burns fail for mysterious reasons, creating a mountain of coasters. The discs are TDK DVD-R and one HP +R just for yuks.

Do these symptoms sound familiar--bad drive, bad media, bad firmware, bad operator?

I don't have a Polaroid so I will restrict my comments to media.

TDK DVD-R discs produced in recent years are the same CMC MAG. AM3 media as Memorex DVD-R discs, poorly regarded by most AVS members. See the first and second screen shots.

Back in late October 2005 I purchased a spindle of HP DVD+R discs. My 2005 Panasonic DMR-ES30V had serious difficulty with these discs as these were actually DVD+RW media, not supported by Panasonic's 2005 models. These HP discs are from the same manufacturer as the TDK and Memorex discs, read as CMC MAG media. See the third screen shot.

These MITs were read by my Philips 3576. The 3576 may read the finalized HP disc's MIT and display the table of contents "thumbnails" but it is unable to play the HP disc's content. A Panasonic DMR-EZ17 will play the HP disc's content.

I realize that the media I have are not highly regarded. The only issue I've had with them is that my Thinkpad DVD drive wouldn't read -R so I got a spindle of 25 HP +R at Big Lots. Thinkpads did better with those.

Burning a group of 26 titles tonight seemed to go well until after about 10 minutes when the Polo crashed. Had to pull the plug to recover. Strange that the clock kept time because the Polo's notorious for resetting at the slightest AC hiccup. The burn succeeded on the second try, followed by a coaster trying to burn a different set of titles.

I have to agree with DigaDo (I usually have to, so why fight it?:D) in that at least a large part of your problem is very likely the blank media you are using. If you have such issues just making a disk, how long do you actually expect the disks to last in storage? A second issue is with the number of titles. I really don't know for sure, but I suspect there is a limit to the number of titles that can be placed in the table of contents region of the disk. Even thought they are short, too many entries inthe TOC might cause a failure. Disks are pretty cheap, so do some test cases with ten titles, then 15, and so on, using good media.

From what I gather, DVD standards have a limit of 99 titles per title set and 99 title sets. So call it 99, assuming the Polo creates only 1 title set.

When playing these Polo-burned discs on my computer mplayer says there are twice the number of titles than were burned. The 2nd half are repeats of the 1st. If this is intentional, it might explain the 49 title dubbing limit on the HDD screen.

Polaroid's 31 title limit seems to come from somewhere else. It's really a 32 limit. Until the disc is finalized the last title is "Empty". It doesn't matter how incrementally one sneaks up on it, once there are 31 titles the Polaroid won't add anymore. But it does pretend it can. Selecting titles to dub on the HDD screen behaves like nothing is wrong.

I don't know if I can help any but I'll just tell you what I do and maybe it will work for you . . . or not.

A couple of problems like yours right off:

1) Fill up titles and only the first and last play. Everything else in between is gone.
2) Have too many titles or edits for the machine.

The Polaroid does not follow the accepted DVD-Video standard that Toshiba, Pioneer, Panasonic uses. They use (I guess) a non-sanctioned format called DVD+VR. This format allows a lot less titles and edit on a disk. The Phillips 3575 machine and it's lot also uses this format. I've got disks using the Phillips 3575 with only an hour on it and it won't let me record any more saying that I either put to many edits or titles. It counts them.

Here is what I do every time now with the Polaroid:

1) Use only DVD/RW disks. I think the Polaroid likes + or +RW disks. So I use DVD+RW. Plus, you don't have to finalize when done.

2) Put a little bit at a time if you have too. If 31 is too many titles then try 20 or less if you have to.

3) Once you burn those clips to DVD don't go into the DVD section, play them or try to add any more. That's what is causing the machine to only play the first title (and sometimes the last title too but nothing in the middle.) I don't know why it does that but it does.

4) Take the disk right from the Polaroid to a computer and use a computer to make the disks in DVD-Video format that allows you to put 99 chapters and 99 titles on a DVD disk.

5) You might have to reboot the Polaroid after you erase the DVD/RW disk. The machine likes to act up like slowing down or acting funny.

Basically, I edit on the machine, see what fills up to 100%, burn it to DVD. Then I take the disk out and take it to a computer without looking at what's on the disk. I use DVD Decrypter to rip the disk in File mode. Then open up a program that will read the files and allow you to add to it and burn a DVD in DVD-Video mode.

TMPGEnc DVD Author lets you do it but it's not free. Nero might but I never tried that one. There are tons of other people that I'm sure know more about DVD authoring software than I do.

Polaroid seems like a great machine if you have a hand full of movies where you just cut the beginning and end off a movie and burn it over. When you have a lot of titles or a lot of edits then things go weird with the machine for some reason.

I dunno, but that icon does suck! What's really annoying is that this player was sold under other brands and in other parts of the world and there was upgrade firmware available for them and one of them removed this icon! Unfortunately Polaroid didn't pay for the upgrades (once they have our money they don't care to support the product!) and the upgrades are all for European recorders so we can't use them (it converts our units to PAL units!).

Given that all TV in USA, well, most, is digital in format, would it hurt to have the tuner be looking for PAL stations it cannot receive? Thinking that do the upgrade, and then just use the hard wired inputs on the backside for recording.

Or, am I out to lunch?

tom

Do these symptoms sound familiar--bad drive, bad media, bad firmware, bad operator?

Chalk it up to the first three, and cut yourself some slack:D.

The Polaroid was never a paragon of reliability to begin with, and its a few years old now. As recorders age they lose the ability to cope with the borderline 16x media sold in stores, almost all of which is re-labeled CMC MAG.AM3 garbage. I would suggest sticking with DVD+RW for the least issues with older DVD+VR machines, preferably the slower-speed Verbatim brands. But this may not help with the oddball limits of the Polaroid formatting system. As you note, it follows the peculiar Funai offshoot of DVD+VR, which can behave passing strange depending on the recorder. DVD+VR format is also a royal pain to work with on the PC unless you have up-to-date authoring software (the freeware stuff often chokes on it).

Standalone recorders do not have the sophistication of a PC with authoring software, so tasks involving something like multiple very short clips can be problematic. While its true we're supposed to be able to fit 99 clips on a DVD, as a practical matter most standalones can't "author" anywhere near that: they get stressed beyond eight episodes of a standard TV show. Using my brand-new high-end Pioneer, I hit a wall around 35-40 titles: the shorter the clip, the more trouble burning large quantities to disc. I'd been slowly filling my HDD with episodes of the animated "Robot Chicken" series, editing each one down to 2-4 mins running time. I thought I'd easily fit 50 on a single DVD-R but the machine started balking at 34. Never had these goofy problems with gnarly old VHS! :rolleyes:

My Philips and Mag models can record only 49 titles per disc. Maybe Polaroid is the same?

Also, my PhilMag manual says this about no. of titles:
"• Every time you insert a disc for
recording, the disc’s working area will
be taken up. And if you repeat this
frequently, it will be used up sooner
and you may not be able to record full
49 titles."

