Polaroid DVD Recorder [Text View] - Page 10

Dartman

05-01-07, 05:35 PM

Well timer works fine as well, Set it to record from rear Svideo input a few minutes later then it was at the time and it informed me a timer recording was about to start and did a nice SP recording to the HD.
Shows no timer Icon on screen now but it works fine anyways as long as you either turn it off or hit yes when it asks about allowing timer to reset or however it was worded.
So everything now works except the tuner is confused. I got it to tune in Cable channel 7 a few times and a few others using the fine tuning and waiting till it decided it was close and locked in till I turned it off again.
I hated the low volume mono tuner anyways but it was nice to just set it and not have to make sure other gear was setup to record a show.
Later I'll try the component ins and see if it works when set to Scart...The saga continues... :rolleyes:

slr_65

05-01-07, 05:51 PM

One of the firmware updates was supposed to fix the military time clock display too, I think . . . did it on yours?

Dartman

05-01-07, 05:54 PM

Nope

netstroller

05-03-07, 08:47 PM

Yeah, and that's what annoys me! The SilenX fan was supposed to have some super-duper bearing type in it with a much higher MTBF than the stock fan!

Again, do all 40mm fans suck or what?! :mad:

I took a chance with mine and squirted a little high quality synthetic silicone lube into the fan. Put in too much and had to wipe off some excess. I was half expecting it to short out but it's been working fine for at least 100 hours now, and no more noise. I was hesitant to spring for a new one since none of the ones I came across had consistent good user comments on either noise or reliability.

slr_65

05-03-07, 09:40 PM

I took a chance with mine and squirted a little high quality synthetic silicone lube into the fan. Put in too much and had to wipe off some excess. I was half expecting it to short out but it's been working fine for at least 100 hours now, and no more noise. I was hesitant to spring for a new one since none of the ones I came across had consistent good user comments on either noise or reliability.

Hmmm, maybe I should give that a shot . . . ah, probably not as I ordered two more fans (I thought I might see if I could rig two fans in there and run them slower). I will keep the SilenX one though and if I'm not happy with the new fans I ordered I'll give the silicone a shot . . . thanks for posting your experience!

grantsoo

05-04-07, 05:59 AM

DeerHunter

05-04-07, 08:05 PM

netstroller

05-04-07, 09:35 PM

Any suggestions on the lubricant and where I could pick some up?
Thanks
I used a bicycle lube I already had around, made by Finish Line, it's their "High Viscosity Cross Country Synthetic Lubricant." I have a 8 ounce aerosol can that I bought years ago. They might come in smaller sizes. My can was on sale for about $6 or $8 I think.

Many bike shops carry it, or at least they used to. I only used it because I had nothing to loose though, it's holding up well but don't know how it'll be over the long run.

slr_65

05-05-07, 11:48 PM

Hi Guys,

As I posted previously, our "D" unit fan got noisey quickly but I didn't want to return it as I got the last unit they had. I did some research and came up with a SilenX fan that looked like a good replacement - it had the same basic specs but was rated at 14db for noise and came with silicone rubber mounting pegs. It was kind of expensive, around $20 if I recall correctly, but I figured less noise was worth it so I ordered and installed one in our unit (see a previous post of mine on the specifics of that install) -> it worked well for a couple months and was very quiet, but it started getting noisey on start up too and lately it's taken longer and longer for it to quiet down after booting up so I decided to replace it again.

I didn't have much time for research, so I just hit eBay to see what I could dig up for a 40mm fan and I found this one for a good deal ($9 shipped for two of them).

Manufacturer: Fonsan (Delta Electronics)
Model: DFB0412M
Size: 40mm x 40mm x 20mm
Voltage: 12vdc
Current: .06amp
CFM: 7.1
RPM: 6000
Acoustical Noise dB: 26

A full spec sheet for them is at:
http://www.excesssolutions.com/mas_assets/acrobat/ES3913.pdf

They came today and I had a few minutes so I decided to pull our unit apart again. My original thought was to maybe see if I could install both of these fans in the unit and then find a source of 7-8 volts to run them a bit slower and hopefully quieter.

I didn't have time to diddle with making a mount for the extra fan, search for power points, etc. today so I just replaced the fan. It works fine and definitely moves more air than the original fan or SilenX fan. I didn't take the time to install the original fan just to remind myself how loud it was, but I don't think it's any louder than the original one but it is definitely louder than the SilenX (when it's behaving anyway!). It's a little higher pitched which makes sense since it spins faster

This fan is twice as thick as the original fan but fits in the area provided in the case just fine. Install was easy, I just used the silicone rubber peg mounts from the SilenX fan. Since this fan is twice as thick I couldn't get a hold of the end of the silicone rubber mounting peg to pull the fan down over it but I solved that by tieing a piece of dental floss onto the rubber pegs and threading the floss through the fan mounting holes - I just pulled the floss and pushed the fan down and it popped on to the mounting pegs nice and solid. I then just cut the floss off flush with the fan body.

If you don't have the SilenX fan mounting pegs then you'll need to scrounge up some screws as the fan mounting holes are larger than the ones on the original fan so the mounting screws from the original fan wont work. I'd probably get some screws and maybe some o-rings or a piece of rubber or something to make a nice vibration dampening mount.

Wiring was simple as it comes with a two prong female plug end installed on a pig tail long enough to easily reach the power socket on the board. It has a couple keys on the plug - just snip them off with side cutters and it'll slip right on to the original power socket on the board. (BTW, there's a sticker on one side - the air blows from the blank side out through the side with the sticker)

For now it's working fine, when I get more time I'll see if the two fans running slower idea will pan out and post back what I find.

BTW, my wife has kind of solved the noise issue -> she put a fish aquarium in the living room with a very loud pump, filter, etc. on it. With that thing running you don't notice the Polaroid fan at all!!!

TTYL,

Steve

slr_65

05-06-07, 08:24 AM

Alright fellars....

Finally got my unit today. First HDD based dvd recorder. Pretty cool. Not bad for $60 bucks. Anyways, I managed to google the hack to make the player region free, also found the command to see the firmware screen.

Any hack to turn off the macrovision? And what firmware is supposed to be on the unit? My unit starts with "D" by the way.

Oh, and it doesn't have the rear fan port!!!

*) No, as far as I'm aware no one has found a macrovision hack yet.
*) I don't recall the firmware version on our "D" unit, but it doesn't really matter as Polaroid hasn't released any firmware upgrades and although you can use upgrades for the European cousins of this unit it will mess up your tuner.
*) No, the "D" units don't have the rear fan port but I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. I think they did it to help cut down on fan noise but I would think the fan would give more effective cooling with the fan port.
*) One thing - the "D" units act like the earlier units and don't pass video through if the power is off to the unit.

slr_65

05-06-07, 08:28 AM

Hey Dartman, with the European firmware in it can you enter names for the channels? (I know the tuner is screwed, but I was just wondering if that feature was enabled in the European version since it's displayed but not editable in our versions).

Dartman

05-06-07, 12:42 PM

It has presets that you can assign names to. I've been playing with the manual tuning and set it to frequency as needed and I've gotten about 20 cable channels to lock in on cold start so far. When the machine first boots if the channel is close it will search a bit then suddenly lock in pretty clean. If it looses it after a while then I have to reboot it or change inputs and let it fumble around till it hits the sweet spot again.
Too bad it shows mono stereo now with the french version but still is mono. The tuner seems to be totally firmware based so if they ever release a FW with NTSC in it it would be golden again. If I could figure out what to edit to add NTSC to the Packard bell ones we'd be great as well.
I sent a request to Polariod for updates for this one and the new digital one as the 2001 has issues that could be fixed with a simple update and they asked for more info and told me to use their 800 support number which they claim is active 24/7

United States 866-289-5168

Canada 866-301-7922

Mexico 01-800-400-2443

In case we want to flood them with requests :D

slr_65

05-06-07, 01:08 PM

Mine has presets too but it wont let you edit them - have you tried to edit yours?

I also put a request in to their web site for firmware updates and got the same response, I just haven't had time to call yet . . . I'm off a couple days next week so I'll give it a shot then.

Dartman

05-06-07, 01:22 PM

I can change the name and number but so far haven't seen any way to reorder them so they run up or down like they should. I can also delete so I think they are exactly the same between units. I never needed to use the presets when the NTSC worked...

Lwb

05-06-07, 05:49 PM

Hi guys, I'm new to this and am hoping for a little guidance. I saw the Polaroid 1601a at Walmart and got intrigued. Mainly I was looking for a HD tuner to get OTA HDTV for my older HD ready TV. The DVD recorder, HDD and digital tuner looked interesting. I get my other feed from DirecTv. I have gone totally cellular and don't have a land line for the phone. They tell me that I cant get Tivo without one. ( don't know if this is right, or if it just means that I cant get all the functionality.)

My main question is regarding the digital tuner on the Polaroid. Is it HD? Or, does it downgrade the signal to SD (480?) like some that I have read about. The manual doesn't say anything about it. Would this serve my purpose of getting clearer OTA pictures (i.e. no static or ghosts)?

If not, does anyone have any better suggestions for something that would serve my purposes without breaking the bank.

Thanks for any advice.

Dartman

05-06-07, 06:13 PM

it should pick up OTA digital and cable plus HD at SD resolution. Your Walmart has them in stock or you just saw the tag?If Yours does I'll have to make a call and maybe make another trip out today... :p
IF you get a really good digital signal then ya the ghosts should be gone but the there's breakup and lockup if it's weak so don't know which you'd prefer.

Lwb

05-06-07, 06:28 PM

I actually saw the boxes in the store. I think the price was about $253. I have another TV that is HD and it picks up pretty well with TERK antennae that attaches to dish.

Thanks for the feedback.

slr_65

05-06-07, 06:31 PM

I actually saw the boxes in the store. I think the price was about $253. I have another TV that is HD and it picks up pretty well with TERK antennae that attaches to dish.

Thanks for the feedback.

There's a thread for the new Polaroid unit . . . you should post there what you've seen . . . I'm sure many tinkering types are on the edge of their seats waiting for the new model and the sooner they know where to get one the sooner we'll know what the potential of the new units is!

Lwb

05-06-07, 06:58 PM

Thanks. I posted there. Might go get one tonight. It will probably be next weekend before I can mess with it though.

DeerHunter

05-06-07, 07:17 PM

*) No, as far as I'm aware no one has found a macrovision hack yet.
*) I don't recall the firmware version on our "D" unit, but it doesn't really matter as Polaroid hasn't released any firmware upgrades and although you can use upgrades for the European cousins of this unit it will mess up your tuner.
*) No, the "D" units don't have the rear fan port but I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. I think they did it to help cut down on fan noise but I would think the fan would give more effective cooling with the fan port.
*) One thing - the "D" units act like the earlier units and don't pass video through if the power is off to the unit.

Sucks being able to get to the screen, seeing what firmware is in it...& actually seeing that the MACROVISION is on.

I can't believe no one has been able to find a hack to disable it yet! You know it's a just a series of remote key punches, just like the region hack, but oh well.

Oh, and even though my unit is a "D" unit, it does pass a signal thru the s-video with the power off!

Dartman

05-06-07, 07:21 PM

OK I now own one boys.... :rolleyes:

DeerHunter

05-06-07, 07:28 PM

Lwb

05-06-07, 08:32 PM

Got mine.

rgazzara

05-07-07, 08:32 AM

I have gone totally cellular and don't have a land line for the phone. They tell me that I cant get Tivo without one. ( don't know if this is right, or if it just means that I cant get all the functionality.)

All the new TIVO units are functional with a broadband connection -- no need for a land-line telephone.

For Guided Setup with a broadband connection you need a Series 2 or Series 3 TIVO with software version 7.2 or later.

If you have a TIVO with an earlier software version, you need to connect via a land-line to complete the Guided Setup only. This can be done using any land-line telephone; it doesn't need to be yours.

For more info, click here. (http://customersupport.tivo.com/LaunchContent.aspx?CID=b321a621-b383-4485-a994-36536cef265c)

GreggPenn

05-07-07, 03:33 PM

New theory on the multiple titles quirk.... As some of you know, putting multiple titles on a DVD can cause problems with the Polo.... The result is a disc that's unreadable in other players.

Best I can figure, there's an overflow of some sort during the creation of the TOC during finalization. Everytime I get a bad disc, my Sony display shows a time of 7:47:47 after hitting the 1 min mark. I can't access anything other than the first minute of the DVD when discs error out like this. And, my other players won't read them either.

Though I continue to press stop/start in order to create pictured, chapter (title) markers for my DVDs, I haven't had an issue for several weeks. Then, it happened again. After 2 or 3 failed disks in a row, I unplugged the unit -- after a lock-up. Everything's been peachy again.

Now, if I have multiple titles on a DVD, I turn the unit off before finalization. (I complete any edits before doing so). Then I turn it on, hit the disc button to load the disc, then immediately finalize. My goal is to make sure memory is not clogged with extra junk before performing the finalization.

I have had one lesser problem since following this procedure.... One disc jumps to the same title with every press of the chapter skip key. So, the title markers were hosed... But, the disk is still readable this time. I can still play thru the disc and jump chapter markers. I just can't do a chapter skip at the end of a title -- because it heads to the same chapter each time.

I've also done this procedure lots of time using the HDD first. Never created a disc with bad title/chapter markers using the HDD first -- but the FF is always worse. I did find some who says FF works fine on my DVD and it's a cheapy. It's probably go a similar chipset to the Polo.

BTW: I still note some bright, high-contrast scenes can cause white crush. The chip is this unit is not "perfect" despite the reports. (I base this on 3 units from 4 different recorders (D, K, & two H's). They all had some degree of white crush. (The D unit was the worst). And, it appears the problem may be worse on composite dubs (vs. component dubs). I will say the degree of white crush is directly related to the quality of the original. If contrast is good on the original, the Polo won't overblow it much -- meaning most of you might not notice it. (Plus I'm viewing on a 10' screen!) If the original has any degree of white crush, the copies become exaggerated. This implies that some level of contrast is lost during any dub -- worsening problems of the original.

gp

slr_65

05-16-07, 06:42 PM

Boy, since the new version came out it's been quiet here!

I just picked another DRM-2001G up! I got it off of eBay for $57 shipped to my door! It just arrived today, it wasn't packaged up well so the RF input/output jacks stuck out of the box and got bent but I just put a connector on them to protect their threads and used pliers to gently square them up again and it looks and works perfect!

It has one small blemish in the case on the top right, but beyond that it looks good!

Now the bad . . . it came with the wrong remote!!! Oh no!!! I just dropped the seller a note, I'm sure we can work something out.

In the mean time I'm using the remote from the upstairs one to play with it. The one upstairs is a "D" unit and this one is a "K" unit. The "K" unit fan is nice and quiet! I'm letting it run over night to make sure it's OK, but after that I'm going to have to lift the lid and see what brand / model fan it's got in it!

All in all I'm happy! Heck I could hardly buy the hard drive in it for that kinda money!

TTYL,

Steve

DLSDO

05-16-07, 07:07 PM

$57 shipped. Nice work!!!

slr_65

05-16-07, 07:19 PM

$57 shipped. Nice work!!!

Yeah, I thought so! :)

I'm not really sure why no one was bidding on it . . . which made me nervous, but it's been running for a couple hours now just fine! (well, actually I may have a small inkling . . . the seller at the time had 0 feedback though he's had a couple positives since. I figured I'd give him a chance . . . if he doesn't make the remote right I may have some leverage as a negative with less than 10 feedbacks has more impact than a negative with a seller who has thousands of feedbacks!)

I have some timers set, we'll see how they work tomorrow!

nextoo

05-16-07, 07:25 PM

Great deal!

slr_65

05-16-07, 07:46 PM

I was going to use this unit as a test bed, but it seems to be working better than the other one!

One modification I saw in a forum for the Packard Bell cousin of our units was a little device that would automatically vary the voltage to the fan in response to the air temp inside of the unit. Unfortunately the link to the company that made it was broken and I couldn't find any sources of that specific product in a net search.

While digging I ran across a neat little thing at www.frozencpu.com though. It's basically the same thing, just by a different company. When it starts it starts at a full 12v and then adjusts the voltage to whatever the temp the unit requires. It controls the temperature between 28 and 42 degrees C which converts over to 82.4 and 107.6 degrees F. Someone in an earlier post took some temperatures with the stock fan if i recall correctly and the unit was running around 95 degrees F? So it looks like this device may let the unit run a little hotter, but I'm wondering if that would really matter?

I have an extra fan as I bought two last time I bought one for the upstairs unit. It's a higher rpm / cfm unit and consequently is a little louder, so I'm thinking I'm going to try this device on it to see how it works.

