I've considered that, but also considered I might be missing something. I guess you don't know how to do it either..., but does that mean it can't be done?

Actually I know it can't be done. My point was that there's an assumption in such a question, that should be addressed first. CAN something be done needs to be answered before HOW it can be done because HOW assumes it can be done.

Or perhaps ask the HOW question conditionally:

"CAN I do X and if so, HOW?"

The "How" certainly should suggest that the question is also "Can" it be done. It also suggests that since other DVRs can do this, and it's a feature that should be present, it's hard to imagine that it can't be done ... so "How" seems to be a logical question ... knowing that if it can't be done, someone will certainly simply say so. I'll also contact Pioneer because this should be an option. If some don't see a Title Screen first thing, they never will. Not everyone who plays a DVD knows how to operate the player. So, you see, I'm still looking for how it can be done, for if it can't, I may not be convinced until I hear a Pioneer rep say so. Hence, the logical question here still is "How." You say you know it can't be done, but I'll hold out until I also know it. Until then, I'm looking for "How" it can be done. Thank you.

Suit yourself. I can only help so much.

In the meantime, ponder how you would answer a question like: "Have you stopped beating your wife?"

[QUOTE=kjbawc]That doesn't seem to be possible with the 640.QUOTE]

Thank you, kjbawc. I don't seem to find it possible either. It creates a nicer menu than my Panasonic, but I just know some who play my DVDs may never see the menu. I'm planning to contact Pioneer and maybe they'll explain why that ability is missing ... assuming that, indeed, it is. <g>

how you would answer a question like: "Have you stopped beating your wife?"


Which one? :D


Seriously though, Tonymcc, you can't make a menu that auto loads on the Pio 640. That has been discussed previously on this thread. You could record to your HDD, copy to a RW disc in VR mode, at high speed. Then take the disc to your computer, and using the rare DVD program that will operate in VR mode, create a menu that auto loads. Then, take the RW VR disc back to the 640, HS copy it to the HDD, and then burn it to a -R disc at HS, in Video mode. That is the only way it can be done. I don't actually know how to do that, but others here have done it that way.

Or, you could write "Push Menu button to bring up menu" on both the disc, and its cover, and tell same to who ever you give them to.

If you do talk to Pioneer, ask them to include a firmware fix to do this, along with the one to transfer the title to the HDD recording from the timer menu. Good luck. We're all pulling for you... :D

Suit yourself. I can only help so much.

In the meantime, ponder how you would answer a question like: "Have you stopped beating your wife?"

Bob, what is your problem? Most would just answer the question in a polite manner. My question of "how" certainly contains in it that I'm assuming it can, but am open to hearing that it can't be done. Just answer that it can't be done if you know it can't ... like kjbawc did.

And the answer to your question is that, I've never started and will refrain. Oh, please! A question like that can be answered, but more to the point, the heart of a question and its meaning when understood can be answered even if in improper form.

You don't have to argue semantics everywhere you go, do you? You don't like the syntax of my question even though you know what I mean, so you have to correct me? Sure, technically you're right, but did you ever hear that the letter of the law kills? You knew the heart of my question, didn't you? Kjbawc certainly did. I'm sure you're sharp, but you could work on your form a bit. You can only help so much, and this attitude of yours doesn't. I'm sorry. Bob, I asked "how," but certainly I'm also looking for "can" it be done. You knew that, didn't you? You're a sharp guy; I'm sure you did. Anyway, thanks for telling me that as far as you know, it can't be done. That's what I was looking for.

Tony

My "problem" (to use your word) is that too many people tend to ask questions that can't be answered, at least not without pointing out the faulty assumption they contain.

I think you'll agree that if people ask the appropriate questions they're more likely to get appropriate answers. Thus improving the quality of the Forums. So if even one person is more inclined to "ask the right question" next time as a result of my point making, then my efforts have not been in vain.

But by all means ask any question you like. Just don't be surprised if someone points out a faulty assumption in it. Your freedom to post as you like extends to me too.

If you do talk to Pioneer, ask them to include a firmware fix to do this, along with the one to transfer the title to the HDD recording from the timer menu.

I plan to follow up on this. I just got this unit this week, and searched forum threads for this topic ... to no avail. I've got an email into Pioneer and plan to talk to someone next week. This feature is farily important to me and I really did assume it existed and thought I was just missing something ... even though I'm fairly familiar with other DVRs. I create DVDs for some professional companies that rent/loan them to the general public and/or to their employees. The title screen would be fairly important to at least one of these companies. A note advising to press the DVD Menu or Title button probably isn't what they're looking for. It may seem petty to some, but I may not keep this model simply over this one issue ... unless Pioneer says a firmware fix is coming soon.

Thanks for your input!

Tony

My "problem" (to use your word) is that too many people tend to ask questions that can't be answered, at least not without pointing out the faulty assumption they contain.

Bob, it appears to me that you're burning out. My question could be answered and indeed, it was by another. You also knew what I meant. You could have overlooked what I said and simply replied to what you knew I meant. It would have taken less time. Instead, it seems that what appears to be a burned out response has indeed perpetuated a lengthy discussion that really has nothing to do with the simplicity of the understood question and the considerate response. I'm truly sorry that you did not appreciate the form of my question, but you did understand it ... and that was my goal. I've been in computers for over 25 years and I've seen the rude and arrogant manner of many in forums for many years. I do not subscribe to the notion that one has to be mean and always correcting everyone everywhere they go. The newbie asking a "stupid" question or in the wrong manner ... or certainly one that's already been asked and answered ... that guy just better watch out! I've seen it for years. And here we go again. So, I asked my question technically incorrect. Get over it. You understood what I meant. That's what's important. I'm sure you're a nice guy, but you make mistakes every now and again, too. Lighten up. No need to reply to this. I may not ... I'm leaving in a moment.

Again, thank you for your information ... and I'm sorry my format offended you ... and I mean that, but I'll also add, it appears to me you're a bit touchy. Now, I'm right about this. I know it and others reading this will, too. It's all about attitude and making allowances for people who aren't perfect and do everything right and form every question right ..., it's about having mercy and being nice. That's what really improves the quality of a forum. Your reply was not nice. It wasn't really rude ... just a bit of a back-hand. You didn't have to do that. But, I doubt you'll see that. You still think you were supposed to correct me and I shouldn't be surprised to have my "faulty assumption" pointed out. Well, Bob, I am surprised ... and after 25 years ... I shouldn't be ..., but yes, your reply surprised me. Yes, I agree that the right question is more likely to get the right response ..., but I don't agree that mine was so hard to understand. But only from you I got corrected. And if you do your wife this way, ... well, at least, I feel you've given me a good beating. With my tail between my legs, I'll cower away now.

Thank you,

Tony

Tony,

My older Pioneer 520H apparently behaves just like the newer 640 in terms of not defaulting to the menu after inserting the recorded DVD into a player. All of my 520H-produced DVD-Rs automatically start the first title and automatically advance through all titles on the disc.

I assume that you do not want to use a computer in your process of generating DVD-Rs. If you did, the controls for auto-play, auto-repeat, etc. can be edited or generated on the computer and then a master DVD-R can be made on the computer. That master can be high-speed copied to the 640 hard drive using the Disc Backup feature on the 640. Then any number of high-speed DVD-R copies can be made. Or, since the original was in the computer anyway, more copies could be made on the computer.

Depending on the program(s) you use on the computer, you can typically generate better menus (form and content) than those provided on most DVDR units. (BTW, on this forum, most folks use 'DVDR' for a DVD recorder and 'DVR' for a TiVo-like video hard drive recorder that does not also record DVDs.)

Perhaps you could, on a computer (one time) or on camera, create a short video with instructions for how the DVD will play automatically and for how to access the menu to navigate directly to desired titles. This little video could be available on your 640 hard drive and be added to the beginning of any program you are recording to DVD-R using the Copy List, which you have to use anyway to copy from the hard drive to DVD media. This approach may not be suitable for you or your clients.

Then again, if you want to avoid computers in this process, you could exchange the Pioneer 640 DVDR for one that provides the feature you are looking for. But, based on numerous posts in this forum, the Pioneers seem to be among the best at editing with one of the more friendly user interfaces to do so.

As always, YMMV. Good luck!

Hi Dave,

Thanks for suggesting "how" this can be done. I also appreciate knowing that I should use the proper term, DVDR. The DVDR that I've been using is an older Panasonic, but I've also become somewhat familiar with a couple of other brands. And all the ones I've used bring the title up first. I very much like the Pioneer's editing features. My older Panasonic will do much of the same things, but it edits out just a small bit of audio when doing a scene edit. It does not have the thumbnail feature, either. I think my clients would like that. I've done some computer editing, but none recently and none actually setting up a title menu ... or with thumbnails. I haven't stayed up on this ... and actually the software I have used to edit DVDs on the computer is a few computers ago <g>. I don't even remember what I had, though the download is probably archived somewhere.

I would be interested in knowing more about what software to use and how to do this. Again, I like how Pioneer edits and how it creates the title screen with the thumbnails ... the finished look is acceptable ... and easy. I would simply like that title screen to show first. If there's a way to do that even with a computer, I'd like to know more ... where to download ... where to get more info or support. Some who view my DVDs know little more than how to use VCR controls. They can pause, ff, rr, stop and play, and if they see a menu, they'll use the arrows and hit enter or select. The way they get back to the title menu is to stop and play again. With auto-play, I'm quite sure some will never at all see the title screen. And compared with others I've seen, the Pioneer creates a nice title screen. I'd like people to see it <g>.

Thanks again!

Tony

I plan to follow up on this. I just got this unit this week, and searched forum threads for this topic ... to no avail. I've got an email into Pioneer and plan to talk to someone next week. This feature is farily important to me and I really did assume it existed and thought I was just missing something ... even though I'm fairly familiar with other DVRs. I create DVDs for some professional companies that rent/loan them to the general public and/or to their employees. The title screen would be fairly important to at least one of these companies. A note advising to press the DVD Menu or Title button probably isn't what they're looking for. It may seem petty to some, but I may not keep this model simply over this one issue ... unless Pioneer says a firmware fix is coming soon.

Thanks for your input!

Tony

Ahh! I see now why you need that. I thought you were just passing DVDs to friends and family. The 640 is my first DVDR, so I wasn't primed on what to expect in the way of a menu, and I wasn't really disappointed. I'd like the menu to load at first, but I prefer play through after that, not return to menu between titles.

Budget_HT is right about the 640's "disc backup" function, which is unique to the Pios, and will make bit-for-bit copies of any -R or +R disc, at high speed.

I also wish the DVDs made in the 640 would auto play to the menu when inserted in a dvd player. A Panny I owned briefly allowed you to choose whether the DVD, after being finalized, will auto play to the menu or auto play the first title. For me I can live with this as it is not critical, but for your situation of making DVDs for clients and their employees and clients I totally understand the importance of this feature. It might not be the best machine for your particular needs.

I wish Pio could add that via firmware update but I see that as being unlikely.

"and will make bit-for-bit copies of any -R or +R disc, at high speed."

This is a great feature but I wonder why it can't do this with DL discs. Would it be a technical reason or just a something they decided not to implement? Hard to say I guess. It's not that important at this point due to the much higher price of DL discs, but in the future if DL prices drop a lot, then I may find myself using them much more often.

Hi Dave,

Thanks for suggesting "how" this can be done. I also appreciate knowing that I should use the proper term, DVDR. The DVDR that I've been using is an older Panasonic, but I've also become somewhat familiar with a couple of other brands. And all the ones I've used bring the title up first. I very much like the Pioneer's editing features. My older Panasonic will do much of the same things, but it edits out just a small bit of audio when doing a scene edit. It does not have the thumbnail feature, either. I think my clients would like that. I've done some computer editing, but none recently and none actually setting up a title menu ... or with thumbnails. I haven't stayed up on this ... and actually the software I have used to edit DVDs on the computer is a few computers ago <g>. I don't even remember what I had, though the download is probably archived somewhere.

I would be interested in knowing more about what software to use and how to do this. Again, I like how Pioneer edits and how it creates the title screen with the thumbnails ... the finished look is acceptable ... and easy. I would simply like that title screen to show first. If there's a way to do that even with a computer, I'd like to know more ... where to download ... where to get more info or support. Some who view my DVDs know little more than how to use VCR controls. They can pause, ff, rr, stop and play, and if they see a menu, they'll use the arrows and hit enter or select. The way they get back to the title menu is to stop and play again. With auto-play, I'm quite sure some will never at all see the title screen. And compared with others I've seen, the Pioneer creates a nice title screen. I'd like people to see it <g>.

Thanks again!

Tony
Tony,

My limited video experience on computers has all been on a Mac. Other folks on this forum have extensive experience using PCs and their application programs.

On my Mac, I use Toast 7 (Titanium) for post-processing discs originally recorded/encoded on my Pioneer DVDRs. There is a "DVD Disc Setting" choice for turning "Auto-Play on Disc Insert" on or off. On discs from my Pioneer DVDR, this option is turned on. Turning this option off results in a menu being displayed on disc insert instead of auto-starting the first title on the disc.

I am sure that similar capabilities are available in PC programs, but I have no personal experience with nor knowledge of those programs. Someone with PC experience will likely offer some suggestions here. If not, perhaps a new thread with your specific questions in the title might bring on more members that can help.

Well, concerning the auto-play to the menu ... I got it done! Wanted to let some who were also interested know about it. I talked to Pioneer and they were not hopeful that the option would come soon in any firmware or update, but they suggested that all interested should go to their website and post a comment in the feedback section. Seems that if more show interest, it will get more attention.

Anyway, after trying a few applications, I found PgcEdit able to do it quite easily with only a few keystrokes. I tried the finished DVD in three players and all play the title screen first. Then after choosing title one, the DVD plays entirely through to the end ... in this case, all 8 titles without interruption. At any time, the DVD menu can be accessed and all operates as it should.

After copying the Video_TS folder to the computer, I used PgcEdit to open that folder. When first loaded it said no First-Play PGC existed in the VMG ... so a new, blank was created. I then simply double-clicked and changed the JumpTT pre-command at the very top of the list (VMG First-Play PGC) to Jump to VMGM Title menu. That's all I did and it worked. I burned the folder to a blank DVD, played it in three different players ... and it worked! You can find PgcEdit here: http://download.videohelp.com/r0lZ/pgcedit/

Also, PgcEdit creates a BackUp folder used to undo changes, so remember to delete that folder before burning to a blank DVD.

Tony

Great! I'm glad you worked it out. Now, would you post a link to that feedback section? :D

I am going to post a link to my comparison tests between the Pio 2006 640 and the Pio 2005 531. Initial tests indicate you guys might have bought a good one.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=740609

Hello Everyone,

I have got a problem in setting up the recorder, please help me

I got the Pioneer DVR 640h-S from USA through my brother. I am from INDIA

I can play Film DVD's & watch it on TV, but the problem is of tuning the tv channels.

I use TV Cable. When i use tv tuning it searches nothin .. wht is the problem ? wht i have to use to work ? due to this i cannot record anything also since no channel is displaying.

but i can play film dvds & watch it ....

Hello Everyone,

I have got a problem in setting up the recorder, please help me

I got the Pioneer DVR 640h-S from USA through my brother. I am from INDIA

I can play Film DVD's & watch it on TV, but the problem is of tuning the tv channels.

I use TV Cable. When i use tv tuning it searches nothin .. wht is the problem ? wht i have to use to work ? due to this i cannot record anything also since no channel is displaying.

but i can play film dvds & watch it ....
It would help if you could explain more about where you are trying to do this. Are you in the US or North America? What cable system are you connected to?

It could be as simple as having to select the tuner instead of a line input, which can be done by pressing the channel up/down keys.

Tell us more so we can assess what might be happening.

Great! I'm glad you worked it out. Now, would you post a link to that feedback section? :D

Hmmm ... I don't find it either, but that's what the lady said on the phone. I may just call her (or someone) back and ask about the so-called feedback section.

Could be an incompatible cable system between there (India) and here.I got the Pioneer DVR 640h-S from USA through my brother. I am from INDIA

Hello Everyone,

I have got a problem in setting up the recorder, please help me

I got the Pioneer DVR 640h-S from USA through my brother. I am from INDIA

I can play Film DVD's & watch it on TV, but the problem is of tuning the tv channels.

I use TV Cable. When i use tv tuning it searches nothin .. wht is the problem ? wht i have to use to work ? due to this i cannot record anything also since no channel is displaying.

but i can play film dvds & watch it ....

While in HDD Mode and under Initial Setup and then Tuner, did you choose Cable?

While in HDD Mode and under Initial Setup and then Tuner, did you choose Cable?

Thanks everyone for replying...


I am in India & using the local cable network..

I have connected the Cable Input wire to Input (VHF/UHF) & then connected the Output (VHF/UHF) to my TV Antena IN.