So, I suppose if you keep removing and inserting a disc to add short titles, you could reduce the no. of titles you can record (i.e., from the perf. tests run each insert).

My Pio 640 can record 99 titles per disc if DVD-R/RW or -RAM, but only 49 titles per disc if DVD+R/RW.

The link to download the Polaroid DRM-2001G manual is dead, can someone put it on Rapidshare or other websites for download, thanks.

Try this one?

http://www.phonedialerpro.com/drm-2001g_v1_m56577569830533687.pdf

Thanks Wajo.

How can I tell the A, B, C, D, E, F, G type of DRM-2001G. I gave my Polaroid DRM-2001G to my cousin last year as I had 2 Philips DVDR 3575H. Now I bought another 2001G on eBay that it did not come with a clear copy of the manual. This 2001G does not have a fan.

1st letter in SN.

Thanks Wajo. I have the D and the one I gave away was a K. Both D and K do not have a fan, so which letter has the fan?

Sam, not to interrupt your conversation, but I thought they all had a fan. Some had it mounted on the back side of the case, and then later models had it mounted on the inside, at an angle to the rear panel so that the airflow passed over the power supply.
I have two, the serial numbers being covered by the 'refurb' serial number, so I don't know the series. Both have the internal fan. One was pretty noisy on power application, so I bought two fans as Fry's, and mounted them. They are noisy, but it is air noise rather than bearing noise. They are about double the factory fan in depth, and are rated a a significant increase in CFM, not so much in current draw. They may make them a bit noisy, but I don't hear it any more when doing any watching. I'd sooner have it continue to work with a little more noise, than have it fry and turn into an expensive door stop.
FWIW, I had an RCA JP1(rcu810?) remote that I programmed to run the Polo, and it responds about twice as fast as it did to the remotes furnished by the refurbisher. You can actually press the buttons at human rates, and the Polo keeps up, rather than having to count to three after each button press.

tom

Thanks, TMW.

Yes, you are right. My memory faded. I remember I modded the K fan to blow air out by drilling a big hole near the power cord so that the air could blow out. I had never seen cooling blow air in.

This is my first time posting in this thread. I have a somewhat immediate problem and don't have time to read through the entire thread so I appologize in advance if this has been covered before.

I just purchased a brand new DRA-01601a on eBay. When I connected the unit (composite connection) I observed several horizontal bands on the screen where the video appears distorted. The bands range from about 3/4 inch to 1/4 inch in size and are wider toward the bottom of the screen and become progressively narrower the closer they are to the top of the screen. I tried changing the video cable without any noticable effect. I tried using an s-video cable and the banding was much less evident, but still there. I haven't been able to try the HDMI connection yet. I also tried all of the things mentioned above using an different TV set with essentially the same results. Has anyone else experienced bands of video distortion? What would cause this?

Don't know about the 01601, but the 2001g will exhibit these symptoms when you're feeding a signal that is above 480i, as that's all it can accept on the component-in inputs. So if the 01601 has component in or another source input it's possible that you may have to lower the resolution to 480i. As in HD-Dish or DirecTv inputs, you have to make them 480i. Can your tv display 480i or 480p? That's what this unit outputs also, no more. Other than that re-check your component connections, and then contact the ebay seller. good luck.

Don't know about the 01601, but the 2001g will exhibit these symptoms when you're feeding a signal that is above 480i, as that's all it can accept on the component-in inputs. So if the 01601 has component in or another source input it's possible that you may have to lower the resolution to 480i. As in HD-Dish or DirecTv inputs, you have to make them 480i. Can your tv display 480i or 480p? That's what this unit outputs also, no more. Other than that re-check your component connections, and then contact the ebay seller. good luck.

Thanks for the reply. The recorder is set to 480i output and connected via a composite (and later an s-video) cable. The problem is evident on the power-up splash screen (large white POLAROID on solid blue background). BTW if the recorder were set to 480p, there would be a double image side by side. 480p can only be used with a component or HDMI connection. I don't have an accessable HDMI cable to check that interface. I suspect that there is a problem with the power supply, but I wanted to find out if anyone could confirm this or has seen a similar problem caused by something else.

Don't know about the 01601, but the 2001g will exhibit these symptoms when you're feeding a signal that is above 480i, as that's all it can accept on the component-in inputs...

Thanks for the reply. The recorder is set to 480i output and connected via a composite (and later an s-video) cable. The problem is evident on the power-up splash screen (large white POLAROID on solid blue background). BTW if the recorder were set to 480p, there would be a double image side by side. 480p can only be used with a component or HDMI connection. I don't have an accessable HDMI cable to check that interface. I suspect that there is a problem with the power supply, but I wanted to find out if anyone could confirm this or has seen a similar problem caused by something else.
TomBudC was saying that the signal you send TO the DVD recorder will cause the recorder to show the distortion on its output. This is a setting on the set-top-box or signal source to the recorder, not a setting in the recorder itself. Check to be sure that you are only sending a 480i signal to the DVD recorder.

Yes, 'zactly right ChurchAVGuy. ImtheOne - Make sure your output FROM your cablebox or whatever is set to 480i. If it's anything higher it will exhibit the symptoms you're seeing; we can all duplicate those symptoms on our 2001g's by setting our cablebox/dishnet HD output to 480p, 720p etc. So therefore to use either of these poloaroid's as a pass-through (which it sounds like you're doing; along with recording etc) you must set the SOURCE coming FROM your cablebox etc. to 480i. Go into your settings on your cablebox/dish/directv and go to the display/output settings and make sure it's 480i. Some newer ones may not have anything below 480p (Dish DVR's don't, only 480p and above, doh! That's why I'm never getting rid of my VIP211 :-) Once you set your input INTO the poloaroid to 480i the picture should clear up. Not to say there isn't something else wrong, but if you search the threads, when these power supplies die, they die. No power. Haven't seen any that power up but don't work. Sounds like your source into your polaroid is other than 480i. Let us know.
TomC

Yes, 'zactly right ChurchAVGuy. ImtheOne - Make sure your output FROM your cablebox or whatever is set to 480i. If it's anything higher it will exhibit the symptoms you're seeing; we can all duplicate those symptoms on our 2001g's by setting our cablebox/dishnet HD output to 480p, 720p etc. So therefore to use either of these poloaroid's as a pass-through (which it sounds like you're doing; along with recording etc) you must set the SOURCE coming FROM your cablebox etc. to 480i. Go into your settings on your cablebox/dish/directv and go to the display/output settings and make sure it's 480i. Some newer ones may not have anything below 480p (Dish DVR's don't, only 480p and above, doh! That's why I'm never getting rid of my VIP211 :-) Once you set your input INTO the poloaroid to 480i the picture should clear up. Not to say there isn't something else wrong, but if you search the threads, when these power supplies die, they die. No power. Haven't seen any that power up but don't work. Sounds like your source into your polaroid is other than 480i. Let us know.
TomC

You guys don't understand. I am OTA only. The distortion originates from the Polaroid itself. You can see it on the power up screen. You can see it on TV channels. You can see it on DVDs. It has nothing to do with the input signal. That is why I was referencing the startup screen. This is generated with no signal input, but internally from the recorder itself. The output from all of these sources appears normally except there are narrow bands of distortion about 4-6 inches apart. The bands are not uniform in width, but get progressively wider as they go from the top of the screen to the bottom. This also has nothing to do with progressive vs interlaced display.

