attempt was not very satisfied due to the noticeable frame skip presumably during the conversion, however, I have not repeated the test with a different PAL DV tape or camcorder to verify it. When I used a multi-system VHS VCR to output a PAL video in S-video/RCA, however, it records pretty well. In both cases, the aspect ratio is well mantained which is sometimes a problem with some converter.

PAL to NTSC conversion: Since I found I can record the PAL video, it is likely that it can be used a PAL-NTSC converter. Bear in mind that there are many different PAL systems, it may not work in your case. Anyway, I am using video tapes from Hong Kong where they use PAL-I in broadcasting. Again I used the multisystem VHS VCR to play that tape with native PAL-I output through S-video or RCA. The video was input from the back of the unit and output to TV using the S-video out. The tint is a little bit more on the red side but acceptable. The quality is otherwise on par to my panasonic multisystem converter which has only RCA input but can convert any PAL, NTSC, or SECAM. The video converter costs a lot more than the 1600MU though.

Divx/XviD playback: This is probably most controversial feature as there are many standard for MPEG4 compression and there are many optional settings within each standard. To make the test simple and universal, I simply used the version 2 Divxtest CD downloaded from divxtest.com. To make the long story short, it cannot play any Divx3 sample clips but all the Divx4/5/6 ones. The playback quality is very good for any of those clips that can be recognized. The subtitles only work for around half of the tested formats. Some files that cannot be played are not recognized by the player. In order to see what are the formats that cannot be played or recognized, I run the same test CD in WinDVD on my laptop to see all file formats.

All region code hack: The region code hack (Setup/169518/0) still works with this latest firmware. I have tested code 1, code 3, and all code disk.

Concerns:
This unit still has no cooling fan (same for all Cyberhome units). I notice the recording quality can be degraded if after a prolonged used particularly with the S-video input. I also noticed humming noise from the drive when playing a particular DVD disk in Region code 0 (after region code hack) but other disks are fine.

I have the same problem with my ZU unit. Asked ages ago whether anyone else had experienced this, but no-one answered.

I have to tweak the volume up when I copy the DVD-R files to my PC, using Nero.

The input in the front is fine. I am using the front audio in with firewire and I have to turn the volume down. The only problem is with S-video input that I have to use the audio-in from the back. I am looking for a simple in-line amplifier to boost the audio signal when using the audio-in from the back.

Or I might try the Liteon @ BB for $79. It also has a DV input, I think.



The Lite-on at BB (1105) has no S-video I/O if it does matter to you.

Concerns:
This unit still has no cooling fan (same for all Cyberhome units). I notice the recording quality can be degraded if after a prolonged used particularly with the S-video input.

I raised my 1600 an extra 3/4 inch with felt pads on the bottom. It runs a lot cooler and seems to be more reliable. Cooling is a problem with this deck.

I find that the Svideo input on this 1600 of mine (ZU) introduces more obvious noise (and not with an increase in detail, just a lot of static-type noise) than does the composite input. I am using an HD tuner as source (Accurian).
The Svideo output on the 1600 seems quite good. Sorry to hear about the lack of Svideo I/O on the 1101. Thanks for the info.

The Teon discs can be very good or very bad (in my experience). Their consistency is my concern. I would say HP and Staples brand are probably about equal in quality to the Teons, their similar OEM doesn't surprise me. You might never have a problem with any of them.
You know how it is: Burn me once shame on you, burn me six times shame on me. ;)

I noticed that my recorder says DVD+R/RW and no mention of DVD-R/RW. I thought that they were not compatible.
Also an FYI* I spent 1hr on hold (fool me) with CyberHome and still no answer today.
I still have a problem with finalizing it says baddisk 4 of 5 times and the ones that do finalize ok do not play properly on the other DVD players in my house, they freeze up.
I have bought new DVD+R maxell X8 (previous ones were Memorex X16) but have not tried them yet.
When I get any extra dough (not this side of Xmas) i am going to bin this one and buy a new un! You get me?

I bought this unit a couple of weeks ago and have gone through four of them hoping to find one without the warped sound issue I've noticed on playback. No luck. I've read other comments about this problem elsewhere. Is there a quick fix or should I abandon all hopes of believing this player will ever function properly?