Basically it's just a little circuit board with a chip and temp probe, you install it in a corner mounting hole in front of the fan exhaust and run the wires through it, so it senses the exhausted air temp and adjusts the voltage to the fan in relation to the temp.

It's called the "NoiseMagic ThemoControl NMT-3 Solder Version", part number tmp-31, and can be found here:
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5299/tmp-31/NoiseMagic_ThemoControl_NMT-3_Solder_Version.html

I'll post back how it works when I get more play time . . . or if anyone else gets to it before me please post your results.

TTYL,

Steve

DeerHunter

05-17-07, 04:16 PM

slr_65

05-17-07, 07:23 PM

Hey Fellars....

Will the Poly accept a 320gig replacement Western Digital hard drive? Whats the biggest anyones put in their POLY???

Neweggs got 250 gig HD's for about 62bucks, but for some reason I can't help but think if I'm gonna get a bigger HD, then why not a 320 or even larger!

Oh, and will a SEAGATE drive work? Which is better WD or Seagate???

TIA.

I've wondered about that myself . . . I haven't gotten around to replacing the hd in the one upstairs yet, but it's on the to do list. I'd like to upgrade my new found FleaBay bargain also.

It seems most are using the 250 gig and there's no doubt it does work well. One of the earlier posters had tried a 500 I believe and it appeared to work at first but then later didn't work so well if I recall correctly. 320s go for a good price these days so I'd be interested to know if one would work too. I did see a comment a while back though that said that 250 was getting to the edge of being too big as it gets unweidly to manage that many files with the rudimentary interface in the machine.

The WD is what it came with so I think that's what most have stuck with. If you look at a different brand then I'd suggest checking out the power requirements relative to the 250 WD to make sure you don't stress out the Polaroid's power supply.

Looking forward to seeing others's experiences in this area.

Take Care,

Steve

slr_65

05-17-07, 11:41 PM

OK, I'm tired of waiting to hear from my eBay vendor so I figured I'd just order a remote tonight to get it coming . . . am I stupid or what? I can't for the life of me find a remote for the DVD recorders on Polaroid's accessories web site! They just have remotes for the portable DVD players?

If I'm missing something please just post a link to make it easier on this impatient and easily annoyed at complicated web sites neanderthal!

TIA,

Steve

PS, if an original remote is not available what's my next best option as far as learning remotes that work with this unit?

Compubooth

05-18-07, 01:51 AM

Steve

PS, if an original remote is not available what's my next best option as far as learning remotes that work with this unit?

I highly recommend the Sony (universal) Remote Commander, Model RM-VL600. You can get one at Wally World for around $25. It's a winner for the price and it makes all units dance including TV, et al.

DeerHunter

05-18-07, 01:51 AM

Try here....

Click Here (http://www.polaroid.com/ceaccessories/)

Select DVD for product category, then model # DRM-2001G

rampart51

05-18-07, 03:49 PM

I highly recommend the Sony (universal) Remote Commander, Model RM-VL600. You can get one at Wally World for around $25. It's a winner for the price and it makes all units dance including TV, et al.

I'll 2nd that. I just got one about a month ago. Its great. Works like a charm with the Polo.

grantsoo

05-19-07, 12:22 PM

I'll 2nd that. I just got one about a month ago. Its great. Works like a charm with the Polo.
I'll third that.
The Sony is so much easier to use than the original.
The only problem I've found is that I've had to sacrifice a few buttons for some of my equipment since there are not enough on the Sony.

Grant

grantsoo

05-19-07, 12:27 PM

Boy, since the new version came out it's been quiet here!

I was wondering if there was a problem with the site the activity died off so fast.

I was going to exchange my 2nd 2001 for the 1601A before the 90 days, but after following the other 1601A forum for a while, I decided to stick with the 2001 and wait.
Grant

slr_65

05-19-07, 12:38 PM

I was wondering if there was a problem with the site the activity died off so fast.

I was going to exchange my 2nd 2001 for the 1601A before the 90 days, but after following the other 1601A forum for a while, I decided to stick with the 2001 and wait.
Grant

Yeah, since the new model came out this thread has really slowed down!

I'm getting ready to upgrade the hard drive in my units and I was really curious about whether a 320gb WD would work or not, but I guess I'll have to find out for myself!

TTYL,

Steve

DLSDO

05-19-07, 02:20 PM

DeerHunter

05-19-07, 02:53 PM

Yeah, since the new model came out this thread has really slowed down!

I'm getting ready to upgrade the hard drive in my units and I was really curious about whether a 320gb WD would work or not, but I guess I'll have to find out for myself!

TTYL,

Steve

Steve,

Why don't you put a 250 gig in one of them, and try a 320 gig in the other? Report back as I'm really curious myself as to whether or not the 320 will work.

On another note, there was a thread located elsewhere, but I can't find it now...anyway, it was with regard to the problems some were having with copy protection via the firewire port and various DV video cameras not working the POLO.

Well, I just got my firewire cable, and hooked it up to my DV video cam. Works like a charm! My video cam is a JCV GR-D375U. Just thought I'd pass it on in case others were lurking here trying to figure out which video cams work and which don't.

slr_65

05-19-07, 03:55 PM

I would put a 320 in if I knew it would work, but if it doesn't then I've wasted money. I could probably recoop some of it by selling it on eBay or something, but that's a hassle.

I may have answer to that quandry though . . . I think my son has a WD250JB in his computer, if he does I may see if I can cut a deal with him - I'll order a 320 for my Polaroid and if it doesn't work I'll trade him for his 250. That way if it doesn't work then I just spent about $20 more than I needed to, but my son will get the use of the extra capacity I paid for and I'll get a drive 3x larger than what it had in it originally.

The only post I can remember where someone tried a drive bigger than 250 was one where they used a Maxtor (I think) 500 and they said they had some problems, but I don't remember what the problems were or how they manifested themselves.

I guess the way to test is to install the 320, then set it to HQ recording quality and just record till it's full? Then I gotta find time to watch all the programming that was recorded? Or maybe just let it play and check occasionally to see if it froze, had any error messages, etc.?

Glad to hear the firewire port is working well for ya!

TTYL,

Steve

slr_65

05-19-07, 04:38 PM

I am still very happy with my Polaroids (2). Most all of the OTA channels in my area are also available via cable and therefore I can capture these on my Polaroids. I have very little need for an ATSC recorder. I watch very little OTA programming. Component input on the other hand is invaluable in so far as my applications. I will be watching as the technology unfolds.

For the most part we've been very happy with our unit too, and I was thrilled to get a bargain on one for downstairs.

My biggest disappointment is the fast forward bug, that's really annoying! And due to that I rarely make DVDs on this unit. It's also disappointing that it uses the non-DVD-standard-conforming DVD_VR format, and that it doesn't even really conform to the DVD_VR format well! On top of that I've had some issues playing the discs it burns - I use Taeo Yuden 8x +Rs and I frequently get a disc with an occasional blip in it. Now when I make a disc I immediately take it over to my pc and copy it over to the hard drive and use Nero to burn it back as I'm pretty sure the problems arise from the slow burning speed of the unit (burning slower does not increase burn quality as some may think, usually burning the media at it's rated speed works the best), usually if it copies over OK then the reburn works flawlessly, but if I get a CRC error when copying it over to the hd then I gotta make another disc and try again. All in all I've been pretty disappointed in it as a DVD burner and that's a shame - I really would like to archive some TV shows, but with the fast forward bug, non standard format, and apparent poor burn quality I worry that in the future, after the Polaroid dies, I may not be able to view the discs.

It's mostly used as a DVD player (which it does very well - it's played about anything we've thrown at it) and for time shifting our TV shows -> I didn't realize how nice that would be! Now we can just program in our favorite shows and forget about them . . . no messing with tapes, etc.! In fact we used to kinda plan our schedule around our favorite shows, but now we do whatever we want whenever we want and don't worry about missing our favorite shows -> they are always right there waiting for us on the hdd! :) I also just love the 30 second fast forward step coupled with the 10 second rewind step - that works just great for skipping promos, commercials, etc.!

For the money it's been just great . . . a home theatre pc can do what this does, and do the DVD burning much better, but the price difference is staggering!

Still it's too bad, this unit has a very good potential - with just some minor firmware tweaks I think it could be a dream machine, but Polaroid doesn't seem interested in product development, they're just concerned with initial sales and that's it.

TTYL,

Steve

DLSDO

05-19-07, 05:17 PM

For the most part we've been very happy with our unit too, and I was thrilled to get a bargain on one for downstairs.

My biggest disappointment is the fast forward bug, that's really annoying! And due to that I rarely make DVDs on this unit. It's also disappointing that it uses the non-DVD-standard-conforming DVD_VR format, and that it doesn't even really conform to the DVD_VR format well! On top of that I've had some issues playing the discs it burns - I use Taeo Yuden 8x +Rs and I frequently get a disc with an occasional blip in it. Now when I make a disc I immediately take it over to my pc and copy it over to the hard drive and use Nero to burn it back as I'm pretty sure the problems arise from the slow burning speed of the unit (burning slower does not increase burn quality as some may think, usually burning the media at it's rated speed works the best), usually if it copies over OK then the reburn works flawlessly, but if I get a CRC error when copying it over to the hd then I gotta make another disc and try again. All in all I've been pretty disappointed in it as a DVD burner and that's a shame - I really would like to archive some TV shows, but with the fast forward bug, non standard format, and apparent poor burn quality I worry that in the future, after the Polaroid dies, I may not be able to view the discs.

It's mostly used as a DVD player (which it does very well - it's played about anything we've thrown at it) and for time shifting our TV shows -> I didn't realize how nice that would be! Now we can just program in our favorite shows and forget about them . . . no messing with tapes, etc.! In fact we used to kinda plan our schedule around our favorite shows, but now we do whatever we want whenever we want and don't worry about missing our favorite shows -> they are always right there waiting for us on the hdd! :) I also just love the 30 second fast forward step coupled with the 10 second rewind step - that works just great for skipping promos, commercials, etc.!

For the money it's been just great . . . a home theatre pc can do what this does, and do the DVD burning much better, but the price difference is staggering!

Still it's too bad, this unit has a very good potential - with just some minor firmware tweaks I think it could be a dream machine, but Polaroid doesn't seem interested in product development, they're just concerned with initial sales and that's it.

TTYL,

Steve

I really think its the end of the road for this unit. I do not mind the ff bug and my burns have been okay.

BUT...we use our units differently and herein lies the rub. I burn very few DVDs. I archive to the removable HDD! I have several terabytes of stored movies. So it serves my purposes quite well you see.

slr_65

05-19-07, 06:02 PM

I really think its the end of the road for this unit. I do not mind the ff bug and my burns have been okay.

BUT...we use our units differently and herein lies the rub. I burn very few DVDs. I archive to the removable HDD! I have several terabytes of stored movies. So it serves my purposes quite well you see.

Yeah, but the disc format is not readable by anything else as far as I'm aware, so when your unit eventually dies you wont be able to view all the terabytes of movies you have collected?

You know if a manufacturer would just wake up I think there's a pile of money to be made here! If they'd just be responsive to users requests for firmware upgrades and use an easily upgradable hard drive that a pc could read their product would just fly off the shelves!!!

As I said, we're not unhappy with ours - we just use it to watch DVDs and to time shift TV and it works very well for that. The TV timeshifting is the one thing we didn't realize how handy it would be until we got the ability to do it! Now we're hooked!

Planet HDTV

05-19-07, 06:44 PM

Get one with good ball bearings in it
Not all fans use ball bearings. Some use sleeve bearings which are typically half as noisy.

Which is better WD or Seagate?
All things being equal the Seagate, but you made a blanket statement which cannot be accurately answered without specific model numbers :)

boo99

05-20-07, 12:17 AM

I bought third one of this unit tonite at Wally World (others were returned cause of fan noise) and it was 110.00 clearance so had to get it. Saw the 160g Polaroid there too.

The remote had all battery acid in it. Seems it was prob. returned and batts left in and now the remote wont respond at all.

Wondering if theres a replacement remote or if they can swap out the 160g remote and will it work?

Check on Polaroids site but they dont have a replacement listed anymore.

thnx

boo

Demuddle

05-20-07, 02:50 AM

Wondering if theres a replacement remote or if they can swap out the 160g remote and will it work?
thnx

boo

Uh well if nothing else look up about 13 posts. :)

Dartman

05-20-07, 03:01 AM

160 gig remote doesn't work, I tried it while I had mine. If you get pretty much any of the web update based harmony remotes you can add the 2001 to it easily then configure the buttons the way you want to some extent, other remotes will work possibly as well. Try really scrubbing the circuit board and the contacts with alcohol and letting it dry, it might came back around. While your in it get the Radio shack led if it starts working and replace it.
If you don't need cable QAM to work you might like the 160, everything else works OK. The remote works differently then the same inputs do on the 2001 and it has the same lousy range that a new remote or LED should fix. The fan is noisy as well but not as loud as the early 2001 units are.

grantsoo

05-20-07, 06:18 AM

As I said, we're not unhappy with ours - we just use it to watch DVDs and to time shift TV and it works very well for that. The TV timeshifting is the one thing we didn't realize how handy it would be until we got the ability to do it! Now we're hooked!

Just one other point, the clocks on both of mine are lousy, they continuously drift about 15 seconds a week. I handle that by setting them 30 seconds ahead and then resetting them to 30 seconds ahead once a week. The 30 seconds allows me some extra time in case I'm away or forget.

beekeeper

05-20-07, 06:19 AM

If I recall from back somewhere in this thread, the drive size was not the problem, it was the number of shows the menu could take that limited how much of the drive was usable. It was a firmware problem.

WD 250's worked fine and I think it was the 500 that was limited. Not sure about those in between.

nextoo

05-20-07, 09:23 AM

Actually the drive was the problem. I tried the Maxtor 500GB drive last fall. It formatted fine and showed 500GB of space (via the time remaining meter). But once it hit 80GB of recorded material it hit a wall. I can't say this would be the case with all 500GB drives. It was just my experience with the Maxtor.

I've decided to stick with the WD 250GB. The 250GB is a decent size and easy to manage. And because I use external removable HDDs I'm not trying to install the biggest one I can find into the case.

One thing if installing into the case is the power requirement of the replacement drive. It should be equal or lower than the OEM drive. This does not apply when using external drives with an external power source.

slr_65

05-20-07, 12:08 PM

Try here....

Click Here (http://www.polaroid.com/ceaccessories/)

Select DVD for product category, then model # DRM-2001G

This link doesn't give a product category, model selection, etc. option - you can only click on the shop for accessories and that takes you to the same place you got to from the Polaroid web site, and it's only carrying portable DVD remotes.

My eBay vendor is being responsive, he's looking for the right remote and promises to make it right with me. I'm thinking if he can't find the right remote that I'll try the recommended Sony learning remote.

/Steve

DeerHunter

05-20-07, 01:43 PM

This link doesn't give a product category, model selection, etc. option - you can only click on the shop for accessories and that takes you to the same place you got to from the Polaroid web site, and it's only carrying portable DVD remotes.

My eBay vendor is being responsive, he's looking for the right remote and promises to make it right with me. I'm thinking if he can't find the right remote that I'll try the recommended Sony learning remote.

/Steve

Go up 1 post,

Try the link again....I just did and it WILL take you the replacement remote!

Click on CONTINUE...
Click on SHOP ACCESSORIES....
Select "DVD" for product category....
Then select DRM-2001G for model #......

Part #7042001G0010
$14.99

I know it works...I just did it!

slr_65

05-20-07, 01:53 PM

Go up 1 post,

Try the link again....I just did and it WILL take you the replacement remote!

Click on CONTINUE...
Click on SHOP ACCESSORIES....
Select "DVD" for product category....
Then select DRM-2001G for model #......

Part #7042001G0010
$14.99

I know it works...I just did it!

Interesting, I just cleared my cache to make sure I wsn't seeing something that was left over, but it didn't help . . . I don't have a continue option, I get a page that says:

Accessories are sold through our Polaroid Accessory Distributor: Signal Northwest.

When you shop for accessories you will be redirected to the Signal Northwest web site, where you may view their Privacy Policy before placing your order.

When I click on the shop accessories I go to the standard interface that you get from the Polaroid web site.

I have to get to an Eagle Scout Court of Honor, when I get back I'll do a screen print of what I get . . . in the mean time can someone else try it and see what happens?

TTYL,

Steve

DeerHunter

05-20-07, 01:58 PM

I just tried it again....it's working. What version of windows are you using? What web browser?

I can't post a direct link to the page because it won't load correctly without making the necessary selections.

slr_65

05-20-07, 08:20 PM

OK, I'm back . . . still doesn't work for me!

Here's a screen shot of what I get.

slr_65

05-20-07, 08:31 PM

Hmmm, I was pm'd this link and this one works! They let me select the remote and took my payment info, lets hope I get a remote headed this way!

