just picked up a Toshiba RD-XS35 [Text View] - Page 2

ooofest

03-08-07, 11:10 AM

Dursk

03-08-07, 11:37 AM

The fan noise is awful in our setup. This unit is tucked into a TV stand with the rear fully in the cabinet, yet it still projects a loud fan whirring sound and slightly whiney pitch along with it. I'm wondering if this component will be unusable, though my spouse still needs to experience this and help decide (since I just set it up late last evening).

We could live with the obvious fan noise on our Playstation 2 - it was noticeable but didn't make me want to crawl up the walls. But, this RD-XS35 is already incredibly annoying in this first full day of usage when trying to simply watch television.

Why must my cable/DVD/VCR viewing compete in volume level with a component to such an extent? Perhaps this Toshiba is hitting on my ear's sensitive frequencies, but it literally drowns out the television at lower volumes and makes my ears feel like they want to pop from the subtle pitch being emitted.

I'm giving it through the weekend, but despite the great features of this unit, it may need to go back for some other (likely lesser, in capability or options) DVDR/DVR.

- ooofest

I would recomend that if you have the option of taking it back to the store. TAKE IT BACK! I am sure that as time goes on, with the fan constantly running will eventually burn out, together with all the lint and dust being sucked into the electronics. My computer has a fan, and I only run it a couple hours a day, and I am surprised how the dirt builds up in there despite having a clean house and good filters on my furnace.

If I could I would take my Toshiba RD-XS35 back to the store. I bought it on a clearance sale for 319 canadian. Not worth the money concidering all the issues I have with it.

I learned alot from this unit. Before my next purchase I will spend time researching the unit, by reading reviews on line at this site and others online. After having read all the negative reviews, together with the thick user manual should have told me to steer clear of this unit.

I am sure at some point I will trade it away to the neighbor and get the unit I really want. Paying allittle more doesn't hurt when you have to live with the purchase afterwards

xlr8r

03-08-07, 02:02 PM

[QUOTE=
About that noisy fan. After a couple of days I simply unplugged the unit to stop the noise. When I plugged it back in days later I noticed that the unit has a back up battery to save the clock and timer settings. .[/QUOTE]

Is there any notation anywhere of how long it will run on the backup? Does it recharge? This could be very useful. It might be practical to have the xs 35 plugged in to a power strip and just shut it down completely when not in use . You would save on electricity, prolong the life of the fan, and eliminate the noise problem.

rgazzara

03-08-07, 02:48 PM

But if you are using the TVGOS, it will not update when when the recorder is unplugged.

xlr8r

03-08-07, 04:11 PM

But if you are using the TVGOS, it will not update when when the recorder is unplugged.

Yes that is true, but there are probably other potential users like myself who don't care about the TVGOS. It's been established that the TVGOS function is the reason why the fan needs to always be on. For us who don't need the TVGOS, this whole business of having a fan that runs 24/7 is an unneccessary annoyance. It's noisy, drains power, and certainly shortens the overall life of the fan itself. So if unplugging the unit still keeps important info in memory because of this backup battery, that's a big advantage. So my question remains: Does the backup battery recharge itslelf or if not, how long can it run?

nextoo

03-08-07, 04:26 PM

I may be one of the lucky ones. The fan on my XS54 runs fine (same as the XS35 fan?). It's no louder than any other fan I've heard. As a matter of fact it runs quieter than others. The 24 hour part doesn't bother me either. I've had other consumer devices that have done similar. One nice thing with the Toshiba is that it alerts the user if there is a fan fault.

If it does become a problem I might consider installing a rocker on/off switch for the fan on the side of the case. It would be easy enough. I'm guessing the fan fault alert would display when turned off but there's a setup option to shut off the front display. We'll see. Maybe someday. Right now, at least in my case, there doesn't seem to be a need.

jmscott42

03-08-07, 06:15 PM

nextoo

03-08-07, 06:24 PM

That's a good question-- if the fan alert display comes up, does the unit still work, or does it freeze up?

I'm thinking down the line, when the fan burns out (and it eventually will), could another fan just be swapped in if you're willing to live with the fan alert?

My guess is that there may be an RPM sensor that tells the unit that the fan is not turning. Similar to a PC. Only a guess though because i have not taken the XS54 apart yet. But if the fan goes bad by replacing it the alert should go away. The fans in these things are standard stock PC fans. Nothing special when it comes to replacing one. I would not bet on the fan as being the first component to fail. There are other more important considerations. The DVD burner. The HDD. The power supply. The fan is no big deal and very easy to replace but that being said it will probably last longer than the machine.

rgazzara

03-08-07, 09:13 PM

Yes that is true, but there are probably other potential users like myself who don't care about the TVGOS. It's been established that the TVGOS function is the reason why the fan needs to always be on. For us who don't need the TVGOS, this whole business of having a fan that runs 24/7 is an unneccessary annoyance. It's noisy, drains power, and certainly shortens the overall life of the fan itself. So if unplugging the unit still keeps important info in memory because of this backup battery, that's a big advantage. So my question remains: Does the backup battery recharge itslelf or if not, how long can it run?

The TVGOS is probably not the reason the fan runs constantly. Other recorders with TVGOS (e.g, Panasonic, Sony) do not have a constantly running fan. The TVGOS downloads at most only a few hours a day -- no need for a constant fan. More likely it is poor design...

mattack

03-08-07, 09:50 PM

Yeah, that didn't make sense. I presume the XS35 does spin down the hard drive, like the XS32 does? and spin up on demand?

This leads to another question -- has anyone ever tried swapping hard drives BETWEEN units? e.g. xs32 to xs35? it probably won't work, just for the same reason you can't put a bigger hard drive in an xs32 and get more space -- the firmware is locked to a specific drive size.. (and heck, locked to specific firmware or somesuch..)

But if I ever saw a cheapcheapcheap one of these newer Toshibas and I knew I could actually swap my XS32 drive to burn stuff off of it to the working DVD burner.. that'd be nice.

nextoo

03-08-07, 10:03 PM

With Toshiba and TVGOS all models have the fan running. Without TVGOS no fan running. It is not unique to the XS35. Or even Toshiba for that matter.

Poor design actually reminds me of another brand of DVD recorder that has a model out that requires a trip to the repair center before it is even out of the box. Now that is poor design but unfortunately poor design has plagued that brand for a few years now.

Toshiba in my opinion appears pretty solid. And offers a feature set that is significantly longer than anything else available. But in some cases it can be too much machine for the average user.

xlr8r

03-08-07, 11:08 PM

The fan is no big deal and very easy to replace but that being said it will probably last longer than the machine.
Well regardless of why they have the fan always on and even if it does outlive the machine, the power drain when turned "off' is about 10+ watts higher than other dvdr's. That's pretty significant, most only pull 3 watts or less when powered down. I'm guessing it's that fan that draws the power. 10 watts more than other machines seems to be for no other reason than faulty design and that extra draw of 10 watts going 24/7 adds up on the electric bill over time.

ooofest

03-09-07, 12:59 AM

I suppose the RD-XS35 assumes that TVGOS is always an enabled feature, since the fan remained on during standby mode even when the TVGuide feature had yet to be initially configured.

My spouse didn't mention the fan today, but we'll see what the weekend brings after I remove the old VCR and it's own (faint) mechanism noise to which we are accustomed.

I am appreciating the TVGuide features (i.e., it initialized and downloaded schedule information through its first night), the editing options, recording quality and (to be tested) DVD burning capabilities.

But, this cooling fan design and unnecessary utilization of the G-Link for controlling a cable box on Line 1 (i.e., at the expense of never allowing actual channel surfing or recording from the attached coax input) create stupid user satisfaction issues with which to deal.

Far from minor issues for me, I find them obvious and negative aspects of the overall experience with this component thus far . . . to the point that if my spouse is more comfortable with them than I have been thus far, I may attempt installing the variable resistor mod to lower the fan speed/sound (link offered earlier in this topic), then remove the G-Link and manually synchronize the cable box's internal schedules with RD-XS35 recording times for when we need to record digital channels.