Spiggy, If you read the thread on the top of this page you will see that there is a fimrware upgrade from Cyberhome. Follow the instructions and it should resolve the sould problem.

I am having trouble burning the .nrg files. I do not have Nero - I have Easy CD Creator 5. I don't want to change my CD burning software if I don't have to. If I simply change the .nrg extension to .iso and burn the image that way, the DVD recorder gives me an 'Unknown Disc" error. Any tips for me? Thanks.

Ishale, and others follow the instructions on this site so you can convert the Nrg filies to Iso files that can be used with any burner. You have to download the free conversion software. Be sure you create a folder and use Win Zip to extract the files. You must also download both of the files and extract. nrg2iso-1.01-en.zip, needs vcl30.zip. You might also want to download the free program
Burn At Once" to burn ISO files. It works great.


http://www.weethet.nl/english/cdrw_nrgtoiso.php

Those files worked perfectly. Took just a few seconds to convert it and burn it. And for free! Thanks for the help.

I was looking for an inexpensive DVDR and I had a Cyberhome 300 which I actually liked it played 95% of my recordings, those it didn't play I played on my Bravo D2.... though I liked the Cyberhome display'

Well, last week the Cyberhome 'redlight; and seems to have died from overheating maybe... according to other posts elsewhere.

I decided to swap it for a DVDR... I was intent on the 1600 but after doing a 20 DVD play test, I found that it only played less than 60% of my stuff, less than the cyberhome 300 could play... its was disappointing.

I tried the Samsung dvdr120 and it was 100%... i thing the 1600 is a little to cheap and not well featured.. I like its inputs(1600) and until mine(300) died it was a good value....

my advise is to continue to look around at other sets,,,,,

gluck

Mojav

Mojav,

Did you do this test using a 1600 (MU or ZU)? with updated firmware? What was the manufacturing date? Remember, firmware fixes are usually done to improve compatability with media. We all know that the pre Oct 05 Cyberhome 1600's are junk out of the box, unless the firmware is updated.

Jon

I have my second 1600 MU September 2005 box that won't read the cd-r's that I made to upgrade the firmware. I've tried creating cds from 3 different manufacturers and on three different computers. This has resulted in many, many coasters. :( I always get the same error - unknown disk. I'm super annoyed at the loud hum/tone that the 1600's TV tuner has, so I need to upgrade the firmware. BTW, the store where I purchaced it (Menard's) only has the September 2005 model. I looked through all the boxes hoping for a later date.

Any suggestions on resolving this problem?

I got an Oct2005 made in CompUSA 10 days ago. As for the firmware update CD, I remember reading somewhere that the name of disk to be critical. Perhaps other may jump in with more details.

As so many people complain about the humming noise with the TV tuner that I did not notice, I went back to have a closer look at it with my 1600MU with latest firmware. Indeed, it has a very low level of humming noise when I tuned into an empty channel, otherwise, I would not notice it at all. My guess is the humming noise has more to do with the electronic components rather than the firmware, so I don't think a firmware update may solve the problem. Anyway, my unit seems to be acceptable for TV tuner recording. I am thinking of adding a cooling fan inside to make it more stable.

Ok everyone here is the response that I got (after 5 days) from CyberHome. Hope that it helps.
Dear Valued Customer,

We do not recommend the use of Maxell, Memorex or TDK brands of disc media
because testing has shown them to be incompatible with our units. There are
many different types of disc media available today, and not all of them are
compatible with CyberHome equipment. And while there may be others brands
of disc media that will perform quite well in our units, there are others
that will only work on an intermittent basis. We have found that +RW discs
actually work much better than the +R discs, especially for recording
purposes, but you may want to try a few different types of media to see
which ones work the best in your particular unit. We have tested the
following +R and +RW brands, and have found them to be the most compatible
with our equipment: Verbatim, Great Quality, Ricoh, Ritek, Nanya, RiData,
Daxon, CMC Magnetics Corp, Info Disc, Intenso, MBI, MCC, and Medianca seem
to work the best for recording purposes. DVR 1600 UNITS: Sony, Fuji Film,
HP and Philips brands have produced inconsistent results in the DVR 1600
units. Firmware updates have been specifically created to address disc
incompatibility and finalization issues some have experienced and the
updates are available for download at:
http://www.cyberhome.com/downloads.asp. If you have any questions, please
call our Customer Service department at 1(888)302-2727 and we will be glad
to assist you.