I have selected Cable under Initial Setup in HDD Mode..

Sometimes while tuning it shows some tv channels too but it never saves it..

If you want me to put up a pic of device & tv, i can do it

Well, I've not tried the Ouput (VHF/UHF) to the TV In. Often that's just a pass-through so your TV can still have a signal when the DVDr is off. Maybe that's supposed to work, too, though ..., but does your TV have a Line In? If so, can you try that? Is it the same?

Thanks Tonymcc,

But i dont have any receiver box or like that.... my cable source is just a single wire...

In my TV there is no Line In, it got just a red/white/yellow input pin (which i already have connected it from the DVR) & then a Antena IN (which i have connected the Output (VHF/UHF) )

Do you think the problem is with my TV ?

Sometimes while tuning it shows some tv channels too but it never saves it..If you are watching DVDs okay then you're connected between DVDR and TV fine.

Sounds like it might be having trouble tuning the stations. Do they come in okay via the TV's tuner?

If you are watching DVDs okay then you're connected between DVDR and TV fine.

Sounds like it might be having trouble tuning the stations. Do they come in okay via the TV's tuner?
Yes you are right, i can play film DVD's & watch it on the TV with no problem.

but i cannot tune any stations.... when i keep tuning sometimes it will show me 2-3 channels but it never saves those ...after finishing the tuning there wont be any channels comming

Thanks Tonymcc,

But i dont have any receiver box or like that.... my cable source is just a single wire...

In my TV there is no Line In, it got just a red/white/yellow input pin (which i already have connected it from the DVR) & then a Antena IN (which i have connected the Output (VHF/UHF) )

Do you think the problem is with my TV ?

I might be confused. If you have the red/white/yellow connected from the DVDR to the TV, then that is a Line In. That might be how you're watching the DVDs. You don't need both. If I'm understanding, disconnect the VHF/UHF from the TV's Antenna In and just use the red/white/yellow. Do you still have a connection with the DVDR after doing that?

let me post a screenshot here to help you

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4479/dsc00003ki8.jpg

I have put the screenshot of my DVR connections, please let me know if its perfect or not

1. the 3 color cable i have connected to my TV input source

2. the top black colord right side cable is my cable input source

3. the bottom black colord wire is wht i have connected to my tv (antena in)

I might be confused. If you have the red/white/yellow connected from the DVDR to the TV, then that is a Line In. That might be how you're watching the DVDs. You don't need both. If I'm understanding, disconnect the VHF/UHF from the TV's Antenna In and just use the red/white/yellow. Do you still have a connection with the DVDR after doing that?


I removed the VHF/UHF output & just used the red/white/yellow cable, but nothin worked.. :(

yes i can still play DVD's & watch it, since red/white/yellow cable is connected

I think as I said, disconnect the black cable connected to the TV's antenna IN to experiment. For now, just use the red/white/yellow and then maybe go through the Setup again and choose Cable. I've not really tried this unit, but often the UHF/VHF is just a pass-through so you can have a cable signal on the TV when the DVDR is off. But the signal from the DVDR uses the 3 color cable and that's working since you can watch discs. So, though it should work the way connected, let's try to simplify and for now, disconnect the cable going to Antenna IN.

tony, i just tried the way you suggested but the result is same :((

I removed the VHF/UHF output & just used the red/white/yellow cable, but nothin worked.. :(

yes i can still play DVD's & watch it, since red/white/yellow cable is connected

Well, as already suggested, maybe it's a compatibility issue with the cable system there. I think you have it connected correctly. You might go to http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/contact/us/0,,2076_310069585,00.html and email them your question. They've answered me within a day.

Tony

tony, i just tried the way you suggested but the result is same :((

I might suggest one more thing. To make sure the cable has a signal, when you turn off the DVDR, can you then use the TV to view cable as you usually do? As I said, often this connection is to have a TV signal when the DVDR is off. So, if the cable itself has a signal and it's connected to the DVDR correctly, you should be able to view your cable channels on your TV as usual changing channels on the TV ... when the DVDR is off. If that all works correctly, ... meaning you can use your TV to view the different cable channels, but not the DVDR when it's on ... then it's looking more and more like a compatibility issue with the cable system there.

You say the 640 is from the USA? In the US, we use the NTSC system. I don't remember if India is PAL, or Secam, but as I have gotten tapes from India, I am pretty sure it is not NTSC. If that is the case, then your DVDR could not tune your cable channels. But, then how could you play a DVD? Could it be that you have a NTSC DVD from the US? If so, your TV may well be able to play back a NTSC signal, since many countries other than the US commonly have TVs that will play different systems. THat is one possible reason for the problem.

Okay, keep the line outputs, the red, white, and yellow connectors set up the way you have them. Take the black cable wire, and attach it to the cable input on the 640. Run another black wire from the cable output on the back of the 640 to the TV. This is just a pass-through, and you will not be able to view something from the DVDR on that cable. Now, check the TV, and selecting the cable input on the TV, NOT the red-white-yellow line inputs, see if you get your cable channels on the TV. If you do, then your cable is good, and everything is hooked up right.

The next thing to try go back and select the line input on the TV, and then select "cable" in the set up menu of the 640, and then change channels manually, and see if you get any. If you do, you could enter them manually. If you get nothing with it set to cable in set up, try selecting antenna in set up, checking the channels manually, and seeing if you get anything. If you don't, then, unless it is a problem like PAL or Secam incompatibility, I don't know what it is.

I'll assume that you get reception fine on your TV either straight from the wall or passed through the recorder. If passing through the recorder changes that, there's a clue that something's amiss going that route.

When you say it does recieve a channel or two during channel scan, is the reception of those few channels solid or just barely? If solid, they should end up in the channel lineup upon completion of the channel scan. If not, you will have to address why not. Incompatible channel frequencies compared to NTSC, or compromised signal path to the recorder (which would be ruled out by solid reception to the TV through the recorder), also if there is a selection for CATV versus TV just before doing the channel scan, be sure to select CATV, at least around here that affects the frequencies used for channels 14 and up.

According to this web site http://www.kropla.com/tv.htm India uses the PAL B system for television.

According to the user manual, the Pioneer 640 US model only supports NTSC.

Apparently your TV can accept NTSC input from the Pioneer 640 while playing DVDs. But, the TV tuner in the Pioneer 640 can ONLY tune in NTSC M TV stations like those in the US.

I thought there was a European version of the 640, perhaps with a slightly different model number. Maybe it would support the PAL B system used in India.

According to this web site http://www.kropla.com/tv.htm India uses the PAL B system for television.

According to the user manual, the Pioneer 640 US model only supports NTSC.

Apparently your TV can accept NTSC input from the Pioneer 640 while playing DVDs. But, the TV tuner in the Pioneer 640 can ONLY tune in NTSC M TV stations like those in the US.

I thought there was a European version of the 640, perhaps with a slightly differnt model number. Maybe it would support the PAL B system used in India.
Yes, you are right
i got the same reply from Pioneer helpdesk too

Can anyone tell me, is there any way i can convert PAL TO NTSC ?

Is there is any device for tht ?

Yes, you are right
i got the same reply from Pioneer helpdesk too

Can anyone tell me, is there any way i can convert PAL TO NTSC ?

Is there is any device for tht ?
Here are some devices that should work (http://www.world-import.com/samar.htm)...look in the DETAILS for each unit.

Can anyone tell me, is there any way i can convert PAL TO NTSC ?You won't be converting PAL to NTSC on the whole cable spectrum (RF-to-RF). On any one channel it's do-able with the appropriate converter. So you'd need a PAL-B tuner, with A/V output to such a converter, then that output feeds to the recorder. You would tune channels using the outboard tuner rather than the recorder's tuner (it being usless due to the cable system incompatibility). This will make timed recordings more troublesome since the outboard tuner will have to be on and tuned to the appropriate channel in time for the timed recording.

ok...does any1 know what kinda of hard drive is in this dvr? is it like one of those hard drive that u put in ur computer? if so, what kind like is it sata etc? i want to know what kind it is...i think i might want to open this thing up and put a new hard drive with bigger space in the hd.

the biggest hd u can get out there now a day is 750 GB. imagine u recording something and putting it in this monster...u will never have to delete anything!!!

ok...does any1 know what kinda of hard drive is in this dvr? is it like one of those hard drive that u put in ur computer? if so, what kind like is it sata etc? i want to know what kind it is...i think i might want to open this thing up and put a new hard drive with bigger space in the hd.

the biggest hd u can get out there now a day is 750 GB. imagine u recording something and putting it in this monster...u will never have to delete anything!!!

ACPewty tried this on the Pioneer 520 and didn't have much success: 2005 Pio 531 HDD Vs 2006 Pio 640 HDD -My Initial Tests- New King.. (see post #11) (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=740609) .

Apparently the Polariod 2001G can readily have its HD upgraded: Is an External HDD possible w/ a DVDR? by nextoo (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=736151) but its editing capability is less than ideal Polaroid DVD Recorder (see post #566 on page 15) (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=675487&page=15&pp=40) .

If you are successful on your 640, please post.

Here's a thread from the videohelp forum (http://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=253998&sid=360d117154915e1f7d5b7ab42102b6f7) in which someone successfully replaced the HDD in a Pioneer 510, but it took a lot including purchasing a special service remote, service manual etc. Not nearly as easy as the Polaroid as reported by Nextoo.

I would also be interested in hearing if anyone has success with replacing/upsizing the HDD in a 640.

the biggest hd u can get out there now a day is 750 GB. imagine u recording something and putting it in this monster...u will never have to delete anything!!!

Imagine how much you'd lose when the thing crashes because the 640 and associated firmware isn't designed to work with a drive size that big. Tim "the tool man" Taylor has just come to mind.

that's y i ask what kinda of hard drive is it using.

if it is using basically the same type of hard drive on ur pc....y won't u be able to do it?

jeffwild: ideas like ur....and man would never have gone to the moon!!!

that's y i ask what kinda of hard drive is it using.
if it is using basically the same type of hard drive on ur pc....y won't u be able to do it?
jeffwild: ideas like ur....and man would never have gone to the moon!!!

No..if you know your history, you will discover that since the first Panasonic HDD-equipped DVD Recorder in 2002, people have been trying to modify the HDD capacity with no success. There is a very specific reason that manufacturers design them this way, and "ideas like ur" [sic] keep the repair depots rubbing their hands.

I'm not against the concept of user-expandable storage, it just has to be designed to properly support such an option.

[note to VicFerrari..."we have another one..."]

I have a DVD+RW, which I initialized, copied HDD -> Disc, finalized, and it played back fine. Now I want to reuse the disk. I loaded it, selected Initialize to erase the contents, and even though the 640 acted like it did its thing, the DVD+RW still has no available space for a fresh copy from HDD. The Finalize - Unfinalize is not an option for DVD+RW.

How do I reuse DVD+RWs?

Thanks,

Geordon

I'm having trouble with this. I have pressed the REC button and the front panel display says "Timer Rec Cancel" (or something similar) but the darn thing cotinues recording. I found the only way to actually end it is to turn the unit off. (???) Funny, but that's not what happens with my 420. What's up?

advTHANKSance

well u just mention u can do it with polaroid dvr...so y not with this pioneer?

I'm having trouble with this. I have pressed the REC button and the front panel display says "Timer Rec Cancel" (or something similar) but the darn thing cotinues recording. I found the only way to actually end it is to turn the unit off. (???) Funny, but that's not what happens with my 420. What's up?

advTHANKSance

To cancel a recording before it starts, slide open the cover and press clear. Once the recording has started, use the Rec Stop button right above the Rec button. Had me stumped when I first got the machine, as well.

I have a DVD+RW, which I initialized, copied HDD -> Disc, finalized, and it played back fine. Now I want to reuse the disk. I loaded it, selected Initialize to erase the contents, and even though the 640 acted like it did its thing, the DVD+RW still has no available space for a fresh copy from HDD. The Finalize - Unfinalize is not an option for DVD+RW.
One reason a +RW won't reinitialize is if it was Finalized in an older recorder...may not apply to yours tho'?

tell me what is the biggest dvr hd with tv tuner that is out there?

there is a brand new one from lites on w/ 320 GB...and it has hdmi output!!!

check it out..and tell me what u guys think?

http://www.liteonit.com/global/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=176&Itemid=166&limit=1&limitstart=1

Tell me what is the biggest DVR HDD with TV tuner that is out there?

There is a brand new one from LiteOn w/ 320 GB...and it has HDMI output!!!

Check it out..and tell me what u guys think?

http://www.liteonit.com/global/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=176&Itemid=166&limit=1&limitstart=1

First thing that I think, is that it looks incredible. I did notice though that it records in Pal or Secam format, not NTSC.

Do you know if an American version of this unit will be available?

To cancel a recording before it starts, slide open the cover and press clear. Once the recording has started, use the Rec Stop button right above the Rec button. Had me stumped when I first got the machine, as well.Doh! :D

The purpose of this post is to provide fair warning. My Pio 640 will arrive on Monday. :D :eek:

The purpose of this post is to provide fair warning. My Pio 640 will arrive on Monday. :D :eek:Thanks for the warning nextoo! That gives you all weekend to read these 52 pages to make sure you don't duplicate any questions. ;) :D

Thanks for the warning nextoo! That gives you all weekend to read these 52 pages to make sure you don't duplicate any questions. ;) :D

Ouch!

Ok first question without reading the 52 pages.

I've been playing around with the Polaroid 2001G for the past couple of months. One of the things I like about the Polaroid is it has component inputs. This allows me to record HD channels at 480i and retain a full screen at 16x9. I'm aware of the fact that the 640 does not have component inputs.

Question. If I record to the Polaroid at 480i from an HD channel (either directly to a dvd or to the HDD then dub it to a disc) will I then be able to dub the recording to the 640 HDD with very little or no generational loss?

I'm asking because generational loss is a topic in another thread.

The only shortfall I can see with the Pio is a lack of component inputs (well dv too but that does not apply here).

Or does it make more sense to just pass the signal through the Polaroid (input component/output s-video) and record directly to the 640?

As I pointed out in the other thread, the passthrough approach avoids an MPEG encoding while probably still doing an Analog-to-Digital-To-Analog conversion, the latter being far less lossy, generally speaking. So I would expect better results that way. Otherwise you are at the mercy of how good of an MPEG encoding the Polaroid does, since that playback is what the 640 would be starting with.

nextoo,

Are you passing the signal through the Polaroid because your HD source will not output anamorphic vide except via component video (like a SA HD cable STB)?

Are you getting the WSS/widescreen flag set using this process, such that playing back your widescreen recording to a 4x3 TV will letterbox or pan and scan properly?

Sorry if I lost track between the threads for what you are accomplishing here.

Question. If I record to the Polaroid at 480i from an HD channel (either directly to a dvd or to the HDD then dub it to a disc) will I then be able to dub the recording to the 640 HDD with very little or no generational loss?IFIAK that's a new question to this thread. :)

You can high-speed copy lossless from a VR mode DVD to the 640's HDD if the content was recorded on the 640. Whether or not it will work for programs recorded on the Polaroid I don't know, but it seems to me as long as it's VR mode, you should be ok. Does the Polaroid let you high-speed copy to a VR mode DVD?

IFIAK that's a new question to this thread. :)

You can high-speed copy lossless from a VR mode DVD to the 640's HDD if the content was recorded on the 640. Whether or not it will work for programs recorded on the Polaroid I don't know, but it seems to me as long as it's VR mode, you should be ok. Does the Polaroid let you high-speed copy to a VR mode DVD?

Yes. Only VR mode as a matter of fact. No VRO with the Polaroid.

Yes. Only VR mode as a matter of fact. No VRO with the Polaroid.AHA, then unless the 640 balks at the Polaroid's VR recordings, you can do it without any pq loss, assuming you are happy enough with the Polaroid's pq.

So the Polaroid only does VR? Wow, not very compatible.

nextoo,

Are you passing the signal through the Polaroid because your HD source will not output anamorphic vide except via component video (like a SA HD cable STB)?

Are you getting the WSS/widescreen flag set using this process, such that playing back your widescreen recording to a 4x3 TV will letterbox or pan and scan properly?

Sorry if I lost track between the threads for what you are accomplishing here.

Yes only through component. The SA8300HD.

No wide screen flag. It will not letterbox properly on a 4x3 but I've converted to 16x9 displays so this is less of a concern.

As I pointed out in the other thread, the passthrough approach avoids an MPEG encoding while probably still doing an Analog-to-Digital-To-Analog conversion, the latter being far less lossy, generally speaking. So I would expect better results that way. Otherwise you are at the mercy of how good of an MPEG encoding the Polaroid does, since that playback is what the 640 would be starting with.

Very good point. Plus I would be stuck with the limited recording modes of the Polaroid. But it does offer 1/2/2.5/3/4/6 hour modes.

And as reported the LSI domino chipset performs very very well.