- ooofest

rgazzara

03-09-07, 07:54 AM

With Toshiba and TVGOS all models have the fan running. Without TVGOS no fan running. It is not unique to the XS35. Or even Toshiba for that matter.

Which other DVD recorders with TVGOS have the fan running constantly? I know of no other than the Toshibas.

nextoo

03-09-07, 09:42 AM

I have an RCA Scenium that has been running for 5 years that uses TVGOS as the guide. Although not a DVD recorder it is a HDD DVR with a DVD drive. Here's some power consumption figures for DVD recorders that have the TVGOS feature. The sources are the online user manuals.

Stand By = Powered Off. Powered On = Powered On. w=watts.

Toshiba XS54
-Stand By 13.4w
-Powered On 35w

Pana EH55
-Stand By 13.5w
-Powered On 33w

Pana EH75
-Stand By 16w
-Powered On 34w

Sony HX900
-Stand By N/A
-Powered On 54w

Sony HX715
-Stand By N/A
-Powered On 57w

Pio 533
-Stand By .42w (yes - "piont" 42)
-Powered On 43w

Sony did not note its stand by power consumption but my guess is that it is pretty juicy. I used the Toshiba XS54 because I could not find the XS35 manual online. My guess is they are similar. The XS54 has 24/7 stand by networking capabilities in addition to TVGOS.

What I found interesting is that models that have TVGOS are all pretty much in the same ballpark for stand by power consumption. With the noted exception of the Pio 533. And if reports are correct TVGOS is a mess with the Pio 533 - interesting (design flaw?). Also it appears that Sony and Pioneer gobble up the most juice when powered on. Pioneer ~25% more. Sony ~50%+ more.

rgazzara

03-09-07, 10:32 AM

nextoo

03-09-07, 10:40 AM

Yes, I see your point.

The fan on my Panasonic E-500 and E-65 recorders DOES go on (and is whisper quiet) while the TVGOS is being downloaded, but it STAYS OFF when in standby if the TVGOS is not being downloaded.

In my opinion, the "standby" power consumption for the recorders with TVGOS probably refers to when the TVGOS is being downloaded and the fan is on, not when the TVGOS is inactive and the fan is OFF.

Thankfully it is only your opinion because that is not how standby power consumption is quoted by definition. You may be connecting the wrong dots. Fan on does not equal standby power consumption.

By the way TVGOS updates at least 4 times over a 24 hour period. It is not just overnight.

wajo

03-09-07, 10:47 AM

nextoo

03-09-07, 11:00 AM

ONE element of the "power consumption" equation is the need for maintaining laser power at a low ("bias") level in standby, so it's ready to quickly read or record. Some mfgrs prob. design really good heat-sinks and some others may rely on a fan to help keep the laser heat at low levels?

Maybe. But I'm not sure if the term "standby" is consistant between the two examples. I've read your posts on how heat kills the laser - very interesting thanks. But this may be less important when a machine is powered off. Not sure.

What does look pretty obvious though is that there is "standby" overhead associated with any recorder that has TVGOS. And it looks like the standby power consumption is consistant regardless of fan strategies. I think this is similar to a cable STB. Cable STB's are never really off when powered off. STB's with HDD's are recording 24/7 for example. And the guide is constantly updating. It is not quite as extreme with DVD recorders and TVGOS but similar.

What I did find interesting is the stand by power consumption with the Pio 533. It is consistant with a DVD recorder without TVGOS. I wonder if this may be part of the TVGOS problem with the 533. Again not sure.

Dursk

03-09-07, 11:34 AM

Is there any notation anywhere of how long it will run on the backup? Does it recharge? This could be very useful. It might be practical to have the xs 35 plugged in to a power strip and just shut it down completely when not in use . You would save on electricity, prolong the life of the fan, and eliminate the noise problem.

I spent half an hour on the phone before I finally had a long discussion with the Toshiba tech support person. I asked him about the battery back-up and how unplugging the unit or using a separate lamp timer to boss the unit around.

He stated that yes the backup battery does recharge, and it should hold a charge for about 10 days with the unit unplugged. This is good news for people who live off of the power grid, and for those who have high edison prices.

jcbscb

03-09-07, 12:42 PM

nextoo

03-09-07, 12:51 PM

After a bit more research it looks like a fan in one of these consumes about 1 watt.

Here's an example of a 40mm case fan that is rated at .6 watt for example:

http://www.directron.com/papst412fm.html

Here's a 60mm rated at 1.32 watts:

http://www.directron.com/60l1a.html

So my guess is that the power consumption of the fan is relatively low. Also here's something interesting. A noise reduction cable that reduces the RPM's:

http://www.directron.com/akasa1.html

And here's one that allow for variable control:

http://www.directron.com/fcontroller.html

Interesting. Requires a bit more research. But I don't think the fan is a power monger. I've posted previously that I don't find the fan noise at all a problem but if it does become one I may check this out more. Along with the site that was posted previously about slowing the fan down:

http://www.mediachance.com/dvdlab/xs34/index.html

rgazzara

03-09-07, 01:23 PM

Thankfully it is only your opinion because that is not how standby power consumption is quoted by definition. You may be connecting the wrong dots. Fan on does not equal standby power consumption.

By the way TVGOS updates at least 4 times over a 24 hour period. It is not just overnight.

Here's the definition of standby power consumption from the US Department of Energy (click here). (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/standby_power.pdf)

Definitions
“Standby power” refers to the electricity used by electrical products when they are switched off or not performing their primary purpose (emphasis mine).

Therefore, standby power consumption for the recorders with TVGOS could be measured while the TVGOS is downloading and the fan is on (not performing its primary purpose). To measure it at another time might be considered misleading since it draws more current during download than when not downloading. But I do agree that the language is not clear in this case.

Oh and FYI, the TVGOS updates only ONCE in 24-hr period, the other updates times are only used if the recorder is busy and can't update the TVGOS.

Anyway...nuff said. This issue is not worth the effort.

Cheers. ;)

wajo

03-09-07, 01:34 PM

Maybe. But I'm not sure if the term "standby" is consistant between the two examples. I've read your posts on how heat kills the laser - very interesting thanks. But this may be less important when a machine is powered off. Not sure.

What does look pretty obvious though is that there is "standby" overhead associated with any recorder that has TVGOS. And it looks like the standby power consumption is consistant regardless of fan strategies. I think this is similar to a cable STB. Cable STB's are never really off when powered off. STB's with HDD's are recording 24/7 for example. And the guide is constantly updating. It is not quite as extreme with DVD recorders and TVGOS but similar.

What I did find interesting is the stand by power consumption with the Pio 533. It is consistant with a DVD recorder without TVGOS. I wonder if this may be part of the TVGOS problem with the 533. Again not sure.
Since the Pio 53x series and the 640 take over 10 sec to become ready to read/record anything, they may not even have bias power running to the laser in standby. I think it's some of the Pannys that have an "instant on" feature, and maybe part of that is more power to the laser in standby so it really IS ready to operate in an instant???

nextoo

03-09-07, 02:04 PM

Here's the definition of standby power consumption from the US Department of Energy (click here). (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/standby_power.pdf)

Definitions
“Standby power” refers to the electricity used by electrical products when they are switched off or not performing their primary purpose (emphasis mine).

Therefore, standby power consumption for the recorders with TVGOS could be measured while the TVGOS is downloading and the fan is on (not performing its primary purpose). To measure it at another time might be considered misleading since it draws more current during download than when not downloading. But I do agree that the language is not clear in this case.

Oh and FYI, the TVGOS updates only ONCE in 24-hr period, the other updates times are only used if the recorder is busy and can't update the TVGOS.

Anyway...nuff said. This issue is not worth the effort.

