LG Progressive Scan 1-Disc 80GB HDD/DVD Recorder (LRH-780)

Price: CAD $299.99 (387.99 - 88.00)

Purchased: Nov 4, 2006 Future Shop

Very similar to LRH-790 (minus HDMI and Bigger HDD). (Also similar to LH7500?)

PROS:
-Super multi drive, writes DVD -R/RW +R/RW -RAM
-Timeshifting (60 min ?)
-Digital Audio Outputs Coaxial & Optical
-Can Record In VR & Video Modes
-MPEG4 recording
-Easy to program timer
-Video inputs on front
-DV in (firewire) port
-Chase Playback?
-Independent record/playback?
-Fast dubbing DVD <-> HDD?

CONS:
-RF out is not pass through
-Changing channels is delayed when using timeshifting
-MPEG4 is global setting
-Buttons on top of unit
-Programming uses only arrows (no digits)
-Nothing seems to work with timer recordings (chase play, independent playback)
-Fast dubbing doesn't seem to work
-Timeshifing not automatic


REVIEW GENERAL:
I purchased this recorder at Future Shop because the Pioneer DVR-543HS was no longer on sale. The recorder was easy to set up, but i soon noticed that the output signal from the RF out was the DVD recorder if it was on. As a result I had to install a splitter.

RECORDING:
Timer recording was easy to set up, but only the arrow keys can be used, it would be easier to type in the channel and start/end times. Recorder will display a prompt that timer recording is scheduled, when recorder is in use, however it will NOT record unless the recorder od turned OFF. Instant record is simple to use press the record button and recording starts, additional record button presses will determine length of recording.

TIMESHIFTING
Timeshift is simple to use, simply press the timeshift button wait a few second an you can pause live tv (for 60 minutes?). The cached program can the be recored to DVD/HDD. MPEG4 option had to be enabled/disabled in setup menu, unlike recording quality (EP/SP/XP etc) which can be programed in advance for each recording. MPEG4 option produces a .avi (XVID?) file with good [web] quality.

DUBBING:
Dubbing is supposed to be up to 16x for -R disks, but never dubbed higher than 1x (could have been my fault, but I checked the manual twice). Dubbing may be done at any quality, NO warning will be given if a clip will not fit at the chosen setting. It will dub upto the capacity of the DVD. There are editing functions (that I haven't tried).

AESTHETICS:
The recorder has an elegant look, but seems slightly big (high). The locations of buttons (Eject, play, FF etc.) on the top of the machine makes it hard to operate when is a shelf (its even hard to read the labels on the top of the recorder in poor lighting conditions). Hidden front video inputs make for easy access.

DOCUMENTATION:
Manual seems clear and concise. Doesn't contain much detail (I can't figure our why fast dubbing doesn't work). I don't notice anything about everything not working (pause, rewind etc.. ) during timer recordings. There seem to be no trace of this recorder on the web , no reviews, nothing on the LG website (not even a product listing) no firmware downloads etc.

CONCLUSION:
This was my first recorder, and I was not satisfied with the loss of functionality during timer recordings. The 80 GB hard drive does not hold much unless you go on lower quality of MPEG4 recordings. The MPEG4 is nice for keeping things small, but DVDs are the same price as CDs so I'd rather have quality. I chose to return the recorder and purchase a Toshiba RD-XS35 160GB DVD/HDD recorder. I only used this device for 9 days and returned it. I kept the box and contents in pristine condition in anticipation that I would be returning it.

RECOMENDATION:
I would have kept this for 30 days and returned it, but wanted to make sure I got my refund before opening my Toshiba RD-XS35. It seems like a good basic machine easy to use and good quality. I don't think that the recorder is worth CAD $300. I have seen a Pioneer 80GB and Philipps 160GB for the same price. As I haven't used other recorders, I may be too hard on this LG. I hope that the extra money for a the Toshiba 160GB hard drive is worth it.


-Toronto Geek

Hey there Toronto Geek. I bought the Pioneer when it was on sale. I haven't opened it yet cause i'm keeping an eye out for other models that might be better.
This LG model you bought is still on sale for $300 and so I looked into it and found your post. thanks alot. I've decided to pass on this LG.

Where in Toronto do you live? I lived there till I got married and moved to Maple.


