FYI:

In the mail today, I received a "Summer Savings Coupon Book" from the Canadian division of Costco. I was intrigued to see a $60 off coupon (valid from July 16 to 22) for a "Pioneer DVD recorder with 160 GB hard disk drive with 1080P upconversion". (There were no other details.)

The accompanying photograph is very small and almost identical to that of a 640H. However I noticed an extra logo on the right-hand of the front panel; when I scanned the coupon into my computer and blew up the image, it looks like it could be the official "HDMI" logo.

Your guess is as good as mine whether this unit has an ATSC tuner (these are not yet required in Canada); this model may never show up in the States. However folks north of the border, in search of a HDD recorder, may want to look out for this at Costco (and maybe Future Shop and Best Buy, as well).

Tony

Doesn't Canada use the same Region Code (I believe it's R1) and also use NTSC as their Video format (NTSC versus PAL, not referring to the Digital Tuner) like America does?

If they do, how difficult would it be to get one of these new (possible Digital Tuner) DVD/HDD recorders from Canada into America?

That may be the route we all have to take.

Doesn't Canada use the same Region Code (I believe it's R1) and also use NTSC as their Video format (NTSC versus PAL, not referring to the Digital Tuner) like America does?

If they do, how difficult would it be to get one of these new (possible Digital Tuner) DVD/HDD recorders from Canada into America?

That may be the route we all have to take.Yes, Canada uses Region 1 and NTSC just like the US. A/C Power is the same too. All products are interchangeable across the border. (We Canadians even try not to take it personally that most Americans have no idea what's up with their closest neighbor and biggest trading partner. :) )

I can't see why getting one across the border would be any more difficult than any other product. If it has an ATSC tuner then it's allowed to be shipped across borders, and even if it didn't that rule probably applies mainly to distributors and US resellers. If you can find a Canadian reseller that will ship to the US, I see no problem. Otherwise, come on up and visit! We'll warm up an igloo for you suplex. ;)

FYI:

In the mail today, I received a "Summer Savings Coupon Book" from the Canadian division of Costco. I was intrigued to see a $60 off coupon (valid from July 16 to 22) for a "Pioneer DVD recorder with 160 GB hard disk drive with 1080P upconversion". (There were no other details.)

The accompanying photograph is very small and almost identical to that of a 640H. However I noticed an extra logo on the right-hand of the front panel; when I scanned the coupon into my computer and blew up the image, it looks like it could be the official "HDMI" logo.

Your guess is as good as mine whether this unit has an ATSC tuner (these are not yet required in Canada); this model may never show up in the States. However folks north of the border, in search of a HDD recorder, may want to look out for this at Costco (and maybe Future Shop and Best Buy, as well).

Tony

I wonder if this new "Canadian" Pioneer HDD/DVD recorder model is similar to already announced/available European Pioneer models??

The European Pioneer models for 2007 are the following:

New HDMI Hard Disk Drive DVD Recorders

The DVR-645H, with integrated analogue TV tuner and 250GB hard disk, capable of storing up to 711 hours of video.
The DVR-545HX, with integrated digital (DVB-T) tuner, with 160GB hard disk (capable of storing up to 455 hours of video)
The DVR-545H, with integrated analogue TV tuner, also with 160GB hard disk

See http://www.pioneer.eu/eur/content/press/news/hdmiDVDR.html for more detailed info on the European Pioneer HDD/DVD recorders.

It makes sense that this new Pioneer model at Costco will be the DVR-545H (with analog tuner), or possibly even the DVR-545HX (with digital tuner), as Costco previously carried the 2006 Pioneer DVR-540H DVD recorder with 80GB HDD.

I'd guess that Costco in Canada will carry the Pioneer DVR-545H which has a 160GB HDD and HDMI output.

I don't know about Pioneer, but I know that LG has released a new HDD recorder (LRH-890) in Canada for $500CAD ($450USD). Unfortunately, it doesn't have an ATSC tuner since Industry Canada isn't requiring them yet.

I'd guess that Costco in Canada will carry the Pioneer DVR-545H which has a 160GB HDD and HDMI output.I think you're right. If this unit had an ATSC tuner, Costco would probably mention it. Since there are only 15 or so HDTV broadcast stations in the whole country and since many people are already relying on cable or satellite for their hi-def content, a digital tuner might never be used.

IIRC, Pioneer takes a dim view of gray market goods. If one of these were imported to the States, it might be hard to get it fixed under warranty.

Tony

Thanks for the information. It was only a few weeks ago that it seemed Pioneer was pulling out of the DVD HDD Recorder business. From your link to the European Pioneer site, I have copied the information below. The most common word in the Pioneer announcement is the word "new." Maybe Pioneer had second thoughts about leaving the DVD HDD Recorder business or maybe these are rebadged Panasonic units built to Pioneer specifications. In any case, this news seems to be a ray of sunshine to those of us with older DVD Recorders (like my Panasonic E-80) who did not buy a newer DVD HDD Recorder before the FCC slammed the door in our faces. Again, thanks for the FYI.
----
New HDMI Hard Disk Drive DVD Recorders

Three new Hard Disk DVD recorders, each featuring an HDMI output, advanced video processing and entertainment functions, will be available in October.