ImTheOne:

Well, if you just purchased it, and it is brand new, send it back. It sounds as if it is defective out of the box. Surely the eBay seller stands behind the product.
tom

ImTheOne:

Well, if you just purchased it, and it is brand new, send it back. It sounds as if it is defective out of the box. Surely the eBay seller stands behind the product.
tom



I'm in contact with the seller. A replacement is not available. I'm trying to get an idea of what the problem is so I can work out something with the seller. If it can be easily repaired, that might be the way to go. Otherwise, it would be helpful to know the cost to repair in order to work out a fair resolution with the seller.

Would you describe it as a sort of zig-zag down the side of the screen, where the edge of the displayed picture has a Z-type distortion? If so, it is possibly a bad capacitor in the horizontal signal, or an overdriven output.

There is another thread on this forum that is specifically for the DRA-01601a, and there may be some more answers there.

One last thought is that it may not be set for NTSC output. I think that there is a way to reset it back to 'factory' by holding one of the buttons down while applying power.
You can download this whole thread in a 'text' mode by using 'thread tools', and then search the text for keywords on your home machine using a text editor. When you do that, it is a lot quicker without a lot of the visual 'fluff'.
tom

If this really is brand new, and has never been registered, wouldn't Polo be able to warranty the product?

Would you describe it as a sort of zig-zag down the side of the screen, where the edge of the displayed picture has a Z-type distortion? If so, it is possibly a bad capacitor in the horizontal signal, or an overdriven output.

There is another thread on this forum that is specifically for the DRA-01601a, and there may be some more answers there.

One last thought is that it may not be set for NTSC output. I think that there is a way to reset it back to 'factory' by holding one of the buttons down while applying power.
You can download this whole thread in a 'text' mode by using 'thread tools', and then search the text for keywords on your home machine using a text editor. When you do that, it is a lot quicker without a lot of the visual 'fluff'.
tom

If this really is brand new, and has never been registered, wouldn't Polo be able to warranty the product?

No, I'll try to describe it better. The output (splash screen, tuner output, DVD output) displays normally except that about 6" from the bottom of the screen there is a horizontal band about 3/4" high across the entire screen that is distorted. About 5" above that there is another horizontal band a little less than 3/4", which is distorted. This continues with the bands getting closer and narrower as they approach the top of the screen. The uppermost band is about 1/4" tall. No problem displaying NTSC output, but there is distortion on the screen when doing it.

Thanks for the info on the thread tools. I've never tried that before.

It is brand new. I've never heard of Polo. Is this a seller of extended warranties?

No, I'll try to describe it better. The output (splash screen, tuner output, DVD output) displays normally except that about 6" from the bottom of the screen there is a horizontal band about 3/4" high across the entire screen that is distorted. About 5" above that there is another horizontal band a little less than 3/4", which is distorted. This continues with the bands getting closer and narrower as they approach the top of the screen. The uppermost band is about 1/4" tall. No problem displaying NTSC output, but there is distortion on the screen when doing it.

Thanks for the info on the thread tools. I've never tried that before.

It is brand new. I've never heard of Polo. Is this a seller of extended warranties?

Polo is what we've been "affectionately" calling Polaroid, the manufacturer.

Grant

Would you describe the distortion 'bands' as being shoved to the right, or indented or is it another type of distortion?
I suppose it doesn't matter. If the box is indeed brand new, then it should be covered by the warranty. [ninety days?] If it has already been registered, then the seller should be willing to take it back.
tom

The distortion bands are bands of uniform height that start on one side of the screen and go all the way to the other side of the screen. They vary in height getting taller as they get closer to the bottom of the screen. I'll try to draw a picture, but I don't know if this will work.

____________________
|..............................|
|..............................|
|..............................|
|----------------------|
|..............................|
|..............................|
|..............................|
|..............................|
|----------------------|
|----------------------|
|..............................|
|..............................|
|..............................|
|..............................|
|..............................|
|..............................|
|..............................|
|..............................|
|----------------------|
|----------------------|
|----------------------|
|..............................|
|..............................|
|..............................|
|..............................|
____________________

In the diagram above, | = edge of screen, . = normal video, - = distorted video, and _ = top & bottom of screen. Obviously, the screen is much wider and taller, but I squeezed and squashed it here to save typing.

In researching this problem, I ran across a posting on another Web site from a guy with a different problem, but who purchased his DRA01601A new in a sealed box from an ebay seller. Polaroid would not honor the warranty, claiming that he was not the original purchaser, but that the ebay seller was the original owner. So I don't think that Polaroid will do anything for me.

That looks like a "standard" horizontal problem where the horizontal does not keep its signal as clean as it should. In other words, when the raster steps down the screen at it frame rate, the horizontal is supposed to be back at the left hand side before the picture starts showing up. It is not making it back to the screen at a fixed time, it is late, so the raster for that [and several following] are shifted to the right by the amount of 'delay time'. You have a bad cap in the horizontal output circuit. Whatever generates the signal to operate the horizontal deflection is messed up.
Either send it back or take it to the shop if you don't have the equipment to repair it.
This can sometimes happen when the signal is too strong, and the APC/AFC/ automatic whatchamacallit feedback gets overdriven, and warps the signal. [them's official words there, bud] [if you believe that, I've got a bridge...]

tom

Hello!

I have this dvd recorder, but have a firmware problem. Anyone have this recorder and possible to read 29lv320 flash device ? I need a flash bin firmware not the dmn8600.cub

Thanks and Regards

I have had me DVD recorder for abour 5 years now without any major issues. I recently put in a burned DVD that was corrupt and my DRM-2001G froze. I have unplugged it and tried everything I can think of to get the disk to eject and failed. On the lower right hand corner there is a DVD with an arrow that usually moves from left to right. It has paused about half way through and will not move. The DVD inside is spinning, as I have pressed up against the tray an can fell its movement. Polariod no longer supports this model and i am looking for help. I can be reached at 559-967-6671 or at visaliasmmagear@yahoo.com. Please help.

I have had me DVD recorder for abour 5 years now without any major issues. I recently put in a burned DVD that was corrupt and my DRM-2001G froze. I have unplugged it and tried everything I can think of to get the disk to eject and failed. On the lower right hand corner there is a DVD with an arrow that usually moves from left to right. It has paused about half way through and will not move. The DVD inside is spinning, as I have pressed up against the tray an can fell its movement. Polariod no longer supports this model and i am looking for help. I can be reached at 559-967-6671 or at visaliasmmagear@yahoo.com. Please help.