The working link given to me is here (https://secure.scsoem.com/OrderEntry/accmenu.htm)

You hit the Shop Accessories button on that page it will let you select your DVD player and stuff and has more than what is displayed on the shopping page you get to from the Polaroid main web page.

Here are a couple screen shots of what this site gives me . . .

Dartman

05-20-07, 08:38 PM

slr_65

05-20-07, 09:19 PM

slr_65

05-20-07, 10:07 PM

Hmmm, this looked all nice and pretty when I typed it in, but when I preview it it removes my formatting . . . GRRRR!

Anyway, it'll take a little decyphering, but I think you can pull the data out . . . this is the electrical data for the various size Western Digital Drives. The 320GB is the largest that shares the same electrical properties with the 250GB drive which we know doesn't stress the power supply too much so I'd say a 320GB is probably worth a shot! (note: the 160, 200, 250, and 320 all share the same electrical properties, the 300 vaires a bit in the 5V specs).

Current Requirements

12VDC 80GB 120GB 160GB 200GB 250GB 300GB 320GB 400GB 500GB
Read/Write (ma) 330 350 530 530 530 530 530 460 460
Idle (ma) 330 370 510 510 510 510 510 450 450
Standby (ma) 28 20 30 30 30 30 30 6 6
Sleep (ma) 27 20 30 30 30 30 30 6 6

5 VDC 80GB 120GB 160GB 200GB 250GB 300GB 320GB 400GB 500GB
Read/Write (ma) 675 800 450 450 450 800 450 650 650
Idle (ma) 600 675 400 400 400 730 400 600 600
Standby (ma) 140 200 150 150 150 270 150 180 180
Sleep (ma) 70 60 120 120 120 250 120 180 180

Power Diss 80GB 120GB 160GB 200GB 250GB 300GB 320GB 400GB 500GB
Read/Write (w) 7.00 8.00 8.60 8.60 8.60 9.50 8.60 8.77 8.77
Idle (w) 7.00 7.25 8.10 8.10 8.10 9.77 8.10 8.40 8.40
Standby (w) 1.00 1.20 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.70 1.10 0.97 0.97
Sleep (w) 0.70 0.50 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.60 1.00 0.97 0.97

slr_65

05-20-07, 10:12 PM

I just followed that link and after about 3 pages I got to the accessories page and the remote is listed. You don't have a continue button so maybe your browser or firewall is blocking parts of the page.
You hit continue, then it lists shop accessories or track order, hit the acc button, then it jumps to country, product category, and model number. Pick the right ones and it comes up with the remote and a AV cord.

Aha! My son just tweaked some setting in my browser and now the continue button shows up on the first link that was given! When you click it though it takes you to the second link that was pm'd to me so if you are looking for a remote just save time and potential trouble and use the second link.

Like I said, they listed the remote and let me order and pay for it, so I hope I get it and don't get a "sorry we're out of stock" email!!!!!

That page we're getting to with these other two links is MUCH better than the one you get to from the Polaroid main web page!

TTYL,

Steve

kb7oeb

05-21-07, 01:20 AM

My main question is regarding the digital tuner on the Polaroid. Is it HD? Or, does it downgrade the signal to SD (480?) like some that I have read about. The manual doesn't say anything about it. Would this serve my purpose of getting clearer OTA pictures (i.e. no static or ghosts)?

Samsung still makes a HD ASTC tuner for under $200, it also has a full EPG unlike most SD ATSC tuners.

grantsoo

05-21-07, 06:50 AM

Aha! My son just tweaked some setting in my browser and now the continue button shows up on the first link that was given! ............
TTYL,

Steve

As I've come to find, thank heaven for sons.......

Grant

DeerHunter

05-21-07, 08:20 AM

Aha! My son just tweaked some setting in my browser and now the continue button shows up on the first link that was given! When you click it though it takes you to the second link that was pm'd to me so if you are looking for a remote just save time and potential trouble and use the second link.

Like I said, they listed the remote and let me order and pay for it, so I hope I get it and don't get a "sorry we're out of stock" email!!!!!

That page we're getting to with these other two links is MUCH better than the one you get to from the Polaroid main web page!

TTYL,

Steve

Steve,

Thank God for your son eh? Perhaps a firewall setting, pop-up blocker, or anti-virus setting of some sort that wasn't allowing you to see the correct buttons for certain pages.

Anyways, glad to hear you were finally able to get where you needed to be! SHEESH!!!! :p

On another note, I'm gonna stop by my local RATSHACK and pick up a replacement
L.E.D to mod my remote.

DeerHunter

05-21-07, 10:22 AM

slr_65

05-21-07, 10:52 AM

For those who've done it....

Which way does the replacement remote control LED get soldered onto the board? Does it matter which way. I see the symbol on the board...not sure what it designates. Negative perhaps??? :confused:

Yes, it does matter which way. Before you take the old LED out look at it sideways and you'll be able to see a shape in it, The same shape is in the new LED so just note the shape, remove the old one, and install the new one with the shape in the same orientation. Several pages back in this thread are some really good instructions on how to do the LED mod . . . it's worth the couple minutes with the search engine to find.

Once done you'll LOVE the results!!!!

slr_65

05-21-07, 11:19 AM

Steve,

Thank God for your son eh? Perhaps a firewall setting, pop-up blocker, or anti-virus setting of some sort that wasn't allowing you to see the correct buttons for certain pages.

Anyways, glad to hear you were finally able to get where you needed to be! SHEESH!!!! :p

On another note, I'm gonna stop by my local RATSHACK and pick up a replacement
L.E.D to mod my remote.

I'm sure it wasn't a firewall issue since I had turned it completely off an a previous attempt. It must've been something in the browser . . I dunno . . . I was er, uh, indisposed in the "reading room" when he did it and he left before I got out, I just came back to the 'puter and the thing was sitting on the web page, but this time had the continue button on it!

I had already gotten to where I needed to be from a pm'd link though (I just love these forums, there's always somebody around to help ya!) so this was more playing around just 'cause it annoyed me it wasn't working!

Well, better get some work done today . . .

slr_65

05-21-07, 11:35 AM

For remote info check these posts:

First post about replacing the LED (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8245524&&#post8245524)

A post on how to pop it apart (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8298295&&#post8298295)

A little more detailed post on how to perform the mod (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9107741&&#post9107741)

To purchase a new remote from Polaroid click here (this link is less picky on browser settings!) (https://secure.scsoem.com/OrderEntry/accmenu.htm)

DeerHunter

05-21-07, 12:33 PM

DeerHunter

05-21-07, 08:28 PM

Well,

Did my remote LED replacement. Took about 5 minutes. It's not perfect by any means as compared to other remotes, but it's certainly a hell of a lot better than it was!

Dartman

05-21-07, 08:37 PM

Mine pretty much works as well as any of my other remotes now. Too bad the tuner is PAL now :rolleyes: Did you get the high output blue looking LED or something different?

DeerHunter

05-21-07, 09:23 PM

Mine pretty much works as well as any of my other remotes now. Too bad the tuner is PAL now :rolleyes: Did you get the high output blue looking LED or something different?

Yup...high output blue. Like I said earlier, certainly not perfect, but a WHOLE lot better!!! Certainly worth the $1.79 and 5 minute job.

FOR ALL READING THIS:

I've come to the conclusion that it's really not the remote thats the problem with these units. It's the stupid design of the front of the POLO. The "mirror surface" not to mention the stupid tiny little holes that are placed directly in front of the IR sensor on the front of the unit.

A few years back my wife tried to surprise me for father's day with a HTIB, and the DVD player in the unit had the same mirror surface, and it suffered from the exact lazy remote response. Needless to say it was returned.

I'd be willing to bet my left....you know what... if there was a way to remove that front fascia plate, and some how remove the reflective surface in front of the IR sensor... "making it a clear path", that the remote....modded or un-modded, would work just fine.

slr_65

05-22-07, 02:28 PM

WOW! My remote shipped from Polaroid yesterday and arrived today!!!!!

I forgot how sucky the remote was without the high output LED, what a pile crap!!!

I just thought I'd let everyone know that the remotes are indeed still available if you follow the links given most recently . . . well, off to Radio Shack to get an LED!

silicon_psycho

05-22-07, 02:41 PM

on my ehr2080 which has the same faceplate and crap remote i was able to remove it using a long thin knife like a craft knife, and drilled a hole right through over the sensor hole. cleaned it up, remove old glue and superglued it back on. Hey presto! amazing remote response.

With that and a replaced Remote LED it worked about 29 feet away in sunlight! (tested in the garden)

ugly, but worked great! (sorry ive never thought of posting this before i did it a year ago!!!!! sorry sorry sorry)

DeerHunter

05-22-07, 05:03 PM

....it worked about 29 feet away in sunlight! (tested in the garden)

29 feet away...Nice Job!!!! Ya Bloke! Hah, I always wanted to say BLOKE!

DeerHunter

05-22-07, 05:14 PM

slr_65

05-22-07, 06:33 PM

on my ehr2080 which has the same faceplate and crap remote <snip>

Dartman has one of those too . . . Sorry Dartman . . . much like Ron White out side of the New York bar, I want to remain silent but I just don't have the ability! :)

slr_65

05-22-07, 06:37 PM

Yeah, for $9 bucks shipping, it had better have been there today!!! ;)

Yeah, but I ordered over the weekend so they processed it and got it out right away on Monday?! And I still, only one day shipping?! WOW!

Maybe they are just wanting to clear out the inventory of those crappy remotes? :)

Nah, if they were they'd make it easier to find on their web page! :mad:

Dartman

05-22-07, 07:00 PM

Dartman has one of those too . . . Sorry Dartman . . . much like Ron White out side of the New York bar, I want to remain silent but I just don't have the ability! :)

Well I do now anyways, if I ever move to Europe I'm all set... ;) I guess one of us should actually call them and demand a firmware update for the Polaroid version...
I took back the 160 digital version, QAM tuner sucked and remote still does too, plus other weirdness.

musick

05-22-07, 07:06 PM

sir_65. Welcome back! Yes the fan continues to be a problem. Amazing how a $5 part can make it sound like it is going nuclear. Mine too occasionally will give the cat getting run through the fan belts scream on start up. I know I'm going to have to swap it out soon. The good news is that to many it sounds like the recorder is ready to explode but it really is pretty minor. But a real hassle to have to take the time to fix it.
so I believe it was January of this year I picked up my Polo (G unit) and now just this past week I am getting the loud noise on startup.

Is this something I have to be concerned with other than the uncomfortable sound for about 1 minute?
Is it better to leave the unit on at all times instead of shutting down and powering up or does that cause more wear/heat?

I'm really not one who likes to fiddle around with the inards of hardware for fear of messing something up but at the same time I don't want to be stuck with a dead unit after only a few months

nextoo

05-22-07, 07:13 PM

musick

05-22-07, 07:20 PM

thanx nextoo

DLSDO

05-22-07, 07:23 PM

It's just the fan. A $3.00 part. You are much better off shutting it down and putting up with the noise on start up. Mine is doing the same thing and I'm too lazy to replace it. But the good news is that it is not the DVD burner or the hard drive. It sounds much worse then it actually is. Amazing that a $3.00 part can make things sound so bad.

Nextoo is indeed correct!! As usual. :cool:

I described the "fan swap" here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9892804&&#post9892804. It is really quite easy. I have had no problem since I got rid of the bad fan.

DeerHunter

05-22-07, 08:10 PM

Dartman has one of those too . . . Sorry Dartman . . . much like Ron White out side of the New York bar, I want to remain silent but I just don't have the ability! :)

Ahhhh....Ron White. Gotta love him! "They call me...Tater Salad."

slr_65

05-23-07, 01:08 AM

so I believe it was January of this year I picked up my Polo (G unit) and now just this past week I am getting the loud noise on startup.

Is this something I have to be concerned with other than the uncomfortable sound for about 1 minute?
Is it better to leave the unit on at all times instead of shutting down and powering up or does that cause more wear/heat?

I'm really not one who likes to fiddle around with the inards of hardware for fear of messing something up but at the same time I don't want to be stuck with a dead unit after only a few months

I've replaced the one in my upstairs unit twice. I replaced the original one which was noisey from the get-go. It was just the only one my Wally World had and I didn't want to return it as I would only get my money back when I really wanted the DVR.

I spent some cash on a super duper quiet fan that came with some spiffy silicone rubber mounts and it worked like a charm -> almost silent!

Then the high dollar fan got noisey! GRRRR! My theory is that all 40mm fans suck!

I bought a couple small fans off of eBay (they were sold in pairs) and put one in my unit just a couple weeks ago. It works fine, though is just a tad louder than the original fan.

The fan in my eBay bargain downstairs is still quiet, so I haven't had to mess with it yet though I'm sure I will eventually.

I bought a spiffy little thing that varies the fan speed with the temperature in the unit but I haven't had time to mess with it yet. I'll post back when I do.

I'm also thing that since all 40mm fans seem to suck that it may be worthwhile to try and put in a larger fan - a larger fan could be ran slower so it may be quieter too.

A bigger fan will take some fabrication skills though, if you are short of fabrication skills then just replace the fan if it annoys you . . . it's really very simple to do.

slr_65

05-23-07, 01:10 AM

Well I do now anyways, if I ever move to Europe I'm all set... ;) I guess one of us should actually call them and demand a firmware update for the Polaroid version...
I took back the 160 digital version, QAM tuner sucked and remote still does too, plus other weirdness.

Actually I kinda wonder if you couldn't peddle it on eBay to someone in Europe? Shipping may be a bit higher, but you may recover some of your cash.

Dartman

05-23-07, 09:57 PM

I'll just hang onto it till a update happens or they finally get a WORKING qam tuner in a unit with a HD. I guess I can use my lg4200 for a tuner or one of my old SVHS machines as well, they all have proper stereo tuners in them anyways.
If they get a machine that works I can always slam the 250 outa the 2001 into it then put it's 80 back in so it at least works.

slr_65

05-23-07, 10:51 PM

Well,

Did my remote LED replacement. Took about 5 minutes. It's not perfect by any means as compared to other remotes, but it's certainly a hell of a lot better than it was!

I forgot how easy it was . . . well, how easy it appeared . . . my oldest son abscounded with my 30 watt soldering iron and he's off in the Navy now so I'm pretty much stuck buying a new one, but no one is open this time of the night in the sticks! I do have a 15 watt iron designed for working on surface mount boards and it was -just- hot enough to melt the solder on the pads, but just barely . . . that makes soldering a challenge!

Ahh, well . . . if life were easy it would be boring!

I got the old pos LED out and the new high output one in. I'll buy a 30 watt iron tomorrow just for the next time I need to solder in the evening and if this remote suddenly quits I'll pop it apart and warm the solder up.

It is amazing how much the high output LED helps though!

I got a cable remote that's kinda picky . . . I may have to pickup another high output LED and see if it'll help it too!

DeerHunter

05-24-07, 08:42 AM

Yup, it is amazing how a little $1.79 part can make such big difference in usability! You were thinking the same thing as I. "How can I use more of these in my other remotes?" ;) Hmmmmm. :D

grantsoo

05-26-07, 06:31 AM

I used a bicycle lube I already had around, made by Finish Line, it's their "High Viscosity Cross Country Synthetic Lubricant." I have a 8 ounce aerosol can that I bought years ago. They might come in smaller sizes. My can was on sale for about $6 or $8 I think.

Many bike shops carry it, or at least they used to. I only used it because I had nothing to loose though, it's holding up well but don't know how it'll be over the long run.
I tried spraying lubricant into the fan, enough that I had to wipe up excess as well, but it did not make a difference - it still squeals pretty good on start-up. I aimed for the gap between the blade and the housing. Is that the correct spot?
Thanks
Grant

beekeeper

05-26-07, 07:10 AM

I tried spraying lubricant into the fan, enough that I had to wipe up excess as well, but it did not make a difference - it still squeals pretty good on start-up. I aimed for the gap between the blade and the housing. Is that the correct spot?
Thanks
Grant

What I have read about computer fans is the lube has to go behind the seal on the back, right in the center of the fan. The ones who lubed their fans that way had fair to good results. Something like WD-40 was short lived. The most successful was silicon lube.

Generally they recommended a new fan.

Planet HDTV

05-26-07, 12:32 PM

I aimed for the gap between the blade and the housing. Is that the correct spot?
It's a sealed system. It would need to be taken apart.

slr_65

05-27-07, 10:34 AM

I ran across a couple interesting items in the thread for the new 160gb unit . . .

*) Nextoo found that you can upgrade the hd in the new units with no problems, just plug and play like our older units but that it will reformat the drive so you can't take a 2001g drive with programs on it and install it in the new unit and keep those programs. The interesting thing is that he is using a Maxtor 250gb drive in his 2001g. I wonder what other brands of hds have people used? Has the only failure so far been the 500gb Maxtor?