The new recorders will be even easier to use and incorporate a new, superior video processing chipset that will meet all your high definition home entertainment needs – whether it’s playing a movie, recording content, listening to music or browsing digital photographs.

At a glance, the new line-up includes:

The DVR-645H, with integrated analogue TV tuner and 250GB hard disk, capable of storing up to 711 hours of video.
The DVR-545HX, with integrated digital (DVB-T) tuner, with 160GB hard disk (capable of storing up to 455 hours of video)
The DVR-545H, with integrated analogue TV tuner, also with 160GB hard disk

If this unit had an ATSC tuner, Costco would probably mention it. Since there are only 15 or so HDTV broadcast stations in the whole country and since many people are already relying on cable or satellite for their hi-def content, a digital tuner might never be used.


I hate when people say that (especially the Canadian distributors who rip out the digital tuners)!

There are "only 15 stations" in Canada, but keep in mind that 80% of the Canadian population is located in range of American over-the-air signals.

It would be nice if Pioneer would have the only ATSC HDD/DVD recorder in Canada!

I hate when people say that (especially the Canadian distributors who rip out the digital tuners)!

There are "only 15 stations" in Canada, but keep in mind that 80% of the Canadian population is located in range of American over-the-air signals.

It would be nice if Pioneer would have the only ATSC HDD/DVD recorder in Canada!It may be true that 80% of the Canadian population is located in range of American over-the-air signals, but it's also true that over 87% of Canadian households already get their TV via cable or direct-to-home satellite. For these people, an ATSC tuner adds little or no value and, if the incremental cost is too high, it may discourage sales. HDMI output, on the other hand, is attractive to anyone who has an HDTV (or anticipates buying one in the future).

I hope you're right (and I'm wrong :)) and Pioneer does bring out a quality ATSC HDD/DVD recorder. However, based on Panasonic's apparent decision that there is not a big enough market for such a device, I'm not optimistic.

Tony

It may be true that 80% of the Canadian population is located in range of American over-the-air signals, but it's also true that over 87% of Canadian households already get their TV via cable or direct-to-home satellite. For these people, an ATSC tuner adds little or no value and, if the incremental cost is too high, it may discourage sales.

They got cable or satellite because the picture quality of analog U.S. signals was bad, but many would go back to using over-the-air after seeing the quality and other benefits (no sim-subs) of U.S. digital signals.

Right now, the only DVD recorder in Canada that will have a digital tuner is the Panasonic EZ27. It would be nice if these Pioneer models will have one too.

What is the item number (from the coupon)?

Asking someone at a warehouse to look it up on their terminal might reveal the model number and possibly other details like which stores have them in stock or when they're due in.

FYI:

In the mail today, I received a "Summer Savings Coupon Book" from the Canadian division of Costco. I was intrigued to see a $60 off coupon (valid from July 16 to 22) for a "Pioneer DVD recorder with 160 GB hard disk drive with 1080P upconversion". (There were no other details.)

The accompanying photograph is very small and almost identical to that of a 640H. However I noticed an extra logo on the right-hand of the front panel; when I scanned the coupon into my computer and blew up the image, it looks like it could be the official "HDMI" logo.

Your guess is as good as mine whether this unit has an ATSC tuner (these are not yet required in Canada); this model may never show up in the States. However folks north of the border, in search of a HDD recorder, may want to look out for this at Costco (and maybe Future Shop and Best Buy, as well).

Tony

Thanks for the info. Tony! :) ......but......

1)To clarify (since there seems to be some misinformation here about this)...... Pioneer's decision was to stop marketing DVD recorders in the US (not in other parts of the world). People seem to think that they went out of the DVD recorder business altogether. This is not the case!

2) Any and all DVD recorders (or other Pioneer products) purchased outside of the US or from non-authorized dealers that may import them to sell here in the US (a.k.a "grey market" goods) have no warranty and no support from Pioneer in the US. Additionally, Pioneer can refuse to service them even out of warranty (it's their call, since they have no obligation to do so). BTW, if an authorized dealer is selling this type of unit, it will come only with a 90 day warranty provided by the dealer themselves. As to who will service them, that's anyone's guess. Perhaps the dealer will simply exchange them for another new (or refurbished unit)?......but remember, that's only for 90 days and them you may very well be on your own!
This can and will create serious problems for impulsive buyers of these units!......so, take a deep breath before you invest good money in what could become a very expensive paperweight!......Just a word to the wise (or possibly unwise). :eek:

What is the item number (from the coupon)?

Asking someone at a warehouse to look it up on their terminal might reveal the model number and possibly other details like which stores have them in stock or when they're due in.
The number shown on the coupon is "124602"; the sale runs from July 16 to 22.