Thank You,
CyberHome Service Center

I have my second 1600 MU September 2005 box that won't read the cd-r's that I made to upgrade the firmware. I've tried creating cds from 3 different manufacturers and on three different computers. This has resulted in many, many coasters. :( I always get the same error - unknown disk. I'm super annoyed at the loud hum/tone that the 1600's TV tuner has, so I need to upgrade the firmware. BTW, the store where I purchaced it (Menard's) only has the September 2005 model. I looked through all the boxes hoping for a later date.

Any suggestions on resolving this problem?

I was having the same problem until I downloaded a freeware program ,imgburn. This forum wouldn't let me put in url so just Google for imgburn and you'll find it. Everything went ok then. I tried .nrg converters but that didn't work for me. Hope this helps.

I was having the same problem until I downloaded a freeware program ,imgburn. This forum wouldn't let me put in url so just Google for imgburn and you'll find it. Everything went ok then. I tried .nrg converters but that didn't work for me. Hope this helps.

You need 5 posts before you can post an URL.

I seen this post... I went and downloaded the imgburn program. I tried again and the player still says "Unknown Disk" Un Disk

I purchased mine at Mendards also the same as the other guy..


Is there any special instructions. I am burning the NRG file with (imgburn)


I have wasted 7 CD-R's already.


I am now trying it on some CD-RW. I am still getting the same problem.

Searcher,

Are you trying different brands of disc? It seems like it doesn't like your media rather than your file. I believe I used either HP or Imation.

Jon

Thanks for the reply..


I have tried - Memorex, Imation, Maxell, TDK, Digital Research CD-R's


I have noticed that on everyone of this brand if I put some JPEGS on them the disk will read in the DVR-1600.


My burned disk says Mediatek. I can see both files on the disk when I check it in my PC.

When I put this Firmware disk in the 1600 it just says UN DISK

.

Did anyone else notice that the recording resolution on the 1600 even at the 1 hour mode is well below dvd quality? I actually recorded a 200tvl Horizontal Resolution Wedge Pattern from the S&V Home Theater Tune-Up disc using a high quality 1 foot S-video cable to test the resolution of the recorder, and it actually seemed to be less than even SVHS or Hi8 quality.
It's still a lot better than VHS, but I was surprised that it was lower than even a good SVHS vcr @ sp speed. I would say that the resolution is about halfway between broadcast quality and laserdisc quality.
Maybe the 1600 can record in "DVD resolution" when using the firewire port, but since I have an analog camcorder, I'll never find out.

Has anyone in the UK updated the firmware for the 1600 and if so did it help, I am not sure if I need to do this or not.
erdie

You might want to post this on the AV Forums web site, many posters there are from the UK. The posters on this web site are mostly in N. America. Here's a link: http://www.avforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=113

To the many who are having trouble updating their firmware, may I suggest returning or exchanging your 1600's. A friend of mine has spent the last few days struggling with getting the firmware upgrade and having the same problems reported here. We believed it to be a disk compatability issue until I gave him the disk set I successfully used to update my firmware and it wouldn't recognize this disk set either. He'll be exchanging his recorder tomorrow.

Jon

Have anyone noticed worse performance after upgrade of firmware.

Have you noticed that durring scheduled recording this unit chokes on those item you really wanted to record but could not be around. It can work all the time with the same brand of disk then one day you go to record something importaint only to come back the next day to see it failed for mysto reasons.

gwave - No I did not, mine works very well.

Jack White - I have not found this to be true. Mine records excellent.

Jon

Did anyone else notice that the recording resolution on the 1600 even at the 1 hour mode is well below dvd quality? I actually recorded a 200tvl Horizontal Resolution Wedge Pattern from the S&V Home Theater Tune-Up disc using a high quality 1 foot S-video cable to test the resolution of the recorder, and it actually seemed to be less than even SVHS or Hi8 quality.
It's still a lot better than VHS, but I was surprised that it was lower than even a good SVHS vcr @ sp speed. I would say that the resolution is about halfway between broadcast quality and laserdisc quality.
Maybe the 1600 can record in "DVD resolution" when using the firewire port, but since I have an analog camcorder, I'll never find out.