LG Progressive Scan 1-Disc 80GB HDD/DVD Recorder (LRH-780)

Price: CAD $299.99 (387.99 - 88.00)

Purchased: Nov 4, 2006 Future Shop

Very similar to LRH-790 (minus HDMI and Bigger HDD). (Also similar to LH7500?)

PROS:
-Super multi drive, writes DVD -R/RW +R/RW -RAM
-Timeshifting (60 min ?)
-Digital Audio Outputs Coaxial & Optical
-Can Record In VR & Video Modes
-MPEG4 recording
-Easy to program timer
-Video inputs on front
-DV in (firewire) port
-Chase Playback?
-Independent record/playback?
-Fast dubbing DVD <-> HDD?

CONS:
-RF out is not pass through
-Changing channels is delayed when using timeshifting
-MPEG4 is global setting
-Buttons on top of unit
-Programming uses only arrows (no digits)
-Nothing seems to work with timer recordings (chase play, independent playback)
-Fast dubbing doesn't seem to work
-Timeshifing not automatic


REVIEW GENERAL:
I purchased this recorder at Future Shop because the Pioneer DVR-543HS was no longer on sale. The recorder was easy to set up, but i soon noticed that the output signal from the RF out was the DVD recorder if it was on. As a result I had to install a splitter.

RECORDING:
Timer recording was easy to set up, but only the arrow keys can be used, it would be easier to type in the channel and start/end times. Recorder will display a prompt that timer recording is scheduled, when recorder is in use, however it will NOT record unless the recorder od turned OFF. Instant record is simple to use press the record button and recording starts, additional record button presses will determine length of recording.

TIMESHIFTING
Timeshift is simple to use, simply press the timeshift button wait a few second an you can pause live tv (for 60 minutes?). The cached program can the be recored to DVD/HDD. MPEG4 option had to be enabled/disabled in setup menu, unlike recording quality (EP/SP/XP etc) which can be programed in advance for each recording. MPEG4 option produces a .avi (XVID?) file with good [web] quality.

DUBBING:
Dubbing is supposed to be up to 16x for -R disks, but never dubbed higher than 1x (could have been my fault, but I checked the manual twice). Dubbing may be done at any quality, NO warning will be given if a clip will not fit at the chosen setting. It will dub upto the capacity of the DVD. There are editing functions (that I haven't tried).

AESTHETICS:
The recorder has an elegant look, but seems slightly big (high). The locations of buttons (Eject, play, FF etc.) on the top of the machine makes it hard to operate when is a shelf (its even hard to read the labels on the top of the recorder in poor lighting conditions). Hidden front video inputs make for easy access.

DOCUMENTATION:
Manual seems clear and concise. Doesn't contain much detail (I can't figure our why fast dubbing doesn't work). I don't notice anything about everything not working (pause, rewind etc.. ) during timer recordings. There seem to be no trace of this recorder on the web , no reviews, nothing on the LG website (not even a product listing) no firmware downloads etc.

CONCLUSION:
This was my first recorder, and I was not satisfied with the loss of functionality during timer recordings. The 80 GB hard drive does not hold much unless you go on lower quality of MPEG4 recordings. The MPEG4 is nice for keeping things small, but DVDs are the same price as CDs so I'd rather have quality. I chose to return the recorder and purchase a Toshiba RD-XS35 160GB DVD/HDD recorder. I only used this device for 9 days and returned it. I kept the box and contents in pristine condition in anticipation that I would be returning it.

RECOMENDATION:
I would have kept this for 30 days and returned it, but wanted to make sure I got my refund before opening my Toshiba RD-XS35. It seems like a good basic machine easy to use and good quality. I don't think that the recorder is worth CAD $300. I have seen a Pioneer 80GB and Philipps 160GB for the same price. As I haven't used other recorders, I may be too hard on this LG. I hope that the extra money for a the Toshiba 160GB hard drive is worth it.


-Toronto Geek

I've had this LG-LRH 780 since July.
That is an excellent review you wrote, and it's very accurate. I also searched all over for information on this machine, but there's hardly anything on the web.

I have been able to dub in fast speed, but you can only dub unedited material. If you cut out commercials etc., you can only dub in real time, (which is a real pain.) Also, if you record something in the best quality (XP) you can only "quick dub" 1 hour. So if you record a 2 hour show in XP mode, the only way to get it onto a DVD is in real time (2 hours. No fast dub allowed. I think it also may reduce the quality during the transfer to disc.) Apparently it's supposed to be really easy to change hard drives on this machine. I plan to upgrade the 80 GB HDD to 200 or 250 in the near future.
Apart from the dubbing issues (and the problems you indicated regarding lack of functionality during timer recording), I am very happy with this unit.
Thanks for the information regarding the possible similarities between this model & the LH7500. I'll check it out.