Tony

Does anyone know if Costco Canada will ship to the US?

E

never mind...just found the answer:

Currently, costco.ca offers shipping in Canada only. We do not currently deliver to P.O. boxes or international addresses. We may expand service to more areas in the future. Please check our site regularly for updates, or send us an e-mail and we will notify you of our expansion.

There's a store on Decarie Blvd. in VSL (Montreal area) who's been telling me for a couple of weeks that he's expecting two new Pioneer HDD recorders "around the end of May." Now, he's talked vaporware in the past, but he does still have a Pio 531 on the shelf. According to him, there are two models, which do 1080p and have HDMI:

DVR 550H-K 160 GB (MSRP $499.99)
DVR 650H-K 250 GB (MSRP $699.99)

He says it's not on the Pioneer site yet because it isn't out yet, but apparently he gets this info through his distribution channels. We'll see.

There's a store on Decarie Blvd. in VSL (Montreal area) who's been telling me for a couple of weeks that he's expecting two new Pioneer HDD recorders "around the end of May." Now, he's talked vaporware in the past, but he does still have a Pio 531 on the shelf. According to him, there are two models, which do 1080p and have HDMI:

DVR 550H-K 160 GB (MSRP $499.99)
DVR 650H-K 250 GB (MSRP $699.99)

He says it's not on the Pioneer site yet because it isn't out yet, but apparently he gets this info through his distribution channels. We'll see.

This is good news if his sources are right!!!

You can find all of the current Pioneer units here (http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/products/42/125/501/overview.html) , and they look very sweet :)

Yup, available in Belfast, Glasgow and Bristol (http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/products/shops/index.html), but not (yet?) here. For the time being, we can only dream (watch Pioneer video) (http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/flash/products/VideoDVR940.html). :rolleyes:

It appears that the new Pioneer DVD/HDD recorder for the Canadian market is the DVR-450H-S. See the post @ DVR-450H-s at COSTCO CANADA (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10707197#post10707197)
The brief summary seems to be consistent with the coupon details included in the Canadian Costco "Summer Savings Coupon Book".

Price is CAN$450. Anyone else see the Pioneer DVR-450H-S with 160GB HDD and HDMI out at Costco??

There's a store on Decarie Blvd. in VSL (Montreal area) who's been telling me for a couple of weeks that he's expecting two new Pioneer HDD recorders "around the end of May." Now, he's talked vaporware in the past, but he does still have a Pio 531 on the shelf. According to him, there are two models, which do 1080p and have HDMI:

DVR 550H-K 160 GB (MSRP $499.99)
DVR 650H-K 250 GB (MSRP $699.99)

He says it's not on the Pioneer site yet because it isn't out yet, but apparently he gets this info through his distribution channels. We'll see.


I just returned from the Edmonton NE Future Shop and they have both the 550 and the 650. The model numbers above are correct accept I believe that the K was a B on both units.

The units are Black in color with the same white remote as last yr and look like last yr's 640/540. I just bought a 640 last week for $349 at BB. Future Shop did not have any of these new units on display and there were no prices shown for the units. I wanted to talk to a salesman and get prices etc but there was not one salesman around at all. They have 1080p upscaling via HDMI but I could not find out from the box if there is a DV input for this yrs model.

Does the 650 have a digital tuner by any chance? (fingers crossed) :D

Does the 650 have a digital tuner by any chance? (fingers crossed) :D

I can't say for sure as I did not notice it on the box. I was trying to find a saleman who was not busy to maybe open a box as a display unit..........could not find anyone free ........there was only a few sales guys around.

Futureshop's website has the Pioneer DVR-550H 160GB HDD/DVD Recorder listed for CAN$470.
Manufacturer part number is listed as DVR-550H-K.

I wonder what the difference is between the DVR-550H and DVR-450H ??
Both have 160GB HDD, and HDMI output.

It's just a matter of time before more details become available, and these new HDD/DVD recorders are listed on the Pioneer website.

Futureshop's website has the Pioneer DVR-550H 160GB HDD/DVD Recorder listed for CAN$470.
Manufacturer part number is listed as DVR-550H-K.

I wonder what the difference is between the DVR-550H and DVR-450H ??
Both have 160GB HDD, and HDMI output.

It's just a matter of time before more details become available, and these new HDD/DVD recorders are listed on the Pioneer website.

The 550 has DV in and 2 USB (Type A & Type B).
The 450 has none of the above ports.

Here's the Pioneer DVR-550H 160GB HDD/DVD Recorder listed for CAN$470.

http://www.futureshop.ca/multimedia/products/large/10088439.jpg (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10088439&catid=#)

Are Canadian dealers allowed to sell and ship to U.S. customers?

FutureShop says no. :(

Definitely interested in this but will it come here eventually?

Perhaps there's a business opportunity here for Canadians, like running whiskey to the US during Prohibition. :p

Perhaps there's a business opportunity here for Canadians, like running whiskey to the US during Prohibition. :p

I've already contacted fellow McGill MBA alumni. :cool:

So no ATSC tuner yet? :(

If not, I hope they took the analog one out too. It would just feel like antiquated junk if they left one in without adding a digital one.