I guess only testing will show the wiser! :)

edit - my first pass tells me to let the pio do the work. Pass it through the Polaroid and take advantage of the benefits the pio offers.

AHA, then unless the 640 balks at the Polaroid's VR recordings, you can do it without any pq loss, assuming you are happy enough with the Polaroid's pq.

So the Polaroid only does VR? Wow, not very compatible.

Yes. No VRO with the Polaroid. VR only.

Yes. No VRO with the Polaroid. VR only.

This is wrong. Video mode only with the Polaroid. No VR mode. I was confused.

This is wrong. Video mode only with the Polaroid. No VR mode. I was confused.Aha, that makes more sense. Unfortunately though, it rules out high-speed copying to the 640's HDD so looks like you have to go another route.

Hello -- new member here. I've just this week replaced my 633 with a 640, and I have a couple of questions.

Timer recording -- no TVGOS, yay! But the screen requires me to arrow up and down for channel, day, start time, etc. With the 633 I could just type those things on the number pad. Is there any way to do that on the 640?

On-screen menus (like title edit) -- with my 633, the font was crystal clear; with the 640 it's hard to read. The best way I know to describe it is that it looks like a Windows XP PC that needs to have the "ClearType" settings adjusted. My connections and my TV are all just what they were with the 633. Is there some video setting on the 640 that I need to tweak? I can't imagine what it would be, because the actual picture quality for recorded or live programs is excellent.

As we all know, titles set in timer recording are discarded when the recording is made. I'll call Pioneer to register my opinion.

P.S. Contrary to what others have said, I think the 640 is just a hair noisier than the 633. I suspect it's got a more powerful fan; anyone know for sure? (The noise is not bothersome in the living room.) I do love the 640's instant-on feature; my 633 took 90 seconds or so even though I had disabled the TVGOS.

Hello -- new member here. I've just this week replaced my 633 with a 640, and I have a couple of questions.

Timer recording -- no TVGOS, yay! But the screen requires me to arrow up and down for channel, day, start time, etc. With the 633 I could just type those things on the number pad. Is there any way to do that on the 640?

On-screen menus (like title edit) -- with my 633, the font was crystal clear; with the 640 it's hard to read. The best way I know to describe it is that it looks like a Windows XP PC that needs to have the "ClearType" settings adjusted. My connections and my TV are all just what they were with the 633. Is there some video setting on the 640 that I need to tweak? I can't imagine what it would be, because the actual picture quality for recorded or live programs is excellent.

As we all know, titles set in timer recording are discarded when the recording is made. I'll call Pioneer to register my opinion.

P.S. Contrary to what others have said, I think the 640 is just a hair noisier than the 633. I suspect it's got a more powerful fan; anyone know for sure? (The noise is not bothersome in the living room.) I do love the 640's instant-on feature; my 633 took 90 seconds or so even though I had disabled the TVGOS.
Welcome Stan

I don't think there's a work-around for using the cursor control buttons to adjust timer event times etc, but I recommend using the Easy Timer feature which is much faster than the detailed Timer Recording screen and eliminates date and am/pm errors. If you need to change something not available in the Easy Timer screen (like adjusting the MN bitrate) you can then just go back to the Timer Recording screen and make the change. Much faster IMHO.

Sorry, I don't think there is any way to change the on-screen font. On both of mine, it is fairly clear. I've noticed sometimes when the picture looks clear some text can look washed out if you use composite or unshielded cables. What are you using, and are they shielded?

Thanks in advance for calling Pioneer. Please report your results in this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=727506). Hopefully we will get a fix. :)

I had the 633 and now have 2 640s and I have to say both my 640s are even quieter than the 633. This applies even to when the 633 had no HDD activity. I am amazed at how quiet the 640 is even when high-speed copying. I have one about 6 feet from where I work and several times a timer even has started recording without me noticing, and that's without any music or TV on. Maybe you got a slightly noisy HDD or cooling fan? Does the 640 sit on something solid that dampens vibration, and is it level?

Ran across a special price on the 640 from an Authorized Dealer, O n e C a l l: $289.88.
Here's the Bizrate page where they're listed with Customer Reviews. (http://www.bizrate.com/dvdplayers/pioneer-dvr640-hs-dvd-recorder--pid446928675/) Sorry, can't get direct link to the O n e C a l l page to work...they're in the list...look for $289.88 price. :mad:

I have not been around much lately but just ran across this thread. It seems most users of the 633 like myself have been pretty happy with the upgrade to the 640.

I read through most of the issue threads and the problems seem so small compared to what we went through on the 633 / 533. You folks are making a pretty compelling case for me to upgrade. Oh and the price appears to be close to $200 less than I paid for the 633.

Thanks for the great information!

Ran across a special price on the 640 from an Authorized Dealer, O n e C a l l: $289.88.
Here's the Bizrate page where they're listed with Customer Reviews. (http://www.bizrate.com/dvdplayers/pioneer-dvr640-hs-dvd-recorder--pid446928675/) Sorry, can't get direct link to the O n e C a l l page to work...they're in the list...look for $289.88 price. :mad:

I haven't bought anything from O.n.e.C.a.l.l but they are one of the bellweathers among the online electronics companies. They are also one of Amazon's featured sellers. They are the web-front of a Spokane, Washington brick and mortar. I think they are at a similar level with Vanns (Montana), but they probably don't have the "designer e-tailer" recognition of Crutchfield or B&H or J&R of New York (all these in my opinion of course)

I have a DVD+RW, which I initialized, copied HDD -> Disc, finalized, and it played back fine. Now I want to reuse the disk. I loaded it, selected Initialize to erase the contents, and even though the 640 acted like it did its thing, the DVD+RW still has no available space for a fresh copy from HDD. The Finalize - Unfinalize is not an option for DVD+RW.

How do I reuse DVD+RWs?

Thanks,

Geordon

My experience with RW discs is limited to -RWs, in VR mode, made on the 640. You cannot "unfinalize" -RWs either. I have "Initialized" them, when I wanted to wipe them and record something new, without a problem. It should be the same for the +RWs. I'd say try it again.

Okay so I used one of those ploys like the newspaper to get your attention.
My 640 does not work with my SONY HDTV because CC is ordering parts for my TV since Oct 5. Did not have an extended + warranty, but TV guy said would have cost about the same if I had paid for one when I bought the TV.
I bought a Toshiba XS32 because my SONY DVD player was giving me the dreaded 1300 error code (disk not found). That is how I found this forum, searching for the 1300 error code. I got a 640 because the Toshiba was sometimes doing sort of the same thing. (Although the Toshiba does still work sometimes) I still like it.
Point is that I used to be a loyal Sony brand buyer thinking that everything would interface better if it were the same trusted brand. Since Sony did not try to fix the 1300 error code on their DVD players I have avoided buying one like the plague. There was a discussion on this thread about getting a DVD player for playback and extend the life of the 640. You can bet it won’t be a Sony. . Maybe some day Sony will wake up. (Like that’s real)

There, I’ve said it and I’m glad. Thanks for listening, sorry to junk up the thread.


must be a slow day today since no one is posting on this thread.

Hey, Vincentnyc No one was posting because they were recording stuff on their unit.
Except for me, I was waiting for my TV.

Ran across a special price on the 640 from an Authorized Dealer, O n e C a l l: $289.88.
Here's the Bizrate page where they're listed with Customer Reviews. (http://www.bizrate.com/dvdplayers/pioneer-dvr640-hs-dvd-recorder--pid446928675/) Sorry, can't get direct link to the O n e C a l l page to work...they're in the list...look for $289.88 price. :mad:

Thanks wabjxo for the tip. O n e C a l l is a highly reputable internet dealer AND it is on the Pioneer authorized internet dealer list, which means that the Pioneer warranty will be recognized!!

I just ordered one...a truly sweet deal!!! Plus if you enter "TECHSHIELD" into the coupon code, you get a FREE 3-year extended warranty (worth $49.90). That's $289.88 for the recorder AND a 3-year extended warranty. That makes it an even sweeter deal...and I jumped on it. One word of caution -- this deal is only valid for THIS WEEKEND (28-29 October, 2006), so if you are interested YOU'D BETTER JUMP ON IT NOW!!

Now I will finally find out for myself if all the hoopla about this DVDR is correct. I've been thinking about getting one ever since I saw that the 640 is compatible with DVD-RAM discs. Because of this, the 640 will play nicely with my Panasonic E-500 and E-65 DVD recorders. I'm looking forward to putting this baby through its paces.

;) :D

Thanks, ACPewty, for the response.

I don't think there's a work-around for using the cursor control buttons to adjust timer event times etc, but I recommend using the Easy Timer feature which is much faster than the detailed Timer Recording screen and eliminates date and am/pm errors.
I tried the Easy Timer screen, or as I like to call it the Fisher-Price interface. :) I agree that it's fast, but I have to edit every recording I set up becaue I always want the recorder to start a minute before the scheduled program start.

Why, you ask? Maybe this won't be an issue with the 640, but with the 633 the clock seemed to run a few seconds slower every day, so starting right on the half-hour I would miss the first few seconds of program. Time will tell -- maybe the 640's clock keeps better time.


Sorry, I don't think there is any way to change the on-screen font. On both of mine, it is fairly clear. I've noticed sometimes when the picture looks clear some text can look washed out if you use composite or unshielded cables. What are you using, and are they shielded?
I'm not asking how to change font: it looks like the same font as on the 633. It's the rendering that's a problem for me. I just wonder whether there's some sort of video output setting I overlooked that makes the font look both thin/spidery and slightly blurry all at the same time.

Do you see no difference in the text of e.g. the Disc Navigator screen between your 640s and your 633?

You ask about cables. I'm using plain old RCA cables from Radio Shack, the triple red-white-yellow. But they're the same cables I used with the 633, and there the font was crystal clear. My setup is exactly the same as it was with the 633, same cables plugged into same jacks. Regular program PQ is terrific, so I don't think I've got a cable not plugged in all the way though I'll try removing and reinserting the video cables just in case.


Thanks in advance for calling Pioneer. Please report your results in (AVS forum won't let me as a new member quote the URL). Hopefully we will get a fix. :)
Already done, as you've probably seen by now.


I had the 633 and now have 2 640s and I have to say both my 640s are even quieter than the 633. This applies even to when the 633 had no HDD activity. I am amazed at how quiet the 640 is even when high-speed copying. I have one about 6 feet from where I work and several times a timer even has started recording without me noticing, and that's without any music or TV on. Maybe you got a slightly noisy HDD or cooling fan? Does the 640 sit on something solid that dampens vibration, and is it level?
I'll double check. The noise isn't enough to be bothersome (and I'm sensitive to veen very low-level sounds), so possibly I'm just imagining a difference.

Thanks wabjxo for the tip. O n e C a l l is a highly reputable internet dealer AND it is on the Pioneer authorized internet dealer list, which means that the Pioneer warranty will be recognized!!

I just ordered one...a truly sweet deal!!! Plus if you enter "TECHSHIELD" into the coupon code, you get a FREE 3-year extended warranty (worth $49.90). That's $289.88 for the recorder AND a 3-year extended warranty. That makes it an even sweeter deal...and I jumped on it. One word of caution -- this deal is only valid for THIS WEEKEND (28-29 October, 2006), so if you are interested YOU'D BETTER JUMP ON IT NOW!!

Now I will finally find out for myself if all the hoopla about this DVDR is correct. I've been thinking about getting one ever since I saw that the 640 is compatible with DVD-RAM discs. Because of this, the 640 will play nicely with my Panasonic E-500 and E-65 DVD recorders. I'm looking forward to putting this baby through its paces.

;) :D
WOW! You've finally decided to come over to the light side! :)

I hope you like your 640 as much as I, and many others, do.

Congrats! I look forward to your impressions!? :eek: :D

If the movie is copy protected, you can't get it on the Hard Drive so you can watch it later. You can't even use the Back-Up feature if it's protected.

I know this comment was posted a few weeks ago, but this was something I was curious about. Has anyone noticed that this DVR *disallows* the recording of more movies as copyright protected than other DVRs? This might seem like an odd question, but I recall reading reviews for a number of DVRs and there were some reviews for a Toshiba one (I think it was) on Amazon and another brand -- maybe an LG -- where more than one person complained that the DVR was really extremely picky regarding what it would record and not due to copyright protection. Much more so than the VCRs and/or DVRs these people had previously used. I didn't actually know this was possible, for one DVR to allow something to record while another one wouldn't. I still don't really know if this is possible. But I wonder if anyone has noticed this to be the case with the 640.

The Hans

I tried the Easy Timer screen, or as I like to call it the Fisher-Price interface. :) I agree that it's fast, but I have to edit every recording I set up becaue I always want the recorder to start a minute before the scheduled program start.

Why, you ask? Maybe this won't be an issue with the 640, but with the 633 the clock seemed to run a few seconds slower every day, so starting right on the half-hour I would miss the first few seconds of program. Time will tell -- maybe the 640's clock keeps better time.Come to think of it, I think that is a feature the 633 had that the 640 does not: the ability to automatically start recordings a minute or so early. I didn't really use it, because I find it tedious to have to set that stuff all the time, but I see the value.

The good news is I have found with both my 640s that the clock is considerably more accurate than the 633. I was just thinking about that last night when I adjusted the clocks for daylight savings time...haven't had to adjust them for a long time. (I was used to adjusting it regularly with the 633...like once every week or 2 but I think that was caused by disabling the TVGOS with the Eureka method.) I use satellite, so auto-clock set is not an option. (One of my pet peeves: ever since auto-clock set became available, A/V equipment manufacturers put crappy real-time clock ICs in the equipment because most users get cable. :mad: Sony is especially bad. I'm grateful the 640 has a more accurate clock.)

Rather than adjusting the start time for every timer, I just set the clock on the 640 to be about 5 or 10 seconds fast and that way if a show starts a bit early or the clock loses accuracy slightly, I'm still ok. Much easier and then I don't have to use Timer Record as often. Regardless, I still find it much faster and less prone to errors to use the Easy (Fischer Price :) ) Timer and then if necessary, go back to Timer Recording to make any necessary changes.

I'm not asking how to change font: it looks like the same font as on the 633. It's the rendering that's a problem for me. I just wonder whether there's some sort of video output setting I overlooked that makes the font look both thin/spidery and slightly blurry all at the same time.

Do you see no difference in the text of e.g. the Disc Navigator screen between your 640s and your 633?I exchanged my 633 for one of my 640s, so I can't compare other than from memory. I actually find the 640 to be better because the 633 had such small TVGOS setup screens. I think I know what you mean though, and I have noticed that effect when using composite (RCA) cables. Try a shielded component or S-Video cable if your equipment permits, and make sure proximity to anything electrical or magnetic (like speakers) is not a problem. (I know your picture seems clear, but there can be a difference when the signal is being created locally by your equipment as opposed to broadcasted. At least I have noticed that. My office setup does something similar but only when I view through component cables.)
I recommend Monoprice (advertising link above) for excellent value in quality cables. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of cables I received from them especially considering the price. It was still less expensive for me to have their good quality cables shipped from California to Canada than to go to a local store for cables of lesser quality. You can use Paypal too, so you don't have to give them a credit card number. (I don't work for them...just a satisfied customer. :) )

Stan: Thanks again for contacting Pioneer about the timer event title name issue. I appreciate it, and just wish more people would do the same. It amazes me how many people will take the time to write complaints about it here, but won't bother to contact Pioneer, especially when they can do it by email. :confused:

I know this comment was posted a few weeks ago, but this was something I was curious about. Has anyone noticed that this DVR *disallows* the recording of more movies as copyright protected than other DVRs? This might seem like an odd question, but I recall reading reviews for a number of DVRs and there were some reviews for a Toshiba one (I think it was) on Amazon and another brand -- maybe an LG -- where more than one person complained that the DVR was really extremely picky regarding what it would record and not due to copyright protection. Much more so than the VCRs and/or DVRs these people had previously used. I didn't actually know this was possible, for one DVR to allow something to record while another one wouldn't. I still don't really know if this is possible. But I wonder if anyone has noticed this to be the case with the 640.

The HansI record from premium channels constantly and have never had recording denied for broadcasted programs, only from copy-protected video tapes/DVDs.

I use Canadian satellite (with different copyright laws) so you may be running into more broadcasted content with copy-once or copy-never embedded copy protection. (I have heard that some US users have recently been denied recording from their cable or satellite where they never had a problem before.)

Also, you may have a problem of you are running your 640 in series with another recorder/VCR. If you are doing that, don't. Connect them with separate feeds directly from your STB. (eg don't run cables from the cable box to a VCR, and then from the VCR to the 640. That will cause more problems.)

I record from premium channels constantly and have never had recording denied for broadcasted programs, only from copy-protected video tapes/DVDs.

I use Canadian satellite (with different copyright laws) so you may be running into more broadcasted content with copy-once or copy-never embedded copy protection. (I have heard that some US users have recently been denied recording from their cable or satellite where they never had a problem before.)