Also, if you record something in the best quality (XP) you can only "quick dub" 1 hour. So if you record a 2 hour show in XP mode, the only way to get it onto a DVD is in real time (2 hours. No fast dub allowed. I think it also may reduce the quality during the transfer to disc.)

They all work that way. XP = 1 hour across the board.

Thanks JeffWld.
I haven't tried yet, but do you know if a dual layer disc allows 2 hrs in XP mode?
Thanks.

Thanks JeffWld.
I haven't tried yet, but do you know if a dual layer disc allows 2 hrs in XP mode?
Thanks.

A dual layer disc is a little under 2 hours at XP. Although it varies a little based on the complexity of the video, a safe window is to say between 107 to 110 minutes.

Thank You.

I see in the review, that this unit is supposed to be able to record as avi (or divx). I don't see that anywhere in the user manual. Has anyone been able to record that way, & if so how's it done?

Thank You.

I see in the review, that this unit is supposed to be able to record as avi (or divx). I don't see that anywhere in the user manual. Has anyone been able to record that way, & if so how's it done?


In the settings there is an option for "MPEG4" set it to on and ALL recordings are avi (i think it may be XVID and not DIVX). When you want good quality recodings you change the setting to OFF. There is no per recording option.

TG

I'm trying to find my manual, but as usual, I can't.
I go into settings and there's one place where it says MPEG, but it only shows me my DIVX "code".
I'll keep trying.

Thanks

i bought it recently but i dont really know how to use it. i have rogers digital cable and i want to know if there is any way that i could hook it up so i can use it like a pvr. cuz i talked to the salesman and he said it could be used as a pvr. but i can figure out how to use the part where u can record somting and watch somting else i only know how to do the time shift . so all i want to know is am i hooking it up wrong. i hooked the digital box out to the recorder. so i have to change the chanel on my box and leave the dvd on av1. so when i record i can see the guide from the box and things like that . soo plsss help it was a gift to my mom so i want to show her how to do all the features otherwise ill return it cus its basically the same as a vcr wit a bit more extras which are worth the extra 200 bucks .

Your DVDR doesn't have a digital tuner, so it can't tune your digital cable channels by itself. One way you CAN do that, so you can watch your cable box w/o the DVDR, yet record digital programs from the box, is to connect the DVDR "on the side" (so to speak) rather than in line from box-to-DVDR-to-TV.

Run your normal cable from wall to cable box, then on to your TV, as if you didn't have the DVDR.

Connect composite (yellow RCA) or S-Video cable from the box to one of the Line Inputs on the DVDR (Input 1 or 3 on the back), plus red and white composite RCA cables for L and R audio. (Your box should have "Out to VCR" or similar output to use for this.)

Then run composite or S-Video plus audio cables from the DVDR to another input on the TV (hope it has more than one input!).

Now you just have to select the approp. input on the TV to watch ALL the digital programs the cable box delivers, w/o involving the DVDR, then when you want to record something on the DVDR, you can set it to record at the approp. time thru the composite or S-Video cable you hooked to one of its inputs. In the timer program, select that DVDR input as the source. To watch what you've recorded on the DVDR, you select the other TV input.

I found the manual, but I don't see any place where it states that you can record in DIVX.

i bought it recently but i dont really know how to use it. i have rogers digital cable and i want to know if there is any way that i could hook it up so i can use it like a pvr. cuz i talked to the salesman and he said it could be used as a pvr. but i can figure out how to use the part where u can record somting and watch somting else i only know how to do the time shift . so all i want to know is am i hooking it up wrong. i hooked the digital box out to the recorder. so i have to change the chanel on my box and leave the dvd on av1. so when i record i can see the guide from the box and things like that . soo plsss help it was a gift to my mom so i want to show her how to do all the features otherwise ill return it cus its basically the same as a vcr wit a bit more extras which are worth the extra 200 bucks .


Saleem, Basically all DVD recorders are are just glorified VCRs. If you want to use it as a PVR, just use it like a VCR. Record one program with the LG, and watch a different program on your cable box. I don;t think i was able to play back a recorded program from the HD while i was recording to the HD (although i believe its possible while recording to a DVD).