I had that happen once, and the way I got it out was to unplug it and then plug it back in and immediately keep pressing the eject button. Give it a try.

There might be a emergency eject button under the panel as well, depending on whether they used a loader or regular dvd PC burner in it.
Worst comes to worse you might have to pop open the case and manually cycle the unit or whatever if you can get at the loading mechanism and gears.
Pretty sure I posted, and others as well, pictures of the inside of the unit so might want to poke around and see, plus check if anyone has the emergency eject code or button push sequence that some units use.

So what's the consensus for these refurbs? I know the first/new release got mixed reviews for QC but do you all think that a refurb might be better or worse and as far as after market repairs go are the parts pretty standard to get them repaired?

I do already have a 3576H so this would be more of a back up unit for when there's two programs on atsc channels that I want to record so it'll likely be a p/t unit compared to the Philips which is used for hours daily.

Normally I would have just bit the bullet for the Mag at Wal-Mart but WMss in Canada don't carry it and wm.com doesn't ship outside the USA unlike JR.com

Thanks for any advice/suggestions.

This threads is for the 2001g which was analog/mono tuner only. It will do stereo from any input that is stereo but it's built in tuner is mono only.
You might be thinking of their newer digital tunered version that does ATSC and QAM. It has a bigger 160 gig drive as well though the tuners on the ones I tried way back when dropped out on cable really bad. They may have fixed them by now seeing how I haven't touched one in about 4 years.

So what's the consensus for these refurbs? I know the first/new release got mixed reviews for QC but do you all think that a refurb might be better or worse and as far as after market repairs go are the parts pretty standard to get them repaired?

I do already have a 3576H so this would be more of a back up unit for when there's two programs on atsc channels that I want to record so it'll likely be a p/t unit compared to the Philips which is used for hours daily.

Normally I would have just bit the bullet for the Mag at Wal-Mart but WMss in Canada don't carry it and wm.com doesn't ship outside the USA unlike JR.com

Thanks for any advice/suggestions.Don't know about any consensus, but I can tell you that the refurb I bought had not been refurbished in any way. It did function, but the cosmetic and mechanical condition was pretty bad.

As other's have said, this has no atsc tuner, so would not work for you as a backup without a converter box. I also don't think the PQ is anywhere near as good as Panasonic. I don't know how it would compare to Mag.

You keep mentioning Mag, so I'm wondering if you really meant to post in this Polariod thread. Are you really asking about Polariod?

Hi, I did mean to post in the Polariod thread for the atsc enabled 01601a model. Based upon the discussion I read in this thread and it's title I assumed this was a general thread for the Polariod units.

The only reason I reference the Mag unit at WM is that it appears that unit and the 01601a's are the only models on the market aside from a couple of true HD FTA boxes with atsc tuners minus DVDr.

Thanks for the FYI about these refurbs not really being refurbs. Considering the news I read on avs About Polariod going in bankrupcy protection that does jive with what I was thinking and concerned about.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=839036&page=22&highlight=polaroid
This is the thread on the 01601a w/digital tuner. I tried a new one a few years from MicroCenter and IMO it was a POS. I returned it the next day. I'd really hold out for more Magnavox 2160a refurbs at J&R or try and get a new one at W/M.

I had that happen once, and the way I got it out was to unplug it and then plug it back in and immediately keep pressing the eject button. Give it a try.

This happened to me once also - I finally got so frustrated that I unplugged it, turned it over, and gave it a little shake. I was afraid it would be completely non functional after I did that = I know it sounds idiotic. Anyway, I turned it right side up, plugged it in again, and it ejected on the first try.

My 2 Polos (K+B) still going strong. I don't use them as much anymore. I still find the remote and noise annoying, but they sure have done a job.
It's kind of comforting knowing help is still around if something happens.
Grant

I recently put one unit to auto time set since it drifts a couple of minutes a week. When I checked yesterday, it was 2 minutes fast. Should it synch on a regular schedule when it is on automatic?

Also, a stupid moment that may help someone else - when I tried to set the time manually I thought I had a remote problem as it wouldn't let me get to where I needed to go. It kept flipping between the top 2 options.
Finally, the light turned on and I realized if I have it set on auto at the top, it won't give you access to the actual time at the bottom. Changed it back to manual and I was away to the races.

Grant

I'm going to guess the Polo gets it's time signal from a analog channel and you probably don't have a analog channel sending it anymore. Older devices, even ones with a digital tuner (such as the Philips 3575/6) can only get the time signal from analog channels. If you tried it and it didn't work, that's what I'd guess is going on.

I have had me DVD recorder for abour 5 years now without any major issues. I recently put in a burned DVD that was corrupt and my DRM-2001G froze. I have unplugged it and tried everything I can think of to get the disk to eject and failed. On the lower right hand corner there is a DVD with an arrow that usually moves from left to right. It has paused about half way through and will not move. The DVD inside is spinning, as I have pressed up against the tray an can fell its movement. Polariod no longer supports this model and i am looking for help. I can be reached at 559-967-6671 or at visaliasmmagear@yahoo.com. Please help.
I just today revisited this forum after several months and saw your description of the problem with your unit seemingly locked up due to a corrupted DVD. I trust you resolved the problem already but if not, look on pages 88 and 89 of this forum to see similar problem I experienced. This happened to me on several occasions. I discovered that a cold boot of the unit will resolve the problem. That is, unplug the unit and leave it powered off for awhile, at least an hour or more. After this, power it up again and see if it doesn't function normally. Good luck.

...I trust you resolved the problem already but if not, look on pages 88 and 89 of this forum to see similar problem I experienced...
FYI, page numbers, especially on long, active threads, can vary widely depending on the user's preference for "Posts-per-Page". Better to either give a direct LINK (available in the upper right corner of each post) or at least the absolute Post Number, which won't change (unless someone DELETEs a post before it and everything from that point forward gets renumbered). :o

FYI, page numbers, especially on long, active threads, can vary widely depending on the user's preference for "Posts-per-Page". Better to either give a direct LINK (available in the upper right corner of each post) or at least the absolute Post Number, which won't change.

Just to clarify, the post numbers change whenever a post ahead of the cited post is deleted, e.g. if one directs someone to post #855 and I delete my post number #848, post #855 then becomes post #854. For that reason use the direct link method to direct someone to the intended post.

Just to clarify, the post numbers change whenever a post ahead of the cited post is deleted...
Never say never...

Didn't even think about that. :o

The reason I jumped on Page Numbers is that I use GOOGLE SEARCH on some forums and, IIRC, if I'm logged onto that forum and click on the 'current' LINK, it takes me to the wrong page. If I'm logged onto that forum and click on the 'cached' LINK, it takes me to the correct page.

Most forums default to 20 posts per page and I usually set my profile for 50.