Good to know, as we're on Star Choice. And, if I'm not mistaken, the reviews I read on Amazon were from Americans. We just purchased the 543 (the 80GB unit) the other day as it was on for $299 at Future Shop. We can't wait for it to arrive!

The Hans

Good to know, as we're on Star Choice. And, if I'm not mistaken, the reviews I read on Amazon were from Americans. We just purchased the 543 (the 80GB unit) the other day as it was on for $299 at Future Shop. We can't wait for it to arrive!

The HansI'm on Starchoice too. No problem recording from TMN or anything else. :) That's a great price for the 543, and the 2006 Pioneer's are IMHO the best possible choice right now for satellite users.

Ran across a special price on the 640 from an Authorized Dealer, O n e C a l l: $289.88.
Here's the Bizrate page where they're listed with Customer Reviews. (http://www.bizrate.com/dvdplayers/pioneer-dvr640-hs-dvd-recorder--pid446928675/) Sorry, can't get direct link to the O n e C a l l page to work...they're in the list...look for $289.88 price. :mad:

This was too good a deal to resist. I'm "red-shirting" one of these 640s to suppliment my well worked trusty Pio 531H. Thanks for the tip... :)

JIf performing lots of editing using the copy list, be sure your program will fit on the intended target DVD type before you start. If you have to change the DVD type (perhaps to switch to DVD+R DL from DVD-R) the 640 won't let you unless you start the copy list over again!
I guess this is a good argument for editing on the HDD, but I try to only edit in copy lists whenever I plan to erase after copying to DVD in order to minimize HDD fragmentation.
Well, beware, because there might be some problems with that.
(I've only been a member here for a short while, but have fallen well behind in messages I wanted to reply to. The relevant posts in this thread are 1251, 1257, 1285-6, 1410. Based on what you said, I've decided this is an appropriate place to post, rather than starting a new thread.)
I had a rare and surprising failure with my 520, HS copying to a TDK 4X -RW disk in VR mode -- not finalized, as the disc was less than half full. The content being copied amounted to perhaps 1/4 of the remaining space. I'm quite certain of that. However, it was edited down heavily inside the Copy List. The -RW disc was totally trashed. Lost everything on it. "Copy Failure", then "Repair Failure" messages. The disc no longer loads or is recognized by the 520, any other player I've tried, or on the computer. Some of the content I can't replace, so I'm going to try Isobuster on the disc when I have the time. Was this a very isolated incident ? Does it apply to later models than the 520 ? I don't know. But it does make me very leery of doing extensive cuts or editing within the Copy List, as opposed to doing it "for real" on the HDD. My initial theory: calculation of total time for the clip -- or what the post-Edit pieces really are -- somehow gets confused, and disaster ensues.

Rather than adjusting the start time for every timer, I just set the clock on the 640 to be about 5 or 10 seconds fast and that way if a show starts a bit early or the clock loses accuracy slightly, I'm still ok. Much easier and then I don't have to use Timer Record as often. Regardless, I still find it much faster and less prone to errors to use the Easy (Fischer Price :) ) Timer and then if necessary, go back to Timer Recording to make any necessary changes.

Nah, I like the Full View timer. And you'd be surprised how many times I've inadvertently chopped the endings off of movies and shows, by not treating the listed Start / Stop times as suggestions only. You might think I would finally have learned by now ! Unlike the 640, the 520 does pick up broadcast Titles and Date / Time, but I've found that this info is included in the broadcast signal by our cable provider only about half of the time. Sometimes you get a cryptic thing like "Avertz Broadcasting" (that's a real example, I just can't remember the actual company name), instead of the name of the movie. Sometimes you get zilch. Given those odds, I have nothing to lose by tacking on an extra 5 or 10 minutes to the scheduled end time.

The absolute all-time worst offender is PBS, when they show concerts during one of their fundraising "Begathons." The program is chopped up to allow insertion of regular Pledge Breaks, and it's anyone's guess what the true running time happens to be. It took me three tries to successfully record the Pink Floyd concert (MN32 -- of course -- to preserve the max. audio quality), but I really enjoyed taking the knife to their pledge breaks.

Isn't MN32 still Dolby Digital and therefore the same audio quality as all the other MN settings, with LPCM being a step above MN32, with superior audio quality? That's how it is on the 633.

Anyway, for something that important I would just buy the DVD for $15 (and did, preordered it even). But that's just me.

I know this comment was posted a few weeks ago, but this was something I was curious about. Has anyone noticed that this DVR *disallows* the recording of more movies as copyright protected than other DVRs? This might seem like an odd question, but I recall reading reviews for a number of DVRs and there were some reviews for a Toshiba one (I think it was) on Amazon and another brand -- maybe an LG -- where more than one person complained that the DVR was really extremely picky regarding what it would record and not due to copyright protection. Much more so than the VCRs and/or DVRs these people had previously used. I didn't actually know this was possible, for one DVR to allow something to record while another one wouldn't. I still don't really know if this is possible. But I wonder if anyone has noticed this to be the case with the 640.

The Hans

Can't tell you about the 640 -- yet. But I think this is mainly a function of your cable or sat provider. If they transmit the Broadcast Flag for much of their content, or the content you care about, it will be a problem -- no matter what DVDR you happen to be using. I have a 520 (an earlier Pioneer model), and have had no problems recording whatever I want, including many premium movie channels. This is with one cable provider, and their successor. But I don't watch any PPV or On Demand stuff. The way things are going, the BF is apt to be more of a problem on more systems, as time goes on. I would quickly drop any provider that does not allow you to time shift, as you see fit. That means, using equipment of your choosing, not limited to whatever Tivo-like devices they may be willing to lease you, at extra cost.

Also, there has been much discussion of various "black box" solutions, including some full-frame TBCs (time base correctors, such as the AVT 8710 or the DataVideo TBC 1000) which may well strip out the BF. At worst, this may entail an investment of up to $200. or $300. But I feel confident in saying that ways of defeating recording prohibitions will be available, for a price.

Isn't MN32 still Dolby Digital and therefore the same audio quality as all the other MN settings, with LPCM being a step above MN32, with superior audio quality? That's how it is on the 633.

Anyway, for something that important I would just buy the DVD for $15 (and did, preordered it even). But that's just me.

MN32 is as high as the 520 goes, and the chart says this has LPCM.
Yeah, I subsequently found out that the full concert was actually over twice as long as the version that was broadcast by PBS, so I'll probably end up buying it anyway.

The good news is I have found with both my 640s that the clock is considerably more accurate than the 633. I was just thinking about that last night when I adjusted the clocks for daylight savings time...haven't had to adjust them for a long time. (I was used to adjusting it regularly with the 633...like once every week or 2 but I think that was caused by disabling the TVGOS with the Eureka method.) I use satellite, so auto-clock set is not an option. (One of my pet peeves: ever since auto-clock set became available, A/V equipment manufacturers put crappy real-time clock ICs in the equipment because most users get cable. :mad: Sony is especially bad. I'm grateful the 640 has a more accurate clock.)



When I set up my Clock Setting in the Initial Setup Menu, with Manual option selected (by default), dst (daylight saving time) was selected also by default. This morning when I woke up, I was surprised to see the clock in my 640 continued to display Summer time. It failed to automatically adjust the time backward by one hour last night (or rather early this morning). When I read your post about adjusting for daylight saving time last night, I was curious why that was necessary as the 640 has selection for auto daylight saving, though mine for an unknown reason failed to function.

Has anyone also had the same problem with your 640 this morning? Or is my unit a defective one?

Thanks.

The O n e C A L L deal was so tempting. I was doing research for a very first HD DVD recorder. I am not sure yet which recorder and whether HHD or not. I just bought this Pioneer DVR-640H-S because of the deal and 2-day sales only. This thread is too long to read all. I thought that if this thread has over one thousand posts talking about one recorder, this machine must be something. right?

I hope that I did not make a mistake by buying the machine in rush like this. let me know while I can still cancel the order.

This recorder is popular now but there are a new thing that I don't like about it:
No HDMI - not losing much here since it is not much different from component.
No component input - Why Pioneer? Does this make a big different from using S video?

No digital Tuner - this is contraversal since it would lead to copying digital content. how does manufacurer impliment this without violating copyright.

I have to agree that I prefer the full view timer. I start things 1-5 minutes early, and end them sometimes as much as an hour late. That is necessary to make sure I get all of a movie, or all of a scheduled program that comes after a sports event. I would prefer to be able to enter channels and times with the numeric buttons, but can live without it. I have learned that if I want to program a bunch of movies on TCM, to set the channel on TCM, before going to the timer menu. That way, I don't have to run up the channels for each timer setting.

But I also agree with Bobkart. If I like something a lot, especially for the music, I will buy it. Hmmm... I wonder if they ever put Pink Floyd's La Carrera Panamericana on DVD? An old favorite.

I wonder if they ever put Pink Floyd's La Carrera Panamericana on DVD?I've been checking every so often for it and have yet to see it. Although I see some torrents for the DVD, so maybe it has been released in Europe now. Fortunately I have an excellent copy I made from my VHS tape to DVD via an S-VHS player and my Pioneer 633.

(Sorry for the off-topic!)

I've been checking every so often for it and have yet to see it. Although I see some torrents for the DVD, so maybe it has been released in Europe now. Fortunately I have an excellent copy I made from my VHS tape to DVD via an S-VHS player and my Pioneer 633.

(Sorry for the off-topic!)

My LD still plays fine, but maybe I should transfer it to DVD, with my 640. (To get back on topic...) ;)

My new test- Pio 640 vs 2005 Panny at LP mode only.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8771626#post8771626

Well, beware, because there might be some problems with that.
(I've only been a member here for a short while, but have fallen well behind in messages I wanted to reply to. The relevant posts in this thread are 1251, 1257, 1285-6, 1410. Based on what you said, I've decided this is an appropriate place to post, rather than starting a new thread.)
I had a rare and surprising failure with my 520, HS copying to a TDK 4X -RW disk in VR mode -- not finalized, as the disc was less than half full. The content being copied amounted to perhaps 1/4 of the remaining space. I'm quite certain of that. However, it was edited down heavily inside the Copy List. The -RW disc was totally trashed. Lost everything on it. "Copy Failure", then "Repair Failure" messages. The disc no longer loads or is recognized by the 520, any other player I've tried, or on the computer. Some of the content I can't replace, so I'm going to try Isobuster on the disc when I have the time. Was this a very isolated incident ? Does it apply to later models than the 520 ? I don't know. But it does make me very leery of doing extensive cuts or editing within the Copy List, as opposed to doing it "for real" on the HDD. My initial theory: calculation of total time for the clip -- or what the post-Edit pieces really are -- somehow gets confused, and disaster ensues.I wonder if you would have avoided the problem by doing all the editing on the HDD? There's actually several possibilities for causes: Too many pointers in copy list, HDD fragmentation, media error or a combination. Is there anything in particular that makes you suspect the copy list editing?

Bummer that you lost recordings. :( Thanks for the warning!!

It took me three tries to successfully record the Pink Floyd concert (MN32 -- of course -- to preserve the max. audio quality), but I really enjoyed taking the knife to their pledge breaks.I recorded that too, but found the video to be pretty poor so I plan to buy it too. Great concert. I read the David Gilmour said he regretted not using film to record it. Hey bobkart, is the video appreciably better than the PBS broadcast?

When I set up my Clock Setting in the Initial Setup Menu, with Manual option selected (by default), dst (daylight saving time) was selected also by default. This morning when I woke up, I was surprised to see the clock in my 640 continued to display Summer time. It failed to automatically adjust the time backward by one hour last night (or rather early this morning). When I read your post about adjusting for daylight saving time last night, I was curious why that was necessary as the 640 has selection for auto daylight saving, though mine for an unknown reason failed to function.

Has anyone also had the same problem with your 640 this morning? Or is my unit a defective one?

Thanks.I think the DST mode setting only applies to automatic clock set? I use a manual clock because I'm on satellite, and it had no effect when I turned off DST mode. Maybe it has more functionality if you use cable?

Hey bobkart, is the video appreciably better than the PBS broadcast?If you're talking about Pulse, recently released on DVD after years of only being available on VHS, the DVD video and audio quality is excellent. Having not seen the PBS presentation, I can't say how it compares to that.

Since the concert is from the same tour (1994 Division Bell) as the concert which I attended at the Oakland Coliseum (a once-in-a-lifetime event I assure you), I am especially pleased to have a digital copy.

well, I just ordered before the end of the 1Call.com sale (thanks for the tip!) .. I haven't been in the dvd-recording/dvd-shopping game for a couple years now, and have been meaning to do so again, but not until the time came when I felt that there was a model which finally approached the nirvana of features, price and performance that could earn a recommendation from a reasonable majority of this forum's video gurus. Casually tracking this thread (and forum), this Pioneer 640 seems to be that model. And I assume this was the lowest price ever from an authorized dealer, so the time to act was NOW! Especially if Pioneer is indeed getting out of the dvd recorder game.

I think the DST mode setting only applies to automatic clock set? I use a manual clock because I'm on satellite, and it had no effect when I turned off DST mode. Maybe it has more functionality if you use cable?

If you select Clock Setting, under manual clock setting, you choose USA-Central/Eastern/Mountain,etc or Canada-Atlantic/Eastern/Central/Pacific etc. Under that you select DST on/off.

On the contrary, if you select auto clock setting, you do not have the option for DST selection. I think in auto mode, the time server channel automatically changes for the Daylight Saving Time.

I am still puzzled as to why my 640 didn't make any change to Standard Time this morning.

Anyways, thanks for the reply.

Thanks wabjxo for the tip. O n e C a l l is a highly reputable internet dealer AND it is on the Pioneer authorized internet dealer list, which means that the Pioneer warranty will be recognized!!

I just ordered one...a truly sweet deal!!! Plus if you enter "TECHSHIELD" into the coupon code, you get a FREE 3-year extended warranty (worth $49.90). That's $289.88 for the recorder AND a 3-year extended warranty. That makes it an even sweeter deal...and I jumped on it. One word of caution -- this deal is only valid for THIS WEEKEND (28-29 October, 2006), so if you are interested YOU'D BETTER JUMP ON IT NOW!!

Now I will finally find out for myself if all the hoopla about this DVDR is correct. I've been thinking about getting one ever since I saw that the 640 is compatible with DVD-RAM discs. Because of this, the 640 will play nicely with my Panasonic E-500 and E-65 DVD recorders. I'm looking forward to putting this baby through its paces.

;) :D
I tested the O n e C a l l $289.88 sale price for the 640 and, even tho' the BizRate page lists O n e C a l l at the bottom of the list now with a $398 price, the sale is still being honored once you get into their order page...even the FREE "TECHSHIELD" coupon for a 3-yr replacement warranty!

Still time to order? (http://www.bizrate.com/dvdplayers/pioneer-dvr640-hs-dvd-recorder--pid446928675/)

When I first saw that post (regarding the sale) at about 10pm Central time, I used the link and saw that the price is the same as you stated, i.e., the higher one. So, I just went to their website on my own, without using the link, and sure enough, the sale price was still available. I was then able to complete the order at that same price.

Given that they are a west coast retailer, I would imagine that they would honor the price until midnight arrives in their timezone, regardless of the time zone you may be ordering from. Another words, one more half hour left to order from the time of my post here, regardless of where you are.

The O ne C all weekend sale is over :( ...

BUT...

Their new "regular" price is $329.99, which is still the lowest online price from a respected, AUTHORIZED Pioneer dealer.

The TECHSHIELD 3-yr Replacement Warranty is still available for FREE!

Here's a link to the BizRate starting page. (http://www.bizrate.com/dvdplayers/pioneer-dvr640-hs-dvd-recorder--pid446928675/)

Click on the O n e C a l l $398.99 price at bottom of list, which takes you to the O n e C a l l page with the $398.99 price listed, but the Cart price will be $329.99.

Don't forget to enter TECHSHIELD in the coupon box once in the Cart.

If you select Clock Setting, under manual clock setting, you choose USA-Central/Eastern/Mountain,etc or Canada-Atlantic/Eastern/Central/Pacific etc. Under that you select DST on/off.

On the contrary, if you select auto clock setting, you do not have the option for DST selection. I think in auto mode, the time server channel automatically changes for the Daylight Saving Time.

I am still puzzled as to why my 640 didn't make any change to Standard Time this morning.

Anyways, thanks for the reply.

Mine made the change, but it is autoset, from the raw cable feed. I know that next year, the time change will be determined differently, can't remember if it is earlier, or later, in the year. Could they have programmed it to the new criteria?

