AVS › AVS Forum › Video Components › DVD Recorders (Standard Def) › Magnavox 537, 535, 533, 515, 513, 2160A, 2160, 2080 & Philips 3576, 3575
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Magnavox 537, 535, 533, 515, 513, 2160A, 2160, 2080 & Philips 3576, 3575 - Page 89

post #2641 of 23752
1/13/09 at 11:08am
Thread Starter 
GPZ4189, if your blanking continues, I'd certainly try a Monoprice HDMI cable, and don't fret their low price... virtually everyone posting here that's used them swear by their quality, regardless of their low price.

FYI: All 3 of my Vizios are YCbCr compatible. Your commercial discs should look awesome since they're produced with Digital Component video, or YCbCr... digital source to digital TV!

(YPbPr is Analog Component Video.)
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #2642 of 23752
1/13/09 at 11:14am
Cons are:
1. No USB
2. No DivX or WMA
3. No digital optical (not sure if this is input or output)

I understand the digital CC as much time was spent explaining on the thread (also understand the value in not stopping the recording erroneously by pressing the button by mistake). However, can someone please share what the other features are as I don't know whether or not I will need these for my application.

I have already spent many hours researching and want to order a unit already. Also, I understand that there are also other HDD units out there like models from Pioneer (460 or 560), LG (RH387-M) and Sony (HXD790, 890, hX680, 780). Are any of these units even worth considering? Thanks for any help you can provide.
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post #2643 of 23752
1/13/09 at 11:24am
Thread Starter 
First Time Buyer, in addition to the things you mentioned (digital coax audio is output), here are a couple more:

1. 2160 has Autostart Recording, which means it's recording all the time (6-hours) in the background. While autostart is recording, press Pause and the live program pauses until you come back and press Play (no other buttons pressed) and the program picks up where you left off... a simpler version of Pause Live TV as on the 3575/3576.

To watch and/or record something already saved temporarily to the HDD (behind the point you're watching), press REW, PREV or REPLAY buttons to go back to a spot you want to watch or record to HDD permanently. When you go backwards, a menu appears to indicate where you're at timewise, as shown below. Press REC and you'll start recording and be in Chase Play mode, where you can watch, FF, etc. to go to any forward point in the autorecorded title.



2. One user, DigaDo, has reported that the 2160 has a faster high-speed dub (HSD) than the 3576, which to me is very good news. My 3575's are relatively slow in HSD compared to my Pio 640.

When buying the 2160, I'd get an extended warranty since the original one is 1-yr-parts and 90-days-labor.

Might be other notable diff. that others might add?
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post #2644 of 23752
1/13/09 at 12:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by First Time Buyer View Post

I have read most of the 89 pages related to this thread, though I may not remember it all. I am a novice and have the following questions.

First, I assume that I can purchase both the Phillips 3576 and the Magnavox 2160 without any availability issues. Second, I have reviewed the differences between these two models. However, I do not understand the implications of the differences. The pros of the 2160 include:
1. 2nd S video input
2. Records digital closed caption
3. Auto clock menu searches both analogue and digital
4. Need to hold "STOP" down for 2 seconds to stop recording (instead of press only).

Cons are:
1. No USB
2. No DivX or WMA
3. No digital optical (not sure if this is input or output)

I understand the digital CC as much time was spent explaining on the thread (also understand the value in not stopping the recording erroneously by pressing the button by mistake). However, can someone please share what the other features are as I don't know whether or not I will need these for my application.

I have already spent many hours researching and want to order a unit already. Also, I understand that there are also other HDD units out there like models from Pioneer (460 or 560), LG (RH387-M) and Sony (HXD790, 890, hX680, 780). Are any of these units even worth considering? Thanks for any help you can provide.

I have both the 3575 and 2160 (both excellent machines). The 2160 has been a tireless workhorse for me. I have created over 150 DVD movies from DirecTV HD (both SD/HD). PQ is not BR but is better than Commercial VHS HQ. My 2160 is also connected to my PC which for me makes editing easier. IMO one of the best AV products produced very versitile.
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post #2645 of 23752
1/13/09 at 12:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by auskck View Post

My 2160 is also connected to my PC which for me makes editing easier.