There is a problem with the S-video (and audio input too) in the back that causing the recording quality problem. When I dub the Hi8 onto DVD using S-video, the picture can be very good or very noisy. Even when it was good at the beginning, it will become noisy after 1 hours or so recording. I guess something warmed up and caused the quality degradation. When I use the FireWire input from DV, however, the picture quality is very good through out a 2 hour recording. The audio input in the front also has no problem. I am going to add a cooling fan inside as many have suggested.

let us know your results

I have tested playing an Xvid file on DVD with my 1600MU last weekend, it plays great. I particularly like its long file name compatibility and it only shows the file types it can play.

What long name compatibility? It only displays a small limited amount of characters for file names.

I got an Xvid file with a name >25 characters.

.
How ironic is this. Waltchan even deletes his own post from a thread he started that now has about 90.000 views. Good job walt.

I got an Xvid file with a name >25 characters.
is that after the firmware upgrade. I don't recall over 25 characters on mine (before latest upgrade)

Hi everyone, new here and looking to buy my first DVD recorder. While searching around came across this forum and more specifically this thread which seems to say at least for the money, it's a useful recorder. I don't have the money to buy a top line model, but could spare the money for this.

I've been taping TV onto VHS for 11 years now, and I have well over 3000 VHS tapes which I need to switch over to DVD. I also would like to phase out my VCR altogether, but have been reading that the later MU models aren't good with taping off of TV.

So my question is this. Which way should I go? I know I'll probably not be able to find a Zu model now, but should I try to find an earlier or later MU model? Or even this Liteon one I keep reading about in this thread? I'm not really that technical when it comes to DVDs and recorders, I also don't have Digital cable, TIvo, satellite or anything, I still use analog cable with a VCR. I am looking for something that is easy to navigate and learn on, which I read here this one is, but I also don't want to waste my money and time if everything I record off of TV has a hum. Does anyone else have my type of setup still and can tell me if maybe this hum is only with people who have more advanced technology like Tivo? Also is there a definitive answer if the Firmware will get rid of the hum or is it a production problem?

Thanks in advance for any help and I'm sorry if these questions were already answered, I read through the majority of this thread and a lot of the jargin confused me being a complete novice to all of this.

TooMuchVHS, See my post Panasonic ES20 $159.99

From what I understand the Panasonic model DMR-ES20 can be had on Best Buy's website for only $129.99 with a mail-in-rebate & the Panny is a far better recorder then the Cyberhome.

For only $30.00 more you would be a lot smarter to grab the Panny plus out of all the recorders on the market Panasonic's are the best for dubbing VHS tapes.

Now that the prices are really dropping on the name brand recorders I don't see any reason to be fooling around with the cheap recorders from China anymore. Just my 2 cents.

I have owned both the Cyberhome DVD and 1600 DVR. I had purchased the extended warranty for the DVD player, which came in handy after it locked up. I had owned it about 4 months. I exchanged it for a new one and they started a new extended warranty from that point on.

As for the DVR, it locked up after 3 days of minimal use. I returned it and got my money back.

My opinion: The aggravation and hassle isn't worth the initial savings! My dad has had much better success with his Panasonic, and I'm using the Toshiba DR4 now (although I had to return the first one because it stopped recognizing disks).

Good luck with your decision!

is that after the firmware upgrade. I don't recall over 25 characters on mine (before latest upgrade)

I just double checked it last night. It showed over 25 letters in proportional font. That means it depends on the text. Mine has the latest firmware. I am not sure if it makes any difference on that. It also shows some extended ASCII characters, such as latins, in addition to alphanumeric characters but not chinese. Basically a file name can spend half screen width and then truncated on display. I have two files that look the same on screen due to the truncation, but they are still recognised as 2 different files. Of course, I can see the full names on my computer.