Cheers. ;)

Especially since fans on these things seem to consume about 1 watt. And absent of any fan deployment differences the power consumption in stand by is consistent across brands regardless of stand by definition. I do believe that stand by is defined as when the machine is doing "nothing" though. Stand by typically refers to the amount of energy required to run the clock etc. Not something like downloading a guide. If this wasn't the case then what is the stand by rating when the guide is not being downloaded?

In any event it is not the fans that are consuming the vast majority of the power. Which I believe was the original discussion.

As far as TVGOS is concerned the machine is awake - ready, willing and able to download the guide if necessary - 24/7 if in stand by. It doesn't download the guide in the middle of the night and then punch out until the next night. It is always awake and available for download when in stand by. Whether it chooses to or not depends on the time of the last download.

nextoo

03-09-07, 02:18 PM

Since the Pio 53x series and the 640 take over 10 sec to become ready to read/record anything, they may not even have bias power running to the laser in standby. I think it's some of the Pannys that have an "instant on" feature, and maybe part of that is more power to the laser in standby so it really IS ready to operate in an instant???

That's a good question. Not sure. Does some of the "instant on" time also include spinning up the HDD?

nextoo

03-09-07, 06:41 PM

My XS35 came Monday and overall I am happy. It could be better though. I am disappointed with a few things first, the lack of screen saver, I can’t believe that a $300.00 dvd player would not have a screen saver. Second, and this has already been brought up, why in the heck can you not stop the recording with the remote this is terrible. Third, it would be good if it was not so tied to the TVGOS or if you could turn this function off.
My favorite aspect about this dvr is the recording quality. It is so much better than my Scenium, and really is a great picture. The fan does not bother me at all my Scenium is much louder. I have the Toshiba behind glass and in a stand so I can’t hear it much. I really hope that Toshiba comes out with a firmware upgrade for this model to fix some of their mistakes.

This may help a bit.

In setup under display settings there is the "screen protection" option. Turn it on. This may do what you want.

If you press the record button outside of TVGOS you are able to use the stop button. If you started the recording under TVGOS (either manual or timer set) the machine makes you press the stop button twice on the front of the machine. But if you don't want to get up and do this just press the "input select" button (bottom right corner of remote under flap). You then will see an option to stop the recording.

TVGOS is actually pretty good. It takes a bit of time though to understand how it is integrated.

sabrederek

03-09-07, 07:07 PM

ooofest

03-09-07, 07:26 PM

Along with the site that was posted previously about slowing the fan down:

http://www.mediachance.com/dvdlab/xs34/index.html

Yes, I also posted that RD-XS34 solution earlier in this topic. It became my inspiration to search on similar solutions, which led me to . . .

And here's one that allow for variable control:

http://www.directron.com/fcontroller.html

It appears that the product you referenced above is similar to the following homegrown modification I queried in more detail (and, which is actually quite similar to the RD-XS34 mod in general design):

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4443206&posted=1#post4443206

I'm visiting Radio Shack this weekend.

- ooofest

nextoo

03-09-07, 07:36 PM

Yes, I also posted that RD-XS34 solution earlier in this topic. It became my inspiration to search on similar solutions, which led me to . . .

It appears that the product you referenced above is similar to the following homegrown modification I queried in more detail (and, which is actually quite similar to the RD-XS34 mod in general design):

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4443206&posted=1#post4443206

I'm visiting Radio Shack this weekend.

- ooofest

Great - thanks for the info. I like it. Looks easy enough and effective.

mgoldie1

03-10-07, 12:51 AM

I have the xs34 and love it, but I was having problems with the manual chapter menus. It took me a lot of time, but I make about 9 menu titles, had it saved, and burned it to a dvd-r successfully. However, when I tried to play it on my other dvd player (Cyberhome), I didn't see any of the chapter menus thumbnails. The dvd played fine, right from the start. And, I know the chapters are on the dvd because each time i press ff to next chapter, it reflects the chapters I created.

I have about 14 vhs tapes of boxing matches I am looking to archive onto dvd -r and the chapter menu thumbnails s are very important, as they will make it a lot easier to find a fight on a dvd.

Anyone know why this would happen? Is it possiblly because the Cyberhome dvd player is a real cheap player? Is it something I didn't do when I burned the dvd that caused the menu thumbnails not to show up?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

jmscott42

03-10-07, 12:57 AM

Does it look OK when you play it back on the Toshiba? I'd be leaning towards the Cyberhome being the problem. Can you check with any other player? Does your computer play DVDs?

I can't imagine why, if the menus show up, why the thumbnails don't; or do you mean the chapter menu itself doesn't appear?

cryofpaine

03-10-07, 04:45 PM

Heeeeeeeeeeeelp!!!!!

I've tried hooking up several inputs to the RCA jacks, and so far, not one of them are recognized. I want to hook up my computer output, which has both RCA and S-Video jacks. Neither work. So I tried my PS2. No go. Even my ancient VCR which is so old, it's only a Mono-output, wouldn't work. I've tried unpugging the unit to reboot it, turning off the DNR options. Nothing's worked. It seems like a good unit, and I can always get a converter and switch it with my cable input.

I just would prefer that it worked the way it should.

jmscott42

03-10-07, 06:37 PM

Seems weird. Is it a new unit? How is the XS35 hooked up to the TV? How is the working input for the cable hooked up?

It seems like it's either defective or there's something really simple being overlooked, as the XS35 does indeed "just work".

You ARE switching to the correct input on the unit, right? Have you tried the front jacks, which I believe are input 2?

dscar

03-12-07, 01:44 PM

-cryofpaine

I recently acquired a refurb'd xs34 and out of the box, could not get any of the aux inputs to "work," just to pass video (L-1, L-2, L-3). 72hrs later, I was about to box it up and ship it back, when Toshiba support suggested at least testing the coax in. So I plugged it up, but was still unable to see any video (menu system is working fine, just no video passing through from any input).

Frustrated out of my gord, I turned the TV off and walked away. I returned an couple of hours later, powered on the TV and voila, there it was - displaying both video through the antenna and L-1! Apparently I had left the Toshiba unit on, and it just took an extended amount of time for the unit to probe the inputs to start transmitting a signal. Maybe I was just impatient, or maybe it has to do with initially setting the unit up w/coax. I don't know. I swear the manual never told me it would take two hours to initialize video through any input. Anyway, maybe this will provide you with a little hope.

It is an incredible unit, btw. Loving it now.

plplplpl

03-12-07, 02:49 PM

By the way, I just wanted to mention that my RD-XS35 switched over to the new and improved Daylight Savings Time all by itself without a hitch.

sabrederek

03-12-07, 04:23 PM

I have had my XS35 since mid december and it has worked fine, actually it has worked great, never missed a recording and TV guide feature always seems to have the data there. Once I figured out the panels all i great....

Until Wednesday night... it recorded the my scheduled shows fine to the HD. Thursday morning half the cannels are missing in the guide and I can not channel up or down to get them. If I manually enter the number but the TV guide shows
"no tuner data".

I have reset the channel guide and reset the unit, still nothing.

Interesting though it sees CBC, A&E to name a few but misses CITY and GLOBAL. Not sure if the channel order changed from my programmed order or it just doesn't show the missing ones.

Any one else have this problem?

Any Suggestions... having to resort back to the VCR for tonight.

If it helps I have it connected directly to the cable, provider is ROGERs, just east of Toronto.

TIA

Just got off the phone with TOSHIBA Canada, seem the problem is with the TV guide group. Tech guy I talked to today said he has had 3 calls from my town along today with the same problem. Other have had simular calls from Ontario (not sure of the town). It has already benn escalted to head office who is trying to contact the TV Guide people but.... the more people that call the faster head office will work to get it fixed.

He suggested you contact Toshiba of Canada Limited, by calling (800) 268-3404, go to technical support. You will need the serial number, name and phone number to open a file, thats it.

