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Magnavox 537, 535, 533, 515, 513, 2160A, 2160, 2080 & Philips 3576, 3575 - Page 622

post #18631 of 23783
2/3/12 at 9:09pm
3 brand new MDR515H/F7 are currently being offered on ebay at approx $20 over Wally's published price. (Free shipping also included.) If you live outside CA, the sales tax savings and free shipping should bring this price to roughly what you'd pay buying from Wally.)
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #18632 of 23783
2/3/12 at 11:38pm
Thanks for the responses to my IR problem. I should send the unit in for repair, does anyone know what a internal IR repair would cost? Also, would 20 dollars be a good price for a brand new 513 remote?
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post #18633 of 23783
2/4/12 at 4:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdhdtv View Post

Thanks for the suggestion. I went direct into the Mag from the antenna and the signal went up from 15 to 28. But it still seems disproportionally low compared to what I'm getting on the Zenith. Are the numbers db or anything meaningful, or just relative?

It's a percentage, and from what I gathered here and on another local forum, it seems standard that the Mag shows a lowe number, but it also has a lower threshold as far as getting a "lock" on a channel. What I mean is, on my TV I won't get a good lock under 30%, but on the Mag I get a lock as low as 18...
Although I've had stations that come in at 73% on the TV, and 18% in the Mag... hard to explain but as long as I get a lock I don't care so much.

Try to go back a few pages and read all the discussion about OTA, as we've pretty much covered it and stopped the discussion because it was getting intrusive in a thread that's not meant for such content.

There are even indexed help files in the OP to cover the basics (don't go through a surge protector, etc)
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post #18634 of 23783
2/4/12 at 2:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by wajo View Post



Two NEW V513's in our household!



You gonna have to cut-out the ceiling since the stack keeps growing higher?

Z
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post #18635 of 23783
2/4/12 at 2:59pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by CO-Zman View Post

You gonna have to cut-out the ceiling since the stack keeps growing higher?

Gonna have all titling machines in main stack and putting other units away for a no-DVDR or broke-DVDR day.
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post #18636 of 23783
2/4/12 at 4:12pm
Front panel lights and info went out. Any fixes for this?
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post #18637 of 23783
2/4/12 at 4:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dobner View Post

Front panel lights and info went out. Any fixes for this?

Could you provide a little more detail?
For instance does the unit still operate normally other than the display?
Also, don't you mean Philips 3575, not Magnavox?
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post #18638 of 23783
2/4/12 at 4:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CO-Zman View Post

You gonna have to cut-out the ceiling since the stack keeps growing higher?

Z

funny,, AND so true...

Glad to know Wajo is playing, too, not just encouraging our excessive indulgences!

Good idea to put a few away - I have a few dedicated 'read only' models at this point (read only, til I back up the recorded shows) ... when I get a few days or months free (hahahaha) to do that, I plan to box them away.

Or not.
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post #18639 of 23783
2/4/12 at 7:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by artwire View Post

funny,, AND so true...

Glad to know Wajo is playing, too, not just encouraging our excessive indulgences!

Good idea to put a few away - I have a few dedicated 'read only' models at this point (read only, til I back up the recorded shows) ... when I get a few days or months free (hahahaha) to do that, I plan to box them away.

Or not.

Now that's funny ... most will burn their "keepables" to DVD as it fills ... you - buy another MAG

Time to set up that External ESATA dock.

Z
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post #18640 of 23783
2/4/12 at 9:18pm
Possibly operator failure.......
Three times I have tried to record to a DVD on both units.
I erased the RW DVD, and it showed I have 2 hours recording time in SP.
Tonight I wanted to record SNL to DVD so I could watch it in another room in the morning. Watched the unit come on with timer program for DVD record. The 515 went straight to record to the HDD. I can't find anything in the manual to answer my question. It could be right in front of my eyes, but I don't see the answer.
Could it be that I set the timer to record to DVD and then erased the DVD AFTER programming the timer?
I have had this take place on both the 515 & 513. I have only had these units for about 6 weeks so it is all still a learning curve.
I will try to schedule a mock record to DVD (blank) to see if this is the issue.
With DVD recorders I have used in the past and present, the unit always checks for record space before it starts recording.
Any insight would be great.
Have a great weekend guys!
Brent
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post #18641 of 23783
2/5/12 at 4:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brent Aucoin View Post