Did anyone else notice that the recording resolution on the 1600 even at the 1 hour mode is well below dvd quality? I actually recorded a 200tvl Horizontal Resolution Wedge Pattern from the S&V Home Theater Tune-Up disc using a high quality 1 foot S-video cable to test the resolution of the recorder, and it actually seemed to be less than even SVHS or Hi8 quality.
It's still a lot better than VHS, but I was surprised that it was lower than even a good SVHS vcr @ sp speed. I would say that the resolution is about halfway between broadcast quality and laserdisc quality.
Maybe the 1600 can record in "DVD resolution" when using the firewire port, but since I have an analog camcorder, I'll never find out.

DVD quality from an analog S-video input? I don't see how that is possible. :rolleyes:
I can tell the recording from Firewire input is a lot better than the S-video input.

How ironic is this. Waltchan even deletes his own post from a thread he started that now has about 90.000 views. Good job walt.

If you check his profile, there are a lot of deleted post from him. I wonder if this by him or the moderator.

I really wanted to like this little recorder. I applied the firmware updates which took care of it freezing up when I'd schedule it to record. However, after owning it for not even a month, I've decided to finally throw in the towel and give up. I've been trying to transfer some Hi8 tapes in 4 hour mode; imagine how frustrating it is after 3.5 hours of video transfer, something always goes wrong! I've tried different types of media, and ended up with too many coasters. Sorry, I just don't have the time to waste anymore.

I discovered that the Great Canadian Superstore was selling the Citizen C801DVR recorder for the exact same price I paid for the Cyberhome DVR1600 (around $130 Cdn.) I bought it, and it is head and shoulders above the Cyberhome. It has all the same inputs and outputs (including the firewire port on the front), has the built-in tuner, but offers more:

-The tuner is true stereo, with SAP
-It defaults to whatever input source was last used when powered on, but never the DVD!
-No firmware updates; it works the way it should right out of the box!
-Can change the index picture
-Can divide titles up
-Has "Adapt" feature so it can continue to use discs previously recorded on by the Cyberhome
-Bigger remote, with different shaped rounded buttons that takes two AAA batteries
-It's bigger, more solidly built, and looks better & more high-end

That's just the tip of the iceberg. I'm sure I'll discover more as I use it. Unfortunately, english was not the first or second language of whoever wrote the user manual (I suspect they used AltaVista's Babelfish to translate), but the interface is relatively intuitive so it's not really necessary if you know what you're doing.

This is the one, folks. I'm sure of it. Ditch the piece of recycled plastic called Cyberhome if you can and pick up one of these beauties.

The Citizen one has only 4 recording speed and I wonder if it supports -R/-RW. Anyway, it is now in liquidation. I have an Electrohome(Citizen) DVD player that I got in Toronto a couple years ago. From my past experience, its quality is probably in the same range as Cyberhome.

I couldn't find a place to buy the Citizen, but the Panasonic model DMR-ES20 mentioned is on the BestBuy website for $189.99, plus a mail-in-rebate for $50 dropping it to 139.99. Rebate offer expires on 12/17/05

The model from Mendards is MU1 not MU. It needs different NRG file. I called Cyberhome CS and the img file. Please leave your email or send an email to me. I will send you the right file.

I seen this post... I went and downloaded the imgburn program. I tried again and the player still says "Unknown Disk" Un Disk

I purchased mine at Mendards also the same as the other guy..


Is there any special instructions. I am burning the NRG file with (imgburn)


I have wasted 7 CD-R's already.


I am now trying it on some CD-RW. I am still getting the same problem.

The Citizen one has only 4 recording speed and I wonder if it supports -R/-RW. Anyway, it is now in liquidation. I have an Electrohome(Citizen) DVD player that I got in Toronto a couple years ago. From my past experience, its quality is probably in the same range as Cyberhome.

Incorrect; it has five recording speeds; HQ, SP, LP, EP, and SLP...with HQ being one hour, and SLP being 6 hours. It doen't work with -R's, which doesn't concern me anyway since my RCA DVD player will play absolutely anything I throw at it...and if I'm making discs for other people, I can make the master on the Citizen for me, and use my PC to duplicate it on -R's.

From my current experience, its quality is much better than Cyberhome. Much better.