*) A Michael.mi is posting in that thread. He appears to be from China and knows a lot about the new unit. The new unit is not just an upgraded version of the 2001g, so I dunno if he knows anything about the 2001g. Anyway, after Nextoo posted some pics of the inside of the unit and commented on the hard drive Michael posted back that he thought a 400gb would work find in those units. I wonder why the cap at 400? I wonder if the same cap doesn't exist in 2001g since the 500gb failed?

/Steve

BOBBY DIGITAL

05-28-07, 09:53 AM

i picked one of the 2001G's yesterday and it didnt have a remote. is there anybody in the Atlanta metro area that has one so i can possibly pull/learn codes from your OEM remote using a Sony RM-VL600.

beekeeper

05-29-07, 06:35 AM

I recorded an old (1930s -first Technicolor) commercial VHS movie with my Panny ES-20 some time ago and found I dropped the last 5 min, so tried the Polaroid. I have a Optima projector with a 100in screen and compared the quality of both (actually my wife did since it was her movie). The Polaroid had truer colors, less saturation and a sharper picture. You could not make out some details in the panny copy that were clear in the Polo.

I did use FR on the panny and SP on the Polo , which may have made a difference, but it should have benefited the panny.

The Panny did have FF that worked, but I will take the better picture quality over a minor inconvenience. I created a monster since I now have to re-do all of the VHS transfers using the Polo.

BOBBY DIGITAL

05-30-07, 12:48 PM

outside of logitech are there any other universal remotes that can be used with this device?

Planet HDTV

05-30-07, 01:03 PM

Yes of course. Look into the Sony remotes. At CES they showed at least 30 new remotes which can do everything that the Harmony can do, and more. Look for the price of the Harmony to be cut in half this next year :)

sgm26

05-31-07, 11:57 AM

The sony 600 mentioned above costs $25 in Walmart. I use it with a Toshiba, Panny, JVC and Sony. Since it learns commands from the original, it should work with practically anything. I love it.

slr_65

05-31-07, 04:20 PM

The sony 600 mentioned above costs $25 in Walmart. I use it with a Toshiba, Panny, JVC and Sony. Since it learns commands from the original, it should work with practically anything. I love it.

The Walmarts in my area do NOT carry this remote -> I've checked several and asked in all of them!

I did find one easily on FleaBay though . . .

I've also just ran across info about the "JP1" remotes that's pretty interesting . . . especially since the universal remotes I'm now using are UEI Millenium 4 JP1 remotes! I have a cable on the way and can't wait to play . . . someone has already uploaded the DRM-2001G remotes codes . . .

Check out the JP1 remote info here . . . http://www.hifi-remote.com/jp1/

/Steve

BOBBY DIGITAL

06-01-07, 12:23 AM

my problem was that i didnt have the original?

The sony 600 mentioned above costs $25 in Walmart. I use it with a Toshiba, Panny, JVC and Sony. Since it learns commands from the original, it should work with practically anything. I love it.

Uno

06-01-07, 01:36 AM

outside of logitech are there any other universal remotes that can be used with this device?
After dismissing the Logtech for its $100 cost, I got the Sony 600 for $25, but the same day I found a Philips PHDVD6L Universal Learning Remote, a "Direct replacement for your original DVD remote control" for only $10! I returned the Sony. The Philips has keys for DVD functions (it has chapter keys, which Sony's does not), & it learned several keys from my Polaroid 2100G.

Uno

06-01-07, 01:57 AM

I finally decided to buy the Polaroid 2001G--after ascertaining that the new model in Wal-Mart with the 160 HD does not record on DVD-Rs. I have a "B" February, 2006 version. It was the display model & discounted to $188.
Thanks to this forum, I replaced the LED to improve the remote, but I wish I'd read a page or two further, because I put the LED in upside down. Since the wires are straight, I didn't know which way to bend them. Later, I compared the old & new LEDs & saw inside the bulb that the source of each wire looks different.
Since our Sony HD TV has only 2 component inputs, & the HD cable box uses one, I connected my old DVD recorder to the component input on the Polaroid & had to keep it on in order to use the old recorder, so I wish I had a later version of the Polaroid. I have recorded many movies onto the HD already. I recorded from the HD to a DVD; after being finalized, it played in our Sony player.
Now, my Sansui stopped recognizing discs. I took it to Radio Shack, & the clerk said the drive motor does not run. I got much use out of the Sansui 4005 DVD Recorder\VCR, so I wouldn't mind--if I had not neglected to finalize about 15-20 DVDs! Is there any way to finalize DVDs without the recorder on which they were made? I found a used Sansui 4005 on eBay--just to finalize some discs with movies on them that would be difficult to replace.
Thanks for the help I've received reading as far as page 50 of this thread!

slr_65

06-01-07, 11:34 PM

Can you read the unfinalized discs in a computer? If so then I'd think you could just rip the disc to hard drive and then burn it back?

Uno

06-02-07, 02:28 AM

slr_65,
I tried one of the unfinalized discs in my computer & received a No Disc message! I have never heard anyone complain about this problem. Maybe I'm the only one who doesn't immediately finalize his DVDs after recording them half full.

Uno

06-02-07, 04:09 AM

netstroller

06-02-07, 12:33 PM

I record standard (low) definition TV signals mostly at 4 hours a DVD, because I have not noticed an improvement when I record SD in SP, 2 hours a DVD. I just don't think that the SD signal is good enough to look better in SP. Does anyone here see an improvement?
It depends on the quality of the signal. Lower quality signals compress to larger file sizes (dirty signals has more data, from the "dirt" ironically) and that's when a higher quality setting (lower compression) can make a visible difference. Fast motion videos also have more data and can benefit from the higher quality recording settings.

netstroller

06-02-07, 12:41 PM

After dismissing the Logtech for its $100 cost, I got the Sony 600 for $25, but the same day I found a Philips PHDVD6L Universal Learning Remote, a "Direct replacement for your original DVD remote control" for only $10! I returned the Sony. The Philips has keys for DVD functions (it has chapter keys, which Sony's does not), & it learned several keys from my Polaroid 2100G.
Sounds like you lucked out with the Philips remote. I have a URC-10820 programable universal remote and it cannot memorize some of the 2001g keys.

I just received two of the Harmony 659 that was on sale at Amazon/TigerDirect for $50 each. I do like them but I already spent over seven hours on the two of them. Got most of it sorted out now but still fine tuning the input delay on the 542i, the default setting of 400 ms worked fine except when I have the TV tunner set on a digital station, that takes longer than a analog station to grab and the extra delay threw off the input cycles. Even 600 ms didn't work, I'm about to try 700 ms.

slr_65

06-02-07, 12:58 PM

Hey Guys,

Walmart in Nebraska is closing out the DRM-2001Gs for $100!!!

Uno

06-03-07, 03:13 AM

Netstroller,
Thanks for the info about TV signals & recording speeds.
My Philips Universal Learning remote doesn't do macros, so you have more versatility with the Harmony & an excellent price, too, but more work!

Uno

06-03-07, 03:18 AM

I had just recorded 2 films from my 2001G's HD onto a DVD. In the menu for the DVD I saw Append & clicked it to see what would happen. That's the last I saw of my movies! Now, the Polaroid says "No disc." I vow never to click "Append" again or delete a movie from the HD until I have recorded it onto a DVD & finalized that DVD!

DeerHunter

06-03-07, 09:16 AM

wajo

06-03-07, 09:32 AM

slr_65

06-04-07, 11:02 PM

Hi Guys,

I got my JP1 interface cable today and played with making a remote work with the Polaroid . . . it worked like a charm!!!!

The Universal Electronics Millenium 4 is a 4 device universal remote that a lot of cable companies give out with their cable boxes. They are also available easily off of eBay for around $12 or so shipped if you keep a sharp eye out. I have two from the cable company and a half dozen that I bought off of eBay (I can't stand to look for a remote!!!). These remotes have a slide down cover that covers the VCR function keys but that door always gets loose and flops around so we just tape it shut. Besides, it's unhandy to press the buttons that far down on the remote.

What I did was break the remote functions in half - the keys I use the most for the DVR I programmed in the VCR device and the keys I use the most for DVD viewing I programmed in to the Audio device. This way I could program the major functions around the easy to reach grouping of keys in the middle of the remote.

This works great for me, though there's a learning curve since most of the keys aren't marked correctly.

One could put them all on one device and use the slide down cover too (or just take it off).

These remotes have GREAT range! In fact they have TWO LEDs sending out the signal! Well, I'll take that back . . . I have one remote that's branded for Comcast Cable that's kinda picky with my fleabay bargain Polaroid downstairs. The TV and Cable box respond fine to it, but the Polaroid is picky with it. The other 7 remotes all work fine with the Polaroid, and the picky remote works fine with the Polaroid upstairs, so it must be something with the IR detector in the downstairs Polaroid. I may try replacing the LEDs with the Radio Shack ones to see if it helps.

All in all I'm a HAPPY camper - I haven't had all my devices in one remote in a very long time!!! :D

TTYL,

Steve

Uno

06-06-07, 03:03 AM

After reading your comments about the initial ("B") batch, I decided to look for a machine from a later batch. The "B" I had was the last machine left at Wal-Mart here & was a display model, costing $188. On eBay, I found a new "F" machine & saved $42 in the exchange--even shipped for $25 Priority Mail! Its remote works better, but still not as well as the average remote. The picture quality is very good. Gone is the fan vent on the back. The button on the remote that says "Monitor" on the "B" says "Input" on the "F."
The manual has a nicer cover & sharper print, but the content is the same.
I love being able to record a film to the HD & then decide whether I want to keep it on a DVD or delete it.
I guess I came too late for much discussion here, but what I've read on the thread for DRA-01601A shows many complaints & no information about whether or not it records on DVD-R discs. My old recorder used only -discs, which are supposed to be the most compatible with other players. I use my HD cable box's tuner. We live too far away for over-the-air HD & watch cable channels much more than broadcast network channels (& their obnoxious commercials) anyway.

upsetme

06-06-07, 06:43 PM

Ok im sure this is unnecessary and if maybe i looked hard enough I can find the answer. But you all sound smart enough to know. Especially since my problem is probably "small" or "stupid compared to the others. Just pm or respond to the thread.

Anywas the problem, I got the Polaroid DRM-2001G, I don't have an s-video cord the only cord I don't have. First of all, all i want to do is be able to make the software/stuff on the dvd-recorder to come up on channel 3 and just record channel 3 only. Since i have my cable box hooked up, everything shows on channel 3 and you change the channel through the cable box.

I have tried to use the 3 composite cords(red,yellow,white) on the back of my tv. But you know when you hook something up with those cords, you have to click VIDEO on your tv remote to get to that video input you plugged it into. When i did this i tried using the channel search on the dvd-recorder which didn't succeed. It didn't locate any of the channels. When all i want it to locate is channel 3 on my TV. Not look through channels on the video input crap which I think it's trying to?

So after that didn't work, I use to have directv and a VCR. With the antenna cords the rf cables. How i did it was I just use to be able to hook my cable box to my vcr, then my vcr to the tv. Then i would be able to record all of channel 3 and change the channel with my directv and get anything to record. But unfortunately I guess technology has advanced so it made everything harder to do. This did not work, but I was able to see the cable box when it was just hooked up to the dvd-recorder then from dvd-recorder to Tv. But I wasn't able to pull up the menu's or anything on the dvd recorder. Basically like it wasn't even there except a middleman to hookup the cable box to the tv. But none of the dvd recorder menus would popup on the screen. Even though the cable box isn't even hooked up to the tv but through the dvd recorder, the dvd recorder fails to pull up a menu. But still plays the cable box.

So what's the problem? I'm freaking out I've had this for 2 weeks about to sell it just because their connections don't work obviously. I have tried basically every way in the instructions and nothing is working. Last option is the s-video cord but how things have been working out. It won't work :-(

Uno

06-07-07, 02:39 AM

Upsetme,

From the time I had a VCR, I've always connected the cable or satellite dish coaxial (from the cable box, if there is one) into the recorder & out from it to the TV. My HD cable box has component outputs connected to the TV for HD reception. I use a different component input on the TV for my DVD recorder. My Sony TV skips inputs, if I don't choose them onscreen for a device. I tuned my Polaroid to channel 3 & use the cable box's tuner to change channels. The Polaroid is unusual in having both a component input & a component output, which one can mix up trying to see in the dark back of a TV stand. If you have component cables & your TV & cable box have component jacks, you should use them. In the Polaroid's setup menu\Video, you would then choose Video Output Format: Interlaced & Video Output: YPBPr. Then, you have to make sure to connect the right audio outputs from the recorder to the TV. I connect audio to my stereo system's DVD output.
The Polaroid's channel search should find 3, if you've tuned to 3 & it receives input. Pressing its Input button cycles through its various inputs. Choosing search will search for quite a while. If you did connect your cable directly to the Polaroid, it would find the cable channels, but it hasn't as good a tuner as the one on your cable box.
You should be able to press the Setup button & get menus. You should be able to press the HD button & get the hard drive menu.
I hope this helps.

upsetme

06-07-07, 12:13 PM

wajo

06-07-07, 12:57 PM

From the time I had a VCR, I've always connected the cable or satellite dish coaxial (from the cable box, if there is one) into the recorder & out from it to the TV.

This is how I just tried to do it and It did not work. What happend was the cable box would still run through the tv but NO MENU WOULD COME UP FOR THE DVD RECORDER. Like it wasn't even hooked up to it. I have a sony tv. What should I do you think? I have the cable box ran to the top coaxial on the left side of the dvd-recorder.then i have the bottom coaxial running to the tv. Which makes it so channel 3 shows the cable box but when i turn the dvd-recorder on nothing shows on the tv except whats on the cable box. even though i have the dvd recorder running as a middleman to the tv.
DVDRs are diff. than VCRs in that the coax out from your DVDR is just a "pass-thru" connection...it sends on whatever signal it's getting from the coax input...in your case, the cable box.

To see anything from only the DVDR, like menus, you have to use another output from the DVDR...composite, S-Video or Component...to a TV input, then select that TV input to see the DVDR menus, DVDs, and tuner programs.

upsetme

06-07-07, 04:47 PM

wajo

06-07-07, 05:09 PM

I dont understand what your saying, I understand you said the coax will just pass through which in my case is the cable box. Which is right. But I'm suppose to do what afterwards? Why doesnt the dvd-recorder showup at all? I can't watch anything, or do anything except look at the box below my tv.

But if I hooked up the 3 cords as (red, yellow, white), Then i have to press Video 3 times on my tv remote which goes to the back of the tv, the front of the tv, or some other random video channel. Then when I try to locate my channels that I want to get to on my cable box it can't find any of them. I got it to say it found 1 channel once but it was all white snow/buzz. I think it's trying to find channels on the video source or something stupid. Why is this so hard I've had it for over 3 weeks now can't even get it hooked to the tv.

Well to view any channels or to record something I can't. I've got it to turn on through video 3(which is the front of my tv). Was able to look at all the options and such don't know what to do. It can't locate CHANNEL 3! Thats all i want it to do :-(.
If you hook up the red, yellow, white cords to the the TV's "Video 1" input (or whatever name your TV has for that), then only Video 1 and your normal coax ("Ant/Cable") input will be "active" or "selectable." Most TVs don't make you press the "Video" button for any inputs that aren't hooked up...don't think your TV is different in that respect?

ANyway, then when you select your TV's "Ant/Coax" input, you'll see what's coming from your cable box. When you select Video 1, you'll see menus and DVDs played in the DVDR.

The "best" way to get channels separately on the DVDR is to install a splitter on the incoming coax. Run one output from the splitter to the cable box and one output from the splitter to the DVDR. Then, make the same connections from the cable box and DVDR to the TV as described above.

With a splitter, you'll then need a connection between the Cable box output to the DVDR Input 1 (yellow, red, white cables OR S-Video+red/white audio).

With this "splitter" setup, your DVDR can now search for any clear channels that your cable company delivers. Your cable box will, of course, see all channels even if scrambled, but even those can now be recorded on the DVDR thru the yellow, red, white OR S-Video+red/white audio cables you connected between the cable box and the DVDR.

z3scott

06-07-07, 05:19 PM

As wabjxo says get the Polaroid hooked up to the tv via the r, y, w, cables and select that input on your tv turn on the 2100G and then select setup on the remote. One of the options is to do a scan of the channels it sees through the cablebox coax whether you use the splitter or not. You need to teach the dvdr the channels available to it. You also need to set up the tv size and other options too.

upsetme

06-07-07, 06:24 PM

z3scott

06-07-07, 07:32 PM

"ANyway, then when you select your TV's "Ant/Coax" input, you'll see what's coming from your cable box. When you select Video 1, you'll see menus and DVDs played in the DVDR."