Possibly operator failure.......
Three times I have tried to record to a DVD on both units.
I erased the RW DVD, and it showed I have 2 hours recording time in SP.
Tonight I wanted to record SNL to DVD so I could watch it in another room in the morning. Watched the unit come on with timer program for DVD record. The 515 went straight to record to the HDD. I can't find anything in the manual to answer my question. It could be right in front of my eyes, but I don't see the answer.
Could it be that I set the timer to record to DVD and then erased the DVD AFTER programming the timer?
I have had this take place on both the 515 & 513. I have only had these units for about 6 weeks so it is all still a learning curve.
I will try to schedule a mock record to DVD (blank) to see if this is the issue.
With DVD recorders I have used in the past and present, the unit always checks for record space before it starts recording.
Any insight would be great.
Have a great weekend guys!
Brent

It's a feature that if you schedule a recording directly to DVD, and that time is more than can be stored on the DVD, the title goes to the HDD. You should see the record LED indicator blinking also. See post #1 for more data on recording to DVD. It has probably always been that way.

What is the HDD recording time for SNL on the HDD?
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post #18642 of 23783
2/5/12 at 5:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeKustra View Post

It's a feature that if you schedule a recording directly to DVD, and that time is more than can be stored on the DVD, the title goes to the HDD. You should see the record LED indicator blinking also. See post #1 for more data on recording to DVD. It has probably always been that way.

What is the HDD recording time for SNL on the HDD?

Hey Joe,

SNL is a 90 minute program. The RW DVD had 2 hours space in SP after I deleted the content on it. I played around with the 515 and 513 this morning. It seems that if you schedule a DVD record and the disc you put in has 30 minutes record time, if you "erase" the disc AFTER you scheduled the record to DVD it will default to HDD. If you put in a BLANK disc it will record fine to the DVD from the schedule.
It seems the first load of the DVD is stored and is not updated until you take it out and load it again, even if you delete the content.

Brent
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post #18643 of 23783
2/5/12 at 6:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brent Aucoin View Post

Hey Joe,

SNL is a 90 minute program. The RW DVD had 2 hours space in SP after I deleted the content on it. I played around with the 515 and 513 this morning. It seems that if you schedule a DVD record and the disc you put in has 30 minutes record time, if you "erase" the disc AFTER you scheduled the record to DVD it will default to HDD. If you put in a BLANK disc it will record fine to the DVD from the schedule.
It seems the first load of the DVD is stored and is not updated until you take it out and load it again, even if you delete the content.

Brent

All my guides for SNL indicate 91 minutes but that doesn't matter. I was curious if you tried to put more data on the DVD than specifications permit. Such, if you format a DVD-RW, then try to record 61 minutes of anything to it at HQ bit rate, it will be put on to the HDD automatically. I posted that in 8/2010. It's rare that someone runs into this feature. All the bits and bytes are tables in post #1.

As for "commiting" changes to the DVD, I'm not familiar how Funai makes that work.
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post #18644 of 23783
2/5/12 at 7:33am
Thank you for such a quick and thorough response to my questions. This is really a great forum. A ton of information.

One more quick question - where do you find the build date?

Thanks,

Douglas
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post #18645 of 23783
2/5/12 at 7:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brent Aucoin View Post

Possibly operator failure.......
Three times I have tried to record to a DVD on both units.
I erased the RW DVD, and it showed I have 2 hours recording time in SP.
Tonight I wanted to record SNL to DVD so I could watch it in another room in the morning. Watched the unit come on with timer program for DVD record. The 515 went straight to record to the HDD. I can't find anything in the manual to answer my question.

Make sure the record mode is set to SP in the timer recording menu. If you program a 90 minute show to record on DVD in HQ, it won't fit on the disc and will record to the HDD.
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post #18646 of 23783
2/5/12 at 7:41am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by copernicus0001 View Post

Thank you for such a quick and thorough response to my questions. This is really a great forum. A ton of information.

One more quick question - where do you find the build date?

On tag in bottom right back of unit.

FW Versions here.

Indexed list of help files here (bookmark for future use?).
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post #18647 of 23783
2/5/12 at 7:42am
Quote:
Originally Posted by copernicus0001 View Post

One more quick question - where do you find the build date?

The build date is on a sticker on the back of the recorder near the power cord.

See picture here.

Edit: wajo beat me to the answer again.
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post #18648 of 23783
2/5/12 at 8:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken.F View Post

wajo beat me to the answer again.