Here's the Pioneer DVR-550H 160GB HDD/DVD Recorder listed for CAN$470.

http://www.futureshop.ca/multimedia/products/large/10088439.jpg (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10088439&catid=#)

Although it is not on their web site yet, some Future Shop outlets also have the Pioneer DVR-650H in stock. This is the same as the 550H but with a 250GB Hard Drive.

The store I visited had 2 unopened 550H's in stock but the display unit was a 650H.

The Pioneer DVR-550H-K is now also available at BB in Canada (http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10088439&catid=22494).

http://www.bestbuy.ca/multimedia/products/large/10088439.jpg (http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10088439&catid=22494#)

I don't know about Pioneer, but I know that LG has released a new HDD recorder (LRH-890) in Canada for $500CAD ($450USD). Unfortunately, it doesn't have an ATSC tuner since Industry Canada isn't requiring them yet.

That new LG model doesn't have S-video inputs at all now so I will never buy it!

I just returned from the Edmonton NE Future Shop and they have both the 550 and the 650. The model numbers above are correct accept I believe that the K was a B on both units.

The units are Black in color with the same white remote as last yr and look like last yr's 640/540. I just bought a 640 last week for $349 at BB. Future Shop did not have any of these new units on display and there were no prices shown for the units. I wanted to talk to a salesman and get prices etc but there was not one salesman around at all. They have 1080p upscaling via HDMI but I could not find out from the box if there is a DV input for this yrs model.

The cheapest priceon the 640 was for $299 on clearance maybe 2 weeks ago.

The cheapest priceon the 640 was for $299 on clearance maybe 2 weeks ago.
640H still costs $299 @ bestbuy on cambie today, and I saw an open-box that costs $269.

I wish I were closer. I really want one. Am in the US in California. Drats!

I live in Ontario, and the only 640H in the FS / BB system seems to be right here in Peterborough for $472. The best they will do is give me 10% off because it's an open box. They are unmoved by the fact that it's selling for $299 in Vancouver BB.

So I phoned the BB Vancouver Cambie store, and after much dancing around finally got to speak to someone who could confirm that they still had the units for that price. I wanted to order one straight away, and asked for the shipping charges to Ontario. The guy told me that I should order it online, but it's not listed online. He said they have a company policy not to take phone orders, because they require that CC orders be signed physically. So someone has to come into the store.

I'm contemplating having a friend in Vancouver pick me up a unit, but then i can't use my CC and I have to figure out a way to get the money to the friend. Very frustrating. Maybe I'll just wait and buy one of the new models, perhaps the 650 with its 250GB HD when it goes on sale.

640H is no big deal. Buy the newer one if I were you

They're now both on the Pioneer site in Canada, which is http://www.pioneerelectronics.ca/pna/product/album/compare/0,,32171715_32252751,00.html



Here's the DVR-550H-K

Multi-Format 160GB HDD DVD Recording and Playback with HDMI and 1080p DVD Upscaling

http://www.pioneerelectronics.ca/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_3442/457433468DVR-550H-K-lg.jpg (http://www.pioneerelectronics.ca/pna/product/detail/0,,32171715_32252751_457433468,00.html)




Here's the DVR-650H-K

Multi-Format 250GB HDD DVD Recording and Playback with HDMI and 1080p DVD Upscaling

http://www.pioneerelectronics.ca/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_3442/457433472DVR-650H-K-lg.jpg (http://www.pioneerelectronics.ca/pna/product/detail/0,,32171715_32252751_457433472,00.html)

Thanks for the info. Best Buy Canada has the Pioneer 550 model on sale for about US$439, thanks to the price spike in the value of the Canadian dollar over the past 4 weeks. Having to go to Canada to buy a half decent DVD HDD recorder sounds bizarre to me. Almost like there is an electronics Prohibition act being enforced by the FCC, sans a constitutional amendment.

Can't anyone in the US government do anything right? No need to reply, the answer is all around us.

The Pioneer DVR-650H-K is now up on both the BB (http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10088440&catid=22494) and FS (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10088440&catid=#) sites.

The Pioneer 650 and 550 are both on sale at FS, $529 and $449 respectively (I saw them in the store today). The BB website shows the 550 at 449 ($20 off), but still shows the full price of $549 on the 650.

The 550H is on sale this weekend at FS for $400.

Has anyone bought one of these machines yet? Care to post any reviews?

How does it compare to the 640HS?

There are a couple of those Customer Reviews on the FS site (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10088439&catid=).