Also im not sure what you mean by a splitter. I know what a splitter is that the cable company gets you. I feel theres no purpose for one since i have input coaxial and output on my dvd-recorder. What you said totally got me confused.

There is no ANT/COAX input channel on my tv. Unless you are just talking about channel 3? Well the cable box does show on channel 3 not the dvd-recorder(which is the middleman in hooking those 2 up). But before i bought this it was just straight connection of cable box to tv and the cable box was always on channel 3 on the tv. Then i switch through the channels with my cable remote. All I WANT TO DO IS GET IT TO READ CHANNEL 3! WHY IS THIS SO HARD.

There is no video 1, its either Video Front or Video Back. Which can either be pressing video on the tv remote 2 times or 3 times. There is no way to hook up the red, yellow, and white cables to view the menus without pressing the video button. It's been like that for me on every tv I have ever owned. For example video game systems, you hook up the red,white,yellow cords you press video 3 times and it's good to go. Your ready to play.

So what you guys are saying is to hookup the coaxials like i had it before. Then hook up my red, white, and yellow cables to the back of the tv. Press video 2 times(which gets to the dvd-recorder menus and stuff). Then do what? I've done a channel search and it doesn't locate any of the channels....

Oh also i appreciate you guys putting up with my dumbass but im trying to be as specific as possible about the problem.
I'll start back at a baseline. When you ran your cablebox before you had the Polaroid the cable from the cable co went into the back of the cablebox then from the cablebox a single cable went to the tv correct? That single cable is called a coaxial cable (rf or ant also). I don't use a cablebox (I'm using satellite) and I don't utilize coax connections to the Polaroid or my TV. Have you set the Polaroid to channel 3? Now that I think it over you should just set it to channel 3 if you are going to use the coax cable. You shouldn't have to scan. But to view you will have to use the y,r,w cables out of the dvdr and leave the tv on the video input that allows you to see the Polaroid menu on your tv. That in essence becomes your channel 3. You will still use the cablebox remote to change the channel like always.

A better way to get the cablebox signal into the Polaroid is to use r,w,y cables, or s-video and r,w cables or the best way for picture quality using component video (3 cables) and r,w for the sound. The order of these in quality is coax>>>component for recording and viewing. You then feed the y,r,w like you have which from your post it indicates you can see the Polaroid menu. Does your cablebox have any of the other outputs? Y,R,W or S-VIDEO,R,W?

upsetme

06-07-07, 08:33 PM

"Have you set the Polaroid to channel 3?"

If it could find channel 3.. when im in the menus from video input and it searchs for it, no channels get found. Just get the cable box on channel 3 and no dvd-r unless i switch it to the video input that it's in.

"You shouldn't have to scan. But to view you will have to use the y,r,w cables out of the dvdr and leave the tv on the video input that allows you to see the Polaroid menu on your tv. That in essence becomes your channel 3. You will still use the cablebox remote to change the channel like always."

Your saying that I will be viewing my cable box from the video input(the video button on remote)? So when i press video on my remote I should be able to view the channels from my cable box on this video input(dvd-recorder)?

"Does your cablebox have any of the other outputs? Y,R,W or S-VIDEO,R,W?"

It does but it didn't work when i tried it like that. Hooking the cable box to the dvd-r with y,r,w couldn't find any channels. Basically like it wasn't even there. It didn't find any of the channels again.

I don't see how you can get it done without coaxial cords because I tried EVERY OPTION with only the red,yellow,white cords. I COULDNT FIND ANY CHANNELS! Hooking up the cable box to the dvd-r then dvd-r to the back of the tv. Pressed video on my remote to find the menu. Went to scan channels. Nothing found. That's why i bought the Coaxial cables thinking i could do an old setup like at my old man's house with the satellite box. Where the vcr use to show up on channel 3. No need to press the stupid video button on the remote

z3scott

06-07-07, 09:46 PM

"Have you set the Polaroid to channel 3?" Use the Polaroid remote push the input button, cycle it until it shows what channel number you are on. I t will cycle through rS, R-comp, F-comp, Dv etc until it shows only a number on the Polaroid itself. The TV display will say P3/CH007 for example. The Polo display will have 7 and HA. Press 3 on the remote and get it to switch to channel 3 see if it sees the cablebox then.

If it could find channel 3.. when im in the menus from video input and it searchs for it, no channels get found. Just get the cable box on channel 3 and no dvd-r unless i switch it to the video input that it's in. Understood don't concern about searching just get the dvdr switched to channel 3

"You shouldn't have to scan. But to view you will have to use the y,r,w cables out of the dvdr and leave the tv on the video input that allows you to see the Polaroid menu on your tv. That in essence becomes your channel 3. You will still use the cablebox remote to change the channel like always."

Your saying that I will be viewing my cable box from the video input(the video button on remote)? So when i press video on my remote I should be able to view the channels from my cable box on this video input(dvd-recorder)? Yes if the above are correctly set you would just leave the tv set on that video input that shows the Polaroid menu but obviously w/o having the menu on after doing any stup adjustments

"Does your cablebox have any of the other outputs? Y,R,W or S-VIDEO,R,W?"

It does but it didn't work when i tried it like that. Hooking the cable box to the dvd-r with y,r,w couldn't find any channels. Basically like it wasn't even there. It didn't find any of the channels again. If you decide to try the y,r,w cable hookup you will need to run one set from the cablebox to the y,r,w input on the back of the polaroid. Then a second set out as you have them to the tv rear input. The trick if you use this approach is that you will need to tell the Polaroid using the input button on the remote as I mentioned at the top of this post to cycle it to the R-COMP setting. This lets the Polo know you want to see the signal coming into it on the y,r,w cables. It will show on the Polaroid's lcd display as rC and should show as R-COMP on your tv. You must have the tv set to that video input as you seem to have correct. You do not have to search for channels

I don't see how you can get it done without coaxial cords because I tried EVERY OPTION with only the red,yellow,white cords. I COULDNT FIND ANY CHANNELS! Hooking up the cable box to the dvd-r then dvd-r to the back of the tv. Pressed video on my remote to find the menu. Went to scan channels. Nothing found. Correct you don't need to scan channels hooked up this wayThat's why i bought the Coaxial cables thinking i could do an old setup like at my old man's house with the satellite box. Where the vcr use to show up on channel 3. No need to press the stupid video button on the remote
If you hook up using the y,r,w or the coaxial you do not need to scan channels. You need to select the proper input on the Polaroid. R-COMP/rC if using the y,r,w from the cablebox to the Polaroid or P3/003/ 3HA if using the coax connection.

upsetme

06-08-07, 04:00 AM

im trying this first thing in the morning i have a good feeling about this one, i tried the r,y,w just like you said though, that was the first approach before i bought coaxials. never pressed input. But i was never able to like find anything it was weird im trying tomorrow. It looks like you can have only one set of r,y,w cords to the tv and then it can pull the signal through coaxial?

netstroller

06-08-07, 10:53 AM

mdspiro

06-08-07, 02:44 PM

I guess I came too late for much discussion here, but what I've read on the thread for DRA-01601A shows many complaints & no information about whether or not it records on DVD-R discs. My old recorder used only -discs, which are supposed to be the most compatible with other players.

My experience with the 2001G is that is does record on -R discs, but if "prefers" +R media, as that is its "native" format. Some features, like the YesDVD software, are disabled when recording onto -R discs. I have not tried the new DRA-01601A ... but since the published specs, the box and the manual all say the same things about the types of media it can use that the 2001G said in its documentation, I would assume it works the same way. (Most of the compaints I've read about that newer unit are about the poor digital tuner.)

As to compatablility, I have never had a properly finalized +R disc not work in any other player. All DVD players made in the last few years should easily play both +R and -R discs. The best advice is to only get high quality +R or +RW media for the best performance on the Polaroid. Avoid the blank DVD sale items at the big box stores ... they're almost always garbage media that will produce errors, or fail after a short time.

Uno

06-09-07, 03:13 AM

My experience with the 2001G is that is does record on -R discs, but if "prefers" +R media, as that is its "native" format. Some features, like the YesDVD software, are disabled when recording onto -R discs. I have not tried the new DRA-01601A ... but since the published specs, the box and the manual all say the same things about the types of media it can use that the 2001G said in its documentation, I would assume it works the same way. (Most of the compaints I've read about that newer unit are about the poor digital tuner.)

As to compatablility, I have never had a properly finalized +R disc not work in any other player. All DVD players made in the last few years should easily play both +R and -R discs. The best advice is to only get high quality +R or +RW media for the best performance on the Polaroid. Avoid the blank DVD sale items at the big box stores ... they're almost always garbage media that will produce errors, or fail after a short time.
Thanks for imparting your experience. The manual for my Sansui VRDVD4005 (2003)says it will not play DVD+R/RW, but it did play a movie on a DVD+ disc a friend lent me. Wal-Mart's shelf tag says the new Polaroid will record both + & - discs, but the specs on the box omit -R discs & so do the specs on Polaroid's website.

grantsoo

06-09-07, 07:19 AM

grantsoo

06-09-07, 07:21 AM

My experience with the 2001G is that is does record on -R discs, but if "prefers" +R media, as that is its "native" format. Some features, like the YesDVD software, are disabled when recording onto -R discs. I have not tried the new DRA-01601A ... but since the published specs, the box and the manual all say the same things about the types of media it can use that the 2001G said in its documentation, I would assume it works the same way. (Most of the compaints I've read about that newer unit are about the poor digital tuner.)

As to compatablility, I have never had a properly finalized +R disc not work in any other player. All DVD players made in the last few years should easily play both +R and -R discs. The best advice is to only get high quality +R or +RW media for the best performance on the Polaroid. Avoid the blank DVD sale items at the big box stores ... they're almost always garbage media that will produce errors, or fail after a short time.
In addition to this, I've found the +R records from HDD to DVD faster and finalizes faster.
Grant

netstroller

06-09-07, 04:54 PM

[QUOTE=netstroller]My "K" version's fan started getting loud at power up again, after having been quiet for a couple of months after I lubed it (started making noise pretty soon after I bought it, should've kept my "E"). I don't want to keep on lubing every couple of months so I ordered some fans to try from cyberguys.com. Two of them are Sunnon with Magnetic Levitation bearings that supposed to have............QUOTE]

Can you tell me exactly where you sprayed the lubricant?
Thanks
Grant
I stuck the small tube that came with the silicone spray into the gap between the fan blade and housing as best I can and sprayed a small squirt. It was an aerosol spray so even the smallest squirt I could manage put out too much and I had to wipe off the excess before I turned it on, then wiped again after running it a little to let it spin out. I think I covered the fan with a paper towel to catch the spray the first time I powered it up in case any excess lube got thrown out by the fan. If I did this regularly I'd get a needle point oiler available at Radio Shack to do a more precise job--it's a small tube bottle with a thin metal oiling needle.

More information on a couple of my previous posts on this:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10458624#post10458624
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10467182#post10467182

Uno

06-10-07, 03:47 AM

In addition to this, I've found the +R records from HDD to DVD faster and finalizes faster.
Grant
My Sansui, made in 2003, takes 12-15 minutes to finalize; my Polaroid 2001G takes about 90 seconds!

Uno

06-10-07, 03:54 AM

Uno

06-11-07, 01:32 AM

Today, my Sansui began recognizing unfinalized Memorex DVDs again! Maybe using different brands corrected a glitch in the machine, or leaving it off for a few days worked. I still have to try the 2 DVDs it didn't recognize to make sure they aren't the problem.

upsetme

06-11-07, 09:31 PM

ok it still didnt work but the closest i can get it to, First off is the input button the PS/IS button. Because on one it shows sound but the video is bad the screen looks like it was one of those cable channel pornos you could never get. The other says no signal or soemthing. I'm about to play around with it some more. But i have the coax cords hooked up as shown in the instructions, ive played with the inputs and crap. I'm going to try a different way maybe. This is confusing as hell

Uno

06-12-07, 01:34 AM

upsetme

06-12-07, 04:44 AM

beekeeper

06-12-07, 06:20 AM

YES I GOT IT TO SHOW PICTURE. NOW TO LEARN ALL THE GREAT OPTIONS!

Now the remote sucks! I just bought new batteries and it still sucks. I want to try and learn it quickly.. slow remote doesn't help. Also when I press record on channel 3 where does that footage go?

Please read through this thread and most of your questions will be answered. The manual does have most of it in it but this thread covers it much more clearly. There is a lot about the remote and how to modify it or suggests different remotes.

As far as your question, when you hit record then stop, what you recorded is on the hd. Just press hdd and you will see the file including a short clip of its beginning.

mdspiro

06-12-07, 09:24 AM

After the motor on my Sansui 4005 DVD recorder\VCR wore out, I bought a used exact same model on eBay to finalize the many "motherless" DVDs. After about 50 finalizings, it stopped recognizing unfinalized DVDs. I turned it off; I unplugged it--in vain. Finally, I tried a different brand of DVD than Memorex. It recognizes the other brands, & I am finalizing them. I wonder why it stopped recognizing unfinalized Memorex DVDs on which my first Sansui had recorded.
Memorex blank DVD's are known to be very poor quality media. It's not surprising that your DVR won't recognize Memorex discs, but works with other brands. If you stick to higher quality media, you'll get fewer burning errors, and the discs will last way longer. It's the "Media ID" on the disc that actually determines the quality, more than the brand name. Here's a great resource to learn about which discs, brands and media ID's are better than others: http://www.digitalfaq.com/media/dvdmedia.htm

nextoo

06-12-07, 02:08 PM

My final fan fix - unplug it.

Only recommended for those who have moved the HDD and the DVD drive out of the case. Which is probably not too many. But with both the HDD and the DVD drive out of the case the thermal build up is minimal. The 2001G runs cool and quiet.

By the way my 2001G is still going strong after almost a year. It has to win the best "innovation" award for 2006. Even if some/most of it was unintentional. Hardware hackable. Easy HDD swaps. Multiple options for DVD drive replacement. High Definition pass through via component in/out when powered off. Component inputs for full widescreen recording from a high def source (480i). Great component to s-video converter for full widescreen recording for DVD recorders without component inputs - Toshiba in my case. Great filter for copy once/copy never flag removal from in my case a cable source (some challenge the word "filter" but I can record PPV with a Toshiba now). Other CP advantages - although some report this as spotty. What did I miss? Oh, the mono tuner for those of us who don't use tuners. :) Not the greatest for editing and the FF limitations. Other than that it is a great movie jukebox and multitasking DVR.

Compubooth

06-12-07, 08:10 PM

...Other than that it is a great movie jukebox and multitasking DVR.

Thanks for the entry and recap of the 2001g. Right on!

I appreciate all your advice on this unit. It is a tremendous help to me, and I'm confident for many, many others.

I've been anxiously awaiting some current comments from you regarding the 160 HDD Polo. I am curious to learn of your thoughts and opinions comparing the two units. So far, I personally haven't decided to upgrade. My 2001g has about a month left on the 90 day return to Wal-Mart. I'm still trying to decide about the upgrade but for goodness sake, I'm still watching TV with a 30" Toshiba that is over 10 years old.

With the clearance prices on the 2001g, I did manage to get one for $180 so the difference in price favors keeping the 2001g and wait awhile. I did purchase a WD 250 GB internal HDD with intentions of replacing the 80 HDD. I'm also considering installing the 250 in my new HP Pavillion a6000n although I already have an external drive on the PC and don't really need the 250 for that.

I haven't ruled out using the 2001g as a jukebox. Decisions, decisions!!!

Thanks anyway for all your great entries and advice on this and other forums.

DeerHunter

06-12-07, 09:05 PM

Alright fellars....

A couple of questions. Finally getting around to dubbing some home videos that were placed on the POLO's HD via firewire....works great with my JVC camcorder.

Anyways....when recording from HD to DVD, how do you know when the dubbing has finished? Does that stupid little icon in the upper left go away? Is it real time recording?

also, is it possible to create a YES DVD from the HD to a DVD? If so, how?

netstroller

06-12-07, 09:20 PM

My "K" version's fan started getting loud at power up again, after having been quiet for a couple of months after I lubed it (started making noise pretty soon after I bought it, should've kept my "E"). I don't want to keep on lubing every couple of months so I ordered some fans to try from cyberguys.com. Two of them are Sunnon with Magnetic Levitation bearings that supposed to have very little friction. Will see how they work out.