His response time averages so quick that I often wonder when he finds time to watch or record anything on all his DVRs, much less update help files. Maybe he uses one eye for checking email & help file updates, and the other for the TV(s).
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post #18649 of 23783
2/5/12 at 8:29am
Damnation. The 513 won't read my update disc

I followed the instructions carefully, the uncompressed files are 12,179 KB and the CD-R is finalized.

I got the "Disc Error - Please eject disc" message.
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post #18650 of 23783
2/5/12 at 8:35am
Well, I am just a beginner, but try burning a disk at slower speed.

fredfredfred
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post #18651 of 23783
2/5/12 at 8:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rxheaven View Post

The 513 won't read my update disc

What is your current firmware version, and what version are you trying to update to?
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post #18652 of 23783
2/5/12 at 8:56am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rxheaven View Post

Damnation. The 513 won't read my update disc

I followed the instructions carefully, the uncompressed files are 12,179 KB and the CD-R is finalized.

I got the "Disc Error - Please eject disc" message.

Some thoughts:

1. I'd first unplug the HDMI cable from the back of the Mag and try again. You said you had that plugged into a Marantz AV receiver and you were getting messages on update FW being available (from Marantz or someone besides Funai). Maybe even unplug any other output cables except coax???

2. START WITH SKIP 654 then, if you get a good upload, make sure you do the last steps in the instructions faithfully: unplug unit power cord to exit, wait 30 sec, replug power, turn unit on, disc tray closes in a few sec, only then are ALL steps in the upload process completed properly.

Still thinking....
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post #18653 of 23783
2/5/12 at 9:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by fredfredfred View Post

Well, I am just a beginner, but try burning a disk at slower speed.

fredfredfred

I already (preventively) went with the slowest 8X.

@KenF : 726H to 72A or 727V (both versions on CD-R), I was going to select 727V but the Mag wont even read the disc at this point...

@wajo : thanks, will try unplugging HDMI (no other outputs, and try with SKIP 654. I'll report back.
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post #18654 of 23783
2/5/12 at 10:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rxheaven View Post

726H to 72A or 727V (both versions on CD-R), I was going to select 727V but the Mag wont even read the disc at this point...

727V worked for me on CD-R. If it won't read the CD then something went wrong when making the disc. I can upload a .iso image of my CD somewhere if you want to try burning a new disc from a known good image.
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post #18655 of 23783
2/5/12 at 10:14am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rxheaven View Post

I already (preventively) went with the slowest 8X.

@KenF : 726H to 72A or 727V (both versions on CD-R), I was going to select 727V but the Mag wont even read the disc at this point...

@wajo : thanks, will try unplugging HDMI (no other outputs, and try with SKIP 654. I'll report back.

I'm now thinking you should prepare another disc with 727V only (skip the interim 727H I suggested earlier) and try again with 727V.

Since we don't know the DATE of the 726H/V FW people are seeing... my recently purch. 531's both had 72A... I wouldn't take a chance that 727H might be earlier dated than 726H/V!

According to Funai, we should never "downdate" FW and I'd be afraid that OEM FW 726H or V might be later dated than 727H... hopefully it's NOT later dated than 727V!
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post #18656 of 23783
2/5/12 at 10:31am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrmazda View Post

His response time averages so quick that I often wonder when he finds time to watch or record anything on all his DVRs, much less update help files. Maybe he uses one eye for checking email & help file updates, and the other for the TV(s).

I purposely watch for newbies to make sure I get them to see pg. 1 or at least a help file with the obvious buttons they can click for more info.

Only a few other people give newbies (or oldies for that matter) direct links to the help files to make sure they know they're available.
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post #18657 of 23783
2/5/12 at 10:36am
  • Quote:
    Originally Posted by Brent Aucoin View Post

    Possibly operator failure... Three times I have tried to record to a DVD on both units. I erased the RW DVD, and it showed I have 2 hours recording time in SP...

    Three times, the same DVD/±RW, both units? I ask because each time you load a DVD or DVD/±RW into a unit, it must do a 'LOADING Function', where you see white boxes progressing from left-to-right across the bottom of the screen.

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Brent Aucoin View Post

    ...Could it be that I set the timer to record to DVD and then erased the DVD AFTER programming the timer?