Sweet Recorder, 6/22/2007
Reviewer: John, Edmonton
Very nice component. I actually bought the DVR-650H-k which has the 250GB hard drive and second usb connection but other than that it's the same. It has a similar set up to my old DVR-531h-s in the way of all of the menus and such but the jukebox is a great add-on over that old one. It can burn Dual layer discs, but not copy them in the duplicating copy menu. Not a big deal but I was hoping it would. Edits commercials seamlessly without any loss of sound going in and out. I was worried that the remote signal would have changed but the 575 vcr code from my Bell PVR still controls it fine. All in all it's a solid piece of machinery, I would say it is worth the price tag.

Nice recorder, 6/20/2007
Reviewer: D G, Calgary
Bought this along with a Pioneer player. Both great. This one connected to a 32 in HDTV and Express Vu satellite. Some pros and cons versus Express Vu PVR - of course does not have guide that PVR does but you can still schedule auto channel changes on sat and timed events on Pioneer. Program names show up to some extent though not qutie a nicely as with Express Vu PVR. Nice preview of recorded content. Also very simple to display DVDs full of JPGs taken by your digital cam in slideshows. Can copy content to HDD and make simple copies of your own DVDs. Play xvid encoded avis from your internet collection. Overall like this one very much.

Thanks P. I'd already read those reviews. Still on the lookout for other reviews - two is better than none but more would be helpful :)

Apologies if this has already been answered: does anyone know whether a Pioneer 550hs or LX60 purchased in the U.K. will work in the U.S (aside from the power supply - 220volts)? From the Pioneer Europe Web site, it appears they support NTSC. Aside from the voltage issue do you think the two models would be able to connect to my Timewarner cable box and record shows here in the U.S? I'm just thinking that if the model works in Canada it should work here - unless the Canadian models (550h and LX60) broadcast/tuners are modified for Canada. Many thanks for your reply.

Apologies if this has already been answered: does anyone know whether a Pioneer 550hs or LX60 purchased in the U.K. will work in the U.S (aside from the power supply - 220volts)? From the Pioneer Europe Web site, it appears they support NTSC. Aside from the voltage issue do you think the two models would be able to connect to my Timewarner cable box and record shows here in the U.S? I'm just thinking that if the model works in Canada it should work here - unless the Canadian models (550h and LX60) broadcast/tuners are modified for Canada. Many thanks for your reply.

I don't have experience with the machines in question, so this is general info. They use PAL for broadcast in the UK, and NTSC in the US and Canada. So, unless the unit has two tuners, one PAL, and one NTSC, it could not tune Canadian or US TV. But, if you are sure it will work in Canada, it will work in the US, now. But when analog broadcasts end, it will only be able to tune analog cable.

Apart from tuners, international models may have only one species of tuner, but be able to playback PAL and NTSC. Also, record both types of signals through line inputs, or from disc, but don't convert, so PAL in, PAL on the HDD or disc, NTSC in, NTSC on HDD or disc.

Apologies if this has already been answered: does anyone know whether a Pioneer 550hs or LX60 purchased in the U.K. will work in the U.S (aside from the power supply - 220volts)? From the Pioneer Europe Web site, it appears they support NTSC. Aside from the voltage issue do you think the two models would be able to connect to my Timewarner cable box and record shows here in the U.S? I'm just thinking that if the model works in Canada it should work here - unless the Canadian models (550h and LX60) broadcast/tuners are modified for Canada. Many thanks for your reply.Why would you want to purchase one from over there when you can easily get one right here, from www.world-import.com or www.bhphoto.com?

And yes - with the voltage adapter they will record from any external tuner just fine. The Pio's they sell record and playback both NTSC and PAL, and work here and in Canada.

Rammitinski and kjbawc, thank you for your replies - informative. Rammitinski, you're absolutely right...I now know B&H and worldimport have attractive hdd recorders that might suit me. Thanks.

Is it possible to program a timer recording to say record a show at the same time every week day? It appears the 550h only allows individual timer recordings Easy Timer). So to record a show that is broadcast at, say, 5 p.m. weekdays, I'd have to program 5 separate timer programs - instead of one program that would activate at 5 p.m each weekday. Anyone know whether ther's a way to do a single programming for this? Thanks

Absolutely. See page 42 of the manual. Use the up / down arrows on the remote. Highlight the date field then by using the arrows you can select any day/date or "every mon, every tues, etc."

Something might be wrong with my recorder because I don't seem to be able to highlight the date field (or Rec Mode - I have to preset the recording mode before selecting Easy Timer from Home Menu). What is the firmware/region code for your unit? Are the remote's "shift" keys used in date/rec mode setting? Otherwise, how is shift used? Can the timer recording be set for other thtan 15 minute segments (e.g. a show that starts at 7:10 or 3:35, etc.)? Thanks. R/James

Something might be wrong with my recorder because I don't seem to be able to highlight the date field (or Rec Mode - I have to preset the recording mode before selecting Easy Timer from Home Menu). What is the firmware/region code for your unit? Are the remote's "shift" keys used in date/rec mode setting? Otherwise, how is shift used? Can the timer recording be set for other thtan 15 minute segments (e.g. a show that starts at 7:10 or 3:35, etc.)? Thanks. R/James
You're using the wrong timer setup menu.