148 0360 Magnetic Levitation Fan, 40x40x20 W/ Mb $6.49
148 0350 Magnetic Levitation Fan, 40x40x10, Mb $5.99
148 0140 Case Fan, 40mm, Ball Bearing 40mmx40mmx10mm $3.29

Shipping was about $5.10 via USPS Priority Mail--the cheapest option.
OK, the fans came and I tried them out. The mag lev fans are way too noisy, though the 20mm version might be acceptable if I can find rubber mounts for it as it's significantly quieter when hand-held (and it does put out plenty of air for the noise). The cheapie fan, glad I got it as I almost didn't, is the best of the three. It's only a little louder than the fan in the E version I had, but quite a bit louder than the one that came with this K version. It's not noticable with the TV on, but might be a problem for overnight recordings as it's in my bedroom.

The fan that came with my K version is only barely audible even with the TV off since it runs relatively slow, rated at only .06 amps.

UPDATE 6/16: Here's some information in case anyone is fiddling with their fan... The cheapie fan was too loud for me and the sound was rough sounding so I decided to try stepping down the current on the 20mm version of the Mag Lev fan above. Ended up using about 110 ohms of resistance inline with the power lead and I'm happy with the results, any more resistance and the fan would not start up. It's putting out a soft medium-high pitched sound that can barely be heard at 12 feet away in a quiet room. Hope the magnetic levitation bearing in this thing will make it last a few years.

I arrived at the resistance I used by starting with a 25 ohm rheostat, because someone used a 20 ohm successfully to control his 12V PC case fan and the local Radio Shack had the 25 ohm for $4. But I found this had very little control range, besides having only little effect on my fan speed. So I went back to Radio Shack and picked up some resistors to try. The best I could do with what I had was two 47 ohm 1/2 watt resistors in series with the rheostat set at about 2/3 resistance. That gives a few ohms more than what the fan needs to start up. END OF UPDATE.

Uno

06-13-07, 02:26 AM

Memorex blank DVD's are known to be very poor quality media. It's not surprising that your DVR won't recognize Memorex discs, but works with other brands. If you stick to higher quality media, you'll get fewer burning errors, and the discs will last way longer. It's the "Media ID" on the disc that actually determines the quality, more than the brand name. Here's a great resource to learn about which discs, brands and media ID's are better than others: http://www.digitalfaq.com/media/dvdmedia.htm
Thanks for the link.
I wonder why my first Sansui recorded onto the Memorex but the exact same model I got to replace it will not recognize them. I bought a lot of Memorex DVDs, partly for the price & partly because it is a well known brand. I number my DVDs, & 4 Memorex in a row are not recognized by the replacement Sansui. Most of my Memorex unfinalized DVDs it has finalized. I bought many Ilo DVDs, not a "name" brand, but the replacement Sansui finalizes every one. The Sansui will not finalize some of my Maxell DVDs, which I thought was a good brand.

Uno

06-13-07, 02:30 AM

Deerhunter,
Yes, the icon disappears when the recording is finished. I find that dubbing from the HD to a DVD is about 5X normal playing time.
Uno

DeerHunter

06-13-07, 09:04 AM

Deerhunter,
Yes, the icon disappears when the recording is finished. I find that dubbing from the HD to a DVD is about 5X normal playing time.
Uno

Yeah,

That's what I finally discovered last night while dubbing from the HD to DVD. Is it possible to create a YesDVD going from the HD to DVD? If so, how?

nextoo

06-13-07, 11:43 AM

Thanks for the entry and recap of the 2001g. Right on!

I appreciate all your advice on this unit. It is a tremendous help to me, and I'm confident for many, many others.

I've been anxiously awaiting some current comments from you regarding the 160 HDD Polo. I am curious to learn of your thoughts and opinions comparing the two units. So far, I personally haven't decided to upgrade. My 2001g has about a month left on the 90 day return to Wal-Mart. I'm still trying to decide about the upgrade but for goodness sake, I'm still watching TV with a 30" Toshiba that is over 10 years old.

With the clearance prices on the 2001g, I did manage to get one for $180 so the difference in price favors keeping the 2001g and wait awhile. I did purchase a WD 250 GB internal HDD with intentions of replacing the 80 HDD. I'm also considering installing the 250 in my new HP Pavillion a6000n although I already have an external drive on the PC and don't really need the 250 for that.

I haven't ruled out using the 2001g as a jukebox. Decisions, decisions!!!

Thanks anyway for all your great entries and advice on this and other forums.

Thanks. I returned the newer model. I played with it for a while and in my opinion it wasn't ready for prime time. I had two concerns. First the lack of component inputs was a deal breaker for me. All of the benefits I list above concerning component inputs were gone. Second I found it difficult to operate. There was no default for turning off the timeshift feature. I never figured out how to do an OTA (one time recording) among other things.

That being said for those that require a digital tuner it may be good. I don't. The thing I liked the best was the ability to merge content on the HDD. Something lacking with the 2001G. But the 2001G HDDs were not compatable with the new unit. The 01601A reformatted the 2001G HDDs when installed.

mdspiro

06-13-07, 02:27 PM

Yeah,

That's what I finally discovered last night while dubbing from the HD to DVD. Is it possible to create a YesDVD going from the HD to DVD? If so, how?

I'm pretty sure that the YesDVD feature only works when recording from an external source -- not from the HDD. Also, it only works when recording onto +R media. It becomes disabled when recording onto -R.

mdspiro

06-13-07, 02:49 PM

Thanks for the link.
I wonder why my first Sansui recorded onto the Memorex but the exact same model I got to replace it will not recognize them. I bought a lot of Memorex DVDs, partly for the price & partly because it is a well known brand. I number my DVDs, & 4 Memorex in a row are not recognized by the replacement Sansui. Most of my Memorex unfinalized DVDs it has finalized. I bought many Ilo DVDs, not a "name" brand, but the replacement Sansui finalizes every one. The Sansui will not finalize some of my Maxell DVDs, which I thought was a good brand.

Using poor quality media (like Memorex or no-name brands) can cause 2 possible problems: one is errors during burning -- like the problems you are experiencing with your Sansui not finalizing or recognizing the discs. The other problem is disc failure over time. Discs you've successfully finalized and archived will suddenly not work one day. DVD's are "supposed" to last for decades. That's only true with high quality media. Cheap discs can and will fail in much less time -- months, weeks, or even days! If you are storing important things (like irreplaceable home movies, for example) it's critical to only use the best media.

DeerHunter

06-13-07, 05:03 PM

I'm pretty sure that the YesDVD feature only works when recording from an external source -- not from the HDD. Also, it only works when recording onto +R media. It becomes disabled when recording onto -R.

Thanks. I knew about the +R discs, but wasn't sure if a YesDVD could be created from the HDD.

Uno

06-14-07, 01:54 AM

Using poor quality media (like Memorex or no-name brands) can cause 2 possible problems: one is errors during burning -- like the problems you are experiencing with your Sansui not finalizing or recognizing the discs. The other problem is disc failure over time. Discs you've successfully finalized and archived will suddenly not work one day. DVD's are "supposed" to last for decades. That's only true with high quality media. Cheap discs can and will fail in much less time -- months, weeks, or even days! If you are storing important things (like irreplaceable home movies, for example) it's critical to only use the best media.
That leaves me with about 100 "timebomb" Memorex DVDs! I visited the link you included, but it doesn't even mention Memorex or Ilo in any of the 4 grades of DVDs. Among brands I can find locally, it appears that Sony (the last batch of DVDs I bought) is a good choice. I finally finished catching up on finalizing. My next project may be copying Memorex recordings onto Sony DVDs!

KennJerri

06-14-07, 03:12 AM

I have recorded many movies to HDD and transferred to DVD with no problem. Recorded Legal Eagles to HDD and for some reason I cannot get it to DVD. I transferred 2 other movies today and they worked fine. I am using the same kind of DVDs. Have tried it twice with no luck.

Any ideas?

Thank you

DeerHunter

06-14-07, 10:47 AM

Finally getting around to doing some timer recordings. Any way of turning off the stupid timer recording icon in the lower right corner???

I don't see any way to turn it off other than not having anything in the timer menu! I really hate the idea of having to set a timer for my "RESCUE ME" show before it airs every week.

Another quirk of the 2001G???

Uno

06-15-07, 02:08 AM

ncaahoops

06-15-07, 02:55 PM

As others have observed, I find that the 2001-G records at a lower volume than my old recorder, although it seems to play back DVDs recorded elsewhere at about the same volume as my other machines. Is there a setting in the Audio Setup for optimum volume in recording? I am using

Analog Audio Output: 2-channel
SPDIF Output: RAW
LPCM Output: LPCM 96K
Dynamic Range: Off

Uno

If you are recording from STB/cablebox/satellitebox those settings may be affecting the recorded volume. The cable box I have now has settings for "TV Speakers" or "stereo" or customized... If you are recording OTA or directly from the cable off the wall, then please ignore my post :)

Uno

06-16-07, 02:40 AM

If you are recording from STB/cablebox/satellitebox those settings may be affecting the recorded volume. The cable box I have now has settings for "TV Speakers" or "stereo" or customized... If you are recording OTA or directly from the cable off the wall, then please ignore my post :)

I do have a cable box. The Audio Setup is
Optimal Stereo: Yes
Audio Output: Advanced
Compression: Heavy
Stereo Output: Stereo

In changing the values, the only difference in volume I hear is a decrease when I reduce compression. My TV's Cable box HD input plays through the TV's speakers; my DVD recorder has a different input & plays audio through my stereo system's speakers. Since increasing compression in the cable box increases the volume I hear, perhaps I should change the Polaroid's Dynamic Range ("You can set different value to compress Audio output range.") from Off to Full. Does anyone know what effect this control has on recording volume, if any?

DeerHunter

06-16-07, 08:55 AM

I do have a cable box. The Audio Setup is
Optimal Stereo: Yes
Audio Output: Advanced
Compression: Heavy
Stereo Output: Stereo

In changing the values, the only difference in volume I hear is a decrease when I reduce compression. My TV's Cable box HD input plays through the TV's speakers; my DVD recorder has a different input & plays audio through my stereo system's speakers. Since increasing compression in the cable box increases the volume I hear, perhaps I should change the Polaroid's Dynamic Range ("You can set different value to compress Audio output range.") from Off to Full. Does anyone know what effect this control has on recording volume, if any?

Increasing compression does not increase volume!!!

Most audio compression settings simply lower loud noises in an audio stream...such as explosions and such.

If it does have any effect on your recording volume it would actually lowering it. Try turning off your compression on both the POLO & your cable box.

upsetme

06-17-07, 04:46 PM

slr_65

06-17-07, 06:35 PM

DeerHunter

06-17-07, 08:51 PM

Ok who wants to teach a noob some stuff, I pressed record for about 30 seconds, stopped it. Pressed hdd and there was no file there?

So simple questions is all I want to know. How to record correctly to files?
How do i put those files on a dvd to burn?

Pretty simple questions right? :-X Also, what remote suggestion is best because this thing is driving me crazy. I even put new batteries in it.

First off...

What were you trying to record....meaning from what source input?

As far as the remote is concerned look back a couple of pages. Alot of folks are finding a certain SONY remote works well, or you can do the LED replacement mod like myself and many others....works great after the mod.

beekeeper

06-18-07, 05:41 AM

Ok who wants to teach a noob some stuff, I pressed record for about 30 seconds, stopped it. Pressed hdd and there was no file there?

So simple questions is all I want to know. How to record correctly to files?
How do i put those files on a dvd to burn?

Pretty simple questions right? :-X Also, what remote suggestion is best because this thing is driving me crazy. I even put new batteries in it.

There is a lot in the manual and especially in this thread that will help. You do need to set up the machine to do what you want.

If time shift is not on, what you are doing will not save anything, since that is how you save the buffer. Also, you need to be set up to save to the hdd. all this is in setup.

There are many ways to record to the hdd. Try pressing record once, wait for a while then press stop. You will then have a file on the hd.

wookiee

06-18-07, 02:14 PM

wookiee

06-18-07, 02:34 PM

[QUOTE=wookiee]if you have dra-01601a
try using timeshift option, then rewind to the begining and hit record. weird but only thing i found to work on live sources
recording off hdd to dvd--hit hdd button, go to saved program hit add/clear button, then hit hdd again

beekeeper

06-19-07, 06:12 AM

try using timeshift option, then rewind to the begining and hit record. weird but only thing i found to work on live sources.

For the Polo 2000 this is what you can do to record a show that you have been watching from the beginning and decide to save. Go to the beginning, hit record and then move back to where you were. When the program is done, hit stop.

If you decide you want to save the entire buffer in time shift, press record and hold it for more than three seconds.

If you want to save up to three hours, in time shift hit record at the beginning of the program then again to cycle through 30 min increments. If you do not set a time, it will automatically save 3 hour increments until the hd is full.

If you are not in time shift and press record, it will save until you hit stop or until the hd is full.

Or schedule a program and it will save it.

To transfer it to dvd, in the hd menu, select the file, press add/clear and press record.

mdspiro

06-19-07, 10:22 AM

That leaves me with about 100 "timebomb" Memorex DVDs! I visited the link you included, but it doesn't even mention Memorex or Ilo in any of the 4 grades of DVDs. Among brands I can find locally, it appears that Sony (the last batch of DVDs I bought) is a good choice. I finally finished catching up on finalizing. My next project may be copying Memorex recordings onto Sony DVDs!

I have the exact same situation. I have about 100 DVD's that I burned onto TDK discs on the 2001G -- transfers of irreplaceable home videos. I didn't find out how poor the TDK media was reported to be until I was nearly finished with the project. Now I plan to make a more stable backup set by simply copying those discs onto blank Taiyo Yuden +R discs that I bought from SuperMediaStore.com using my computer and the Roxio DiscCopy program. Sony is, indeed, supposed to be a good brand ... but Taiyo Yuden is reported to be the best of the best. The cost per disc is no different than getting the Sony's from a local store.

Uno

06-20-07, 03:22 AM

I have the exact same situation. I have about 100 DVD's that I burned onto TDK discs on the 2001G -- transfers of irreplaceable home videos. I didn't find out how poor the TDK media was reported to be until I was nearly finished with the project. Now I plan to make a more stable backup set by simply copying those discs onto blank Taiyo Yuden +R discs that I bought from SuperMediaStore.com using my computer and the Roxio DiscCopy program. Sony is, indeed, supposed to be a good brand ... but Taiyo Yuden is reported to be the best of the best. The cost per disc is no different than getting the Sony's from a local store.

Did you post the link: http://www.digitalfaq.com/media/dvdmedia.htm ? It lists under First Class Media Verbatim, Maxell, Sony & TDK. I haven't bought many Maxell DVDs, but 2 of them on which I recorded are now unreadable. Now, you say TDK is no good! That leaves Sony that I can find locally. I recently bought Sony DVDs for the first time. Maybe I will have to try Taiyo Yuden. However, recordings on minus DVDs are supposed to be more compatible with other machines than plus ones. Ye old videotape seems more reliable than DVDs.

lordsmurf

06-20-07, 03:58 AM

TDK is a disc brand.
TDK is also a disc manufacturer.
TDK-branded discs may not be a TDK-manufactured disc.

TDK-manufactured discs are good.

TDK-branded discs might not be good.
It depends on what manufacturer made the branded disc.
The CMC-manufactured (CMC media ID) TDK-branded discs, for example, are not great.
On the other hand, Taiyo Yuden-manufactured (TY media ID) TDK-branded discs are good.

Read carefully, it can be confusing. :eek:

rgazzara

06-20-07, 08:39 AM

How can we tell the difference between a TDK-manufactured disc and a TDK-non-manufactured-TDK-branded disc in the store?

If TDK manufactures disks, why does it sell TDK-branded disks manufactured by others? This would seem to jeopardize its reputation.

wajo

06-20-07, 09:16 AM

TDK? Memorex? Can you say "Imation"? (http://www.tdk.co.jp/teaah01/aah21400.htm)

One month before TDK press release. (http://www.digitalcamcordernews.com/posts/2006/03/143-tdk-says-no-more-blank-cddvd-media)

Side note: Verbatim discontinues 8X media (starting in 2005). (http://club.cdfreaks.com/showpost.php?p=1023209&postcount=8)

steve68

06-22-07, 02:01 PM

So what is a good media to get for the Polaroid that is also compatible with other players?

DVD-R

or

DVD+R

Tim Sly

06-22-07, 05:08 PM

So what is a good media to get for the Polaroid that is also compatible with other players?

DVD-R

or

DVD+R

I have been using Sony +R and -R discs with the Polaroid with great success. I tend to use +R the most since it allows you to use the YesDVD feature. Supposedly -R discs are compatible with more players but most newer players should be able to play +R and -R discs.

nextoo

06-22-07, 05:47 PM

I checked out ebay and I saw a few of these for $135 shipped new in box. I can't vouch for the seller but that seems like a great price. The component inputs alone make it worth the price.