I just today revisited this forum after several months and saw your description of the problem with your unit seemingly locked up due to a corrupted DVD. I trust you resolved the problem already but if not, look on pages 88 and 89 of this forum to see similar problem I experienced. This happened to me on several occasions. I discovered that a cold boot of the unit will resolve the problem. That is, unplug the unit and leave it powered off for awhile, at least an hour or more. After this, power it up again and see if it doesn't function normally. Good luck.
Sorry for not being more specific on previous references regarding a DVD lockup while using the Polo 2001g. The specific links I referred to are as follows:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13827389#post13827389

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13827555#post13827555

My 2 Polos (K+B) still going strong. I don't use them as much anymore. I still find the remote and noise annoying, but they sure have done a job.
It's kind of comforting knowing help is still around if something happens.
Grant
You said you don't use your Polo 2001g that much anymore. I'm still using mine daily but wondering how long it will continue functioning okay. I'd love to identify another device that could replace the Polo in the event it fails, that is, I'm looking for a product that will perform similarly.

If I may impose, are you using another product and if so will it perform functions like the Polo does, e.g., timeshift?

Compubooth, go read up on the Philips/Magnavox 'twins':

Philips 3575/3576 and Magnavox H2160 Features, Setup and Operation

right here in avsforum.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940657

tom

Compubooth, go read up on the Philips/Magnavox 'twins':

Philips 3575/3576 and Magnavox H2160 Features, Setup and Operation

right here in avsforum.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940657

tom
Tom:
I just ordered a new Mag H2160 (4/18/2010). I didn't realize there were any of these still available. I did some research on the Phillips/Mag some time back but decided to sit tight at the time. I'm optimistic the Mag will do the job for me. Thanks for the info.

Tom:
I just ordered a new Mag H2160 (4/18/2010). I didn't realize there were any of these still available. I did some research on the Phillips/Mag some time back but decided to sit tight at the time. I'm optimistic the Mag will do the job for me. Thanks for the info.

Today, 4/22/2010, I received a new Magnavox H2160MW9A which I acquired via Amazon.com. I'm currently reviewing the manual and preparing to install the unit soon. I anticipate frequenting the other relevant AVS Threads for information, counsel and advice. Thanks!

Hey does anyone know if there's a decent market for these Polaroid recorders on ebay? I got one strictly for converting component video to S-video and it has become a doorstop (figuratively speaking LOL) since I switched to DirecTV. It's been a while since I've seen one listed so I'm not sure if it's even worth the time to list it.

Do a search, then check the "Completed Listings" box. That will tell you exactly what they're going for. Lately it's been around $100-$150 depending on condition. Demand seems to still be fairly strong.

Do a search, then check the "Completed Listings" box. That will tell you exactly what they're going for. Lately it's been around $100-$150 depending on condition. Demand seems to still be fairly strong.

Wow, I never knew you could search completed listings on ebay! Thanks for that info. I should be able to do pretty good on it then, considering that I've only burned 3 or 4 discs on the thing :)

I have 2 units too just sitting. One was used to record a few movies on the hard drive, never burned any discs and the second is still in the box. I just don't record to disc anymore.

I don't know if this has been posted or not so sorry in advance. I think my hard drive fried last night. I had 160 some things on it. I was watching something and it started to freeze. I turned it off and then back on. When I done that it got stuck at the POLAROID page. I repeated a few times and it kept doing it. I justed turned it off and went to bed. When I turned it on this morning, everything was gone. Now after it is on for a few minutes, I'm hearing a clicking noise. If it is a hard drive can those be replaced with a regular computer one. I think I read that somewhere but can't remember. Also, I had a 80 GB. If so, can I put a bigger one in it?

Yes you can put just about any IDE drive in that doesn't pull a lot more power then the original one does. It's a plug and play upgrade as the unit automatically detects and formats the new drive when you plug it in.
Just make sure you set the jumpers like the original drive and you should be good to go.
I bought one of the first ones in my area and half an hour after getting it home put a Woot refurb 250 in it that just happened to be the exact same model of drive, just bigger. I ran it in the Polaroid for probably a year and now it's in my Philips 3575 and still going strong.
You also might be able to use a SATA drive if you get one of the IDE to SATA adapters around.

hi dartman you said that you put the 160 hdd from the polaroid into you philips3575. i have the philips 3575 none hdd it only has a dvd drive, i also have the 160 hdd polaroid can i use the polaroid 160 hdd to replace the dvd drive in my philips 3575. any suggestion will much apreciated thanks.

hi dartman you said that you put the 160 hdd from the polaroid into you philips3575. i have the philips 3575 none hdd it only has a dvd drive, i also have the 160 hdd polaroid can i use the polaroid 160 hdd to replace the dvd drive in my philips 3575. any suggestion will much apreciated thanks.
Well all 3575 dvd recorders had a 160 gig hard drive in them. I just took the 250 from my old 2001g and put it in my 3575 to replace the 160 after a member got a service manual and the "secret" code for updating the drive was posted.
There a huge thread on it here and if you find any of Wajo's many posts here he has direct links to many of the faqs he put together for it in his signature, then you can read about what needs to be done and what drives will work.
It will take up to a 500 gig, after that it only will use 500 gig of any bigger drive you put in.
IF you have a 3475 DVD recorder it's a similar machine but has no hard drive and I have no clue if it even has the capability of adding one as they probably removed all the extra parts/circuitry to make it work.
IF for some reason you have a 3575 that someone removed the drive from then yes, more then likely the 160 out of your other machine will work if you follow the proper procedures to do it. If you do make it work of course anything on the doner drive will be erased when it reformats for the new machine so keep that in mind if you have anything you don't want to loose on it.

Well all 3575 dvd recorders had a 160 gig hard drive in them. I just took the 250 from my old 2001g and put it in my 3575 to replace the 160 after a member got a service manual and the "secret" code for updating the drive was posted.
There a huge thread on it here and if you find any of Wajo's many posts here he has direct links to many of the faqs he put together for it in his signature, then you can read about what needs to be done and what drives will work.
It will take up to a 500 gig, after that it only will use 500 gig of any bigger drive you put in...

That portion of Wajo's sticky thread is found here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12355769&postcount=39

Which burners are good to use in this recorder? Can I use a Dual Layer burner? Can I use a Blu-Ray burner?

I too would be interested in burner info. My DRM-2001G has decided to never leave the blinking cherry phase when transferring from the HD to DVD. I can physically see where the video has been recorded on the DVD but the unit won't release from the recording function. Sometimes there's a brief loud "whirr" from the unit while the cherries are blinking. Otherwise the unit functions okay. Have done hard reboots but no change. I can record to the HD but just can't complete the transfer to the DVD. Does anyone know if this is a software problem or can I replace the burner?

Jack

I'm pretty sure there are some recorders listed that will work in these units. I tried quite a few when I had mine but can't remember if any of mine worked but others found ones that did.
You've got to remember this unit is quite old now so finding a burner that somebody found that works might be pretty hard today. Search the thread and I'm sure you'll find some candidates.