I think you need a dual tuner to record and watch two different TV programs at the same time. You will find it hard to find a DVD recorder that will equal the PVR capability of recording two different programs at once and still be able to watch a third.

I would rather have the DVD/HD recorder though. I just record anything I want to watch, and while I'm waiting for the recording to finish I watch a pre-recorded item, or use "Chase play" with the LG doesn't have :( .....(I didn't think it was that important a feature, but after having it I won't go back).

If you don't really need to burn stuff ... upgrade your rental from a Digital box to a PVR box .... (now if you allready bought a digital box ... eh oh well ).

Toronto Geek

I found the manual, but I don't see any place where it states that you can record in DIVX.


It might be XVID and not DIVX. Either way you have to look for the "MPEG4" option.

TG

I found the manual, but I don't see any place where it states that you can record in DIVX.

Ok, I just downloaded the Manual from the website, and no where in there are instructions on how to enable MPEG4 recording. If you still have the box, see if it says anything about recording in MPEG4. I remember my manual giving instructions on MPEG4 recording, and also giving capacities of the HD in MPEG4 (something like 200+ hours)

I'm wondering if maybe i got a newer version or something. One last thing you could try is to go into a Future shop and see if you could take a peek at the manual.

I'm 100% sure there was an option on my recorder. I tried it once and ended up with a crappy web quality recording. If your recorder doesn't have MPEG4, you aren't missing much. I wouldn't have used that option again.

TG

Toronto_Geek, as you say, you may have had a newer version and if the quality is as bad as you say I probably wouldn't use XVID or DIVX recording anyway.
BTW, I was wondering where you downloaded the manual from. I don't even see this model # on the LG website. If you don't mind can you point me in the right direction?
Thanks.

Toronto_Geek, as you say, you may have had a newer version and if the quality is as bad as you say I probably wouldn't use XVID or DIVX recording anyway.
BTW, I was wondering where you downloaded the manual from. I don't even see this model # on the LG website. If you don't mind can you point me in the right direction?
Thanks.

it was harder to find the second time (ha ha)

LG Manuals Here (http://ca.lgservice.com/index_b2c.jsp)

TG

There's an interesting discussion of your LG and some comments by BCdave in a VideoHelp forum. He says it records Xvid but only plays DivX. He also has some comments on recording in MPEG4, with good data on bit rates, etc.

This link takes you to BCdave's first comment. (http://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?p=1608909&sid=c254509d8df5294928a6a1a237fb0ea4#1608909)

Toronto_Geek & wabjxo, thanks for the links!
I appreciate your help.

hEY GUYS just got this recorder for xmas. pretty good i think.

There seem to be no trace of this recorder on the web , no reviews, nothing on the LG website (not even a product listing) no firmware downloads etc.

this is true. Unfortunately.

Listed under CONS is the item:

-RF out is not pass through

this i am assuming meaning that you cant watch the signal thats coming into the player if its turned off. If this assumption is correct, then I have been able to do so, via the old fashioned TV cable input/outputs. As I type, the unit is off, but my cable feed is still coming through from my Roger's Digital Cable box.

since the forum editing option is being a pain in the butt. I am adding this in a separate reply:



I have been able to play PAL formatted dvds (downloaded from the internet) on the player (nearly out of the box) with no region hack (though a working method to make the player truly region-free would be nice just in case this stops working).

Great posts! There's not a lot about LG recorders on the net, so this thread is very helpful in shedding some light on them! Thanks!

And I have my standard question: Does it record DVD-RW with either Video mode or VR mode? (eg does the user have the option to select?) Thanks!

Great posts! There's not a lot about LG recorders on the net, so this thread is very helpful in shedding some light on them! Thanks!

And I have my standard question: Does it record DVD-RW with either Video mode or VR mode? (eg does the user have the option to select?) Thanks!


From page 36 of the manual:

By default, the DVD-RW disc format is Video format, though you can change this to Video Recording (VR) format, if required. (Reinitializing the disc will erase the contents of the disc.) The recording mode is closely related to the disc format. If the disc format is Video Recording format, then the recording mode is VR mode; if the disc format is Video mode, then the recording mode is Video mode (except for DVD-Video, which is not recordable, and so does not have a recording mode).