Uno

06-24-07, 04:07 AM

I tried to copy onto a DVD a 150 minute film I'd recorded onto the hard drive at SP+ (which the manual says will fit on a DVD), but only 135 minutes would fit. Too late, I remembered reading on this forum that the recording times are less than the 2001G's manual says. Maybe a color, stereo film takes more space than a black & white monaural film, too. I ended up splitting the film & recording it onto 2 DVDs.

Uno

06-25-07, 02:02 AM

One thing I haven't liked about the 2001G is the low volume of its recordings, compared to my old DVD recorder. Tonight, I played 2 movies from the Polaroid's hard drive, one in black & white & monaural sound, from a SD channel, & the other in color & stereo, from an HD channel. I had to turn the volume on my stereo receiver down for both films! What has changed? Last week, we switched from Charter Cable to DirecTV. Both films were recorded from DirecTV.

Uno

06-25-07, 02:11 AM

I have been using Sony +R and -R discs with the Polaroid with great success. I tend to use +R the most since it allows you to use the YesDVD feature. Supposedly -R discs are compatible with more players but most newer players should be able to play +R and -R discs.
Hello, Tim Sly! My mother was raised on a farm near Wadena, & I still have friends in Wadena County. I was there last in 2005.

netstroller

06-25-07, 11:43 PM

Uno

06-27-07, 03:23 AM

I think the low volume problem only affects the TV tuner, not the other inputs, so usually only recordings from the tuner has low volume.

I never recorded from the TV tuner, only from the cable receiver's tuner & now from the satellite dish receiver's tuner.

redjr

06-28-07, 01:06 PM

Hi all,

Long time no posting....been too busy. Quick question. Is there a sticky or separate thread for the new 160GB Polaroid unit?

Thanks,

Dartman

06-28-07, 01:16 PM

Yep, try here...http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=839036
I would also look at the Philips version. I have tried them both and prefer it even with the issues it has at the moment.

redjr

06-28-07, 04:34 PM

Yep, try here...http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=839036
I would also look at the Philips version. I have tried them both and prefer it even with the issues it has at the moment.
Thanks Dartman. I did run across the other thread by accident, so have been reading it a bit this afternoon to get the skinny on the new DVR. I like the fact that it has an ATSC tuner, but some reports suggest it's not a very good one. So, I may just stick with my 2001 for the moment. I guess if it did do pure HDTV out via the HDMI port it would be real deal for $258, but then again, that's why people are paying $800 for the new-ish hi-def TiVO unit! :) There just ain't no free lunch, or inexpensive lunch as they say. Ya gets what ya pay for.

PS. I'll have to take a look at the Phillips model.

Dartman

06-28-07, 05:57 PM

Here's the philips thread as well, even though it ought to be easy enough to find ;)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=830253

steve68

07-03-07, 12:35 AM

Dartman

07-03-07, 12:44 AM

You need to set the box to 480i to get a picture through the Polaroid while it's on, it wont display the other HD formats at all of course.

steve68

07-03-07, 01:01 AM

Uno

07-03-07, 02:22 AM

Do I have to set the output of the cable box to 480i for everything? Even with the Polariod off I can't watch 720p or 1080i?

If so that sort of defeats the purpose of a 1080p television doesn't it? Why would anyone want to permanently force their HD tv to 480i?

You must connect your cable box's HD output directly to your HD TV's input. Connect the next best outputs from your cable box into your Polaroid & out to your TV.
I was disappointed to find that my cable TV box had no HDMI output, only a component output. Fortunately, we were able to get DirecTV HD. Their box has HDMI & component outputs. I connect the HDMI directly to our HD TV & the component output to the component input on the Polaroid & out to a component input on our TV. I just have to make sure that I set the resolution on the satellite receiver to 480i when I want to record from an HD channel.

beekeeper

07-03-07, 06:10 AM

Do I have to set the output of the cable box to 480i for everything? Even with the Polariod off I can't watch 720p or 1080i?

If so that sort of defeats the purpose of a 1080p television doesn't it? Why would anyone want to permanently force their HD tv to 480i?

Check back in this thread for nextoo's setup. He was able to pass through the boxes signal to his set with the Polo off.

grantsoo

07-03-07, 06:37 AM

Yesterday I hit the eject button and the DVD door opened and then closed again. I thought I'd hit the button twice so I tried it again, same thing. In order to get the disc out I had to sit next to the machine and grab it on the way by.
I shut it off and then tried again - it was ok.
Then later in the evening it did the same thing.
Has anyone else had this happen?
This is a "B" unit I've had for 11 months.

Grant

redjr

07-03-07, 09:09 AM

I bought the Poloroid off ebay "factory recertified" last week and received it this evening. I have it connected via component from an SA8300HD cable box and then via component to my HP5880 tv. I turn everything on and I can't seem to get the Poloroid to display a picture. I have tried changing inputs using the remote and still don't see anything. Is there something I'm missing?
It will pass-thru 720 and 1080i signals only while it is OFF. Otherwise you have to force your 8300 to output 480i to the Polaroid while it is ON if you want to record anything. Some people here have been successful in setting up a macro on a programmable remote to do all the reso changing on the 8300. But I agree it is still a pain.

steve68

07-03-07, 10:28 AM

nextoo

07-03-07, 10:54 AM

From everything I've read on the 8300HD box it will not output video through any other port if the HDMI cable is plugged in. This includes S-video and composite. So if I plug HDMI directly to the TV and then component, s-video, or composite to the Polaroid then no video will go to the Polaroid.

You have to press 2 buttons on the cable box when it is powered off to enter the setup menu and choose which resolutions that you want to output. I don't see how a macro from the remote is possible on the SA 8300HD box since you can't even select a resolution from the SA remote.

I guess we have hollywood to thank for this.

Yes it is possible. But you are right no HDMI can be hooked up. My SA8300HD runs Passport software. You can set the resolution via the remote in the settings menu. So a simple macro using the cheap Sony VL600 works fine. Here's one of the earlier posts on the subject:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9516745&&#post9516745

A typical setup for SA8300HD/2001G users is component out of the STB to the 2001G and then component out of the 2001G to the HD TV. Because the 2001G allows for a/v pass through when powered off (480i, 480p, 720p,1080i) a separate connection to the TV is not necessary (huge).

DaMountainMan

07-03-07, 12:55 PM

Remember the poster in question here stated that he has a "B" version recorder. It will not pass through unless the machine is powered on. Except of course from maybe the antennae in.

steve68

07-03-07, 05:21 PM

Yes last night when I had the Polaroid powered off I got no signal to my TV. I had component out from the 8300HD to the Polaroid and component out of the Polaroid to the TV. Result no signal with the Polaroid powered off. So it sounds like in order to watch TV I have to have the Polaroid powered. By the way the fan is super loud. Much louder than my notoriously loud HP5880.

Does anyone know if the 8300HD shuts down all video ports with a component cable plugged in? I might try component to the TV from the 8300 and S-video to the Polaroid, then component from the Polaroid to the TV.

Uno

07-10-07, 03:17 AM

beekeeper

07-10-07, 06:34 AM

grantsoo

07-10-07, 06:41 AM

I've had my 2001G "F" for about a month. Lately, it freezes more & more often, mostly when I am selecting a program from the hard drive. Usually, I can "re-boot" it by holding the power button down until it shuts off; then it turns back on. Tonight, I twice had to unplug the Polaroid, once when I'd put a blank, unformatted DVD into it. Could it be overheating, since it doesn't have a fan vent?

I had a lot of trouble with "freeze-ups" when I first got my "B" unit and then my "K" unit, but they are very rare now and I can always chalk them up to the same reason:
- The unit will sometimes slow down in response. I then think I haven't hit the button (especially with the original remotes) and hit it again - or - I'm hitting buttons in sequence without looking at the screen and didn't realize it had stopped responding.

I handle this in 2 ways:
1. When the unit starts to slow down in response, I treat it like a computer and shut it off and turn it back on - slow response always clears.
2. If I do get a "freeze-up", I just walk away for 5 minutes. It always comes back if I leave it.

Hope this helps.

Grant

guitz

07-10-07, 09:50 PM

Just wanted to let anyone interested know, I have a new Polaroid remote , which I believe is for the DRM 2001G unit, it looks like this:

http://static.flickr.com/83/237295564_1a9114c3cb.jpg

I have no use for it, so if you need a newer one, I'd sell it for $10, msg me if your interested, thanks.

Uno

07-11-07, 02:07 AM

beekeeper

07-11-07, 06:24 AM

I'm glad there's still life left in this thread! Thanks, BeeKeeper & Grantsoo, for the advice. I will print your comments to have them handy. I was wondering if these hard drives become fragmented, less efficient & slower, as in computers.

They do hiccup if there is a copy protected source that you record to the HD. Everything gets a bit dicey. Also, if I recall correctly, some have had problems with some DVD brands that cause problems like yours.

I also have a new Philips but this machine is excellent for what I do which is mostly time shift.

larrimore

07-12-07, 03:57 PM

but my Polaroid is still going strong. I replaced my 8300HD box with a Series 3 Tivo, so I no longer need the passthrough of the component ins (I now get widescreen via the s-video). I thought seriously about changing to another (Panasonic) player, but I love the Polaroid so much it is staying. I probably have 100 movies recorded on it from HDTV sources and they look about as good as any DVD i have seen.

I record strictly to DVD-RW and then dump that to my computer to reset the 16X9 flag (so I get correct aspect ratio on a 4X3 TV) and save to a DVD-R disc for keeping.

THought you'd like an update.

Uno

07-13-07, 03:31 AM

They do hiccup if there is a copy protected source that you record to the HD. Everything gets a bit dicey. Also, if I recall correctly, some have had problems with some DVD brands that cause problems like yours.

I also have a new Philips but this machine is excellent for what I do which is mostly time shift.

I haven't actually used timeshifting yet. I use the Polaroid's timer to record onto the hard drive movies before I decide whether or not to preserve them on DVDs. I also use it to record a favorite classic TV series daily & segment out the commercial interruptions. Recently, rain blacked out a timed recording from the satellite dish, so I just erased it from the HD & didn't waste a DVD.
Since I raised the satellite receiver an inch above the Polaroid for better ventilation, it hasn't locked up, knock on wood.

grantsoo

07-21-07, 06:47 AM

As has been noted, this thread is obviously dying. I assume it's due to all the the issues being covered and many have moved on to the newer Polaroid.

I have a question:
I don't want to lose some specifics that were in this thread. Does anyone know how long the thread will stay around before it disappears?
Also, is there an easy way to save all of the messages onto my computer?

Thanks - Grant

wajo

07-21-07, 08:58 AM

Every 6 months, the admin. move threads that haven't had any activity to an "Archive" so this thread will always be available, even when totally "dead."

Existing Archives are at the bottom of the "Forum Jump" list.

tigerjuju

07-21-07, 01:54 PM

this polaroid definitely has its share of problems, especially the UI & weak remote power&design. But with the benefits that come with the HDD and low price, I'm still happy with mine 6month+ after the purchase. I love the ability to record to HDD first and later able to edit and fast record to dvd.

I recently discover a new problem (for me any way). Apparently there is a copy protection bug recording home video from a digital camcorder using the front DV input. I posted question on other forum/thread with no response yet. I'm wondering if anyone here ran into the same problem, and if anyone has a solution recording using the DV input (not the A/V input).

NitekKetin

07-22-07, 06:08 AM

beekeeper

07-22-07, 06:34 AM

Also, is there an easy way to save all of the messages onto my computer?

Thanks - Grant

Top of page- thread tools- download this thread

beekeeper

07-22-07, 06:50 AM

Occasionally, my DRM-2001G has generated a loud grinding noise after the fan kicks in while booting up. If I leave the machine running for a couple of minutes and then turn it off, the noise goes away when I turn it on. In the past couple of days, the grinding noise has persisted-- even after the machine has been turned off for a couple of days and then turned back on. What is the source of this noise?

Could be fan, could be disk drive. Do you have a disk in the drive? If so, remove it and see what happens.

The fan will give a lot of interesting sounds. I have 2 polos. I put some insulators on both and one is quiet while the other still starts loud then settles down.

Love this machine. I recorded a bunch of old VHS tapes and the quality of both picture and sound was much better than the recordings I previously did with my Panasonic ES-20. Sharper, more vibrant and truer colors and the sound was better. I have no idea why the sound would be better, but it is. The tapes were all old musicals.

grantsoo

07-22-07, 06:52 AM

grantsoo

07-22-07, 06:57 AM

Top of page- thread tools- download this thread

Great! Thanks Beekeeper.
859 pages - wow.

Grant

Compubooth

07-22-07, 02:46 PM

I've been on the side reviewing this thread frequently but too involved in other offline "honey do" items to provide any input. I too have noted the lessening of input from everyone on this thread much to my chagrin. Please let's keep this thread going.

I have an F-series 2001g unit and generally pleased enough to keep it and haven't purchased the newer 1601 model or other units such as the Phillips 160 HDDs. Besides, I did get mine at a closeout price so that made it easier. I have purchased a WD250 HD and plan to install it in my 2001g as soon as I get a chance.

In the meantime, I have discovered something that I previously was not aware of regarding DVDs I burned from the HDD. I'm still trying to pinpoint the specifics.

I never burn DVDs except via dubs from the HDD. I use only Sony DVD+R as a rule and occasionally Sony DVD+RW. After I burn the DVD I usually ascertain the burn was successful by playing it on the 2001g and on an older model Sony player, and not any problems as a rule.

However, recently I inadvertently discovered an anomaly while checking a copy of the movie "Arthur" which I had recorded to HDD and then dubbed to DVD+R. I discovered that the movie would not play all the way to the end when running on my new HP PC using Windows Media Player. I tried it also on the PC using RealPlayer. On both these media players, the movie stopped around the end of chapter 12 before the movie ended, leaving one not knowing how the movie ended.

I checked a few other movies I had dubbed onto DVD+R from the HDD. Most worked okay but the following had the same problem: "Bourne Identity": "No Way Out"; and "Jesse Stone, Night Passage". Please note, "Bourne Supremacy" works okay. Please also note, these HDD copies were all made from Time Warner Cable broadcast movies. I have a limited number of items I've copied and others were okay. I haven't discovered this problem with anything other than on movies but I'm still trying to isolate the conditions. I think in many cases I had done some editing of the HDD recording prior to the dub to DVD, but I seem to recall there was at least one case where I had not edited but with similar results.

Has anyone experienced similar conditions, and/or may offer any advice? Thanks in advance for any comments.

beekeeper

07-23-07, 05:51 AM

I do not do much editing and burning of OTA shows, but the ones I did do were fine. My guess is that you may have caused the problem during the edit. You do not say that you checked the ones you had trouble with on the polo, so that is an assumption on my part.

The VOB files should be visible using your computer. Look at the last large file on sequence (Something like VTS_01_4.VOB) copy it to the HD and rename it VTS_01_4.mpg. Then view it with media player and see if the end of the show is there. If not, then the problem was with editing/burning since it never got to the disk.

Sometimes the computer will not see all the files, so if you have a program like dvdshrink, dvd decrypter, or nero they will copy the disk contents to your hd and you can do the renaming that way.

If they have a problem seeing or copying the disk contents, then see if you finalized the disks.

Compubooth

07-23-07, 09:31 AM

I do not do much editing and burning of OTA shows, ...
...
If they have a problem seeing or copying the disk contents, then see if you finalized the disks.

Thanks Beekeeper. I was hoping you would respond.

I apparently did not make myself clear on a few conditions so let me add this: I did not record OTA, I recorded via cable using Time Warner Cable service; I did ascertain that the problem DVDs were finalized and they do contain all the recorded movie, and will play to the end on the Polo and another (Sony) player.

I feel like a dinosaur these days. I retired from the computer profession as an IT manager many years ago and not currently proficient in today's technology especially in the AV arena. I've not done any editing of DVDs on the PC. I do have Roxio software which came with the HP Pavilion PC but yet to use it. I'll see what I can do using your suggestions.

Thanks again.

GreggPenn

07-23-07, 05:12 PM

I had a lot of trouble with "freeze-ups" when I first got my "B" unit and then my "K" unit, but they are very rare now and I can always chalk them up to the same reason:
- The unit will sometimes slow down in response. I then think I haven't hit the button (especially with the original remotes) and hit it again - or - I'm hitting buttons in sequence without looking at the screen and didn't realize it had stopped responding.

I handle this in 2 ways:
1. When the unit starts to slow down in response, I treat it like a computer and shut it off and turn it back on - slow response always clears.
2. If I do get a "freeze-up", I just walk away for 5 minutes. It always comes back if I leave it.

Hope this helps.