This has aparently happen in Vancouver before but is now fixed.

jcbscb

03-13-07, 06:46 PM

This may help a bit.

In setup under display settings there is the "screen protection" option. Turn it on. This may do what you want.

If you press the record button outside of TVGOS you are able to use the stop button. If you started the recording under TVGOS (either manual or timer set) the machine makes you press the stop button twice on the front of the machine. But if you don't want to get up and do this just press the "input select" button (bottom right corner of remote under flap). You then will see an option to stop the recording.

TVGOS is actually pretty good. It takes a bit of time though to understand how it is integrated.

Thanks for the info on the "input select"! The screen protection is okay, but all it does is start the recording again after 10 minutes has gone by when it is paused. They should have just put a screen saver in it would not have been hard at all.

mweflen

03-22-07, 11:27 AM

Hey all,

I am pondering this unit for purchase. I think I understand all the relevant issues for me (effectiveness of TVG guide, offloading protected programs to DVRAM, etc.) but I have one question. Well, two, really.

I have the Sony 50A2000 SXRD set, and no cable box. I pull OTA HD with an antenna with the built in ATSC tuner, and have the TV decode cable TV via coaxial (the built in QAM tuner decodes some cable HD channels, also)

I assume I will be running the coaxial cable TV signal into the Toshiba through to the TV.

Question 1: When recording from QAM HD sources which are native 16:9, I assume the Toshiba, since it does not have a tuner, will display these signals as 480i letterboxed 4:3, yes? (or, OTOH, will it not display them at all?)

Question 2: Well, when I offload these programs to DVD-R, is there an option to "Zoom" it back to 16:9, clipping off the letterbox bars and 'forcing' a sort of pseudo-anamorphic DVD recording? (This question also applies for non-HD 480i source material which is letterboxed)

Thanks for any wisdom you can offer.

jmscott42

03-22-07, 11:22 PM

The XS35 has an analog tuner. It does not understand QAM cable, so you will not get any signal in situation 1. So you're a bit out of luck. You may get analog cable, but it won't do you a lot of good for what you want to do. You will have to get a cable/OTA converter box of some sort to record.

The Toshiba DOES have a 16:9 widescreen flag, so if you can feed it a proper signal (i.e., stretched when viewed at 4:3) it will make a proper 16:9 widescreen anamorphic disc.

ooofest

03-23-07, 10:17 AM

Well, I've been searching for clues on the possible existence of ON/OFF discrete IR remote control codes for the RD-XS35, but this (http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/rc-master/thread.cgi?keywords=9087) piece of news seems to indicate such a quest is futile.

Just curious if anyone has found such things, or at least figured out a reasonable work-around for those attempting to create activity-based macros which also control ON/OFF power status for their RD-XS35 (or similar Toshiba model).

I own a MX-700 remote control by URC, so have no variables or other means of saving "state" information in the remote based upon prior codes sent to the Toshiba.

Thanks,

- ooofest

Dursk

04-03-07, 01:05 PM

While I fixed the fan noise problem by using a lamp timer to boss the unit around, now I just had another issue. This unit just decided to change the time all by itself. I live not too far from the time change line for our timezone. I am in the central timezone, but I do pick up RF signals from TV stations located in the eastern timezone. I think the TVGOS just hi jacked my unit's clock.

Last night I had to manually change the clock by asking the unit to reset itself again. This time I used a zip code from a location further west, and I hope this fixes the problem. It only happened just now after 3 months, so I wonder if it was a glitch or if the thing is dying.

I also noticed that all the timer recording scheduals were errased when I reset the unit inorder to manually set the clock.

Has anyone been able to hack the unit, so that the TVGOS can be disabled permanently. I am willing to do some serious home surgery on this unit as I am quite fed-up with it. Basically I want it to work like a standard VCR or DVD recorder.

Dursk

04-03-07, 01:12 PM

By the way, I just wanted to mention that my RD-XS35 switched over to the new and improved Daylight Savings Time all by itself without a hitch.

Is it possible that my RD-XS35 still had the older DST change programming. My unit jumped an hour ahead, just now after the April 1st weekend.

So I am wondering if any of you experienced the same problem I had yesterday.
Thanks Dursk.

jmscott42

04-03-07, 02:33 PM

My Toshiba XS32 jumped ahead on April 1, but the XS35 stayed put (and changed correctly). I think some PBS stations are really messed up with whatever time data they're putting out.

Arnasowa`

04-20-07, 08:22 PM

My RD-XS35 reboots under the following conditions.
1) A scheduled program is recording.
2) I select TOGOS and go to search.
3) I start a search of a movie or keyword.
4) The unit locks up and them reboots.
5) A WAIT message is displayed on the display panel and after 30+ seconds the unit starts up and continues recording.
6) The program that was recording is not saved and a new one is started.

If any one has had this happen please post if it can be resolved.
I have called Toshiba Canada and as expected NO help.
They told me I needed to take the unit to a service depot.

WyoVideo

05-03-07, 12:34 PM

I've been reading all the Toshiba threads I can find to try to get a better grasp on setting the User custom bitrate for timer recordings and this question from jmscott42 pretty well sums up what I'm looking for. I couldn't find any answers to his question.
I'm struggling through the XS35 setup as well.
I have a few questions as well... I've read most of this thread but probably missed some stuff...
2. When you set the recording quality of a future recording to "User", does that use the user quality setting at the time you create the recording, or at the time the recording actually happens? For example, I record most shows at 4.2/DM1, which allows me to fit 3 hour-long TV shows on 1 DVD (after I edit out commercials). However, other stuff pops up that I may want to have at better, or worse, quality. (like a 3 hour sporting event or an hour musical performance) Do I lose the ability to set a custom bitrate per-recording? If I were to set both to "USER", do I have to remember to change the "User bitrate" before each recording?

In this example, say I want to record Show A at 4.2DM1 from 5-6pm. Then Show B at 6.4/PCM [or some other custom bitrate] from 8-8:30. Is there a way to do that totally automatically, or do I need to adjust the USER setting between recordings?

[Is that making sense?] I am glad they have a lot more presets than just XP/SP/LP/EP but still, it's obnoxious that you can't set a custom bitrate per-recording!...
The best I can figure out is that, as stated above, you do have to set one of the three mn bitrates to the setting that you want and then select that as the user preference and then when when you set a timer recording you can use that one selected mn rate or any of the other standard rates (SP, LP, etc.) when setting the timer settings for the recording. But, if you schedule another timer recording and wish to use a different mn bitrate, you have to go back to the recorder between recordings and manually change the user record quality to a different mn setting from the choices of setting 1, setting 4, or setting 5.

Am I missing anything here? Has anybody figured out a way to schedule two different custom bitrates without manually pushing buttons between recordings? It just seems that it should be possible since you can set up three different custom bitrates in the user record quality menu.

Ed

rickc5

05-03-07, 01:14 PM

WyoVideo

05-03-07, 04:18 PM

I was excited to get my XS34, thinking it was the upgrade to the XS32. After not being able to set individual custom bit rates for manual timer recordings, I called Toshiba and had a lengthy conversation.

Long story short - On all models with the TVGOS, all scheduled recordings set to "User" quality will use whatever user setting is in effect when the recording starts (visible in Quick Menu -- User Record Quality).
Thanks for that confirmation. Now I can stop reading, reading, and re-reading the manual and on-screen menus and just accept that that's how it works.

All in all, I'm growing to really like the Toshiba except for that bit rate setting weakness. I've gotten spoiled by the Pio 640 bit rate setting capabilities.