I honestly don't think the DVR 1600 is worth its weight in recycled plastic. I mean, when something put out by Citizen (and Electrohome and who knows what else other bargain-basement name brand) is so much more noticably better and more reliable, you have to ask yourself...why risk it? If you have the misfortune of owning one of these but still have the opportunity to return it for a full refund or in-store credit, do yourself the favour now before it's too late! Imagine if Enron investors had this opportunity and insight to get their investments back.

It's so nice owning something that doesn't leave me wondering if the disc will actually turn out when it's done. This sort of reliability and assurance is worth giving up DVD-R and -RW recording ability.

I have them on Phone saved message contradicting themselves, etc. And also they have my messages on Recording - so they say. "Your message will be recorded for quality assurance" - So did I to them.
First let me say that I completely agree with your position. And I have been tempted to do what you did as well, record the conversation as they do. I just want to make sure that you know that (as far as I know) such recordings are only "legal" when the person being recorded has been informed that they are being recorded. Without such disclosure I don't think you can use the recording. But I'm not a lawyer so I could be wrong. Just a heads up, maybe you already knew this, and maybe you did inform them. In which case I applaud your determination. Go get 'em!

EDIT: Reread your post and saw you said "saved message" so if it's voicemail, you're good to go, they know it's being recorded.

First let me say that I completely agree with your position. And I have been tempted to do what you did as well, record the conversation as they do. I just want to make sure that you know that (as far as I know) such recordings are only "legal" when the person being recorded has been informed that they are being recorded. Without such disclosure I don't think you can use the recording. But I'm not a lawyer so I could be wrong. Just a heads up, maybe you already knew this, and maybe you did inform them. In which case I applaud your determination. Go get 'em!

EDIT: Reread your post and saw you said "saved message" so if it's voicemail, you're good to go, they know it's being recorded.

In my province, it's perfectly legal to record a phone conversation as long as one of the parties knows that the conversation is being recorded. Laws can vary from state to state and in different places in the world, so it's worthwhile checking them out. Also, it's usually the case in american states where recordings are inadmissable as evidence if the other party did not know of the recording; transcripts of the conversation normally are.

The model from Mendards is MU1 not MU. It needs different NRG file. I called Cyberhome CS and the img file. Please leave your email or send an email to me. I will send you the right file.
My son bought a November 2005 model with MU1. He is planning to give it to me for Christmas, so it has not been opened yet. Is this the model that will need the different NRG file? If so, would you be kind enough to email it to me also?

Is there anything else I need to be aware of before trying to use this recorder?

Many thanks!

searcher321 what model and manufacture date are you talkng about here?
Thanks

Hello..

Today I recieved both discs in the mail. They were not labeled properly. I did not know which one to use first. I emailed cyberhome, they emailed me back in less than 2 minutes with the answer.

I have successfuly updated the firmware.


The model is a 1600MU1 - Manufactured September 2005.


When it is all said and done. Cyberhome did make an effort to help me, a remedy, etc.

At first I was pretty upset because of all the round in a circle stuff, and because I was waiting for something that was never sent.

I have an -MU1, as well (Nov '05 build). What version of the software did Cyberhome send you?

Searcher321,
Would you mind posting the files for all of us to use?? I have a 1600 with the same problem you had, can't read the ISO files from the website, so I can't update the firmware!!
Thanks!
had1

With the firmware update for the 1600-MU1(september 2005) the hum tuner is ok?, the tuner is stereo? and the input level audio on the input-video1 is now ok? Sorry for my bad english

I have an -MU1 (Nov '05 build). It still has the tuner hum (which I'm sure by now is a hardware issue and can't be eliminated by software).

when viewing DVD's the brightness constantly goes light to dark..anyone else having this problem??

Sounds like Macrovision copy-prevention mechanism. Are you feeding the DVD Recorder output through a VCR before it gets to the TV?

Sounds like Macrovision copy-prevention mechanism. Are you feeding the DVD Recorder output through a VCR before it gets to the TV?

I just did some research and that's exactly it..problem is, it's hooked into a TV w/ a built inVCR.. anything I can do? will this happen with all DVD player's?

It's a property of the DVD, when the company making the DVD has chosen to use the Macrovision copy-protection mechanism. The DVD Player/Recorder is innocent, and will have no effect on that mechanism.