    Not exactly. I don't use DVD/±RWs much, but assuming low intelligence in the DVDR brain, I would tend to assume (yes, I know ASS-U-ME) it best to have the disk already cleaned off, EJECTed and re-LOADed, before OR after you set the timer.
    .
  • Quote:
    Originally Posted by Brent Aucoin View Post

    ...The RW DVD had 2 hours space in SP after I deleted the content on it. I played around with the 515 and 513 this morning. It seems that if you schedule a DVD record and the disc you put in has 30 minutes record time, if you "erase" the disc AFTER you scheduled the record to DVD it will default to HDD. If you put in a BLANK disc it will record fine to the DVD from the schedule.
    It seems the first load of the DVD is stored and is not updated until you take it out and load it again, even if you delete the content.

    You've 'somewhat' nailed it!
    .
    1. ERASE the DVD/±RW
    2. EJECT and re-LOAD it (to register the new 'Free Space' with the DVDR's brain)
    3. And you should be good-to-go.

    Personally, I would record the show to HDD then HSD it the next day to DVD/±RW.
    .
    • Less wear-and-tear on the DVDR's DVD laser (~22.5-25 minutes @ 4X vs 90 minutes @ 1X).
    • Less chance of missing the show due to a 'glitch' on the DVD/±RW.
      If the HDD has a 'glitch', it just uses another sector and continues recording; if the DVD/±RW has a 'glitch', it could possibly STOP.

    As an aside, I own a Panasonic DMR-EZ-17 and two Magnavox 2160As. I just started HEAVILY using the EZ-17 for its 'Maintain Full D1 Resolution over 2 Hours' FR capability:

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by jjeff View Post

    Prior to '06 Panasonic used 704x480 for full D1, from '06 and beyond they've used 720x480 like I believe everyone else.
    I'll limit my responses to '06 and beyond Panasonics(which will cover your EZ-17).
    For all speeds (including FR) through LP Panasonics maintain full D1 resolution. The slower the speed the lower the bitrate. A starved bitrate can cause macroblocking in areas of fast movement or with a noisy signal can cause general macroblocking everywhere. After LP(4hr speed) including FR set for more than 4hrs Panasonics drop to 1/2 D1. EP set to 8hrs also drops the audio quality but again maintains 1/2 D1 at a reduced bitrate from EP6...


    I record PBS shows, like Downton Abbey, Sherlock, Santana Live at Montreux, etc... @ HQ on a 2160A, edit out the 'non-show' parts (except for the narrator portions), and then transfer two or more episodes to the EZ-17, trying to stay at or below the '3 Hour Point'. It's a LOVELY marriage the way the two DVDRs compliment each other.

    [Back on topic]

    I believe (Due to my recent blunder with Super Eye , I don't trust my short-term memory much anymore ) that after I FINALIZE a DVD, the EZ-17 automatically EJECTed and re-LOADed it and then presented the 'Finalized' Menu. I haven't tried erasing a DVD/±RW in a Mag - I'll usually use ImgBurn and my $25 PC DVD burner to save laser write time on the precious DVDR lasers.

    Each manufacturer has their own unique set of 'Quirks'. Once you learn about them, usually the HARD WAY , the workarounds become second nature to you.
Good Luck with your new 'Toys'!

Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)
Spoiler  
Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)
It's nice to see a few folks 'Experimenting' with the formatting Tags. Not QUOTE'ng an *ENTIRE* post and highlighting the specific point(s) you're answering seems very logical to me. LIST is also much cleaner than manually numbering sets of information - i.e. it indents.

P.S. to CitiBear: ~90 minutes
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post #18658 of 23783
2/5/12 at 11:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ClearToLand View Post

I haven't tried erasing a DVD/±RW in a Mag - I'll usually use ImgBurn and my $25 PC DVD burner to save laser write time on the precious DVDR lasers.

If you erase or format a disc in your PC the Magnavox will automatically format it again and build the title menu when you first load the disc. It's a quick process that only runs for a few minutes. The automatic formatting does the same thing as the "Erase Disc" function in the Disc Edit menu so I usually just use that to erase discs.

Edit: See Using DVD±RW Discs for more information.
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post #18659 of 23783
2/5/12 at 11:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by wajo View Post

Only a few other people give newbies (or oldies for that matter) direct links to the help files to make sure they know they're available.

I should do that more often.
See Post #1 for more information.
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post #18660 of 23783
2/5/12 at 12:14pm
Can you all tell me if you have had a problem with the 515h hesitating when fast-forwarding DVDs? It's happening on mine and it's getting to be really annoying, not being able to smoothly fast-forward a disc. I don't know if this is normal for this model or not.
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AVS › AVS Forum › Video Components › DVD Recorders (Standard Def) › Magnavox 537, 535, 533, 515, 513, 2160A, 2160, 2080 & Philips 3576, 3575