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LG LRH-780 : User Report

post #1 of 45
11/13/06 at 7:32pm
Thread Starter 
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
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post #2 of 45
11/17/06 at 6:03am
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.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Toronto_Geek View Post

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
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post #3 of 45
12/7/06 at 5:57am
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.
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post #4 of 45
12/7/06 at 8:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by justafan View Post

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.
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post #5 of 45
12/7/06 at 7:26pm
Thanks JeffWld.
I haven't tried yet, but do you know if a dual layer disc allows 2 hrs in XP mode?
Thanks.
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post #6 of 45
12/7/06 at 8:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by justafan View Post

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.
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post #7 of 45
12/8/06 at 3:54pm
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?
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post #8 of 45
12/8/06 at 7:54pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by justafan View Post

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
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post #9 of 45
12/10/06 at 4:50am
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
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post #10 of 45
12/19/06 at 4:25pm
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 .
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post #11 of 45
12/19/06 at 4:43pm
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.
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post #12 of 45
12/19/06 at 5:03pm
I found the manual, but I don't see any place where it states that you can record in DIVX.
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post #13 of 45
12/19/06 at 5:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by saleem23 View Post

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
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post #14 of 45
12/19/06 at 5:06pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by justafan View Post

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
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post #15 of 45
12/19/06 at 5:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by justafan View Post

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
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post #16 of 45
12/20/06 at 7:12pm
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.
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post #17 of 45
12/20/06 at 7:17pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by justafan View Post

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

TG
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post #18 of 45
12/20/06 at 7:30pm
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.
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post #19 of 45
12/22/06 at 8:39am
Toronto_Geek & wabjxo, thanks for the links!
I appreciate your help.
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post #20 of 45
12/25/06 at 11:33am
hEY GUYS just got this recorder for xmas. pretty good i think.

Quote:


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.
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post #21 of 45
12/25/06 at 12:44pm
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).
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post #22 of 45
12/25/06 at 1:16pm
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!
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post #23 of 45
12/25/06 at 4:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ncaahoops View Post

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:

Quote:


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.
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post #24 of 45
12/25/06 at 5:22pm
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.

Quote:


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
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post #25 of 45
12/25/06 at 8:52pm
found the manual, finally. see next post for link, stupid 5 post minimum limit before allowing weblinks
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post #26 of 45
12/25/06 at 8:53pm
The manual for the LG LRH-780/790 is here:

http://ca.lge.com/en/products/mobile...=03&gcscId=BVD
For "Product" select "DVD&VIDEO&SET TOP"
For "Model No." select "780"
Click "SEARCH"
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post #27 of 45
12/26/06 at 8:02am
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.
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post #28 of 45
12/26/06 at 10:07am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by justafan View Post

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
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post #29 of 45
12/26/06 at 11:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by batkinson001 View Post

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) :-)
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post #30 of 45
12/26/06 at 3:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by justafan View Post

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.
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