I recently bought the Mag 2160 (what a nice machine!) so I moved a Polo to the RV to have its recording and pause live TV features there.
I recently went to play a DVD and just got the flashing hand with the red line through it.
To make a long story short, sometimes it will load a DVD and other times it won't. If I keep trying, shutting off, unplugging, etc. I can usually get it to work.
I also tried every combination of settings I can think of with no consistent solution.
Anyone have similar problems?
Grant

Maybe it's getting damp from sitting in the RV outside or something? You might want to try bringing it in and letting it air out and dry and see if it gets better again.

Maybe it's getting damp from sitting in the RV outside or something? You might want to try bringing it in and letting it air out and dry and see if it gets better again.
The DVD is toast now, won't read blanks, commercial or recorded DVD's. The hard drive and tuner still work great.
Moral of story, keep the Polo's out of RV's.
Grant

Grantsoo, did you try removing the cover and using a cotton swab or suede tab-style cleaner on the lens of the laser? I would think they can get stuff on them and it may be enough to make the reader and writer inoperative. I would also check all of the drive and power connections. Where possible, remove the connector or ribbon cable [very carefully with the plastic ribbons.. some have an external release on the socket that slides up to ease the friction of the ribbon with the socket] and re-seat them. Can't hurt...
If you are really adventurous, you can remove the metal box where the DVD mechanism hides. That will allow free access to all the gizzards. The lens would be on the slide assembly that moves radially front to back in the drive. If it is fuzzy or dirty, you would be able to see it. If you plan on replacing the drive with a generic, you have to go through part of this process anyway. If you can get the door cover to work, almost any IDE DVD should work. It would have to be a PATA rather than SATA drive if you don't want to add a converter board.

tom

If you can leave it on for a long time, maybe with a long HDD recording session to build up the internal heat, that may dry any moisture that could be affecting ops? Could be moisture on the laser diode (LD) lens or even between the LD and the lens?

Grantsoo, did you try removing the cover and using a cotton swab or suede tab-style cleaner on the lens of the laser? I would think they can get stuff on them and it may be enough to make the reader and writer inoperative. I would also check all of the drive and power connections. Where possible, remove the connector or ribbon cable [very carefully with the plastic ribbons.. some have an external release on the socket that slides up to ease the friction of the ribbon with the socket] and re-seat them. Can't hurt...
If you are really adventurous, you can remove the metal box where the DVD mechanism hides. That will allow free access to all the gizzards. The lens would be on the slide assembly that moves radially front to back in the drive. If it is fuzzy or dirty, you would be able to see it. If you plan on replacing the drive with a generic, you have to go through part of this process anyway. If you can get the door cover to work, almost any IDE DVD should work. It would have to be a PATA rather than SATA drive if you don't want to add a converter board.

tom

Perhaps the cleaning procedures suggested in this post might be helpful:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=19130480#post19130480

Someone mentioned a long time ago that the Polaroid 2001g model had a usb header on the circuit board. I've just tried it and it works. I've used a usb flash memory stick and avi (xvid) files can play.

A search turned up a post with the pinout. Is this an existing socket on the motherboard or something that needs soldering? Wonder if it would choke on a TB size drive.

Another reason the 2001g is best tech brought to you by people who would go to federal prison.

Perhaps the cleaning procedures suggested in this post might be helpful:...


Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I will be winterizing the RV soon and will pull the Polo out and try them.

Grant

It's been a long time since I've posted but I need help with a video connection. Early last year, I de-installed my F-series 2001g when I acquired and installed 2 Magnavox 2160A's. The 2001g was simply stored and uninstalled in my TV cabinet.

Earlier this week, one of my close family members needed equipment so I agreed to loan him the 2001g; I knew he'd love using the Polo DVR/D with the HDD (no previous experience with DVR, etc.).
I connected the 2001g using RCA Composite cables to my HDTV, copied some titles to DVD, and generally cleaned up the HDD. This worked without any problem.

I then proceeded to install the unit for the close family member however I had trouble interfacing with older RCA Tube TV. I was finally able to install the 2001g, got an Input to Display, and was beginning to use Setup. In the process, I inadvertently changed the Setup for Video Output Format from Interlaced to Progressive (or maybe vice versa) and Uh-Oh, immediately I lost the Setup screen with lost "Signal" message.

After unsuccessful attempts to resolve, I decided to go back to my house and reconnect to my HDTV so that I could see the video display for Setup. I assumed this would work but it didn't. I connected same as before when this worked without a problem, However, now I do not have an video output to my TV anymore. I am getting audio though to the TV but no Video, consequently, I can't get a Setup screen, and therefore unable to change any setup options. I checked and ascertained that the 2001g seems to be working fine otherwise, I'm just not getting Video from the 2001g into my TV anymore.

I need some help in hopefully resolving this problem.

Do you have the instruction book, and have you tried using composite video to feed ANY television? Seems to me an analog feed would ignore the digital Interlaced/Progressive setting.

Seems to me an analog feed would ignore the digital Interlaced/Progressive setting.

Not sure about the Polo but I had a old Apex DVD player that would blank out the analog outputs when I had the player set to progressive. The nice thing about the Apex is was it had a dedicated remote button for both I/P as well as N/P(NTSC/PAL) so one could change both without a OSD:)
With the Polo you may need to either do a hard reset(not sure how to do this on a Polo but generally a hard reset will revert to interlaced) or hook it up via component cables to a progressive compatible TV and then change it to interlaced.

Do you have the instruction book, and have you tried using composite video to feed ANY television? Seems to me an analog feed would ignore the digital Interlaced/Progressive setting.
I do have the instruction manual and I am using composite video feed. At the time the problem developed as noted in post above, I had the Polo connected to RCA Tube TV using composite (YWR) cables. Before the problem developed, I was using the Polo on my HDTV with same composite cables and everything worked. After the problem developed, I went back to my TV, same connectivity, and this didn't help.

I did get advice from wajo who suggested I use PS/IS button on Polo remote (which I had forgot about) so I tried that but didn't resolve problem.

jjeff: Thanks for your input. I'm exasperated since I can't display the video from the Polo, therefore can't change setup. I tried what I call a soft reset by unplugging the Polo for well over an hour but no help. I don't know how to do hard reset at this point. I was hoping one of you experts could point me in the right direction. I feel stupid ... I think the problem is related to the setup change I executed, but it may be more than that.

Nothing to lose: try unplugging for a few minutes, then replug power WHILE HOLDING THE POWER BUTTON ON FRONT PANEL. Release power button when you see evidence of power in display.

That's a soft reset for the Mags, might work on Polo?