Speaking of time changes, I notice that the AVS website has not yet adjusted for Standard time. :eek:

When I set up my Clock Setting in the Initial Setup Menu, with Manual option selected (by default), dst (daylight saving time) was selected also by default. This morning when I woke up, I was surprised to see the clock in my 640 continued to display Summer time. It failed to automatically adjust the time backward by one hour last night (or rather early this morning). When I read your post about adjusting for daylight saving time last night, I was curious why that was necessary as the 640 has selection for auto daylight saving, though mine for an unknown reason failed to function.

Has anyone also had the same problem with your 640 this morning? Or is my unit a defective one?

Thanks.

Same thing happened to me. I have a cable box, use Manual clock set up, selected DST, but no change happened. Curiously, I have the same set up downstairs with a 531 and it made the adjustment. I vote for oversight on the part of the engineers. Why would they ask if you observe DST and what country you are in during the manual set up if it wasn't going to make the adjustment automatically, otherwise?

Another possibility is that the software was given the wrong date to make the adjustment, so it will adjust some time in the future. To avoid this possibility, I turned DST off, since it doesn't seem to work anyway.

If you're talking about Pulse, recently released on DVD after years of only being available on VHS, the DVD video and audio quality is excellent. Having not seen the PBS presentation, I can't say how it compares to that.

Since the concert is from the same tour (1994 Division Bell) as the concert which I attended at the Oakland Coliseum (a once-in-a-lifetime event I assure you), I am especially pleased to have a digital copy.Thanks bobkart. Yes, I meant the Pulse DVD. I envy you having seen the concert live. The pq of the PBS broadcast was really bad. I'm glad to hear the DVD is better, although really it's the sound that matters most to me and it was fine from PBS. I'll definitely be ordering the DVD. :)

If you select Clock Setting, under manual clock setting, you choose USA-Central/Eastern/Mountain,etc or Canada-Atlantic/Eastern/Central/Pacific etc. Under that you select DST on/off.

On the contrary, if you select auto clock setting, you do not have the option for DST selection. I think in auto mode, the time server channel automatically changes for the Daylight Saving Time.

I am still puzzled as to why my 640 didn't make any change to Standard Time this morning.

Anyways, thanks for the reply.Oh OK, I've never turned on auto so didn't know. I'm still not sure why it asks you at all if DST is on or not when using manual clock set. The only benefit I can see is if it automatically changed the hour for you without touching the minutes and seconds, and it doesn't do that.

What's the benefit of it asking you if you are in DST or not when you are setting the clock manually? Why not just set the time correctly?

I vote with dvdiva, that there was an oversight by the programmers. Maybe the original intention was to add an override for auto clock set in case not all North American countries use the same DST "Fall back" date in 2007 and beyond, but obviously it doesn't work that way.

It would make more sense to me if the 640 just asked you if you want it to adjust for DST like a Windows computer, and then give the option to define the date and time of the change(s). Anyway, the net result is it works the way I want it to for manual clock set, and I can just ignore the DST setting.

The pioneer 640 dosn't have component input while other recorders have. Can someone do a test of component input vs S-video input? Is there any difference in term of video quality?

The pioneer 640 dosn't have component input while other recorders have. Can someone do a test of component input vs S-video input? Is there any difference in term of video quality?Component is generally accepted as providing slightly better pq than s-video, and component can carry HD video whereas typically s-video is 480i. Also, many STBs will output a widescreen signal from component when applicable, whereas s-video is letterboxed.

As you know, the 640 has no component inputs. Do you mean test the 640's outputs, component vs s-video? I have used both. There is a slight improvement with component over s-video, but only really noticeable on a larger screen. Of course, since DVDRs can only record 480i there isn't a big benefit. I use component outputs on the 640 mainly because I can switch back and forth from the 640 to my HD satellite box using one button on my A/V Receiver, and don't have to switch inputs on the TV. I would still recommend using component cables if you have the option though.

nevermind.

Component is generally accepted as providing slightly better pq than s-video, and component can carry HD video whereas typically s-video is 480i. Also, many STBs will output a widescreen signal from component when applicable, whereas s-video is letterboxed.
.

I was talking about inputs only. so I can't record widescreen with S-video input?
and Component input give better recording quality?

even cheap Polaroid DVD Recorder from walmart has component input.
why expensive recorders from Pioneer and Panasonic (top of the line) have no Component input? why no one here complain about this? this seems like a big disadvantage (no Widescreen recording)

I was talking about inputs only. so I can't record widescreen with S-video input?
and Component input give better recording quality?

even cheap Polaroid DVD Recorder from walmart has component input.
why expensive recorders from Pioneer and Panasonic (top of the line) have no Component input? why no one here complain about this? this seems like a big disadvantage (no Widescreen recording)I'm no expert, but I know you can record widescreen if your STB can output an anamorphic signal, and/or you can get the widescreen flag from your STB or video filter. There are a number of other threads discussing this topic here.

I can't speak for Pioneer, but I do know current DVDRs can only record 480i and component is more geared toward HD. Pioneer may have figured since DVD can only really handle 480i, why imply otherwise by including component inputs? Regardless, I agree as I would prefer to have them too for easier widescreen capture.

...a model which finally approached the nirvana of features...

nevermind.Cobain.

(Oops, sorry. I thought we were playing word association.)

lol. the reason I was so curt in my last reply was because you answered foxnews's question just before I did, so my post would have been somewhat redundant.

The O ne C all weekend sale is over :( ...

BUT...

Their new "regular" price is $329.99, which is still the lowest online price from a respected, AUTHORIZED Pioneer dealer.

The TECHSHIELD 3-yr Replacement Warranty is still available for FREE!

Here's a link to the BizRate starting page. (http://www.bizrate.com/dvdplayers/pioneer-dvr640-hs-dvd-recorder--pid446928675/)

Click on the O n e C a l l $398.99 price at bottom of list, which takes you to the O n e C a l l page with the $398.99 price listed, but the Cart price will be $329.99.

Don't forget to enter TECHSHIELD in the coupon box once in the Cart.

According to the 1 Call web site, the free TECHSHIELD 3-yr Replacement Warranty is only good on orders made by October 30, 2006 (Today!!!). So if you are interested, you need to order that Pioneer DVR 640-HS TODAY.

I wonder if you would have avoided the problem by doing all the editing on the HDD? There's actually several possibilities for causes: Too many pointers in copy list, HDD fragmentation, media error or a combination. Is there anything in particular that makes you suspect the copy list editing?

Those are all valid possibilities you mention. There has not been another incident like that (*), and unless it recurs, I may not get to find out. But I'm much less inclined to run the risk now, just in case the problem is related to doing lots of edits inside the Copy List. Media error is always something to consider. With a RW -- which is used again -- a write failure should happen again, if something is wrong with the disc. What are some symptoms one might associate with HDD fragmentation . . . because I can't think of any in all my day to day use of the 520 ? (About a year now, and counting.) The 520 has no defrag facility, as far as I'm aware.

What I try to do is to xfer to DVD any heavily edited material and then promptly delete it on the HDD, ideally before more recordings take place. In part, this is a strategy to maximize free space on the small 80G HDD at any given time. (A friend of mine is constantly having to get rid of recorded-but-unwatched items from his 500G Tivo, when it keeps nearly overfilling. That's a big NO vote on Tivo, in my opinion. If you can't xfer stuff off there expeditiously, what good is it ?) Since I think all HDDs allocate space on a Last Out / First In basis, this should also help to minimize the fragmentation. All the gaps (edits) are gone first, but if the surrounding content is quickly deleted also, shouldn't that leave a contiguous block of space ?

[* The only other thing I've seen are a few scattered incidents of "Copy Err" failures, but those were all to -Rs. This was discussed on VH. If it happens rarely, they are likely random failures, perhaps with the media, or involving a dusty or smoky environment. If it keeps on happening, with known good media, it is very likely a sign that the laser in your burner is failing. These DVDRs represent a non-trivial investment to most of us, and I think we'd like to keep them working for several years, so I think it might be prudent to get a spare burner appropriate for your model . . . particularly if you don't have an extended warranty.]

Bummer that you lost recordings. :( Thanks for the warning!!

My fault, for not being more cautious. Any work in progress should be backed up, periodically. What you are assembling may be just 1/3 complete, but a good quality blank -R costs about 20 cents ! I have used Nero to back up such partial VR -RWs before, just not this time. If the project is worth the time and the effort in the first place, it's worth "wasting" a few blanks for backup.

has nyone had a problem with the hard drive freezing up? i was going to buy the philips dvr3455 but they say it freezes up...so i think i will get this machine...
1 more question can i record a show on hd and watch a dvd at the same time? or vice versa?

What I try to do is to xfer to DVD any heavily edited material and then promptly delete it on the HDD, ideally before more recordings take place. ...Since I think all HDDs allocate space on a Last Out / First In basis, this should also help to minimize the fragmentation. All the gaps (edits) are gone first, but if the surrounding content is quickly deleted also, shouldn't that leave a contiguous block of space ?I wish I knew. I have brought that up here before. It depends on how the file system works. I don't think you can take it for granted that "last out/first in" is used. If it is like a computer file system, that depends on where the data is stored...which cylinders etc. I believe space is usually allocated as: first address (lowest numerically) of free block(s) in the file allocation table's list is used first, regardless of when the space was freed up. Regardless, no one seems to have any idea how the Pioneer file system works, just that it does work very well and reliably as compared to Panasonic and Toshiba etc.

I have a similar philosophy regarding removing heavily edited recordings from the HDD asap. I think this is a good practice as it should help to reduce fragmentation, and an added benefit is that usually the HDD doesn't fill up too much. (The only other issue I have heard of on earlier Pioneer models like the 520 is problems caused by over-filled HDDs.)My fault, for not being more cautious. Any work in progress should be backed up, periodically. What you are assembling may be just 1/3 complete, but a good quality blank -R costs about 20 cents ! I have used Nero to back up such partial VR -RWs before, just not this time. If the project is worth the time and the effort in the first place, it's worth "wasting" a few blanks for backup.Agreed. Gotta love that VR mode for being able to high-speed copy back to HDD for further editing. :)

has nyone had a problem with the hard drive freezing up? i was going to buy the philips dvr3455 but they say it freezes up...so i think i will get this machine...
1 more question can i record a show on hd and watch a dvd at the same time? or vice versa?To my knowledge to date no one has reported hard drives freezing up on a Pioneer.

Yes, as I said in the other thread you can record to HDD and play a DVD at the same time using the 640 or the 543. You can also record to the HDD and play back either a previously recorded program, or the currently recording program from the HDD at the same time. (Chase play is only available for HDD recordings.)

Hello, I'm having a little problem with this recorder...you guys have always been helpful here and always answered my questions.
Anyway I burned an avi file and a divx pro file onto a dvd about 2 gigs..well when I play it in my philips dvp642 it plays at full screen on my sony hd set...but when I play it in this recorder it doesn't fill the screen...and it not playing in 4:3 it's playing somewhere inbetween 16:9 and 4:3...it has small bars on the sides of screen. I have everything set the same on my tv as I do on the philips player and I even tryed everything but still can't get it full screen...this is really strange to me honestly I just can't figure out why this is doing this. It seems as though there is nothing I can do.
Can anyone help me with this?

Thanks..

Hello, I'm having a little problem with this recorder...you guys have always been helpful here and always answered my questions.
Anyway I burned an avi file and a divx pro file onto a dvd about 2 gigs..well when I play it in my philips dvp642 it plays at full screen on my sony hd set...but when I play it in this recorder it doesn't fill the screen...and it not playing in 4:3 it's playing somewhere inbetween 16:9 and 4:3...it has small bars on the sides of screen. I have everything set the same on my tv as I do on the philips player and I even tryed everything but still can't get it full screen...this is really strange to me honestly I just can't figure out why this is doing this. It seems as though there is nothing I can do.
Can anyone help me with this?

Thanks..
What setting do you have in Initial Setup > Playback > TV Screen Size? Check that for a possible fix?

is it possible to record 2 shows at the same time for example ch9 and ch 22? or does it need 2 tuners to do this?

is it possible to record 2 shows at the same time for example ch9 and ch 22? or does it need 2 tuners to do this?

NO

All DVD recorders can only record one show at a time. There are some dual tuner DVR's that can record two shows simultaneously.

You can record one and watch another (if setup properly, typicaly with just a splitter).

What setting do you have in Initial Setup > Playback > TV Screen Size? Check that for a possible fix?
wabjxo, yeah I have that at 16:9....so that shouldn't be the problem...it's really wierd...I don't understand why my other dvd player plays it full screen likes it supposed to be. Thanks..

What setting do you have in Initial Setup > Playback > TV Screen Size? Check that for a possible fix?
wabjxo, to add to my last post...when I put a rented dvd in the recorder it plays it at the right aspect ratio...also the uncompressed copy I make of the dvd also plays properly...but those avi files don't play at the right aspect ratio even though they do on my philips player and on my pc.

I don't do DivX, but I wonder if the manual is wrong when it states the machine will play DivX/AVI files on a CD-R/-RW/-ROM (pg 12)?

There is no mention of it being able to play such files on a DVD.

Doesn't the 640 have different lasers to play DVD vs. CDs, or at least different firmware...since Disc Nav senses the disc type and presents different Play menus depending on that disc type?

Well my Pio 640 arrived today.

I was concerned because I purchased an open box sight unseen. Especially after seeing the ******* weekend offer. That was a great deal.

Good news the unit is mint.

There was one recording on the HDD that was a minute long. It looked terrible. I'm guessing that was why it was returned. Bad source.

My evaluation is that it is essentially new.

I tested the recording capabilities using my gear and the PQ is excellent - as others have reported.

I'm looking forward to seeing what it can do. :D

i have a pansat fta receiver that has a s video out of it,it now goes directly to the tvand the rf cable out from there goes to the 640 ...if i connect the s video from the pansat to the pionner 640 and then use component cable to the tv will i get a better picture when recording? and if i use the s video cable from the pansat to the 640 do i need to connect the rf cable from the pansat to the 640 still?

Just wanted throw my two cents in on potential Hard Drive lockups.

A couple of days ago, I decided to copy some programs to DVD-R (Video Mode), even though I knew I had a timer recording coming up. I've made copies before while the machine was recording, so I didn't think anything of it. I was copying about 3 Gigs worth of stuff, and about half-way though, the timer kicked in. Everything seemed to be going normally. When the first commercial break in the program I was recording occurred about 10 minutes in, I decided to check the progress of the copy which should have been completed. The progress screen said there was 4 minutes left, so I waited a couple of minutes, and the progress indicator did not move. I tried to cancel the copy by holding down the One Touch Copy button on the remote as the machine indicated, but it wouldn't respond. And I noticed that the counter on the timer recording that was being made to the hard drive was stuck at "0:00:04". It was not recording the program. My only choice was to hold in the power button on the front of the recorder which forced an "emergency shut down". When I powered back up, the machine took a few seconds to repair the hard drive, and the ten or twelve minutes of the show I was trying to timer record was not there.

I've had my 640 for about 2 months, and this is the first glitch I've encountered, and the first coaster I made on it. Well... technically, it wasn't really a coaster. When I put the DVD-R in the drive, it showed about 3 Gigs still free on it. I copied a few programs that I didn't really care much about to it, and it appears the remaining free space is still usable. It'll be interesting to see when I finalize the disc if the files that I partially copied to it before the lockup are accessible at all on my computer's DVD drive.

So, I guess in the future, I'm gonna be more careful about copying to DVD while the machine is recording to the Hard Drive, or if a timer record is about to kick in. Though, the culprit may have been something entirely different. This lock-up happened almost precisely at midnight on Saturday/Sunday - which was the first day of daylight's savings time. As many of us have discovered, the DST option doesn't seem to work properly. Perhaps the DST routine kicked in at midnight, but there's a bug that caused the lockup. Although the machine doesn't set the clock back, that doesn't mean there isn't some buggy code that tried to run. In any event, better safe than sorry. No copying to DVD while recording if I can help it.

Tony9429, how are you playing back a 2 Gig AVI file on the 640? AFAIK, it can only play files from CD-R(W)'s, so you should be limited to 700 Megs.

The DIVX support on the 640 is pretty weak, so you probably shouldn't depend on it for playback. Most of DIVX/XVID files I want to play are of TV shows from the UK and Australia, and I discovered if you try to play an AVI file encoded at 25 frames per second, the 640 switches to PAL output! But I didn't really get the machine to playback AVI files, so I'm not too worried about it's limited support. I'll keep another DVD player around for that, and it's probably not to wise to put wear-and-tear on a 640 by playing DVD's or CD's on it, anyway.

The progress screen said there was 4 minutes left, so I waited a couple of minutes, and the progress indicator did not move. I tried to cancel the copy by holding down the One Touch Copy button on the remote as the machine indicated, but it wouldn't respond. And I noticed that the counter on the timer recording that was being made to the hard drive was stuck at "0:00:04". It was not recording the program..