Also I should note that the link to the manual for the player is incorrect, and that even using the search for model number option othe LG site is a waste of time.

I took this information from the Future Shop page for this player, as its the only page I have found on the whole internet for this player, and it may not be around for long, unlike this thread, which should be around for as long as the internet is.

LG Progressive Scan 1-Disc 80GB HDD/DVD Recorder (LRH-780)

Record all your favorite TV shows with LG LRH-780. This HDD/DVD Recorder Combo features 80GB built-in hard disk drive so you don't have to keep switching discs to watch your recorded movies and shows. The LG LRH-780 is DivX Certified which means it will let you easily take the digital video from your computer to CD and play it back on your TV at DVD quality!

Mfr. Part Number: LRH-780
# Of Discs 1
Component Video Output 1
Digital Audio Decoder WMA, MP3
Digital Coaxial Output 1
Digital Optical Output 1
DTS Output Yes
Included In Box Remote, Batteries, Manual, A/V Cable
Media Playback See The Features Section
Product Dimensions 43.0(W) x 5.4(H) x 27.5(D) cm
Progressive Scan Yes
RCA A/V Outputs 2
Remote Type Multi Brand Remote
S-Video Output 2
Size of LCD Not Applicable
Virtual Surround Sound Yes
Warranty 1 Year Parts & Labour
Zoom Feature Yes

FEATURES:

* Virtual Surround Sound
* Dolby Digital & DTS Decoder
* DVD-R/-RW/DVD+R/+RW/DVD+R (Double Layer)
* Media Playback: DivX, XviD, DVD-Video, Audio CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA, VCD, JPEG

found the manual, finally. see next post for link, stupid 5 post minimum limit before allowing weblinks

The manual for the LG LRH-780/790 is here:

http://ca.lge.com/en/products/mobile/mobil/sidemenu.do?action=list&group_code=0302&list_code=PRD_MANU&target=manulist&categoryId=0302&modelCategoryId=0302&parentId=03&gcscId=BVD
For "Product" select "DVD&VIDEO&SET TOP"
For "Model No." select "780"
Click "SEARCH"

It's odd that when you download the manual there are 2 "copies" RH1999M/RH1777M_AA1CLL_ENG &
RH1799MS/RH1777MS-AA1CLL_ENG

but both are for the LRH 780 & 790 and both seem exactly the same. I don't understand that.
batkinson001: Have you been able to find the DIVX or XVID recording mode? I've read the manual, and tried to go through the settings, but I haven't been able to verify that this unit can record in either of those modes.

It's odd that when you download the manual there are 2 "copies" RH1999M/RH1777M_AA1CLL_ENG &
RH1799MS/RH1777MS-AA1CLL_ENG

but both are for the LRH 780 & 790 and both seem exactly the same. I don't understand that.
batkinson001: Have you been able to find the DIVX or XVID recording mode? I've read the manual, and tried to go through the settings, but I haven't been able to verify that this unit can record in either of those modes.


The 780 and 790 are pretty much the same with different HD sizes (80GB for the 780 and 250GB for the 790)

-TG

From page 36 of the manual:



Also I should note that the link to the manual for the player is incorrect, and that even using the search for model number option othe LG site is a waste of time.

Thanks!

So it looks like the LG are part of the VRade :-) - supporting DVD-RW(VR) :-)

It's odd that when you download the manual there are 2 "copies" RH1999M/RH1777M_AA1CLL_ENG &
RH1799MS/RH1777MS-AA1CLL_ENG

but both are for the LRH 780 & 790 and both seem exactly the same. I don't understand that.
batkinson001: Have you been able to find the DIVX or XVID recording mode? I've read the manual, and tried to go through the settings, but I haven't been able to verify that this unit can record in either of those modes.


There's a way to do that? I know of setting the recorder to record in mpeg4, but not divx or xvid... yet (anyone able to enlighten us on how to do this?). however, I am waiting to test the timer recording function later on this evening. I hope it works just like my vcr used to do.

Also, I have been able to record some content from my vcr via the front inputs on the 780, and then copied that to a blank dvd-r and then finalized it, when viewing the disc in my comp it shows up and plays like a retail dvd would, which is really cool.