Now I feel really stupid... but Happy. I just went to turn-On the Polo and try again. I decided to check my YWR cables one more time. STUPID!!! I found the video cable in wrong output. I changed it and problem resolved... getting video to my HDTV now. Problem resolved with Polo... however I don't know what to da about my shortfalls, what can I say. ;)
Sorry to bother everyone but so appreciative that you are there even still with my old 2001g (which I do have reservations loaning out 'cause I love it so). Thanks and have a great Friday!!:D

I found the video cable in wrong output. I changed it and problem resolved... getting video to my HDTV now. Problem resolved with Polo...

Heh, if I had a dime for every time I made *that* mistake with video and audio equipment...... Bet I'd be richer than you!! ;)

Heh, if I had a dime for every time I made *that* mistake with video and audio equipment...... Bet I'd be richer than you!! ;)

The only problem is that it won't pass thru or record HD. I just got one of these as a reconditioned unit. You can not find dvr with no monthly fee anymore for some reason they have been taken off the market. They all want the monthly dole but this one does have the tuner that lets you get the stream even if it is sd. I go out of mine to hdtv with hdmi. I recorded two programs last night and it did it ok. Timer works. Recorder works. The splash screen is a pain and haven't figured out how to kill it and just have to let it run its 30 sec display. It is a better option than vcr.

I don't think you have it connected properly. It does pass thru HD on component in/out when it's off. You're correct that no standalone records HD (in the US), but a Hauppauge box will. In any case, SD recordings from HD sources rival commercial DVD in my experience. Panasonic PQ is excellent. Polaroid PQ isn't nearly as good. But the main benefit of Polaroid aside from component inputs is it's blindness to copy protection. It can record anything, including blu-ray sources.

I don't think you have it connected properly. It does pass thru HD on component in/out when it's off. You're correct that no standalone records HD (in the US), but a Hauppauge box will. In any case, SD recordings from HD sources rival commercial DVD in my experience. Panasonic PQ is excellent. Polaroid PQ isn't nearly as good. But the main benefit of Polaroid aside from component inputs is it's blindness to copy protection. It can record anything, including blu-ray sources.
Thanks Troop. This is the only one I was able to find but I think I am happy with it. The reviews were worse than the unit in my estimation. It will do what I want and that is to record stuff when I can't be there to see it. I have had it in service about 30 hours and really haven't had time to really evaluate it. I hate the little splash screen that imposes itself at the bottom of the screen when you switch between atv and dtv occupying real estate over the picture you are trying to view. Have tried to find a way to cut it off and can't.

Need some help on this one. I recorded a program to HD and want to put it on dvd. I put the dvd-r in as direction say and go to HDD and select the item to transfer to dvd and then press add/clear and then press HDD to start recording. I get a "disk is full" statement and the disk was virgin when it went in with nothing on it.

I don't think you have it connected properly. It does pass thru HD on component in/out when it's off. You're correct that no standalone records HD (in the US), but a Hauppauge box will. In any case, SD recordings from HD sources rival commercial DVD in my experience. Panasonic PQ is excellent. Polaroid PQ isn't nearly as good. But the main benefit of Polaroid aside from component inputs is it's blindness to copy protection. It can record anything, including blu-ray sources.

I have mine connected to hdtv with hdmi cable and it doesn't pass signal thru when it is cut off.

I have mine connected to hdtv with hdmi cable and it doesn't pass signal thru when it is cut off.
...It does pass thru HD on component in/out when it's off...Just on component.

Thanks Troop. This is the only one I was able to find but I think I am happy with it. The reviews were worse than the unit in my estimation. It will do what I want and that is to record stuff when I can't be there to see it. I have had it in service about 30 hours and really haven't had time to really evaluate it. I hate the little splash screen that imposes itself at the bottom of the screen when you switch between atv and dtv occupying real estate over the picture you are trying to view. Have tried to find a way to cut it off and can't.You are right regarding this unit, the "splash screen" is a nuisance. The fan noise is another bummer on most of these units. This thread has a lot of great posts over several years with good info.

As noted in recent post, I loaned out my F-series Polo 2001g. In 2010, I bought two Magnavox H2160MW9A units. See this link in case you aren't aware of the Magnavox units:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12244086#post12244086

I called yesdvd to get assistance and they say that they don't support the poloroid dvd recorder any more. I am reasonable sure that that is why I can't record to the dvd. If I put a dvd in the machine and go to hdd and then add/clear it says that the disk is full even though it is a virgin disk. So maybe someone here has a yesdvd sw that I can install on the unit to get it to record. It plays recorded dvds fine but won't record to them. When you put the disk in it recognizes the dvd as dvd-rw or dvd-r but it just says "DVD disk is full." ????

I don't think you have it connected properly. It does pass thru HD on component in/out when it's off. You're correct that no standalone records HD (in the US), but a Hauppauge box will. In any case, SD recordings from HD sources rival commercial DVD in my experience. Panasonic PQ is excellent. Polaroid PQ isn't nearly as good. But the main benefit of Polaroid aside from component inputs is it's blindness to copy protection. It can record anything, including blu-ray sources.

From what I understand in reading these forums is that some of them do and some don't. It depends on the letter at the end of the model#... for instance, my DRM-2001G does not pass the video through when it's off. (I wish it did... I would still have it in use if it were the case)

eelpc: You may know this already but just thought it may relate to your problem. The length of any recorded HDD title must be within limits of DVD space availability. For example, if your HDD title is SP+ quality, then the title length must be within 2 hrs. Specifically, if you have a SP+ quality movie that is 2 1/2 hr, it would have to be reduced somehow to within 2 hr for dubbing to DVD. In this case, one might edit out commercials so the title would fit space limitations of the DVD. If the HDD title length exceeds DVD space, when you select Add/Clear option, you'll be notified that source exceeds DVD capacity. Please forgive this posting if it's not applicable to your problem.
BTW, I never use the YesDVD feature. If I want something on DVD, I record to HDD then dub HDD to DVD. I split titles and use more than one DVD where HDD title length can't be edited to fit the available DVD space.

eelpc: You may know this already but just thought it may relate to your problem. The length of any recorded HDD title must be within limits of DVD space availability. For example, if your HDD title is SP+ quality, then the title length must be within 2 hrs. Specifically, if you have a SP+ quality movie that is 2 1/2 hr, it would have to be reduced somehow to within 2 hr for dubbing to DVD. In this case, one might edit out commercials so the title would fit space limitations of the DVD. If the HDD title length exceeds DVD space, when you select Add/Clear option, you'll be notified that source exceeds DVD capacity. Please forgive this posting if it's not applicable to your problem.
BTW, I never use the YesDVD feature. If I want something on DVD, I record to HDD then dub HDD to DVD. I split titles and use more than one DVD where HDD title length can't be edited to fit the available DVD space.
Well , My problem is that it makes no difference. If it is only a half hour program when I go to hdd and go to the recorded program and hit add/clear it automatically says at the bottom "DVD disk is full" and it ain't.

eelpc: You may know this already but just thought it may relate to your problem. The length of any recorded HDD title must be within limits of DVD space availability. For example, if your HDD title is SP+ quality, then the title length must be within 2 hrs. Specifically, if you have a SP+ quality movie that is 2 1/2 hr, it would have to be reduced somehow to within 2 hr for dubbing to DVD. In this case, one might edit out commercials so the title would fit space limitations of the DVD. If the HDD title length exceeds DVD space, when you select Add/Clear option, you'll be notified that source exceeds DVD capacity. Please forgive this posting if it's not applicable to your problem.
BTW, I never use the YesDVD feature. If I want something on DVD, I record to HDD then dub HDD to DVD. I split titles and use more than one DVD where HDD title length can't be edited to fit the available DVD space.
Compubooth - Thanks troop! I had 3 programs recorded. I had done them all three in HQ. Due Date movie and the Hokie and Duke game were long programs. I hadn't tried the Leo Laporte Lab with Leo that was in sp and only one hour. Guess what - You are right and thanks. I am spliting the two that I want to save and putting them on two disks and will handle them on the computer. It doesn't say exceeds the DVD capacity as it should but says "DVD disk is full" Write that down. I learned from Compubooth and saved a ups charge.