I've noticed that the progress indicator's movements aren't exactly steady. I have seen it stay in one position for two or three minutes, then jump ahead, and had no problems completing the recording. So, it is possible that part of what you saw was normal. I am wondering if your 640 was in DVD mode, or HDD mode, when you pushed the "One Touch Copy" button? Was the blue light on? If so, it was in HDD mode, and perhaps the attempt to stop copying to the DVD actually stopped the HDD recording, or tried to copy the HDD recording to the already-recording DVD. That would have been a poser for its circuits! If you encounter the same situation again, my advice is to not try to cancel the recording, and see what happens. Worst case, you lose the disc, but if you interupt the disc, you've messed it up anyway.

kjbawc, I'm pretty sure that when I tried to cancel the copy to DVD, that about 15 minutes or more had passed on a job that should have taken about 8 minutes, so I'm fairly confident that it was locked-up. I'm not 100% certain what mode the machine was in, HDD or DVD, but it was probably in HDD mode. I don't think that holding down the One Touch Copy mode can cancel a recording from the tuner or a dish to the HDD. And when I did hold down the OTC button, the I'm pretty sure the on screen display said that the copying was cancelled.... but it wasn't. I tried it a few times over the course of a couple of minutes, and the copy was never cancelled, despite the on-screen message.

My concern wasn't really with the copy, though, as I knew I could always make another copy later. I was more concerned about the program that was supposed to be recording to the hard drive. While the copy was taking place, I couldn't chase-play the recording to make sure it was actually working, and I'm pretty sure it wasn't. All indications, including the free space left on the DVD, say that the recording and the copy process locked up at four seconds after midnight, even though I didn't discover it until about 10 minutes later.

Just to add to what I tried to do when I realized it was locked up, I also tried to press the Stop Rec button to try to stop the timer recording, hoping I could restart it manually, but there was no response. I also tried pressing the Home Menu button, and the Disc Navigator button, and the machine just came back with "That function is not available at this time."

Tony9429, how are you playing back a 2 Gig AVI file on the 640? AFAIK, it can only play files from CD-R(W)'s, so you should be limited to 700 Megs.

The DIVX support on the 640 is pretty weak, so you probably shouldn't depend on it for playback. Most of DIVX/XVID files I want to play are of TV shows from the UK and Australia, and I discovered if you try to play an AVI file encoded at 25 frames per second, the 640 switches to PAL output! But I didn't really get the machine to playback AVI files, so I'm not too worried about it's limited support. I'll keep another DVD player around for that, and it's probably not to wise to put wear-and-tear on a 640 by playing DVD's or CD's on it, anyway.
AAntilles, well the divx/ avi files are on a dvd-r disc and it plays them...but not at 16:9 aspect ratio...and there at 29.97 frames per second...
I don't really use the 640 for playing dvd's just recording..I use the philips player for avi files and a panasonic s-77 for watching uncompressed dvd movies....it's just driving me crazy that they won't play at the right res or aspect ratio in the 640. But the pal output you mentioned just might be whats happening to it. I just find it wierd that it plays them but not correctly.
The panny s-77 won't play them at all. But the philips plays them perfectly.
Thanks..

I don't do DivX, but I wonder if the manual is wrong when it states the machine will play DivX/AVI files on a CD-R/-RW/-ROM (pg 12)?

There is no mention of it being able to play such files on a DVD.

Doesn't the 640 have different lasers to play DVD vs. CDs, or at least different firmware...since Disc Nav senses the disc type and presents different Play menus depending on that disc type?
wabjxo, the divx/avi files are on a dvd-r and the picture is really good only a little squeezed together...it's just not playing them at the right aspect ratio. I'm not sure about the lazer part.. thanks for your help wabjxo.

"As many of us have discovered, the DST option doesn't seem to work properly"

Has this been reported here? I was actually setting a timer rec for the other day that spanned over the DST changeover but I wasn't sure if it was going to work because the timer setup screen didn't seem to show any indication of the changeover. I ended up just skipping it so not sure what would have happened. I did notice the next day that the clock did change to the right time on its own.

Can one create a chapter break by skipping one hour ahead instead of using the commercial skip 10 minutes at a time? For example I recorded Prison Break and Heroes on the same channel and have not watched them. I want to divide the 2 hour recording in 2 but not see parts of the show while I am doing it. On the Toshiba, I can do a input of 01:00:00 to skip directly to the start point of the next show and create a chapter mak there.

Can one create a chapter break by skipping one hour ahead instead of using the commercial skip 10 minutes at a time? For example I recorded Prison Break and Heroes on the same channel and have not watched them. I want to divide the 2 hour recording in 2 but not see parts of the show while I am doing it. On the Toshiba, I can do a input of 01:00:00 to skip directly to the start point of the next show and create a chapter mak there.

There is a play mode button, under the sliding panel on the remote that will let you enter a time, and go directly to it. You can do this in play mode, and then stop play. Then, go to chapter edit mode in the editing menu, and the recording will restart in the same spot you stopped it. Just cue up the exact spot you want the chapter break, in pause, and hit enter, to make the chapter division. If you would prefer to make it separate TITLES, not separate chapters, select "Divide" from the first list on the edit menu.

Something I read in the manual lead me to believe that you can use the time search function while in chapter edit, but when I have tried, it has not worked. There may be some trick I am missing.

Just wanted throw my two cents in on potential Hard Drive lockups.

A couple of days ago, I decided to copy some programs to DVD-R (Video Mode), even though I knew I had a timer recording coming up. I've made copies before while the machine was recording, so I didn't think anything of it. I was copying about 3 Gigs worth of stuff, and about half-way though, the timer kicked in.

Last night, I encountered a problem on my 531 while trying to do the same thing you wrote about. I was running the HDD pretty loaded (relatively speaking for me anyway) while it was recording and tried to move some content. I tried to put 3 TV episodes onto a SL DVD-R which maxes the disc at 4.4G. The result was 2 coasters in 2 attempts. Coasters have been rare for the brand of disc (Maxell) & I have done this before during a timer record with success. I tried again once the recording had stopped with success. As far as I know, the timer recording was uninterrupted, but I had better double check, for sure.

I assume that the difficulty may have been a combination of trying to maximally load a DVD and diminishing HDD space (it still had about 6 hours left in SP mode so I didn't think it was that bad) combined with the timer recording in progress.

Any thoughts or similar experiences?

The good news is I have found with both my 640s that the clock is considerably more accurate than the 633. I was just thinking about that last night when I adjusted the clocks for daylight savings time...haven't had to adjust them for a long time. (I was used to adjusting it regularly with the 633...like once every week or 2 but I think that was caused by disabling the TVGOS with the Eureka method.) (...snip...)
Rather than adjusting the start time for every timer, I just set the clock on the 640 to be about 5 or 10 seconds fast and that way if a show starts a bit early or the clock loses accuracy slightly, I'm still ok.

Thanks for this. I sort of thought the 640 was not going to be all that different from the 633 -- that's how Pioneer service explained it when they wanted to do an exchange. But if the clock is more accurate that's a bit of very good news, as you say.

I like your trick of setting the clock ahead so that when it drops behind it will be accurate. Hopefully, based on what you say about the 640, I won't have to use it. :)

By the way, I had the TVGOS disabled on the 633, but I think this was simpler than the Eureka thread method: I just went into TVG setup and entered a zip code of 00000. No special reset codes. To make it "stick" you have to have a timer event in the future; I set up one for a year ahead. (This method came from Rocky Clark at Pioneer.)


I can't compare other than from memory. I actually find the 640 to be better because the 633 had such small TVGOS setup screens. I think I know what you mean though, and I have noticed that effect when using composite (RCA) cables. Try a shielded component or S-Video cable if your equipment permits, and make sure proximity to anything electrical or magnetic (like speakers) is not a problem. (I know your picture seems clear, but there can be a difference when the signal is being created locally by your equipment as opposed to broadcasted. At least I have noticed that. My office setup does something similar but only when I view through component cables.)

I recommend Monoprice (advertising link above) for excellent value in quality cables.

For the fonts, I was thinking of the Disc Navigator becase it's the same between the 633 and 640. I never used the TVGOS screen because TVGOS never worked. :(

My TV is a conventional picture tube, not large (27 or 29 inches, I think), so I've never seen any point to expensive or special cables. I guess now I see the point. :) I'm very grateful for your comment about your office setup. When you talk about signals generated by the equipment as opposed to broadcasted, the light dawns -- it must be that the 633 and 640 generate different signals and the 633's were okay through component cables while the 640's are not.

I'll check the back of my TV and buy an S-Video cable from Monolink. Thanks for the recommendation of Monolink.

On an unrelated note, is there a list somewhere of codes to generate the smileys? I notice when I quote something of yours with :) it comes out as ":" followed by ")". I'd like to get the list because I can't seem top actually insert them directly in a message. (I'm using Mozilla, so perhaps AVS Forum is "optimized" for IE.)

When I set up my Clock Setting in the Initial Setup Menu, with Manual option selected (by default), dst (daylight saving time) was selected also by default. This morning when I woke up, I was surprised to see the clock in my 640 continued to display Summer time.

Has anyone also had the same problem with your 640 this morning?

I had the same phenomenon, and like you I was surprised. Why have a DST setting and not use it?

Before adjusting the time I turned off the DST block, hoping that that would make the unit drop back an hour, but it didn't. So I wonder whether there's a firmware bug, or just some non-obvoious purpose to setting DST on the manual clock set screen.

"As many of us have discovered, the DST option doesn't seem to work properly"

Has this been reported here? I was actually setting a timer rec for the other day that spanned over the DST changeover but I wasn't sure if it was going to work because the timer setup screen didn't seem to show any indication of the changeover. I ended up just skipping it so not sure what would have happened. I did notice the next day that the clock did change to the right time on its own.

To clarify:

if you set the clock manually on the 640 and indicate that you observe DST when asked during manual set up, some of us (myself included) have reported that the clock does NOT adjust for DST.

if you use the auto clock set up, it does seem to adjust for DST.

Something I read in the manual lead me to believe that you can use the time search function while in chapter edit, but when I have tried, it has not worked. There may be some trick I am missing.

When you're using the Chapter Edit, Divide, Erase Section, or Thumbnail functions, you can press the Play Mode button twice to get the time search function. Then, if you want to skip an hour, just enter 10000 on the remote and press select. The first time you press the Play Mode button, you'll go to the Chapter Search mode where you can punch in a chapter number to jump to directly. You'll see an indication on the screen which search mode you're in.

AAntilles, well the divx/ avi files are on a dvd-r disc and it plays them...but not at 16:9 aspect ratio...and there at 29.97 frames per second...

Well, that's just weird. I tried this out, and apparently, the 640 WILL play back DIVX files from a DVD-R.... but NOT from a DVD+R!! I can't imagine how that could be, but it's a good thing to know.

Now, I think I may know what the problem is here. Are you expecting the 640 to play back the DIVX files in an anamorphic picture format? If you have a widescreen TV, try changing your setting on the TV to a "fullscreen letterboxed" setting, so that it crops the top and bottom of the fullscreen image.

What is the resolution of the file? (How many pixels wide by how many pixels tall?) If the AVI file is encoded at an non-standard resolution, the Philips 642 can sometimes display it fullscreen. If will scretch the picture, so if you're playing the file back on a standard TV, it won't letterbox the image properly. Perhaps that's what you're encountering. It's may be that the Philips is playing back the file improperly, but your TV is comprensating for it.

Just thought I'd post a tip for people who like to put in proper title names on their TV programs. Even though you can use 64 characters for the title, if you are copying to a DVD in video mode, you will be limited to 40 characters. If you finalize your DVD with one of the thumbnail menus, your title will be split in two, 20 characters per line, and you may find your title split in the middle of a word.

If you want to avoid this, you'll have to do your own manual "word wrap" when you're editing your title. Fortunately, this is easy, because when you're editing your title, the first line will take up exactly as much space as the box around "CAPS" that appears just below your title. So if you're coming up to the end of the box, and there's not enough room to fit the next word, insert some spaces until you are just after the CAPS box, and continue.

You can also use the letter grid below your title to tell where the 40 character cut-off is. You can use up to one character past the "F". Anything after that will not be used in your title in video mode. In fact, if you go beyond that point, you may actually find your title cut off at the 39 character mark. Not a huge bug, by a slightly annoying one.

For TV shows, I like to include in my title the season and episode number, the episode title, and the date. This is how I titled last week's episode of "CSI:Miami":

5.06-"CURSE OF THE COFFIN" (2006/10/23)

There's not much room, but I can usually get it to fit. This title will need an extra space between "the" and "coffin" to be split properly so it doesn't look like this when you finalize the DVD:

5.06-"CURSE OF THE C
OFFIN" (2006/10/23)

"As many of us have discovered, the DST option doesn't seem to work properly"

Has this been reported here? I was actually setting a timer rec for the other day that spanned over the DST changeover but I wasn't sure if it was going to work because the timer setup screen didn't seem to show any indication of the changeover. I ended up just skipping it so not sure what would have happened. I did notice the next day that the clock did change to the right time on its own.Are you using auto or manual clock set? Sounds like you're using auto, in which case it does work fine.

By the way, I had the TVGOS disabled on the 633, but I think this was simpler than the Eureka thread method: I just went into TVG setup and entered a zip code of 00000. No special reset codes. To make it "stick" you have to have a timer event in the future; I set up one for a year ahead. (This method came from Rocky Clark at Pioneer.)I used almost the same thing for my 633, just a different fictitious zip/postal code. (Canada's A0A0A0). I did maintain a future timer event too, but "EPG" would always eventually return and that would cause timer events to be missed, so I'm very happy Pioneer exchanged it for a 640 with no TVGOS. :)

I hope the s-video cable works out for you. There are no guarantees, but it wouldn't surprise me if you see an improvement. Certainly you should notice improved pq anyway. What you describe is a common problem with composite cables.On an unrelated note, is there a list somewhere of codes to generate the smileys? I notice when I quote something of yours with :) it comes out as ":" followed by ")". I'd like to get the list because I can't seem top actually insert them directly in a message. (I'm using Mozilla, so perhaps AVS Forum is "optimized" for IE.)Just start a new post and click on each of the smiles to see the matching text emoticon. I use Firefox too, and it works fine. What version are you using? Are you blocking images 3rd party images? In Firefox (prior to 2.0) Tools...Options...Content: Under load images, uncheck the originating web site only.

Last night, I encountered a problem on my 531 while trying to do the same thing you wrote about. I was running the HDD pretty loaded (relatively speaking for me anyway) while it was recording and tried to move some content. I tried to put 3 TV episodes onto a SL DVD-R which maxes the disc at 4.4G. The result was 2 coasters in 2 attempts. Coasters have been rare for the brand of disc (Maxell) & I have done this before during a timer record with success. I tried again once the recording had stopped with success. As far as I know, the timer recording was uninterrupted, but I had better double check, for sure.

I assume that the difficulty may have been a combination of trying to maximally load a DVD and diminishing HDD space (it still had about 6 hours left in SP mode so I didn't think it was that bad) combined with the timer recording in progress.

Any thoughts or similar experiences?I have done a high-speed copy HDD to DVD and had a timer event fire up before completing the copy, and no problems at all. Just didn't finalize, as expected. I do however try to avoid filling up the HDD too much so maybe that helps.

Regardless, from what I've read I think I'll just not push the envelope too much and stick to copying when the 640 is idle.

To clarify:

if you set the clock manually on the 640 and indicate that you observe DST when asked during manual set up, some of us (myself included) have reported that the clock does NOT adjust for DST.

if you use the auto clock set up, it does seem to adjust for DST.

Ok. Gotchya. I use auto clock and when I woke up in the morning the clock did indeed adjust itself at some point overnight.

AAntilles - thanks for the info for the manual word wrap. I have been doing a word wrap but I was using the preview menu screen first then having to go back edit title and look again. Your method will save me some time.

Has anyone had a reason or occasion to open one up ? If so, did you happen to make note of exactly what make / model of HDD and burner it is equipped with ? I'd like to know anyway, but there were some photos posted of the innards of a couple other Pioneer models, in threads on VH and at the Pioneerfaq site.

i just got my 640..just 3 questions

1..is there a way to set the default setting of recording to the hd from sp to xp?

2..first my old vcr had a button called tv/video to switch back and forth for if you are recording a show on ch7 you hit tv and then you can watch what ever you like on another channel..anthing like this on the remote?
3..i have the rf cable from the wall going to the in on the unit and rf out going to the tv,but it does not come on channel 3 (like old vcr's did)...why is this? is it because i have component cables connected to it as well?

i just got my 640..just 3 questions

1..is there a way to set the default setting of recording to the hd from sp to xp?

2..first my old vcr had a button called tv/video to switch back and forth for if you are recording a show on ch7 you hit tv and then you can watch what ever you like on another channel..anthing like this on the remote?
3..i have the rf cable from the wall going to the in on the unit and rf out going to the tv,but it does not come on channel 3 (like old vcr's did)...why is this? is it because i have component cables connected to it as well?Congrats...Good choice!