Update: the player when its on, will remind you 10 min, 5 min, and 3 min before recording if the player is on, the 90 sec countdown to the start of recording is a bit annoying especially if the clocks on the cable box and the player are out of synch even slightly, but the recording timer does work as advertised. When the player is off the timed recording works exactly like a VCR, which is good.

i am trying to copy 6 SP recordings to dvd-r from the HDD and only the first one is playable after using the fast copying method (the first one copied ok , the other 5 copied faster than normal on fast copy). it seems only the first one was actually burnt properly as there is only a small amount of written space on the disc from the center of the disc out to about 1.5 - 2 cm - obviously not enough for 6 25 min Eps...

Is there a way to make them all work?

Six 25-minute Titles equals 150 minutes, but SP recoding quality can only hold 120 minutes per disc. You will only be able to get 4-5 such Titles on a single-layer disc at SP recording quality.

Start with a new disc and make sure each Title copies correctly before moving on to the next one.

Six 25-minute Titles equals 150 minutes, but SP recoding quality can only hold 120 minutes per disc. You will only be able to get 4-5 such Titles on a single-layer disc at SP recording quality.

Start with a new disc and make sure each Title copies correctly before moving on to the next one.

hmmm, problem is is that the 2nd thru 6th titles DIDN'T copy to the disc even though the progress indicator showed it. i checked the disc menu after each one and they wouldn't play, i figured this was because of the disc not being finalized yet, but alas this was not the case, and even after finalizing only the first title seemed to be physically on the disc, the others were only listed as being there but were not physically present on the disc (as indicated by the burned area of the disc compared to the unused part)...

any ideas as to why it will not physically copy more than 1 title over to the disc from the hdd on the fast copy setting? Also why can I only move 1 title at a time? It is such a waste of a dvd-r to just have only 1 title on each disc (unless its on that XP recording quality setting or Mpeg 4). There has to be a way to backup more than 1 title and have ALL of them playable from the disc. Any ideas people?

You can have more than one Title on a DVD-R. My suggestion was just to transfer them one at a time, in order to be able to confirm that they were actually transferred. It seems that there is some problem either in your telling the recorder what you want to do, or in it carrying it out your instruction. Without owning your model of recorder or being there when you do it I can't say which it is. So I suggest: start with a new blank disc. HS copy one Title. Confirm that it made it to the distination by playing it back from there. Repeat for however many more Titles you want to put on the disc. If at some point you are not able to confirm that the Title made it to the distination, that is something to go on. If they all make it, that is good news and you have confirmation that there is at least one way to accomplish what you're trying to do. Then perhaps try it the other way, the way that didn't work before, and see if you can achieve the same result. If not, you again have something to go on; it works one way but not another. Then you may be able to get to the bottom of why the other way doesn't work; are you not operating it correctly, or are you operating it correctly but it just isn't doing what it should. This is a fairly standard kind of "debugging" process where you try to zero in on the problem until it is (more) apparent.

You can have more than one Title on a DVD-R. My suggestion was just to transfer them one at a time, in order to be able to confirm that they were actually transferred. It seems that there is some problem either in your telling the recorder what you want to do, or in it carrying it out your instruction. Without owning your model of recorder or being there when you do it I can't say which it is. So I suggest: start with a new blank disc. HS copy one Title. Confirm that it made it to the distination by playing it back from there. Repeat for however many more Titles you want to put on the disc. If at some point you are not able to confirm that the Title made it to the distination, that is something to go on. If they all make it, that is good news and you have confirmation that there is at least one way to accomplish what you're trying to do. Then perhaps try it the other way, the way that didn't work before, and see if you can achieve the same result. If not, you again have something to go on; it works one way but not another. Then you may be able to get to the bottom of why the other way doesn't work; are you not operating it correctly, or are you operating it correctly but it just isn't doing what it should. This is a fairly standard kind of "debugging" process where you try to zero in on the problem until it is (more) apparent.


I believe it is having trouble copying the 2nd and later files to the disc. I have a found a much slower method that is working but is quite annoying, converting the files to Long Play as they go on the disc, i have been able to get the other files on this way, its just that it's annoyingly slow. I am also thinking it could be the media I am using which is Memorex 8x dvd-r... I am going to post a new thread about that, since I seem to have hijacked this thread without realizing it.

Thanks for all the help in this thread.

Hi,
This thread's pretty old by now, but I wanted to correct something. The LRH-790 (not sure about the 780) does in fact have RF pass-through. Just press "TV/DVD" on the remote. You need to slide away the plastic cover at the bottom to find that button.