Ed

xlr8r

05-03-07, 09:01 PM

Yeah IMO the TVGOS is a big blunder. I suppose there are many who use it and like it. I was doing fine without it. Learned how to program my cable box to switch channels, no big deal. TVGOS on the Tosh x35 has a very poor interface for manual timer recordings and you are stuck with those 3 preset and 1 user bitrate settings. Others have posted that the TVGOS system is the reason the x35 draws so much power in standby. My Tosh XS52 has such an easy intuitive program timer and you can choose different custom audio and video bitrates for each timer event.

ooofest

05-04-07, 02:15 AM

I have an XS-35 and have found the TVGOS interface to be pretty useful, most days. I tend to use it for setting up future recordings of daily and weekly series, plus making timed recordings of my camcorder and VHS tapes - all at different levels of specified recording quality. The manual recording capabilities seem pretty reasonable, as well.

For any given recording, I can select from the following for "scheduled" events:

XP-Audio {8.0, L-PCM}
XP {9.2, D/M2}
EXP-Audio {4.8, L-PCM}
EXP {6.2, D/M1}
SP-Audio {3.2, L-PCM}
SP {4.6, D/M1}
MP {3.0, D/M1}
LP {2.2, D/M1}
EP {1.4, D/M1}
SEP {1.0, D/M1}
User {It uses the setting I previously selected in the system's SETUP configuration menus}

I tend to use SP for most daily and weekly shows, XP for shows which might benefit from higher quality and User for digitally recording our analog tapes.

For on-the-fly recording by simply hitting the Record button on the remote when watching a show, the "MN" quality level has always mapped directly to the same setting mentioned for "User", above. That is, it utilizes what I established as my preferred bitrate and audio quality levels for either HDD or DVD recording via the XS-35 SETUP. I generally find that SP is fine for most shows, with LP similar to what I had with our prior VHS (i.e., not desired).

- ooofest

xlr8r

05-05-07, 02:55 PM

didn't realize the TVGOS timer offered that many preset bitrates on my XS35. Maybe they upgraded the TVGOS options from the xs 34. I have been using the user setting option and haven't needed to program more than one bitrate at a tiime since getting the xs35. That many bitrate options makes the TVGOS a little more acceptable altho it's menu navigation is still clumsy and tedious.

Dursk

05-18-07, 11:25 AM

My Toshiba RD-XS35 is giving me trouble now after 5 months of use. I got error messages telling me the hard drive is empty, yet when I reboot everything that was recorded was still there.

Today I think it is becoming a fatal terminal issue. I cannot get the thing to record, and the clock keeps changing the time.

The RD-XS35 is garbage in my opinion. I will take it to the service shop and see what they can do.

I need some advice. I want to replace this unit with something that is user friendly. It must behave like a regular DVD recorder without that TVGOS over riding everything.

It should also be easier to manually program as this is how I do most of my recordings. This Toshiba was excedingly hard to manually program and the small fonts along with the small screen area to program the manual recordings was a real pain.

I am not at all upset that this unit passed away, except for the $350 I wasted on this unit.

wajo

05-18-07, 11:47 AM

Before doing anything drastic, do this:

1. Set clock manually.
2. Turn DST OFF.

More info here. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=846731)

Dursk

05-19-07, 11:27 AM

Everything is okay now. The problem is really a symptom of an over cluttered remote control with far too many buttons.

I accidently hit DVD and the tray is empty, so of course it told me the disc was empty, nor would it play or record. When I pressed HDD everything was just fine.

This is a good example of poor engineering. I will live with it for now, but I am looking to replace the Toshiba with a unit without the TVGOS and with a simpler interface. The Toshiba then can be used as a secondary unit.

The clock problem remains a mystery, as it constantly resets itself to some mystery timezone always 6 hours and some minutes behind the real time here no matter how many times I reset the unit and program the proper time. Perhaps it is some kind of interference the TVGOS picks up from the satelite or RF feeds.

In conclusion this is the most annoying electronic device I have ever encountered.

wdsnls

05-19-07, 12:21 PM

...The clock problem remains a mystery, as it constantly resets itself to some mystery timezone always 6 hours and some minutes behind the real time here no matter how many times I reset the unit and program the proper time...
Several months ago I had a similar problem with two VCR's at the same time, hooked up in different rooms. The clocks constantly were X hr.s and X min. fast. I had the option of manually setting the clocks which worked fine. Every so often I would revert them to auto and finally one day they set correctly. I haven't had a problem since. I doubt your problem is in the recorder.

Sorry to read about your experiences with your DVDR. I have had the Toshiba RD-XS55 for almost a year now and could not be more happy with it.

ooofest

05-21-07, 08:52 PM

. . .
It should also be easier to manually program as this is how I do most of my recordings. This Toshiba was excedingly hard to manually program and the small fonts along with the small screen area to program the manual recordings was a real pain. . .

Sorry this has been a problem for you. I actually enjoy the flexibility and features of the TVGOS manual programming interface. It takes about the same amount of time and button effort as manually programming our prior Panasonic VCR - the non-intuitive part was learning that manual mode went through TVGOS, but it's been good since then.

My spouse did the exact same DVD vs. HDD mode thing, wondering why the DVR wasn't responding as expected. Seems that the blue vs. green lights on the front display aren't terribly informative and could use more text-based status info - at all times.

- ooofest

WaltA

07-16-07, 08:48 AM

I accidently hit DVD and the tray is empty, so of course it told me the disc was empty, nor would it play or record. When I pressed HDD everything was just fine.

I have done that too. I would panic "oh, no, my HD was erased!". Of course, it wasn't.

The clock problem remains a mystery, as it constantly resets itself to some mystery timezone always 6 hours and some minutes behind the real time here no matter how many times I reset the unit and program the proper time. Perhaps it is some kind of interference the TVGOS picks up from the satelite or RF feeds.

IMHO, it is more likely that some station that your unit uses to set its time, is broadcasting the wrong time. Possibly, the station isn't even aware of it, or doesn't care.

moxiecat

07-16-07, 09:47 AM

Wow, what a great thread! I have just acquired an RD-XS35 and am wading through the manual. I've been used to a Pioneer DVR-640, and I have two quick questions about the Toshiba.

Most of what I do is transfer video from a VHS or camcorder to the machine's HDD, then burn it to DVD-RW. On the Pioneer, this is pretty simple. You set the recording mode (keeping in mind ahead of time that the video will end up on a DVD), record to the HDD, and then hit "one touch copy" to record an exact copy to the DVD.

I'm having a brain freeze trying to figure out how to do this same process on the Toshiba. First, in that "recording duration" chart in the manual, why is only DVD-RAM listed? Do those values not apply to DVD-R/RW?

Secondly, I'm confused about setting bitrates/PQ for both the HDD and the DVD-RW. How do you get an exact copy of a HDD recording onto a DVD?

Let's say I record a video to the HDD using the 6.0/DD1 picture quality rate. That is listed as giving about 1:34 on a DVD-RAM (which I assume applies to a DVD-R/RW as well?). I set this PQ for the HDD in the "user record quality" function setting and record the video. Now I want to transfer the recorded program to a DVD. Do I need to set the same 6.0/DD1 bitrate for DVD recording as well in the "user record quality" setting, or will it downgrade the video if a lower rate is set, like LP? All I want is an exact copy from the HDD, and I can't find anything in the manual that explains how to do this.

I'm so sorry if this is a dumb question. :-) I've learned how to use DVD recorders over the years from four other brands, but the Toshiba is hands-down the most challenging! Thanks--hope someone can help.

jmscott42

07-16-07, 11:18 AM

I'm having a brain freeze trying to figure out how to do this same process on the Toshiba. First, in that "recording duration" chart in the manual, why is only DVD-RAM listed? Do those values not apply to DVD-R/RW?

Not sure where you are looking to specifically answer, but yes, the bitrates are the same no matter what... you can just set bitrates independently so that if you record straight to DVD the Toshiba will default to a different bitrate than the HD, but they are all usable on either DVD or HD and take the same amount of time/space. These are set only for recording, not for dubbing.