Go to Home Menu > Timer Recording > Timer Recording > New Input. That'll give you a more complete setup screen. Set Ch, then in Date field, use the DOWN arrow to select the frequency (Daily, Weekly, etc.), If you arrow UP in the Date field, you'll get a one time recording based on a single date.

My unit only offers two options for Timer Recording (via Home Menu): Easy Timer and GuidePlus. So it must be the firmware of the device? On the firmware screen, I noticed under region it is "14" (don't really see a space between the 1 and 4 but it could mean "1" and "4") - thought there were basically only regions 1 - 6. Seems odd that the unit wouldn't be able to allow auto frequency for timer recordings. Any thoughts? Thank you.

My unit only offers two options for Timer Recording (via Home Menu): Easy Timer and GuidePlus. So it must be the firmware of the device? On the firmware screen, I noticed under region it is "14" (don't really see a space between the 1 and 4 but it could mean "1" and "4") - thought there were basically only regions 1 - 6. Seems odd that the unit wouldn't be able to allow auto frequency for timer recordings. Any thoughts? Thank you.
Are you sure... look again at Home Menu > Timer Recording. On that screen, the 1st item listed should be "Timer Recording" (again), along with Easy Timer and Guide Plus... press Enter on the 2nd "Timer Recording" and the timer list with "New Input" should appear.

I think you might be missing the 2nd "Timer Recording"???

James10s - are you sure you have the time set right? On the international models, the time should be set as "day/month/year", rather than "month/day/year" like here in the U.S.

James10s - are you sure you have the time set right? On the international models, the time should be set as "day/month/year", rather than "month/day/year" like here in the U.S.

The Canadian version of the Pioneer isn't considered to be an "international" model. Canada uses the exact same format as the U.S. (mm/dd/yy).

Wajo, I am missing the 2nd timer recording option - I only have two (GuidePlus and Easy Timer). (Also, I was wrong - in Easy Timer, I can change the recording mode and line input.) Rammatinski, I'll check that I've set up the day/month/year correctly and report back later. Thank you.

Wajo, I am missing the 2nd timer recording option - I only have two (GuidePlus and Easy Timer). (Also, I was wrong - in Easy Timer, I can change the recording mode and line input.) Rammatinski, I'll check that I've set up the day/month/year correctly and report back later. Thank you.
Wow, maybe they incorporated all timer set options in the Easy Timer menu. Did you try arrowing down in a date field, if there is one. That's the way the full menu works... arrow down for repeating events, arrow up for a single date???

I have the 550h, and the timer recording function is well explained on page 42 of the manual. It includes the "easy", "vcr +" and "detailed timer recording" methods. I purchased mine in Canada from Future Shop.

Mine was purchased in Dubai by a relative and is international (?). It indicates region 14 (might be 1 and 4?) - don't know if that's significant. The clock is in the 24-hour format (not sure if it's a user option and can be changed to 12-hour) and will check the date format (whether it can be set to U.S. format mm/dd/yy and if that makes a difference). Perhaps the unit is only capable of guideplus and easy timer recordings (without repeat frequency option), which will be too bad. The manual does not show a third (timer recording option). Will double check later.

The Canadian version of the Pioneer isn't considered to be an "international" model. Canada uses the exact same format as the U.S. (mm/dd/yy).He didn't say he had the Canadian model for sure. The similar international model is also know as just the 550H.

Unless he trucked on up there and brought one back, I was figuring he might've ordered the other from a US outfit.

It looks like I have the European version (bought in Dubai) which only allows timer recording if I set it to PAL (by selecting 625 lines instead of 525 for U.S./Canada). Apart from timer recording issue, the pioneer works very well so far. A Big If but I wonder if I were to somehow obtain firmware for the canadian model whether it would enable my pioneer to function like the Canadian models -with the three options under timer recording so that I can set daily, weekly timers, etc. So it looks likes like the end of the road for me on this.

Does anyone have firmware for the Pioneer DVR-550H or 650H (Canadian models)? Maybe I should start a new thread with this question?

Does anyone have firmware for the Pioneer DVR-550H or 650H (Canadian models)? Maybe I should start a new thread with this question?
See if this is what you need. (http://pioneerfaq.info/index.php?question=Firmwares)

Thanks, I'd not seen that. Unfortunately pioneerfaq doesn't have firmware for the Canadian 550H. I sent a PM to Hkan on forum videohelp. I have firmware for the European 550H and I asked him whether I could try installing firmware from the Canadian 550H on my unit. If it didn't work, it sounded like I could restore my 550H to original firmware.