Grant

Freezing while selecting titles from disk sounds like it could be an indication of pending HD failure. And, I agree with the notion that users should consider this to be a type of PC. Anytime I record something, I always turn the unit off and back on to clear the "buffers". I really take care to do this before finalizing a DVD. Until I began this procedure, I had frequent problems with finalized disks performing incorrectly.... the Polo would always still read them, but other units might not.

I think the Polo had a somewhat unique logic that isn't totally compatible with all types of readers (+RW, -RW, and RAM). For that matter, window media players....

My gut instinct is there is a software issue that causes TOC/buffering issues during some types of recordings. Maybe it's related to the live buffer and/or it's ability to do more than one thing at a time. More specifically, maybe the flaw is in it's inability to handle all types of multi-tasking.

At any rate, I boot mine every chance I get. I won't finalize a DVD without a pre-boot. That's solved my problems.....

GreggPenn

07-23-07, 05:38 PM

BTW: I've been meaning to ask about the live buffer. Because of my distrust for the operating system of this POLO (as noted in the post above), I leave it off as another precaution against failed recordings. Because I've left it off, I've never learned what it can do.

On my SA8300, the live buffer can pause, rewind, ff, and play what's stored in it. More importantly, if I want it saved, I can rewind it, press record, and I'll get the show recorded. I assume the polo's buffer can do the former but can it be saved?

Is there any other functionality the buffer provides that I'm missing?

Gregg

GreggPenn

07-23-07, 05:43 PM

My recorder has forgotten the date twice in recent history. I don't think I'm pressing anything to reset it. If I reset the entire unit, I'd think I'd lose HD recordings but that hasn't happened. Any ideas?

Also, last night it wouldn't let me record longer than a 2hr recording to HD -- yet the display said I had 3:55 minutes of "HD-quality" recording space..... I'm guessing there is a limitation for the amount of HD space used for one recording or the unit needs contiguous space for each title (and did not have enough for a 2hr+ HD recording). (e.g., can VOD files be segmented?)

Agree/disagree?

gp

nextoo

07-23-07, 05:50 PM

Yes it can be saved. One advantage the Polaroid has over the SA8300 is that when you change channels or input sources it does not flush the buffer. With the SA8300 when you change the channel the buffer refreshes and you are starting the buffering process over.

mattzane227

07-24-07, 03:58 AM

beekeeper

07-24-07, 07:10 AM

beekeeper

07-24-07, 07:24 AM

Thanks Beekeeper. I was hoping you would respond.

I apparently did not make myself clear on a few conditions so let me add this: I did not record OTA, I recorded via cable using Time Warner Cable service; I did ascertain that the problem DVDs were finalized and they do contain all the recorded movie, and will play to the end on the Polo and another (Sony) player.

Thanks again.

If the problem is only with the computer, there might be a reason. I have found that if you FF in media player with a non-commercial disk like from the polo, it will sometimes drop the end as if it does not exist and the only way to view it is wait patiently for it to catch up, or start from the beginning and let it do its thing at its own pace. Sometimes it just will not play it. It gets hung up for some reason and makes it look like nothing is there.

However, when I checked the files, all is there.

I recorded a football game and thought I lost the entire end when viewed on media player, but it was there on my dvd player. So you may not have a problem, if it is only the computer. Also try a computer dvd player, not real or media player. I gave up on them long ago.

Compubooth

07-24-07, 04:25 PM

If the problem is only with the computer, there might be a reason. I have found that if you FF in media player with a non-commercial disk like from the polo, it will sometimes drop the end as if it does not exist and the only way to view it is wait patiently for it to catch up, or start from the beginning and let it do its thing at its own pace. Sometimes it just will not play it. It gets hung up for some reason and makes it look like nothing is there.

However, when I checked the files, all is there.

I recorded a football game and thought I lost the entire end when viewed on media player, but it was there on my dvd player. So you may not have a problem, if it is only the computer. Also try a computer dvd player, not real or media player. I gave up on them long ago.

Beekeeper: Thanks for the additional comments. What you summarized is exactly what I have experienced. The media players goes to the same spot on the DVD, same frame of the movie and stop as though in paused mode. I checked each DVD experiencing this problem by playing on both Polo and Sony players. The file (movie) obviously is complete because the offline players play the movie to the end.

I'm not familiar with the computer DVD players. Any suggestions I may consider?

Thanks again.

Kex

07-24-07, 04:52 PM

I was wondering if this hard drive would work as an upgrade in the 2001g and would it only being a 5400 rpm instead of a 7200 make any difference with performance?

http://computers.pricegrabber.com/hard-drives/m/615469/search=internal%20hard%20drive
I was under the impression that 5400RPM hard drives were mostly intended for laptops (because of the need to manage heat generation in small spaces). Not sure how the software in the DVR would handle this difference ... (the drive supposedly reads and writes data at a slower pace, even if laptops can be very reliable these days).

nextoo

07-24-07, 09:09 PM

Actually 5400 RPM drives have been used in DVRs for years. For the exact same reason - to keep the thermal issue under control. They run cooler. The Polaroid will work fine with a 5400 RPM drive.

grantsoo

07-25-07, 06:17 AM

I'm not familiar with the computer DVD players. Any suggestions I may consider?

Thanks again.

YES!!
I only have experience with WINDVD and PowerDVD.
PowerDVD will play the Polo dvds at all fast forward speeds. WINDVD will not. Like most DVD players, it will max out at 2X fast forward, and zoom to the end at any faster speed.

Grant

beekeeper

07-25-07, 06:28 AM

Beekeeper: Thanks for the additional comments. What you summarized is exactly what I have experienced. The media players goes to the same spot on the DVD, same frame of the movie and stop as though in paused mode. I checked each DVD experiencing this problem by playing on both Polo and Sony players. The file (movie) obviously is complete because the offline players play the movie to the end.

I'm not familiar with the computer DVD players. Any suggestions I may consider?

Thanks again.

All mine came with the computer.

You might try pricelessware
http://www.pricelesswarehome.org/

a good site for free and safe freeware.

Or go to the newsgroup and ask

alt.comp.freeware

But be a little more careful there since you can get bad steers.

Compubooth

07-25-07, 09:36 AM

[QUOTE=beekeeper]...
You might try pricelessware
http://www.pricelesswarehome.org/.../QUOTE]

Thanks! I'll check them out.

Compubooth

07-25-07, 09:40 AM

YES!!
I only have experience with WINDVD and PowerDVD.
PowerDVD will play the Polo dvds at all fast forward speeds. WINDVD will not. Like most DVD players, it will max out at 2X fast forward, and zoom to the end at any faster speed.

Grant

Thanks Grantsoo! I'll check these out too.

GreggPenn

07-26-07, 05:17 PM

GreggPenn

07-26-07, 05:22 PM

I recently transferred well over 20 VHS tapes to the HD and then to disk with no problems and did not have to shutdown. Timeshift was on. I deleted beginnings and ends of shows and renamed.

The problem in trying to see just what is happening with each of us is we have our own way of doing things and different setups which we take for granted and do not realize that we are doing it differently than others. Earlier in this thread we went through a long discussion about problems until we learned that the person was using the Yesdvd function and the ones with no problems were not. I do not use it at all.

I agree that user procedure is a factor. I also agree that copying to the HD, then to DVD provides for fewer problems. What gives me the most problem is when I put multiple titles directly on a DVD. THATS when I always boot before finalization. (As noted by JustinTime, the TOC seems prone to failure when creating multiple titles. In other words, other players can only access the first minute of a finalized DVD. The rest of the first title and other titles cannot be accessed by any other player except the POLO. This can also be avoided by burning to HD first, but FF performance is lowered -- if you use the HD).

I don't use YESDVD.

gp

nextoo

07-26-07, 05:30 PM

Thanks. But, for the $24,000 question, HOW do you save the buffer?

gp

Page 34-35 of the manual. Short answer is press the record button on the remote for 3 seconds.

tigerjuju

07-27-07, 12:39 AM

Page 34-35 of the manual. Short answer is press the record button on the remote for 3 seconds.
This is typical example of the short comings of this recorder - very unintuitive UI design. They should've just record the buffer by default. It's always easier for user to later cut out the unwanted segments then loosing it in the first place

What I mean is to save what is currently in the buffer when I hit the record button. Often I started watching a program not meaning to record it, but after watching half way, decided that I like it a lot and would like to record. It will be nice if the recorder knows that if I have not switched channels and hit the record, it will put every thing in the buffer as part of the recording.

beekeeper

07-27-07, 06:57 AM

This is typical example of the short comings of this recorder - very unintuitive UI design. They should've just record the buffer by default. It's always easier for user to later cut out the unwanted segments then loosing it in the first place.

Actually, it would drive you up the wall with the buffer continually saved, since you would have to delete each one hour file, and if you forget to do so, will fill the HD and miss all scheduled programs after that. So the design is actually what is wanted. Plus, you can go back in the 1 hour buffer to where you would like to start recording, press record and when the program is over (up to 3 hours) press stop and you have saved everything without editing the start and stop point. A very nice feature.

If you want the "buffer" to always be saved, just press record once in time shift and it will save 3 hour increments forever, or until the HD is full, whichever comes first.

Or press it once with time shift off, and it will fill the drive for you. Will not lose a thing until the HD is full. How is that for saving a buffer.

BTW, I own two of these as well as the new Phillips and it is the best time shift machine on the market, IMHO. It may have shortcomings, but not in this area for the way I use the machine. it is unbelievability friendly in being able to do several things at the same time. When you are in PauseLiveTV Time Shift) on the Philips, that is about it. Can't even schedule a program.

Davenlr

07-28-07, 07:37 PM

wajo

07-28-07, 08:36 PM

BTW, I own two of these as well as the new Phillips and it is the best time shift machine on the market, IMHO. It may have shortcomings, but not in this area for the way I use the machine. it is unbelievability friendly in being able to do several things at the same time. When you are in PauseLiveTV Time Shift) on the Philips, that is about it. Can't even schedule a program.
Hmm, I just scheduled a program while in Pause Live TV on my Philips 3575!? I also went to a recorded title on the HDD and played it!? The only thing I couldn't do is dub a DVD while in Pause Live TV!?

nextoo

07-28-07, 09:09 PM

Hmm, I just scheduled a program while in Pause Live TV on my Philips 3575!? I also went to a recorded title on the HDD and played it!? The only thing I couldn't do is dub a DVD while in Pause Live TV!?

Which plays into Beekeeper's original point. With the Polaroid 2001G you can dub from the hard drive to a DVD while in timeshift mode (pause live tv). Plus you can also edit on the HDD, segment sections on both the HDD and a DVD, set chapter marks, along with a bunch of other things - while in pause live tv mode.

It surprised me when I tested it. It does a great job at multitasking.

edit - plus I should also add that it does a great job at multitasking if you are recording to the HDD as opposed to just time shifting (pause live tv). If you happen to be recording something you can also do what I mention above. Edit stuff on the HDD. Dub from the HDD to a DVD etc. It is very flexible.

wajo

07-28-07, 09:19 PM

Which plays into Beekeeper's original point. With the Polaroid 2001G you can dub from the hard drive to a DVD while in timeshift mode (pause live tv). Plus you can also edit on the HDD, segment sections on both the HDD and a DVD, set chapter marks, along with a bunch of other things - while in pause live tv mode.

It surprised me when I tested it. It does a great job at multitasking.
Wow, that's great!

nextoo

07-28-07, 09:21 PM

Wow, that's great!

Like I said it surprised me. It was a great 2006 machine. Component inputs aside - it's best feature in my opinion. It offered a lot of flexibility.

wajo

07-28-07, 09:29 PM

Like I said it surprised me. It was a great 2006 machine. Component inputs aside - it's best feature in my opinion. It offered a lot of flexibility.
I apologize for setting you off on one of your tangents...I was just addressing a piece of misinformation about a current-model DVDR.

nextoo

07-28-07, 09:33 PM

I apologize for setting you off on one of your tangents...I was just addressing a piece of misinformation about a current-model DVDR.

You mean like the DST bug? :)

Kex

07-28-07, 10:52 PM

Only problem with sales exclusivisity... Not a single wal mart store in my state (home state of wal mart) has any of the old OR new polaroid hdd dvd recorders in stock. Polaroids web site didn't appear to sell them direct, so how does one buy one?
Just order it online from Wal-Mart and have them ship it "site to store" for free. You can also return it in the store within 90 days "for free".

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5693291

Also check out the very capable Philips for an extra $40:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5663214

There is a very active thread on the Philips in this forum:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=830253

Davenlr

07-29-07, 11:47 AM

Thanks. Ill check them both out again. My main requirement is being able to edit out commercials on one and two hour captures from the 480i output from my dvr and then burning the file minus commercials. I use a computer now, but its a slow proceess.

amesdp

07-29-07, 12:05 PM

Commercial editing on the Philips HDD model works pretty well. I've edited the commercials out of several hours worth of movies, and it goes quickly once you get into the rythm. Just 2 minor design shortcomings: It wraps around instantly to the beginning when you hit the end during editing, then you have to chapter-skip all the way forward to the last bit to get back where you were because there's no way to jump to a particular chapter or time index while editing. It doesn't have frame-accurate editing, so cuts may occur on a nearby key frame instead of exactly on the frame where you thought you put them, but that's true of almost all models.

Still, it's not as convenient as editing with TMPGEnc DVD Author on the PC - that program has a very nice editing mode where it displays a continuous track of frames and lets you place cuts quickly and exactly on the frame you want.

Davenlr

07-29-07, 12:15 PM

Editing on the Polaroid better? That method you described would drive me nuts.

wajo

07-29-07, 01:21 PM

Commercial editing on the Philips HDD model works pretty well. I've edited the commercials out of several hours worth of movies, and it goes quickly once you get into the rythm. Just 2 minor design shortcomings: It wraps around instantly to the beginning when you hit the end during editing, then you have to chapter-skip all the way forward to the last bit to get back where you were because there's no way to jump to a particular chapter or time index while editing.
I thought we settled the "wrap-around" as a non-issue back in early July (as posted here and the following post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10990474&&#post10990474))?

Davenlr

07-29-07, 01:52 PM

After reading all these posts my brain hurts. Which recorder has the easiest most intuitive editing of all those available? Any offer frame accurate editing?

Kex

07-29-07, 02:17 PM

After reading all these posts my brain hurts ...
I thought sore brains were an unavoidable side effect of frequenting forums! Actually, I always thought it was a good sign too: if my brain hurts, it can't be (entirely) dead, so it must still be working! Phew!

amesdp

07-29-07, 03:22 PM

I thought we settled the "wrap-around" as a non-issue back in early July (as posted here and the following post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10990474&&#post10990474))?

Not a non-issue wabjxo, just not quite as bad as I first thought. As you pointed out, it's possible to place the starting point of Delete Scene near the end of a title, let it play or FF all the way to the end, then Delete even though it has wrapped around. But if you're searching for where to place that starting point (e.g., end of the movie title scroll), and it accidentally hits the end of the title, it will wrap around before you can stop it. Then it's time to curse and start hitting Chap+, Chap+, Chap+, Chap+............Chap+, Chap+ .... oops! darn it, hit the end again.... Chap+, Chap+, Chap+..... etc.

wajo

07-29-07, 03:36 PM

Not a non-issue wabjxo, just not quite as bad as I first thought. As you pointed out, it's possible to place the starting point of Delete Scene near the end of a title, let it play or FF all the way to the end, then Delete even though it has wrapped around. But if you're searching for where to place that starting point (e.g., end of the movie title scroll), and it accidentally hits the end of the title, it will wrap around before you can stop it. Then it's time to curse and start hitting Chap+, Chap+, Chap+, Chap+............Chap+, Chap+ .... oops! darn it, hit the end again.... Chap+, Chap+, Chap+..... etc.
It only wraps around cause it is trying to Preview the end-cut...you have to set the START point, but it sets the STOP point automatically at the very end, even if you use extreme FF to get there, but the auto-Preview that follows immediately HAS TO go back to the beginning when you cut the ending...it has no place else to go for the Preview! So, it's showing you the NEW end-to-beginning, playing the only video it has to play: the beginning. (In a normal mid-point scene delete, it would show the last frame and first frame where you cut, but that is the end to the beginning in an end-cut.)

Your end-cut is still there ready to be either Previewed again (one button choice) or actually Deleted (the choice below Preview), which it doesn't auto-select for you since you have to make the decision to actually cut it.

That means the title is PLAYING the beginning but the Scene Delete menu is waiting for you to select Preview again or Delete. In many end-cuts I've made, they've all been PERFECT, so I just select "DELETE" right away.

Basically, an end-cut is the only place you DON'T have to select a STOP point...the 3575 does it for you! You shouldn't worry about what you're seeing on the screen...it WILL be the beginning of the title...just select Delete...it will be perfect. Couldn't be easier.