(unless you use "rate conversion dubbing" which is designed to let you change the bitrate of recorded material... obviously only good to go from higher quality to lower, it's not like re-recording 2.4/DM1 to 9.0/L-PCM will improve the original)

Secondly, I'm confused about setting bitrates/PQ for both the HDD and the DVD-RW. How do you get an exact copy of a HDD recording onto a DVD?

Use high speed dubbing, or go to the Edit menu and select "Create DVD" (I can't remember exactly what it says-- for how much I use these machines you'd really think I could remember the exact menu name, huh? Sorry!)

Let's say I record a video to the HDD using the 6.0/DD1 picture quality rate. That is listed as giving about 1:34 on a DVD-RAM (which I assume applies to a DVD-R/RW as well?). I set this PQ for the HDD in the "user record quality" function setting and record the video. Now I want to transfer the recorded program to a DVD. Do I need to set the same 6.0/DD1 bitrate for DVD recording as well in the "user record quality" setting, or will it downgrade the video if a lower rate is set, like LP? All I want is an exact copy from the HDD, and I can't find anything in the manual that explains how to do this.

No-- just use one of the high-speed dubbing modes, or the Create DVD function, and it will automatically just leave it is as it is. Like I said, the DVD Bitrates you're seeing are just to set defaults IF you record DIRECTLY to a DVD.

I'm so sorry if this is a dumb question. :-) I've learned how to use DVD recorders over the years from four other brands, but the Toshiba is hands-down the most challenging! Thanks--hope someone can help.

Welcome to the fun of the Toshibas-- there is definitely a learning curve but once you get it they are INCREDIBLY powerful machines. Short of a full PC editing setup, they let you do a lot of stuff. Once you get used to it you'll wonder how you got along without it. :)

moxiecat

07-16-07, 11:40 AM

Thanks! I had gone to the section of the manual called "creating a DVD-video using DVD-R/RW" and totally missed the "dubbing to save" section about 15 pages earlier (which mentions the high-speed dubbing). I believe that is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks very much!

moxiecat

07-16-07, 11:57 AM

bingolong

07-16-07, 01:38 PM

moxiecat

07-16-07, 01:55 PM

OK, thanks. I wasn't sure if a high-speed dub could be finalized and used on another DVD player, or if you had to follow the separate "creating a DVD-video using DVD-R/RW" directions to do this. The latter process is what Toshiba's manual tells you to use in order to make a disc that can be used on another DVD player. The high-speed dub directions do not mention anything about use on another DVD player, hence my confusion.

Thanks again.

bingolong

07-16-07, 03:37 PM

Toshiba's manual leaves a lot to be desired. I find myself reading and re-reading sections all the time.

jmscott42

07-16-07, 07:40 PM

Sorry, one last question. :-) After I've dubbed a video from the HDD to a DVD-RW using the high speed dubbing process, how can the resulting DVD be used? Can I finalize it and play it on another DVD player? Or do I need to use a different process than high-speed dubbing for this?

And (OK, one more question) since I transfer virtually everything I record on the HDD to DVD, should I leave the "DVD compatible mode" turned on all the time?

Thanks again for the help. This thread has been invaluable!

I always have DVD Compatible Mode on Main no matter what-- that way it's always possible to dub without having to do another conversion.

High speed dub can be finalized (and must be to use on another DVD player). I tend to use the "all in one" option in the Edit menu so I don't forget to do it.

The thing with the Toshibas is they are complicated but allow you to do just about anything. It'll all make sense soon enough. :)

moxiecat

07-17-07, 10:51 AM

I was able to successfully record a video to the HDD and use the high-speed dubbing to unload it onto a DVD-RW. Thanks to everyone who helped! (Did not see the "all in one" option in the Edit menu though--does Toshiba phrase this in a different way?)

Only one last thing I was wondering about. When I went to finalize my DVD in the Edit menu, I noticed that the disc was labeled "DVD-RW (V)". What is the V?

And that got me thinking. During the initialization process on all my other recorders, they ask if I want to initialize in Video or VR mode (for Pioneer, it's set in the preference ahead of time). I always choose video mode, because I currently do all of my menu work and MPEG editing on my PC.

The Toshiba did not ask me about video or VR mode. Does the "DVD compatible mode" function setting take the place of this? In which way does the Toshiba initialize a DVD-RW?

Thanks again for the help. You're right, it's a great machine once you wrap your brain around it! I still haven't learned all the many features of the HDD, but at least I've cracked the basics.

galaxybounce

07-17-07, 09:09 PM

mattack

07-17-07, 09:50 PM

I was able to successfully record a video to the HDD and use the high-speed dubbing to unload it onto a DVD-RW. Thanks to everyone who helped! (Did not see the "all in one" option in the Edit menu though--does Toshiba phrase this in a different way?)

Toshibas only do video mode...

It's called something like "Create a DVD". All it does is dub one/multiple programs and
then finalize. So it takes slightly fewer steps, but I rarely use that option, even if I
know I'm going to finalize afterwards. It's one or two above the DVD finalization in the edit menu (at least on my XS32).

xlr8r

07-17-07, 10:21 PM

Ok one question.... When I would fast forward... and rewind... it would let me know in the upper right corner.. with some arrows ...and when I changed channels I would see the channel's number .. but now I don't see anything it's all blank.. can you fill me in?

On the remote push the orange Easy Nav button and a menu appears on screen
use the arrows to highlight and select "setup" from the menu

The setup menu has 7 "bubbles" across the top. Use the arrows on the remote to select the 3rd bubble from the left "Display settings"

Now use the arrows to highlight and select "on screen display" and select "on", your FF rewind indicators will be back.

Any time you are stuck, chances are that either the quick menu button or the easynav button will get you to the options you need. When in doubt, explore with them.

Pay attention to the remote button guide that appears across the bottom of the screen when you are on some menu pages. The button guide is contextual and gives you some basic hints about the buttons you most likely want to use in that part of the menu.

IMO the best, most powerful feature of the Tosh HDD/DVDr is the playlist editing system. Force yourself to use it even when there might seem to be a simpler way.
Once you understand it, you will realize it is actually the simplest and best wayof all to work, it's really a blast! and you will use it all the time. ;)

galaxybounce

07-18-07, 04:59 PM

thank you for the advice... actualy... on screen display IS turned ON so I'm not sure why I'm not seeing anything. I haven't had any trouble other than this small glitch. I like the machine a lot and I didn't find almost any trouble setting it up... so I am gratefull for that.. If you know why it might not be displaying still let me know... thankx :D

xlr8r

07-18-07, 09:24 PM

Sorry but if that doesn't fix it, I'm stumped. On My XS35 the FF-Rewind indicators show if I have the OS display activated and disappear if I turn it off. Does any display change when you switch the OSD on or off? Do you have a Wide screen TV or some other gear in your setup that might have zoomed in on the picture a bit and cropped out the display?
I wonder if there is a reset function on the XS 35 that returns all settings to factory set defaults. That would bring back the display function if it's workingf at all. Search the manual and see if you can do that. Otherwise call Toshiba tech support, they are not too bad if you can get thru.
It's a mystery to me . Not serious if everything else works but I'd want to solve it anyway. Good luck.

booji

07-18-07, 09:46 PM

Factory reset: Turn power on, then press - zoom 701 zoom. In a few seconds, you will see "INIT OK" on front display, then unit will power off.

Me3

07-19-07, 12:14 PM

mattack

07-19-07, 10:18 PM

I have seen the time *bar* (not indicator) "missing" because you can actually move it downwards with the controls on the remote. The first time I did this, I thought it was lost too. It was just (almost completely) off the screen due to overscan.

jmscott42

07-20-07, 03:13 AM

I've had my XS35's time bar get totally wonky and say that EVERYTHING on the HD was 1:33 long (which was the time of the last thing I had edited before it freaked out). Had me convinced it was hosed but unplugging it for 10 minutes fixed it.

Very strange.