1: Yes, just press REC MODE to change the default recording mode (bitrate)

2 & 3: The RF out on the 640 is just a pass-through so you can watch TV without having the DVDR on. You don't get playback through RF out. Use the component input on the TV for playback or viewing through the 640. Then switch inputs on the TV to use the TV's tuner.

The 2005 models' remote had TV control buttons including the TV Input Select you want, but 2006 doesn't. You will have to use the input select on your TV's remote.

I use the 2005 remote from a 633 which works IMHO even better and includes some buttons left off including TV Controls (Power, Input Select, Channel Up/Down & Volume Up/Down), Open/Close Tray and no sliding door to get in the way. Commercial Skip also works better as it works on finalized DVDs whereas the 640 remote's CM Skip does not. The model number is VXX2967 (http://parts.pioneerelectronics.com/part.asp?productNum=VXX2967) if you are interested.

I don't have a Pioneer so I can't answer number 1 but numbers 2 & 3 are easy.

No, the Pioneer & just about every DVD Recorder on the market (Except some DVD/VCR Combos) don't send the picture or sound from the recorder to Channel 3 or 4 of the tv. They only ouput them through the Composite, S-Video, Component or HDMI Outputs.

All the RF Output does is just pass along the TV Signal, like a splitter would do, & nothing from the recorder itself.

As I said above though a lot of DVD/VCR Combo units can do it & they HAVE A TV/VCR Button on their remotes just like VCRs do.

i just got my 640..just 3 questions

1..is there a way to set the default setting of recording to the hd from sp to xp?

2..first my old vcr had a button called tv/video to switch back and forth for if you are recording a show on ch7 you hit tv and then you can watch what ever you like on another channel..anthing like this on the remote?
3..i have the rf cable from the wall going to the in on the unit and rf out going to the tv,but it does not come on channel 3 (like old vcr's did)...why is this? is it because i have component cables connected to it as well?

1. Under the sliding door on the remote, there is a button labeled rec mode. Push it repeatedly, until XP comes up. That also sets the rec speed for recordings started w/o the timer, so if you change it to something else, the timer rec setting will default to the new setting.

2. No. The DVDR does not output it's own signal through the RF cable, that is only a pass through. Now you will have to switch between your DVDR's tuner/output, and the TV's tuner/RF input, with the TV's input selector, to watch something different than what is on your DVDR.

3. No, it has nothing to do with having component cables connected, it is as I said above, it is just a pass-through, and doesn't go out on channel 3. Just use yout TV's tuner to select a channel.

A bit of advice: read the manual a few times, and maybe highlight some things, make a few notes/additions to the table of contents. I bought mine in June, and I am still doing this!

"Rename"? What extension have your files had up to now??? And does that mean your burned files were not really in .divx format to start with and you were trying to fool the 640?


Wow, I am behind on this thread!

The files that I was talking about renaming are actual DivX files with the .avi extention. I tried renaming them with a .divx extention....no luck.

Some Divx movies play and some do not...

RF

Just start a new post and click on each of the smiles to see the matching text emoticon. I use Firefox too, and it works fine. What version are you using? Are you blocking images 3rd party images? In Firefox (prior to 2.0) Tools...Options...Content: Under load images, uncheck the originating web site only.

Hi again, AC!

I've got Mozilla 1.7.6.

Nope, not blocking images. I see the smilies all right, but when I click on any one of them it jumps to the top of the page. If I mouse over any of them without clicking, I see the text box "Smilies", and my status line shows a link of

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=8781455#

which makes sense since clicking on one jumps me to top of page.

Just to be clear, we're talking about the Smilies to the right of the composition window, not the Post Icons below the composition window.

I just found the answer. Look in the "Posting Rules" box down at the bottom of the window.

At the bottom it says "Smilies are on", and the word "Smilies" is a hyperlink, namely
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/misc.php?do=showsmilies
That shows what to type to get what smily. (smiley? smilie? What's the singular anyway? ;) )

Maybe Mozilla and others have a similar setting to IE, which allows "smilies" and other "active" content. With IE, you can "block" active content if your Security is set to High and/or "Active Scripting" is not enabled. For IE, that's under the Tools > Internet Options > Security > Custom > Scripting > Active Scripting > Enabled. Any similar setting in Mozilla?

With IE, a Medium Security setting will auto-set Active Scripting to Enabled. But if you like to operate IE at High Security, like I do, the Active Scripting item is the only thing you need to Enable for this site to work as designed.

i have a question on recording.... if i hit record while watching say ch7 price is right.it will also record the title of the show "price is right"...but if i use the timer and record ch 7 price is right there is no title of the show that says price is right.....am i doing somethin wrong?

i have a question on recording.... if i hit record while watching say ch7 price is right.it will also record the title of the show "price is right"...but if i use the timer and record ch 7 price is right there is no title of the show that says price is right.....am i doing somethin wrong?
No, that's a "bug" in the system...Timer Rec programs of any kind will not pick up the show title.

i have a question on recording.... if i hit record while watching say ch7 price is right.it will also record the title of the show "price is right"...but if i use the timer and record ch 7 price is right there is no title of the show that says price is right.....am i doing somethin wrong?

That is one of the quirks of the Pio 640 we all experienced.
You did nothing wrong.

Here is the thread on that subject.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=727506

Urlee

Wabjxo,
You type faster than I. :D

Urlee

This may have been asked before:

I set the recorder to do auto-chapter every 10 minutes, but regardless of input (line in or tuner), when I record to HDD, the auto chapter is not working. Is there a setting I don't know about?

Please help.

Thank you.

I believe the AutoChapter setting only affects real-time copies from HDD to DVD, and perhaps direct-to-DVD recordings. Your manual should tell you what the AutoChapter setting does.

This may have been asked before:

I set the recorder to do auto-chapter every 10 minutes, but regardless of input (line in or tuner), when I record to HDD, the auto chapter is not working. Is there a setting I don't know about?

Please help.

Thank you.Auto-chapter does not apply to HDD recordings, just to real-time recordings and copies including optimized copies.

Auto-chapter does not apply to HDD recordings, just to real-time recordings and copies including optimized copies.

Really? This seems a bit odd. My 640 arrived but I have not had a chance to get to know it. So how do you advance quickly through a HDD recording?

I just found the answer. Look in the "Posting Rules" box down at the bottom of the window.

At the bottom it says "Smilies are on", and the word "Smilies" is a hyperlink, namely
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/misc.php?do=showsmilies
That shows what to type to get what smily. (smiley? smilie? What's the singular anyway? ;) )What is your setting under User CP...Edit Options...Miscellaneous Options..."Message Editor Interface"? If you are using Basic Editor, switch to Standard Editor have you'll have access to smiles. :)

Really? This seems a bit odd. My 640 arrived but I have not had a chance to get to know it. So how do you advance quickly through a HDD recording?Play Mode, FF (4 graduated speeds for HDD) or CM Skip. Lots of options. You can also manually insert your own chapter marks if you like.

Play Mode, FF (4 graduated speeds for HDD) or CM Skip. Lots of options. You can also manually insert your own chapter marks if you like.

Thanks for the info. Sounds like a lot of options. My only other HDD recorder does put chapters on HDD recordings so it caught my eye.

Thanks again!

A bit of advice: read the manual a few times, and maybe highlight some things, make a few notes/additions to the table of contents. I bought mine in June, and I am still doing this!

Agreed! It's kind of formidable because there's no index and related information tends to be scattered among several sections, so you might want to download the PDF file so you can do searches. The URL is

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/vgn/images/portal/cit_11221/310077353DVR640HSOperatingInstructions.pdf

What is your setting under User CP...Edit Options...Miscellaneous Options..."Message Editor Interface"? If you are using Basic Editor, switch to Standard Editor have you'll have access to smiles. :)

Hello, AC! Since you ask, I just checked, and I do have Standard Editor.

I'm not too worried about it. As I posted, right after my previous message I found the page with the listing.

Thanks for sticking with me though. :)

when recording from normal cable do you guys record in sp mode? or xp mode?
i think xp would only be good for video recorder transfers?

I no longer use cable (just OTA channels) but XP is still better than SP, especially when the resulting recording is being watched on anything larger than 24" TV.

Play Mode, FF (4 graduated speeds for HDD) or CM Skip. Lots of options. You can also manually insert your own chapter marks if you like.


when u press play mode..what u press next to go thru ur hdd recording?

when u press play mode..what u press next to go thru ur hdd recording?Depends. Are you pressing Play Mode while watching or while editing?

While watching, press Play Mode and then select Time Search form the on-screen menu. Then use the up or down to advance to the correct time. (Hold down for fast advance) Then press Enter to advance to the specified time in th recording.

While Editing, Press [Play Mode] twice to enter Time Search mode, then use the number buttons to type in a time, then enter. There are instructions on-screen.

when recording from normal cable do you guys record in sp mode? or xp mode? i think xp would only be good for video recorder transfers?The quality that people perceive at the various recording speeds is very subjective - what's just fine to some people is annoyingly bad to others. So really, rather than relying on someone else's opinion of what's OK, you should try recording the type of material you watch at various speeds and decide for youself.

The biggest caveat to this advice is that if you're recording content to keep and you expect to buy a larger TV in the future, be careful. What seems "acceptable" to you today may not hold up as well on a larger screen.

but isnt xp a better quality then the cable company sends out?

when recording from normal cable do you guys record in sp mode? or xp mode?
i think xp would only be good for video recorder transfers?

raymond,
I use the SP mode all the time because I am very much satisfied with the quality, plus it allows me to put 2 hours on one DVD should I want to copy.

I am using and viewing on a 50" Mitsubishi TV.

Urlee :)

when recording from normal cable do you guys record in sp mode? or xp mode?
i think xp would only be good for video recorder transfers?

I usually use an MN better than SP, but not quite as good as XP, somewhere around the 1:30 level.

Geordon

I usually use an MN better than SP, but not quite as good as XP, somewhere around the 1:30 level.
Geordon

I find MN26 to be a good avg. value -- just a few Down arrow points from SP, or Up to Fine, when making quick adjustments on a per program basis. I use the 4x TDK -RWs pretty much the way I used to use VHS tapes -- for portable timeshifting. Two 1 hr. programs -- minus the commercials -- fit nicely on one of these, and the pq has been pretty good wherever I've tried it, up to a good 40" CRT.

but isnt xp a better quality then the cable company sends out?

It's not only about resolution but also about compression. Take a signal with a lot of rain and water you'll see marked difference between SP and XP.

BTW, anybody have problem with Close Captioning? Recording the same channel on the Pioneer vs on my Panasonic DVD-R and watching it at the same time, I can see that the Pioneer jumbles up the CC information making the text unreadable whereas the broadcast itself and the recording made on my Panasonic DVD-R (standalone unit) is fine.

The O ne C all weekend sale is over :( ...

BUT...

Their new "regular" price is $329.99, which is still the lowest online price from a respected, AUTHORIZED Pioneer dealer.

I found the 289.88 price at shop com and had my unit shipped yesterday.
Price still seems to be there today as well.

BTW, anybody have problem with Close Captioning? Recording the same channel on the Pioneer vs on my Panasonic DVD-R and watching it at the same time, I can see that the Pioneer jumbles up the CC information making the text unreadable whereas the broadcast itself and the recording made on my Panasonic DVD-R (standalone unit) is fine.
Different connections?

I know there is at least one person on here who has Star Choice satellite -- maybe more? I'm trying to set the four-digit remote control code on my Star Choice universal remote that will control the Pioneer DVR. This is for one of the timer recording functions that allows the Star Choice receiver to start and stop recordings on the DVR. I'm not talking about the Auto Start Recording, as this doesn't seem to work properly with the Star Choice receiver. It's another type of timer recording that seems relatively functional, but requires the satellite's remote to have the Pioneer DVR programmed in it (page 49 of the manual).

Anyway, the manual said to use the four-digit codes in the Star Choice manual for Pioneer VCRs, which I tried and none of them work. I went on to try the Pioneer DVDs and combos as well. I also tried four-digit codes that weren't listed in the table for Pioneer. No luck. I'm wondering if someone on Star Choice has figured out what the four-digit remote code is. I'd appreciate knowing it. Thanks!

The Hans

but isnt xp a better quality then the cable company sends out?Yes, and it's better than what a video recorder puts out too. But I think most people feel that you're likely to loose less of the original signal, even if it's not that great to begin with, when you record at the higher speed. The real question is whether you notice enough of a difference to make it worth using up the extra space on your DVD or hard drive. Only you can really answer that, IMHO...

I know there is at least one person on here who has Star Choice satellite -- maybe more? I'm trying to set the four-digit remote control code on my Star Choice universal remote that will control the Pioneer DVR. This is for one of the timer recording functions that allows the Star Choice receiver to start and stop recordings on the DVR. I'm not talking about the Auto Start Recording, as this doesn't seem to work properly with the Star Choice receiver. It's another type of timer recording that seems relatively functional, but requires the satellite's remote to have the Pioneer DVR programmed in it (page 49 of the manual).

Anyway, the manual said to use the four-digit codes in the Star Choice manual for Pioneer VCRs, which I tried and none of them work. I went on to try the Pioneer DVDs and combos as well. I also tried four-digit codes that weren't listed in the table for Pioneer. No luck. I'm wondering if someone on Star Choice has figured out what the four-digit remote code is. I'd appreciate knowing it. Thanks!

The HansI haven't programmed my Starchoice remotes to control the 640 because I don't like the idea of leaving the 640 on all the time, but I'm pretty sure I've read others have done it. (You realize the Starchoice Receiver won't turn the 640 on and off right?)

You haven't said which receiver you are using, but here are the Pioneer VCR codes for the receivers I have:

Motorola 505: 2046, 2062, 2073-2076, 2111

General Instrument 421: 002, 048, 051 and 076 (maybe try padding a zero for 4 digits?)

If none of them work, try the scan feature. Let us know which code if you have success. :)

I haven't programmed my Starchoice remotes to control the 640 because I don't like the idea of leaving the 640 on all the time, but I'm pretty sure I've read others have done it. (You realize the Starchoice Receiver won't turn the 640 on and off right?)

You haven't said which receiver you are using, but here are the Pioneer VCR codes for the receivers I have:

Motorola 505: 2046, 2062, 2073-2076, 2111

General Instrument 421: 002, 048, 051 and 076 (maybe try padding a zero for 4 digits?)

If none of them work, try the scan feature. Let us know which code if you have success. :)

True, I forgot to mention that we have the Motorola 505. The codes you posted here are the ones we tried. Anyway, I'll try the scan feature again and see if I can find one. Maybe I gave up too soon.

The Hans

Different connections?

exact same connection. Didn't have that problem when I used to use the 633.

exact same connection. Didn't have that problem when I used to use the 633.
I just re-tested my 640 and no problem recording CC.

dang. I wonder WTH is the problem with my 640. Puzzling.

I know Component and HDMI connections can cause CC problems. Also, since CC is transmitted in Line 21 of an interlaced signal, maybe something to do with your interlace/progressive settings?

I connect the 640 using composite connection to my TV (and my TV is interlaced). Is that what you mean?

Cheers,
David

No new clues there. :(

What type of recording connections? And are they the same for both recorders? Same rec mode/speed?

If both recorders are connected at same time, try switching the cables?

Failing something there, my last gasp is some Initial Setup setting in the 640?

as far as input goes, it's antenna (OTA with RF ends) split into two. Both recorders connected at the same time (have tried switching the cable with same result), both record at the same speed (tried XP, SP, LP and EP), even tried changing the cable.

Maybe in the end I should take it back to Pioneer. Oh well. It's only one highway exit from my house anyway. :)

One last shot...try a direct RF feed into the 640...no splitter.

is it possible to combine two or more shows u previously recorded into one? if so, how?

is it possible to combine two or more shows u previously recorded into one? if so, how?Yes, using the copy list. (eg when copying from HDD to DVD.)

After selecting the titles, on the Title Edit screen, press Enter on the first title and then select Combine. (You have to scroll the menu because the 2nd page of the edit menu is not visible until you scroll up or down.)

when recording from normal cable do you guys record in sp mode? or xp mode?
i think xp would only be good for video recorder transfers?

One important consideration about recording speed is that you can only do a high-speed transfer from the HDD --> disc at the same speed of the HDD recording. If I want three one-hour TV programs, which are about 44 min. each with commercials edited out, on one disc, I will record them in MN 20, and they will fit on one disc. If I wanted to put two on one disc, I would check page 125 of the manual, and use the setting for 90, or maybe 85, minutes, and get a recording at higher than SP, which is MN21. THat would make a better than SP quality disc.

I find I can get about 125-126 minutes on a disc at SP (MN21.) If I want to put a movie longer than that on a disc, I may go as low as MN19. Any lower than that, I would use a double layer disc instead.