The European 550H picture quality is very good (to my eyes), but (in the U.S.) I only have access to "Easy Timer" (and very basic functions only). If I save a timer recording, there's no way to see what I've scheduled. Also no way to set up daily or weekly timers. So if I want to cannot erase a timer. I contacted Pioneer Europe (U.K.) and they said if I want to program daily/weekly timers to user the unit in the Europe.

james10s,

this may seem silly but are you sure you've tried EVERY button on the remote and tried EVERY backdoor thru the "Home" menu? These Pioneers always seem to have two or three ways of doing everything, there's a chance you still might be able to reach the standard timer program. I have noticed in different US models over the years that when I confuse mix up the remotes there may or may not be a dedicated button that brings up the complete program timer on a given recorder. Sometimes, I have to dig thru the "Home" menu for access to the full program timer. This almost always works, I'd be very surprised if there was no back door at all via the home menu. It would have been very foolish of Pioneer to only include the Easy Timer option on the Dubai model, but if that's what they did I suppose you're stuck with it.

I contacted Pioneer Europe (U.K.) and they said if I want to program daily/weekly timers to user the unit in the Europe.Smart a$$es. :rolleyes:

Yeah, that's funny that I have never heard of anyone complain of that problem before. And I think there are a few of the international model owners around here - although a "Dubai" model could be completely different. Dubai's in Asia, not Europe.

The only issue in the World Import international models I ever heard brought up was that m/d/y difference I mentioned.

Citibear and Rammitinski, thanks for your replies. I think it is a European model (manual, firmware, etc). I have a pioneer dvr-530h and interestingly enough that recorder has a eject (open/close tray button) that is missing from the 550h remote. The 530h remote's open/close button opens/closes the 550h's tray. I'll play around with the 530h remote and see if it opens up any other menus in the 550h. But I'd really like to tray firmware from the Canadian/U.S. 550h and see if that enables my unit to have the "proper" timer recording function. But obviously that's hard to find. I have the backup firmware to restore my unit -from the European Pioneer website. Thanks.

So if I go to Toronto and buy one of the many DVD-HDD units being sold there (LG, Pioneer, Sony) and bring it back into USA, how many laws have I broken?

From what I've read, none. It is legal for you, the end consumer to do this, just not a business for resale. Note you may?? need to pay some type of duty at the boarder, just as you would with any larger purchase. You might also want to go the route of Worldimport.com They sell international Pannys and Pios w/hdd's and no trip to Canada or worrying about import duty's. Just another thought.

So if I go to Toronto and buy one of the many DVD-HDD units being sold there (LG, Pioneer, Sony) and bring it back into USA, how many laws have I broken?

Jeff is correct. One thing to remember is that these companies will probably not honor the warranty for a Canadian recorder brought to the US.

Do the Canadian Pioneer models support line 21 closed caption playback and recording? That difference from international Pioneer HDD/DVD recorders is a lot more important than the date display format.

From what I've read, none. It is legal for you, the end consumer to do this, just not a business for resale. Note you may?? need to pay some type of duty at the boarder, just as you would with any larger purchase. You might also want to go the route of Worldimport.com They sell international Pannys and Pios w/hdd's and no trip to Canada or worrying about import duty's. Just another thought.
When my uncle bought me the EH55, he told the border people on both sides and they just waved him through with no fees, OR hassle. I don't know if they are consistent about that, but he had no issue.

Do the Canadian Pioneer models support line 21 closed caption playback and recording? That difference from international Pioneer HDD/DVD recorders is a lot more important than the date display format.I can't claim with absolute certainty about the current models, but my Canadian Pioneer 533, 633 and 640 recorders record and play back closed captions. I'd be very surprised if the current models don't.

One thing to remember is that these companies will probably not honor the warranty for a Canadian recorder brought to the US.
I don't kow if this is anything to be concerned about, BUT, the warranty card that came with the EH-55 my uncle bought for me in Canada told me to send it to the US repair facility for service. That being the case, I suspect that they'll honor the warranty. No promises.

Yes, but the EH-55 was sold in the US, and so the repair facility would be expecting to see them, but if they ask to see the receipt and it's from a Canadian retailer, that might cause a problem.

The Pioneers currently sold in Canada were never sold in the US, and so the repair facility will not be expecting to see them. Plus we all know how picky Pioneer is about honoring their warranty; it must be from an authorized dealer.

www.world-import.com

lots of nice toys, pricey though...

________________________________

Not so long ago, the NYC Camera stores were notorious for selling Grey Market goods. These were basically the same US models but were to be sold overseas. Even though they were the same model, warranty repair in US was usually VOID. Stores like Smile took care of the warranty repairs.

Now for actual overseas models, I would think this would be a no-brainer for stores that deal in Grey Market stuff. But, I haven't heard about this anywhere so I'm thinking it isn't being done which I find hard to believe.