HLM507WFan

07-20-07, 10:58 AM

Me3

07-20-07, 01:16 PM

Interesting what just unplugging the unit can do. Check out the earlier posts about the TVGuide not downloading properly. Same thing happened to me, and just unplugging the machine for 5 minutes and plugging it back in did the trick with that, too.

Toshiba's answer to Ctrl+Alt+Delete. :-)

Sometimes computers need to be rebooted. These players lean strongly to the computer side of things.

My 2 cents

galaxybounce

07-21-07, 07:40 PM

OK I'll check through the manual... and maybe I might do a reboot... but I don't want to lost all my schedualed recordings.. Ya... The way they designed it is good and also a little wierd as well.

jmscott42

07-21-07, 09:27 PM

Unplugging won't cause you to lose any recorded shows or upcoming events.. at least I've never had any issues.

plplplpl

07-23-07, 10:46 AM

When mine did that (time bars missing too) I powered down the unit and held the power key for ten seconds. The display said "Wait." When the normal display returned, I powered up the unit and all was well.
This worked for me, too. Try it; it's an easy fix.

mattack

07-23-07, 10:15 PM

Unplugging won't cause you to lose any recorded shows or upcoming events.. at least I've never had any issues.

One thing I've noticed, at least on my XS32, is that the user-defined NAME of scheduled recordings (and possibly other changes) *seems* to be cached in RAM.

I am totally guessing, but it seems like this info is only actually stored to either the battery/flash RAM or hard drive if you power down manually..

My symptom -- I have noticed that SOME user-specified names (e.g. I name my 5:30-6PM channel 3 recording "nbc news") go away when I have to force reboot the machine (hung dubbing to DVD, etc.. I have a few recordings that repeat this on demand).

Some don't. I suspect but haven't proven (since I don't want to force reboot it in the fear it will hose my drive again) that it actually 'permanently' stores the changes upon a safe powerdown.

jmscott42

07-24-07, 10:33 PM

That would make sense. I can't remember if I've had to force mine down, but I have never lost any titles when unplugging after the unit is properly turned off-- i.e., precautionary during a thunderstorm or something.

here4now

11-04-07, 07:24 PM

We've had this machine for about 8 months now. Got it @ a open box sale @ Futureshop. A small isse getting the roght remote. But other then tat. The machine has been everything as excepted. Just one issue with play back from the hard drive. Every so often, there is a Black Box the shows up on the screen. Takes up about 50% on the screen centred in the lower screen. The only way to clear the screen seems to be power off the unit and start it up again. The box looks like it should have some sort of error in it but no information, just a black box.

anyone seen this? and know of a fix if any??

Here..

mrbill2084

11-10-07, 07:07 PM

I am having problems with my toshiab rd-xs35. It was working great. A few days ago I tried to burn tv shows on a dvd-rw disc. It was a used disc, so I had to erase the content.

So I went to format it and it stopped at 28% and said can not format disc. So I stick in a 2nd disc and same problem. I stick in a new dvd-rw and I get the same problem.

What is really weird is that the discs the unit could not format now can not be formatted with any of my other units (toshiba rd-xs54, toshiba rs-tx20, pc using nero) Up until a few weeks ago, it had no problem burning to these discs.

Eventually I get to a point where its giving me an error 14. So When I spoke to toshiba they said to unplug the unit for a few minutes and it will clear it up. I tried that and again it will not format the disc (stopped at 22%). This time it did not ruin the dvd-rw.

I just tried holding the power on button to make it reset. Let see if that makes things different. I did notice the bottom of the rd-xs35 was pretty warm. The fan is working.

I do live in a dusty area. Could this possibly be a dirty lens? What would be a good way to clean it? The rd-xs35 is just under 1 year old.

plplplpl

11-10-07, 07:33 PM

If it's under a year old, get it in right away (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12181417#post12181417). If you're in Canada, you've got one year on parts and labor, and if you're in the US, you've got 90 days on labor and one year on parts, which is still better than springing $194.80 for the drive yourself. If there were an off-the-shelf drive known to work with the XS35, that would be faster and cheaper, but so far no one has been successful, although nextoo mentioned he might have another go at it (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11338808#post11338808).

plplplpl

11-11-07, 01:18 AM

mrbill2084

11-16-07, 10:29 AM

Just got off the phone with toshiba. They suggested I try to clean the laser with a q-tip and rubbing alcohol(watered down). My only other option appears to be to send it to them $70 flat rate and they will send it back. I bought it in january so it has a parts warranty.

To summarize my problem, my toshiba rd-xs35 makes a dvd-rw into a coaster when it tries to erase the disc. It tries to erase it and hangs up at 28%. I don't want to waste another -rw, so I think I will see if it can write to a -r disc.

Did I mention if I put in a -rw with content on it, its able to play it no problem.

plplplpl

11-16-07, 01:15 PM

By all means, try an -R disc, but my experience with cleaning the lens with a Q-tip or even a cleaning disc has been that it will only buy you a month or two at best. You are merely postponing the inevitable: the burner is dying. $70 may sound stiff, but it's way better than delaying and paying that plus $194.80 for the burner (https://www.ued.net/ued/addItems.do?itemCode=TSHP000459010) out of warranty.

Man, if we could only identify a reasonably-priced burner we could swap out ourselves on this machine...

mrbill2084

11-18-07, 07:02 PM

plplplpl

11-18-07, 11:45 PM

You could always try a different brand -or speed- of DVD-RW to see if it makes a difference, but I suspect your burner is showing the first symptoms of its inevitable demise. At least you're catching it early enough so that you can burn your stuff to DVD-R, but be sure those burns are good throughout as well. When my burner started to give out, the burn completed and it started to play OK on other players, but there were a few skips and freezes here and there. With time, things got worse. Be sure to play your DVD-Rs from start to finish to make sure those early symptoms aren't showing up yet.

here4now

11-19-07, 08:36 AM

the black box issue is back with a #1 in the top left corner..
It's seems to be only when watching play backs from the HD.. a power off does clear it.. and tried the reboot.. still ongoing..

bron

11-19-07, 01:21 PM

ok, I tried a -r disc and it recorded it fine. Told it to finalize and and took it to one of my other players and it played no problem.. So at least I can get all the shows off befoe I send it to toshiba for repair.

Can you think of any reason why it would ruin an -rw when it was trying to erase it and have no problem with a -r?

I also have a toshiba rd-xs54 and I formatted the -rw disc in that unit and put it in the rd-xs35 and it says it was a bad disc.

Try doing a FULL erase/format of the DVD-RW on a PC or laptop. It will probably work fine on your PC after that, so the disc is not wasted. I don't think it can "ruin" the disc, but it can put it in a state where it is unworkable until a full erase/format is done. And the usual problem is that you can't do the "physical" format on the Toshiba, but you can on your PC.

Good luck!

Bron

P.S. Sometimes I've even got the disk to work again on the Toshiba, but it's been hit or miss, and I just haven't spent much time to figure it out. I burn mostly DVD-R's and (so far) no problems there. I just use the DVD-RW's on my PC.

plplplpl

01-25-08, 02:34 AM

The manual for the RD-XS35 can be found and downloaded from this page (http://www.toshiba.ca/web/product.grp?lg=en&section=2&group=361&product=6356&category=), when you click the Download tab.

The above no longer works. Now, if you want the manual, go to this page (http://support.toshiba.ca/support/ceg/manuals/#), select Year: 2006, Product: DVD Recorders, Model: RD-XS35 and click Go.

To save the PDFs when they display in IE to your hard drive, right click on the Installation Guide and Owner's Manual yellow and red tabs, then choose Save Target as...

plplplpl

07-06-08, 03:50 AM

Originally Posted by TooMuchTV
I received my XS35 last Thursday and overall am very pleased with with the features and am convinced that this (my 3rd) DVD recorder actually does almost everything I want it to do, with one exception. I can't figure out how to do a simple timed recording from an external source. I want to record for a a set amount of time from an external source (DVR) for, say, 1 hour and then end the recording. Most VCR's and DVD recorders let you push record multiple times and each time you press it adds 30 minutes to the recording time. Not this one. I'd love to be able to start a transfer and walk away without having to worry about stopping the recording later. Any advice is much appreciated.