Sounds like, since your VCR is integrated with the TV, and you apparently can't get around the VCR, you need one of those Macrovision-defeating boxes that are easily obtained at most consumer electronics stores.

More involved and questionably-legal approaches involve ripping the DVD to another that removes the Macrovision copy protection. But we tend not to talk about such things around here.

It's a property of the DVD, when the company making the DVD has chosen to use the Macrovision copy-protection mechanism. The DVD Player/Recorder is innocent, and will have no effect on that mechanism.

Sounds like, since your VCR is integrated with the TV, and you apparently can't get around the VCR, you need one of those Macrovision-defeating boxes that are easily obtained at most consumer electronics stores.

More involved and questionably-legal approaches involve ripping the DVD to another that removes the Macrovision copy protection. But we tend not to talk about such things around here.

thank you sir, I will look into the Macrovision-defeating boxes..That seems to be the consensus of what I have read elsewhere.. any idea of cost??

Not very expensive I don't think, maybe $20? I've never bought one myself.

And, you're welcome, glad I could help.

I bet if I move a cable box in that room I can run the dvd player through the box and that may solve the problem..

My friend has a MU unit and likes it. It plays avi/divx files. From what I've read the ZU units do not play avi/divx files. I cannot find another MU unit but now my local Best Buy has MU1 units in stock.
Will the MU1 units play avi/divx files? What is the difference between an MU and MU1 anyway?
THANKS IN ADVANCE! :)

Hi,

I've made about 10 coasters trying to create firmware update disks. I keep receiving an "Unknown Disk" message.

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated,

Eric

Hello Searcher321

I think I have a MCU as well.
When I try to update with the latest firmware on the cyberhome website it says "unknown disk"...
How can I get the update (why cyberhome doesn't put firmwares on their website for the MCU version)? BTW, what is the version of the firmware? Can you please help me?

My impressions so far (1 day).
The MCU does play divx and xvid. It doesn't play divx3.xx.
And you can make it multi-region quite easily.
The tuner is very noisy (maybe is the cable bundled). I'll try to make it shorter to see if it gets better otherwise I'll start opening it and check the connections on the TV signals (looks like internal crosstalk is happening somewhere).
I've actually just exchanged an MU version (it played only B&W) with this one and I didn't notice so much noise on MU (but it was hard to notice in B&W).

I've actually just exchanged an MU version (it played only B&W) with this one and I didn't notice so much noise on MU (but it was hard to notice in B&W).

I know it is too late, but did you check the MU if it is set for PAL output? I got B/W picture when I feed PAL signal to NTSC.

I know, I had a CH500 before and I could do that.
But the DVR1600 didn't have NTSC/PAL settings anywhere in the SETUP.
How can you change it?

I bought it a week ago(MU manufactured on Nov 05) for around 80 us and until now I haven't had any problem. Plays Xvid, Divx and MPG smoothly, Playback quality is good specially with the S-Video output. I have recored both DVD-R and +R...with the cheapest brand available and all of the have finalized with no problem...Also is hackable for region free..what else can you ask for 80 bucks???

Well I'd ask for a macrovision hack..I hope someone give us the good news soon!!!

I bought a MU machine after Thanksgiving but I have had little time to use the piece. It was manufactured 8/2005 and the Bios is 413-105N. I went to the website and it appears I have the latest version of firmware 105N but someone wrote earlier they had a machine manufatured in September with 105N/540. Do I need to update just the Back End firmare to go from 413 to 540?? I would appreciate any help. Thanks!

You only need to update the back end since you got 105N in the front already. I got mine 1600MU at TG sale too, but it has the latest firmware already. There is no MacroVision hack available for this unit.

All though these machines have often been trashed on this forum, they have more than twice as many views as the next thread.

Billcsho, thanks for the confirmation.

I have mine since Thanksgiving also, and I couldn't ask for more. I drive it from my Motorola cable box, so the lack of a stereo tuner doesn't matter.

Jon

Billcsho, thanks for the confirmation.


If you can get the update to work please post how you did it. I've had no success making the disks and getting the machine to recognize them.

Thanks,

Eric