So has anyone actually bought a DVR-460, 560, or 660 yet?
Any significant differences from other recent Pioneer DVRs?
Anyone tried to upgrade the hard disk in the DVR-460 yet??
thanks!
--Gary

Um, yeah, Gary, quite a few people have posted experiences re the Pio x60 models here on AVS: for awhile now. Maybe you missed them because the comments sometimes turn up in unrelated threads, but the info is out there for sure. Between my own experiences with a buncha DVR-460s, and reports culled the past year or so from owners of the 560 and 660, here the short & skinny on 'em:

The 460-560-660 are identical in performance to the previous years 450-550-650 models. The major difference appears between the 450 and 460: the 460 adds USB and DV ports on the front panel, while the 450 has neither- nice upgrade on the 460. The 560 is identical to the 550/460 except adds a bulit-in (and already obsolete/non-upgradeable) Gracenote database so it can auto-title any older CD tracks you might rip to its HDD jukebox. The 660 is identical to the 650, but again adds the Gracenote database and it also is the first-last-only Pioneer recorder to include an ethernet port for connection to computer networks. No one has reported getting anything useful whatsoever from this connection, the PC interactivity doesn't really work, so it isn't worth knocking yourself out to find or pay extra for the uncommon 660. The 450-460-550-560 all have 160GB hard drives, the 650/660 have 250GB.

All these machines have the same encoders and burners so overall video/audio performance is equal, i.e. they are the best Pioneer recorders ever made. The only functional difference between the x50 and x60 models, aside from the Gracenote on the x60s, is the larger black remote on the x60 models which some people prefer to the small white sliding-door remote of the x40/x50 models. The x60 remote includes an eject button and all functions are exposed: no sliding cover. OTOH the new buttons are much smaller and the remote on the older models feels a little sturdier. Also, the jukebox functions work slightly better on the x60 than they do on the x50: the jpeg, mp3 and DiVX features are merely annoying to use on the x60 models, on the x50 they were tedious and really annoying to use.

The upshot for x50 owners is theres no reason to upgrade to an x60, unless you have the 450 and really need to connect a USB keyboard or DV camera, in which case you'd benefit from the newer x60 models all including USB/DV ports. As far as upgrading to larger hard drives, it is not recommended to attempt this unless you absolutely must due to a dying or faulty original HDD. Unlike the earlier x40 EIDE series, the x50 and x60 use SATA connections for the hard drive, and there appears to be a firmware lock that limits the recorder to only recognizing its original HDD capacity: if you install a 500GB or terabyte drive in a 550 or 560, it will initialize as 160GB. As yet no one has figured a way around this and there may not be one: other machines with HDD capacity caps, like the Panasonics, Sonys and old Toshibas, have proven impossible to hack.

Thanks for all the info!
Too bad about the hard-disk-size lock. This would seem to be a very good reason to prefer the x40 models, no? Except for the 'Gracenote' database which I don't intend to use, there are really no advantages to the x50 and x60 models?
thanks!
--Gary

The performance differences between the x40 models and the x50/x60 series are subtle. They range from invisible to quite noticeable depending on your source material and how picky you are about video quality. Having owned a a 510, a 520, a 531, a 450, a 640, and a 460 (and having rebuilt/serviced many more), I would say the x40 series is the most dubious in video quality. Don't get me wrong, the 540-543-640 North American models were very nice overall: rock reliable, easily upgraded to larger HDD, and pretty decent recording quality. But the x40 makes noticeably inferior recordings if compared directly with its predecessors or followup models using the same source material.

Its hard to explain, but the x40 seems to drop a scrim over fine details: unless the source is fantastically sharp, the x40 will inevitably render a somewhat softer and homogenized version of the original. In practice I find this quite useful with the more rotten noisy cable channels: the x40 will smooth over harsh blocky edges and even-out blotchy color in poorly transmitted material. But it is almost impossible to get a tack-sharp recording of really great broadcasts with an x40: it always disappoints a bit. I've recently discovered it works much better recording from ATSC converter boxes like the Zenith DTT901 or Channel Master CM-7000: these are captured perfectly by the x40 encoders, much more clearly than the x40 captures from cable box decoders.

The earlier 510 , 520 and 531 models are almost too sharp, especially via their analog tuners, but connected to a cable box they are significantly better than the 640 or 540/340. Ditto the later 450 and 460 machines: they use a different, upgraded 12-bit video encoder that captures consistently more detail than the 10-bit encoder in the 540/640. The x50/x60 are more suited for cable box recording and dubbing VHS tapes, they give more natural-looking results than the somewhat artificially-smooth x40 encodes. Of course, when I'm not maniacally comparison testing, the day-to day difference between x40 recordings and x50/x60 recordings is not so dramatic. The later machines are not hugely sharper, their recordings just look a tad more natural. The x40 falls just short of the mark, the x50/x60 somewhat exceed the mark. Its interesting to note the x40 sticks out as a not-particularly-sharp dvd player: this exaggerates the slight softness issue inherent in x40 recordings and makes it look much worse than it actually is. If you often think your x40 dvds should look a lot better, try playing them in a dedicated DVD player instead of in the recorder itself: you'll be pleasantly surprised to find your x40 DVDs contain more detail than you thought they did.

I have a 660 and find the usb port useful for the keyboard support. I use an early Gyration wireless keyboard for title entry.

I found the ethernet connection useful for finding CD titles. It seems to search the Gracenote DB on the internet for titles.