Hi,
This thread's pretty old by now, but I wanted to correct something. The LRH-790 (not sure about the 780) does in fact have RF pass-through. Just press "TV/DVD" on the remote. You need to slide away the plastic cover at the bottom to find that button.

ya the 780 has that. though i find the cover catch on the remote to be very lacking. other than that this player is an outstanding product.

Has anyone tried swapping out the 80GB Hard drive for a larger one? I'm thinking about doing it, but would like to know if there may be any issues. (I couldn't find anything while doing a google search).

Has anyone tried swapping out the 80GB Hard drive for a larger one? I'm thinking about doing it, but would like to know if there may be any issues. (I couldn't find anything while doing a google search).

It looks like it is plug and play based on this link:

http://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?p=1697743#1697743

The poster successfully installed a 250GB drive. The next question is will it record beyond 80GB. My guess is that it will. Seems like there has been a lot of successful HDD upgrades lately.

Thanks very much nextoo. Once I get the HD I'll try it, and post back (though it could be a little while before I can get a new HD.)

I switched the original HDD with a 320 WD. Pretty simple to do. I've recorded a few titles and so far so good.

Wow nice to still see this thread here after so many months.

anyhow, I would like to hookup the player with a rogers digital cable box to do picture in picture and/or record one program while watch another.

the manual does not say how to do this, it only gives the basic tv cable hookup or the AV hookup.

Also i cannot see where to swap the hard drive, not that I need to even after all these months, i still haven't used half the hard drive space, but it would be nice to know.

also another thing i have noticed is that it will not play windows media video even though the player has the plays windows media logo on it.

Anyone still trolling these boards to give me a hand with this?

Hi all

Future Shop has the LRH-880 on sale this week for 199. (plus an extra 10% with F&F sale this weekend). For those who have had this for some time, are you still happy with the unit.

I will be using it with a standard StarChoice receiver, and also hooking it up to my PVR to offload some recorded shows to disk.

Thanks

i assume you meant the lrh-780, and yes i am quite happy with it. it has only froze on me a few times over the course of a year, mostly because of a badly burnt dvdr job.

(repost of older yet unanswered message below)
anyhow, I would like to hookup the player with a rogers digital cable box to do picture in picture and/or record one program while watch another.

the manual does not say how to do this, it only gives the basic tv cable hookup or the AV hookup.

Also i cannot see where to swap the hard drive, not that I need to even after all these months, i still haven't used half the hard drive space, but it would be nice to know.

also another thing i have noticed is that it will not play windows media video even though the player has the plays windows media logo on it.

Anyone able to help me out?

Hey OP, if you are still in these forums after almost 2 years, some clarifications would help, as this is the only review I have ever found for this player...
________________________________________
LG Progressive Scan 1-Disc 80GB HDD/DVD Recorder (LRH-780)

Price: CAD $299.99 (387.99 - 88.00)

Very similar to LRH-790 (minus HDMI and Bigger HDD). (Also similar to LH7500?)
-Also the colours differ (the LRH-790’s front is all black)
PROS:
-Super multi drive, writes DVD -R/-RW +R/+RW -RAM
-Time-shifting (60 min ?)
- The manual states that the time-shifting will stop automatically after 6 hours of uninterrupted operation... not sure what the +1hr time on the right of the progress bar is there for...
-Digital Audio Outputs: Coaxial & Optical
-I still don’t have a use for these features; White & Red work just fine
-Can Record In VR & Video Modes
-MPEG4 recording
-Meh. Enabling this blocks use of some of the features in this player which are worth that $300 price-tag (editing & normal recording fuctions, timeshift, Menu for non-Mpeg4 recordings etc...).
-Easy to program timer
-Video inputs on front
-Under the front cover
-DV in (firewire) port
-also under the front cover
-Chase Playback?
-huh? What is this Chase Playback you speak of?
-Independent record/playback?
-is this anything like it starting up and recording on the timer?
-Fast dubbing DVD <-> HDD?
-Works to DVD, never tried it the other way, also fast copying only works properly with the media mentioned in the manual on page 6. However, Sony DVD-R’s (Yellow Label if I remember correctly) also work.
CONS:
-RF out is not pass through
-What do you mean? If the player is off, it still works. I mean I still get a RF output feed from my Rogers box.
-Changing channels is delayed when using time-shifting
-MPEG4 is global setting
-Buttons on top of unit
-Certainly different from conventional settop devices, however I do not see it as a con.
-Programming uses only arrows (no digits)
-Nothing seems to work with timer recordings (chase play, independent playback)
-You set the timer for a reason, you don’t want anything messing up that recording, with that said, you can stop the timer recording, should you change your mind after it has started.
-Fast dubbing doesn't seem to work
-As I had stated earlier, it does work just only on some DVD removable media
-Timeshifting not automatic
-Does it need to be? Explain further please.