So, the recording speed factors are these:

Do you only want it only on the HDD, and you won't be burning it to disc? If so, and you aren't afraid of running out of HDD space, fine, record at XP.

What looks good on your system, or, would look good on a larger screen, if you might get one? I have a 56" DLP HDTV. I find that SP, aka MN21 looks almost identical to the original. If I record at MN 20, or MN 19, The difference is almost unnoticeable. If I record at MN26, or higher, I usually can't tell any difference between the recording and the original.

If you want it on disc, consider the program's length, and whether you will put it on a single layer, or double layer, disc. Then, select a recording speed that will fit the program to the disc, and come close to filling it up, for best possible quality with that length on that disc.

One last shot...try a direct RF feed into the 640...no splitter.


Thank you for the suggestion, I tried it last night after reading your post... still the same problem. I reset my 640 after that and tried recording again (using my original setup), now the problem is gone. :confused:

Thank you for the suggestion, I tried it last night after reading your post... still the same problem. I reset my 640 after that and tried recording again (using my original setup), now the problem is gone. :confused:
That's great!

If it recurs, it may be caused by feedback thru the splitter, esp. if it's not a high-quality one.

I didn't know your own components can cause feedback until some cable guys came over to fix a problem and told me it happens alot. They suspected my "cheap" splitters were involved, but it turned out it was coming from one of their line components a block away.

Yes, using the copy list. (eg when copying from HDD to DVD.)

After selecting the titles, on the Title Edit screen, press Enter on the first title and then select Combine. (You have to scroll the menu because the 2nd page of the edit menu is not visible until you scroll up or down.)

What about from HDD to HDD? How do u combine 2 or more programs while u are in HDD mode?

Yes, using the copy list. (eg when copying from HDD to DVD.)

After selecting the titles, on the Title Edit screen, press Enter on the first title and then select Combine. (You have to scroll the menu because the 2nd page of the edit menu is not visible until you scroll up or down.)


what if u dont want to burn it to a dvd...do u still follow this steps?

What about from HDD to HDD? How do u combine 2 or more programs while u are in HDD mode?

On the 520 you can't, and I suspect it will be the same for the 640. (I ordered one in the waning hours of the ******* sale, but won't have time to set it up for testing right away. Still undecided if it will switch places with the 520 in the main setup, or go into a secondary location. For initial testing purposes, it will have to be the latter. I'm still very comfortable with the 520, but that deal was just too good to pass up.) Joining stuff is probably a Copy List function only. The Pioneer also warns you that dividing programs on the HDD is non-reversible . . . though, again, you can essentially "re-stitch" portions back in the Copy List, in the course of moving material to disc.

I can't recall whether it was in this thread, or in a thread over on VH, but extended warranties for the Pioneers was discussed in one of these. Someone mentioned a company whose extended warranties were nearly worthless, and I'm concerned that it may have been the very company whose 3 year coverage was offered as a coupon extra in that 640 sale. If so, I might want to make other arrangements, even at extra cost.

In contrast, I recall some good comments about the extended warranties that were available through GE. Does this ring a bell with anyone ?

On the 520 you can't, and I suspect it will be the same for the 640. (I ordered one in the waning hours of the ******* sale, but won't have time to set it up for testing right away. Still undecided if it will switch places with the 520 in the main setup, or go into a secondary location. For initial testing purposes, it will have to be the latter. I'm still very comfortable with the 520, but that deal was just too good to pass up.) Joining stuff is probably a Copy List function only. The Pioneer also warns you that dividing programs on the HDD is non-reversible . . . though, again, you can essentially "re-stitch" portions back in the Copy List, in the course of moving material to disc.


suspecting isn't good enuff...can any1 verify for sure? i want to combine a couple of shows togetther w/o burning it to dvd.

The 633 had settings for audio input levels for L1, L2, L3, and RF. I'm unable to find this in the 640. Am I just missing some menu setting, or does the 640 lack this capability?

The 633 had settings for audio input levels for L1, L2, L3, and RF. I'm unable to find this in the 640. Am I just missing some menu setting, or does the 640 lack this capability?
Now just a Video Adjust menu...no audio.

If not because of the TVGO fiasco, I'd stick with the 633. Better controls, better remote, iLink input.

What about from HDD to HDD? How do u combine 2 or more programs while u are in HDD mode?There is no way to combine 2 titles on the HDD without copying to DVD, but if for some reason you really want to join several titles and keep them on the HDD, there is a way:

You can combine them in the copy list and copy to a VR mode DVD, then high-speed copy the combined title back to the HDD. It is a bit tedious, but it accomplished what you want. If you use a -RW or RAM DVD, you can just reinitialize/erase the DVD when you're done and you're only out some time. Original pq is preserved.

If you use -R or -RW, just be sure to initialize the DVD as VR mode first or you won't be able to highspeed copy losslessly back to the HDD.

I recently discovered a problem in the tuning of one particular station. It is on cable channel 15. The picture is correct but the sounds are of another show. I tried to retune it in the channel init. section but the problem is still there.

I had not noticed this before as I rarely record any shows on this channel. I am only using a cable box and only had the basic setup with cable to the wall. I checked and all the other channels are ok.

Fortunately I still have 7 days of my 30 day warranty to return it to the store.

Has anyone ever had the same problem or know how to fix it?

I live in Edmonton, Canada.

Thx

That really sounds like a problem from the cable company. If you connect the cable directly to the TV, does the audio change? Listen to 15 through the DVDR, and then switch immediately to run the cable through the TV, and see if there is a difference. If there is no difference in the audio between the hookups, it is obviously the cable co.'s fault. Even if there IS a difference, it could still be a problem with the cable co. If you have an old VCR to hook up, try that, and see if the audio is correct. If it is, then I guess it really IS the DVDR, in which case, you should try and swap it for a new one.

That really sounds like a problem from the cable company. If you connect the cable directly to the TV, does the audio change? Listen to 15 through the DVDR, and then switch immediately to run the cable through the TV, and see if there is a difference. If there is no difference in the audio between the hookups, it is obviously the cable co.'s fault. Even if there IS a difference, it could still be a problem with the cable co. If you have an old VCR to hook up, try that, and see if the audio is correct. If it is, then I guess it really IS the DVDR, in which case, you should try and swap it for a new one.

Thanks for the help. I have 2 inputs to my TV so I tuned the channel 15 on the other input and the channel and sound were in sync. I switched back to the DVR and the picture was right but not the sound. I tested the channel on the vcr in the other room and it was ok.

Back to the shop bummer!

Thanks for the help. I have 2 inputs to my TV so I tuned the channel 15 on the other input and the channel and sound were in sync. I switched back to the DVR and the picture was right but not the sound. I tested the channel on the vcr in the other room and it was ok.

Back to the shop bummer!

I'd say that's a damn unusual problem! I've seen that effect from the cable co. before, but never with the tuning of a modern piece of equipment.

There is no way to combine 2 titles on the HDD without copying to DVD, but if for some reason you really want to join several titles and keep them on the HDD, there is a way:

You can combine them in the copy list and copy to a VR mode DVD, then high-speed copy the combined title back to the HDD. It is a bit tedious, but it accomplished what you want. If you use a -RW or RAM DVD, you can just reinitialize/erase the DVD when you're done and you're only out some time. Original pq is preserved.

If you use -R or -RW, just be sure to initialize the DVD as VR mode first or you won't be able to highspeed copy losslessly back to the HDD.

i have a dvd rw+ disc. will there any pq lost from using this?

i have a dvd rw+ disc. will there any pq lost from using this?No, not if you high-speed copy using VR mode. High-speed copies are bit-for-bit exact copies of the original.

EDIT: Sorry, I just realized you said +RW which I have not used. +RW does support VR mode, but it is slightly different..less titles supported. I'm not sure if you can high-speed copy from +RW discs, you should test it first. I recommend using -R, -RW or RAM.

Pardon my ignorance (my 640 is still in the box) but does the 640 allow for high speed copying to RW using video mode?

Pardon my ignorance (my 640 is still in the box) but does the 640 allow for high speed copying to RW using video mode?Yes, it high-speed copies to all formats, although -RW won't be as fast as -R.

You cannot however high-speed copy losslessly from a video mode DVD to the HDD, you must use a VR mode DVD for that.

Now just a Video Adjust menu...no audio.

Bummer! :(

But at least now I know I'm not missing anything that's there.

Thanks for the reply.

Heys guys a question re: using RW discs. I'm curious what is the use of them really? I mean with a HDD machine you already have lots of rewritable space for temp stuff. Then only the stuff you want to keep you can burn to an R or R DL. So what are you guys using RW's for? Just for practicing burns? Thx!

I'll post this in the Panny thread to see waht those guys say also.

I use them to transfer material to PC, that I don't want to commit to DVD-R.

Especially useful for recording widescreen material on a recorder that doesn't set the widescreen flag, transfer to PC, set the flag, burn to DVD-R, re-use the DVD-RW with the non-flagged widescreen content instead of throwing it away.

Heys guys a question re: using RW discs. I'm curious what is the use of them really? I mean with a HDD machine you already have lots of rewritable space for temp stuff. Then only the stuff you want to keep you can burn to an R or R DL. So what are you guys using RW's for? Just for practicing burns? Thx!

I'll post this in the Panny thread to see waht those guys say also.

The only thing I use them for is to record stuff from the HDD to the -RW in VR mode, to clean up clutter on the HDD, of things that I don't want to permanently transfer to disc yet, usually because I am waithing for other elements to finish the disc. You can do a HS bit-for-bit copy of a VR mode disc back to the HDD, and use it later.

Heys guys a question re: using RW discs. I'm curious what is the use of them really? I mean with a HDD machine you already have lots of rewritable space for temp stuff. Then only the stuff you want to keep you can burn to an R or R DL. So what are you guys using RW's for? Just for practicing burns? Thx!


I wanted to use +RW for sharing video with friends, and get the disk back when they are done to reuse. However, the Pioneer won't reinitialize a +RW once it has been finalized.

i have recorded some mtv and vh1 music shows...question, is it possible only to burn the audio version to a dvd or even better a cd? and what format will it be? wav? and if so, can u later convert it to a mp3 format?

I personally record the DVD segment onto a DVD-RW, extract the audio using a program called DVD Audio Ripper (to rip audio from DVD and NOT to rip DVD-Audio) as .WAV, edit and remaster the file in my studio and then burn it to CD and/or convert it to MP3.

Heys guys a question re: using RW discs. I'm curious what is the use of them really?I use them for long-term timeshifting. For example, right now I'm recording episodes of Farscape and Battlestar Galactica so that I can watch them in the correct sequence. When I get all of the episodes (or at least, when they re-broadcast the first episodes) I'll start watching them and then re-use the discs for something else. There's too much to fit on the HDD along with all the other stuff I do, and after recording shows for several months I don't want to risk loosing them all if my hard drive crashes.

I also use them for assembling discs of similar material. For example, I've been recording commercials that I think are memorable. I dump these to a DVD-RW in VR mode and eventually when I get enough of them I'll load them back onto the hard drive so that I can burn a proper DVD-R.

I wanted to use +RW for sharing video with friends, and get the disk back when they are done to reuse. However, the Pioneer won't reinitialize a +RW once it has been finalized.

I've wanted to do the same and have done so, albeit with some hit or miss luck (with not finalized +RW's).

On my old Philips dvd player, one of those elcheapo models that plays virtually everything under the sun, it won't play my +RW dvds unless the dvds are finalized. Fine, as I attempted to play them on the Philips only to test it out, as I have no need to play +RW on that player anyway.

However, on my dad's RCA and my sisters JVC dvd players, which are also budget-type models, both of them will play the unfinalized +RW's I have made for them. So, it can work for this purpose, albeit with less than perfect success.

I personally record the DVD segment onto a DVD-RW, extract the audio using a program called DVD Audio Ripper (to rip audio from DVD and NOT to rip DVD-Audio) as .WAV, edit and remaster the file in my studio and then burn it to CD and/or convert it to MP3.


is this software free? if not, how much? and where can i get it? links would be great!

is this software free? if not, how much? and where can i get it? links would be great!Maybe rather than just feeding you once, you should be taught how to fish. ;)

Just go to Google's Search Engine (http://www.google.ca/webhp?hl=en) and type "DVD Audio Ripper" and Click on [Google Search] for a list of results. Looks like the 1st result may be the one you want.

unfortunately it ain't free. damnit.

I have recorded cds to jukebox. I have set audio out to pcm (neither dolby nor mpeg) and I am wondering what i am listening to. I assume it is somehow compressed audio, but what compression? (There is a definite improvement in sound over Dolby)

PCM is not compressed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulse-code_modulation

The 633 had settings for audio input levels for L1, L2, L3, and RF. I'm unable to find this in the 640. Am I just missing some menu setting, or does the 640 lack this capability?

Why do they remove such useful features on later models? It's very frustrating!

supposedly those features, together with iLink shares the same chip as TVGOS so once they remove the TVGOS they need to remove the whole shebang.







at least that's what the Pioneer service technician told me.

At the risk of looking stupid, what benefits can be derived from having the ability to adjust the "settings for audio input levels for L1, L2, L3, and RF"?

So if the audio input is hot you can bring it down to avoid over compression of the dynamic range. Useful for line inputs, utterly useless for RF (since TV stations have dynamically compressed the hell out of its audio anyway).

I wanted to use +RW for sharing video with friends, and get the disk back when they are done to reuse. However, the Pioneer won't reinitialize a +RW once it has been finalized.

So why not just use -RWs? They reinitialize just fine for me.

At the risk of looking stupid, what benefits can be derived from having the ability to adjust the "settings for audio input levels for L1, L2, L3, and RF"?


By setting the audio levels independently, you can match volumes, so when you switch from one to another, you don't get blasted, or hear a whisper.

At the risk of looking stupid, what benefits can be derived from having the ability to adjust the "settings for audio input levels for L1, L2, L3, and RF"?What kjbawc said. In my case, the audio output from my cable STB is lower than what I get recording directly from the Pioneer's internal tuner, so by using the audio settings I can adjust them to match, more or less.

I used that capability once on my 633 to maximize the recorded audio levels on an especially important recording (Pink Floyd's Delicate Sound of Thunder). I even used programs I wrote myself to analyze the resulting LPCM data to determine which level to use (I ended up using +6dB by the way, and it just touched maximum signal levels). By using as much of the available amplitude you improve both the signal-to-noise ratio and the dynamic range of the resulting audio, both good things to have more of when it comes to recordings of quality music.

well, that's a bummer. Few things in audiovideo land irk me more than dealing with audio volume disparities. Though the irritation for me pertains more to the constant type of channel changing I do when watching live tv, and also, the accompanying program-commercial-program type of volume fluctuations as well.

But given the nature of programming being viewed from recorded dvd or hdd sources, since there is much less switching back and forth from segment to segment (unless you have a bunch of short segments), and the fact that commercials can either be FF through quickly, or in the case of burned dvd's, have already been edited out altogether, this lack of audio level control won't be all that bothersome to me.

Still.. adjusting for best audio performance as it pertains to music performances, as per bobkart's post, would have been nice to have.

Hi,

The 640/543 manual says that "only Matsushita and Maxell discs have been tested to work reliably with this recorder." Does anyone have experience with any different brands? Particularly +/- RW discs. I've never heard of "Matsushita" and our tiny ex-Radio Shack here in nowhereville doesn't have Maxell. By the way, I really did search this thread before asking this question. I apologize if it's been asked and answered already.

The Hans

Hi,

The 640/543 manual says that "only Matsushita and Maxell discs have been tested to work reliably with this recorder." Does anyone have experience with any different brands? Particularly +/- RW discs. I've never heard of "Matsushita" and our tiny ex-Radio Shack here in nowhereville doesn't have Maxell. By the way, I really did search this thread before asking this question. I apologize if it's been asked and answered already.

The Hans
Most everyone's choice is Taiyo Yuden, but they can only be bought online (supermediastore.com or rima.com are two). Most everyone's least favorite is, hands-down, Memorex.

In my Pio 531 and 640, I've used many Imation 8X (from Wal-Mart) and Verbatim 16X (from Sam's) successfully...no coasters and still playable 1-yr later.

The last 600 blank discs I've bought were Taiyo-Yuden's (4x Value Line) from online stores such as SuperMediaStores and MeritLine, I've burned ~300 of them with just one coaster, mostly on my Pioneer 633. I'm sure they'll work on the 640.

The last 600 blank discs I've bought were Taiyo-Yuden's (4x Value Line) from online stores such as SuperMediaStores and MeritLine, I've burned ~300 of them with just one coaster, mostly on my Pioneer 633. I'm sure they'll work on the 640.

Sorry, forgot to mention that I'm in Canada. I can't seem to find that brand Taiyo-Yuden. Ever heard of Dataware? Good to know about the Memorex.

The Hans