For those who may need a manual for Polo 2001g, checkout this link:

http://www.phonedialerpro.com/drm-2001g_v1_m56577569830533687.pdf

Polaroid Corporation and Logic Corporation have collaborated to incorporate technology Polaroid's newest line of DVD Recorders. LSI technologies in the Polaroid DVD Recorders adds tremendous value to our product.

Please provide more information about "Polaroid's newest line of DVD Recorders."

I have mine connected to hdtv with hdmi cable and it doesn't pass signal thru when it is cut off.


You are confusing models. If yours has HDMI output then it is not the 2001G model.

Please provide more information about "Polaroid's newest line of DVD Recorders."

The user just posted to put SPAM in his signature. All 4 posts(minimum required to post links) were nonsense, I reported the post and it looks like the mods not only deleted the posts but also the users ID. They don't take kindly to SPAM on AVS.

You are confusing models. If yours has HDMI output then it is not the 2001G model.

You are right it isn't 2001g but it still doesn't pass the signal when off but it does have an analog input and output and I have the sd stb hooked to the analog in and my second tv has that input and it goes thru to it when the polo is off. The polo froze up the other day and I realized it doesn't have an on off button. The remote wouldn't work when it froze so the on off is to unplug and replug the polo in. This is the first of any kind of electronic boxes that I have ever had that did not have a power on and off button on the front of it.

You are right it isn't 2001g but it still doesn't pass the signal when off but it does have an analog input and output and I have the sd stb hooked to the analog in and my second tv has that input and it goes thru to it when the polo is off. The polo froze up the other day and I realized it doesn't have an on off button. The remote wouldn't work when it froze so the on off is to unplug and replug the polo in. This is the first of any kind of electronic boxes that I have ever had that did not have a power on and off button on the front of it.
You must have the newer DRA-01601A. You are correct in that it does not have a power on/off switch on the unit itself. Yes, that is odd. In the manual on page 8 at the top it says: "Before making any connections, ensure all units are off and unplugged from the power source." so the system is on as long as it's plugged into power. The standby power consumption is 3Watts. It must be running some op-amps continnuously or something.

Both Polaroid units were unusual machines. I have a 2001g, because it works as a component to S-Video converter, AND it strips content protection.:D I don't use it to make disks, but it was a referb for about $80,and that was a pretty good deal for such a device.

This is the first time replying to this thread and I would like to let you know that I installed a new Western Digital 1 TB Caviar Green SATA hard drive with an Avolusion SATA to IDE Hard Drive Adapter from Amazon.com in to my Polaroid DRA-01601A and surprisingly it actually reads the hard drive as a 1TB drive.

Don't see why it wouldn't as long as the drive gets power and can talk to the unit it should just detect it and go. That's what mine did with the 250 I slapped in it a half hour after I bought it years ago. The results are buried somewhere towards the beginning of this thread.
I retired it and now run a Philips 3575 with the same drive that was used in the upgrade of this Polaroid.

The DRA-01601A most certainly DOES have a on/off power switch on the front of the unit. It is hard to see when you're looking right at it, but it is on the left side under the Polaroid insignia. It's a black button bar in the black part of the case. The button must be held in until there is some sign of life. Pushing and walking away does nothing. Twice now, after not using the unit for a while, I have pulled the cover off the case thinking the switch was broken or the PS was dead.

Interesting. The manual makes mo mention of a power switch at all, which is what I based my statement on, since I don't actually own a DRA-01601A. Funny that it is not listed on the page with the buttons and indicators.

DVD in Polo comes to life.
I posted last fall that my DVD in the Polo in the RV wouldn't work anymore. I got lazy and just let it sit all winter.
This spring I took the unit out - and it works again, perfectly. I think the suggestion on humidity as a cause was likely right, so I'll keep a close tab on that this year. It sure is nice to have the time shift option on the road.
Grant

DVD in Polo comes to life.
I posted last fall that my DVD in the Polo in the RV wouldn't work anymore. I got lazy and just let it sit all winter.
This spring I took the unit out - and it works again, perfectly. I think the suggestion on humidity as a cause was likely right, so I'll keep a close tab on that this year. It sure is nice to have the time shift option on the road.
Grant

It must like being home, rather than on the road!

It must like being home, rather than on the road!
It sure is. Whenever the wife says something, I can pause the TV and give her my full attention and not miss anything.
What more could I ask for?

I ran into a problem with the DVD not working again in the motorhome. Since I thought it might be moisture due to high humidity, I just turned it on early in the afternoon and let it heat up. By 6:00 pm it was good to go. This worked for me twice.
Hope this helps anyone with the same problem.

Yes, it happen to me too and I did what you advised and work.

I think I would be checking the capacitors in the power supply. They may have high ESR, and be on the way out. Replacing them before failure can prevent more costly damage.
Look for bulged tops and leaks of electrolyte. If you can test them with an ESR meter, so much the better.
tom

I've got a DRM-2001G which has gone dead on me. It happened a few months ago, when I noticed the display on the unit was going nuts, scrolling random characters. I unplugged it, and plugged it back in, nothing. I messed with it a bit at the time, checked the power supply for bulging/leaking caps, found nothing. Set it aside for a few months. Put it back together a few weeks ago, and magically, it worked again. It worked for a few weeks, then started scrolling random characters on the screen again. Unplugged it, waited awhile, plugged it back in, nothing again. Same issue as before. Power supply appears normal, no bulges, no hotspots. I'm getting the voltage to the front board, but it appears that nothing is signalling the PS to turn on the other voltages to the other components.

I've done an extensive search for information on the PS, and turned up nothing of value. Does any one have a schematic, or trouble shooting info on the PS? Does anyone know of another unit that was sold in the US that has the same PS (DVR3000)?Does anyone have a defunct 2001G they'd be willing to sell for cheap so maybe I can make one good one out of two?

I like this unit because of the ability to record from component, and the built in audio decoder. Hate to give up on it!

Jon