REVIEW GENERAL:
I purchased this recorder at Future Shop because the Pioneer DVR-543HS was no longer on sale. The recorder was easy to set up, but i soon noticed that the output signal from the RF out was the DVD recorder if it was on. As a result I had to install a splitter.

RECORDING:
Timer recording was easy to set up, but only the arrow keys can be used, it would be easier to type in the channel and start/end times. Recorder will display a prompt that timer recording is scheduled, when recorder is in use, however it will NOT record unless the recorder od turned OFF. Instant record is simple to use press the record button and recording starts, additional record button presses will determine length of recording.
-a user-made firmware update adds auto shutoff prior to timed recording startup (I do not yet know if this works).
TIMESHIFTING
Timeshift is simple to use, simply press the timeshift button wait a few second an you can pause live tv (for 60 minutes?). The cached program can the be recored to DVD/HDD. MPEG4 option had to be enabled/disabled in setup menu, unlike recording quality (EP/SP/XP etc) which can be programed in advance for each recording. MPEG4 option produces a .avi (XVID?) file with good [web] quality.
-Haven't used this recording function much but it is quite similar to the Rogers HD pver box's time shifting functions... which is nice
DUBBING:
Dubbing is supposed to be up to 16x for -R disks, but never dubbed higher than 1x (could have been my fault, but I checked the manual twice). Dubbing may be done at any quality, NO warning will be given if a clip will not fit at the chosen setting. It will dub upto the capacity of the DVD. There are editing functions (that I haven't tried).
-The item being copied has to be unedited recorded content (you can change the name) to be able to have the option to copy to DVD on the FAST setting (scroll through the encoding speeds till FAST is highlighted/shown).
AESTHETICS:
The recorder has an elegant look, but seems slightly big (high). The locations of buttons (Eject, play, FF etc.) on the top of the machine makes it hard to operate when is a shelf (its even hard to read the labels on the top of the recorder in poor lighting conditions). Hidden front video inputs make for easy access.

-It's still quite nice looking compared to the Magnavox H2080MW8 (the only other currenly available (locally to me, & outside of Futureshop) DVD/HDD recorder...
-The User interface while highly functional, if gawd awful to look at! LG could have atleast included a theme listing...
DOCUMENTATION:
Manual seems clear and concise. Doesn't contain much detail (I can't figure our why fast dubbing doesn't work). I don't notice anything about everything not working (pause, rewind etc.. ) during timer recordings. There seem to be no trace of this recorder on the web , no reviews, nothing on the LG website (not even a product listing) no firmware downloads etc.

NTSC Firmware post found at: http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showpost.php?p=670189&postcount=22
& at http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=42822&st=1100 (Have to do a bit of scrolling, its all over the place on page 56)
CONCLUSION:
This was my first recorder, and I was not satisfied with the loss of functionality during timer recordings. The 80 GB hard drive does not hold much unless you go on lower quality of MPEG4 recordings. The MPEG4 is nice for keeping things small, but DVDs are the same price as CDs so I'd rather have quality. I chose to return the recorder and purchase a Toshiba RD-XS35 160GB DVD/HDD recorder. I only used this device for 9 days and returned it. I kept the box and contents in pristine condition in anticipation that I would be returning it.

RECOMENDATION:
I would have kept this for 30 days and returned it, but wanted to make sure I got my refund before opening my Toshiba RD-XS35. It seems like a good basic machine easy to use and good quality. I don't think that the recorder is worth CAD $300. I have seen a Pioneer 80GB and Philipps 160GB for the same price. As I haven't used other recorders, I may be too hard on this LG. I hope that the extra money for a the Toshiba 160GB hard drive is worth it.

-huh figured that $300 was the average price point for these kind of recorders... not too many of them nowadays.
Oh yeah, how's that toshiba working for ya? shame you returned the LG, it's still going strong for me.