Overall I pretty pleased with the unit. It is overly complicated and the remote is terrible but it does have an impressive feature set.

Originally Posted by Daryl L
I don't have the XS35 but on my XS52, after hitting the record button click Quick Menu then End Time and set it as you wish. Hope this helps.

Sigh. I was excited for a solution, but alas, it didn't work. While recording there is not End Time option on the Quick Menu. I'm still looking for a way to set an end time for a manual recording...

Well that sux. There must be a way. Unfortunately the XS35 manual isn't available for download yet. I forgot you got TVGOS and I don't. Maybe the option is in TVGOS's schedule section somewhere even if not scheduling a recording using the guide.

:oSorry for being a couple of years late, but a couple of ways have been found: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14221516#post14221516

BikingBluenoser

02-14-09, 09:31 AM

I'm sure I'm going to open a big can of worms here. I'm hoping to get some input from people who have had experience with these machines. I am a noob when it comes to HDD DVD recorders (I have never owned one) but I am tech savvy so I don't anticipate a problem learning the ropes.:D

Here's what I am looking at:

Sony RDRHX780 $299 (new @ FS)

Pioneer DVR-560H-K $349 (new @ FS & BB)

Toshiba XS35 $150 (used)

The Toshiba definitely has the price advantage, but it is an older machine without HDMI. From what I have read, the Sony and Pioneer are essentially the same hardware but one has more functionality over the other.

Any input would be greatly appreciated! :o

plplplpl

02-14-09, 10:38 AM

If you're sure it's in good working condition, especielly its burner, grab the Toshiba RD-XS35... or I will! Actually, I just did about a month and a half ago, despite the the Sony and the Pioneer being readily available at B&M stores nearby. In fact, I paid twice the price you mention and I still feel I got a good deal.

Of course, it depends a lot on what you're looking for in an HDD DVDR, but if at the top of your list is picture quality, the Tosh is your machine. It also has more sophisticated editing and DVD menu creation, is one of the few machines that correctly sets the widescreen flag for 16:9 camcorder input via firewire, has TVGOS, etc.

The Pioneer is a fine machine as well, from what I've heard, and seems quite dependable so far, and the Sony is similar but without a few minor features.

Rammitinski

02-14-09, 06:13 PM

From what I have read, the Sony and Pioneer are essentially the same hardware but one has more functionality over the other.The Sony also doesn't do DVD-RAM, and is probably considerably worse with copy protection - although it depends on what you're recording from, I suppose.

If it's in good working condition, like plplplpl says, I wouldn't hesitate to choose the Toshiba.

Otherwise, I'd personally take the Pioneer over the Sony.

bron

02-16-09, 02:22 AM

+1 on the Tosh XS-35 - it's a superb unit.

TORES

02-21-09, 01:49 AM

I have both units and while the XS35 editing features are superior, I'll echo what others have said, which is "Only if the burner is in good working condition". These burners are proprietary, you can't just replace them with a typical ATA DVD burner.

The burner in mine barely works and wastes a lot of disks. This is the main reason I bought the RDRHX780 and when I eventually copy everything off the XS35, I'll probably sell it if I can find a buyer. I paid $270 for my RDRHX780 at BB (open box). The burner on the Sony opens very smoothly, unlike the clunk that the XS35 drive opens and closes with. It's very quite while burning disks, works well with cheap disks and doesn't fail burning with any of them. I can't say the XS35 burner was like that even when it was new. Also reads burned dual-layer disk with no problem. The Toshiba can't read them at all.

The fan of the RDRHX780 turns off when you switch off the unit. Although I have modified the fan of the XS35 so it almost can't be heard, it's still too loud for a room I'm sleeping in.

I don't really understand why everyone cares so much about DVD-RAM when you have a hard drive. I personally like the ability of the RDRHX780 to burn dual-layer disks and it not only upscales DVD video, but any video source that comes in to it via s-video. If you use the HDMI output, you can upscale to 1080p as well. Looks great, and improves the picture quality of my standard def satellite. Recordings from both units look fantastic. There's no appreciable difference, other than the upscaling from the RDRHX780.

I've had no problem with copy protection from any source so far on either unit and I'm not using hacked satellite, it's legit ExpressVu. One of the features I especially like is that it will pick up the name of the show when it's encoded in the signal. Works through s-video input too, you don't have to have coax connected. It also allows me to name my timers, and that's very nice, because even if it doesn't have the show name encoded in the signal, I still see the show name in my list of recordings. Unlike the manual timers of XS35's lousy TVGuide OnScreen that has nothing but date to identify your shows with and doesn't have a skip once feature. Manual timers are the only way for most, if not all satellite users with aftermarket DVRs. Best of all, you plug a standard USB keyboard into the port in the front of the Sony, and you can quickly edit show names. This is a major plus for me personally, I hate entering title and other info with a remote. The Sony also has quick timers like they used to have on their VCRs (a very convenient feature).

The only significant downside to the RDRHX780 is that it does not have Pause LiveTV or Timeslip mode, per-say, but there's still a simple way to do this manually and automatically. If you start recording and then press play , it's essentially the same thing. The Sony enters into Chase Play mode. You can then pause, stop, ff and rw without effecting the recording. You just have to manually delete it when your done if you don't want to keep it. There's no prompt to ask you if you want to save or delete the timeslip content like the XS35 does. You can easily automate this action to one button with a programmable learning remote. You don't have to spend a lot on a universal remote to do this either. I have 2 of the OFA URC8920 eight unit remotes and they work perfect for any device I own. Even my AppleTV. I paid $35 for each of them.

Couple of other nice features of the Sony are the auto chapter markers by time and/or scene change. This is somewhat of a pain, and somewhat helpful because it makes it easier to edit out commercials, but it's not Tivo, so it can sometimes add too many chapter makers. Good thing is that removing them is very easy. The Sony also allows you to view a recording already in progress from the beginning by simply pressing the play button. The XS35 requires that you first press Timeslip and then the chapter back button. Not very intuitive. Sony has a dedicated "stop recording" button, so the recordings can't get easily screwed up by accidentally pressing the stop button. That simply stops Chase Play if it's active and you can start right back in the same spot by pressing play again. I programmed my universal remote so that when I hold down the PVR button for 2 second, it performs the "stop recording" function.

I really do think the editing functions on the X35 are far superior to the Sony, but it's been easy to live without most of them. I'm really more pleased with the convenience features of the Sony. Personally, I'd buy a new Sony RDRHX780 with a warranty, rather then investing $150 into an XS35 with no warranty.

mattack

02-23-09, 10:34 PM

I have both units and while the XS35 editing features are superior, I'll echo what others have said, which is "Only if the burner is in good working condition". These burners are proprietary, you can't just replace them with a typical ATA DVD burner.
....
I don't really understand why everyone cares so much about DVD-RAM when you have a hard drive.
...
The only significant downside to the RDRHX780 is that it does not have Pause LiveTV or Timeslip mode, per-say,

You can't "just replace them with a typical ATA DVD burner" and expect ALL functionality to work correctly... But you can replace it with a burner and get *some decent subset* of functionality. In other words, it sucks, yes, but it's better than NOTHING. (I say this as someone who lives with limited functionality with a DVD burner replacement. Check the other thread, some have apparently 100% functionality from their replacement.)

DVD-RAM: While I admit I don't use them *tons*, I do appreciate the fact that I can delete something AND REGAIN the space immediately. I have a LOT of discs where I have dumped stuff onto "temporarily". (uggh, years) But in reality I actually have been using DVD-RWs more often for that because they mount faster AND at the time they were much much cheaper. But I like the *feature set* of DVD-RAM much better.

Nitpick: it's "per se", not "per-say".