Would you care to elaborate on that.
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post #2646 of 23752
1/13/09 at 1:25pm
I just wanted to comment on a feature I noticed that doesn't seem to be mentioned anywhere.
Timed programs are automatically sorted by date and day of the week regardless of the order they're entered.

I was pleased to find this out since I started to add several weekly programs haphazardly. It would have meant a jumble to scroll through if the player wasn't smarter than I am.
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post #2647 of 23752
1/13/09 at 1:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by LekaLeka View Post

Anyone have a fix?

If you really want help, it would probably be helpful if you stay in one forum, and describe your situation.
  1. What model do you have?
  2. How long have you had it?
  3. Is it under warranty?
  4. Have you always had the problem with the channel list disappearing?
  5. Is your recorder on cable or an antenna(OTA)?

If you are on cable:
  1. Who is your cable company?
  2. Did you start losing the channel list when you first connected the recorder to the cable?
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post #2648 of 23752
1/13/09 at 1:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kelson View Post

Would you care to elaborate on that.

Sure no problem, I have a OnAir Gt. This is how I connect to the PC
DirecTv HD HR22 reciever
H2160
OnAir GT
Desktop PC with available USB port

DirecTV svideo and audio connected to H2160
H2160 svideo out and audio connected to OnAir GT
OnAir GT connected to PC via USB cable
OnAir GT comes with cables and software (support is good)
Link to AVS thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...695589&page=84

Link to OnAir GT
http://www.autumnwave.com/index.php/...uners/onair-gt

The OnAir GT has many uses, very versatile little box
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post #2649 of 23752
1/13/09 at 2:24pm
Hello..I happened to come across this forum while researching hdd/dvd recorders. We currently have the Toshiba model listed in the title of my post. It is four years old and only has an analog tuner. We don't have cable or satellite and have been using it to record tv programs. We recently purchased a digital tv...but in February the Toshiba hdd/dvd recorder will become obsolete. My husband tried hooking up a conversion box to it but that didn't seem to work very well...recording would be a hassle with timing, etc. Is there a way to make it work?? It just kills me to replace a $400 unit after only four years.
We are now comtemplating buying the Philips dvd3576h...they are still available but most are refurbished models...which makes me wonder if there were a lot of problems with the unit.
Any comments will be appreciated!
Thanks!
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post #2650 of 23752
1/13/09 at 2:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jolam View Post

Hello..I happened to come across this forum while researching hdd/dvd recorders. We currently have the Toshiba model listed in the title of my post. It is four years old and only has an analog tuner. We don't have cable or satellite and have been using it to record tv programs. We recently purchased a digital tv...but in February the Toshiba hdd/dvd recorder will become obsolete. My husband tried hooking up a conversion box to it but that didn't seem to work very well...recording would be a hassle with timing, etc. Is there a way to make it work?? It just kills me to replace a $400 unit after only four years.
We are now comtemplating buying the Philips dvd3576h...they are still available but most are refurbished models...which makes me wonder if there were a lot of problems with the unit.
Any comments will be appreciated!
Thanks!

Very difficult to tell with the limited information you provided, conversion box, Model of the Toshiba (pointer to online manual)
3575/76 and Magnovox h2160 are great boxes. You current model should work connected to a OTA digital tuner box.
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post #2651 of 23752
1/13/09 at 2:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jolam View Post

Hello..I happened to come across this forum while researching hdd/dvd recorders. We currently have the Toshiba model listed in the title of my post. It is four years old and only has an analog tuner. We don't have cable or satellite and have been using it to record tv programs. We recently purchased a digital tv...but in February the Toshiba hdd/dvd recorder will become obsolete. My husband tried hooking up a conversion box to it but that didn't seem to work very well...recording would be a hassle with timing, etc. Is there a way to make it work?? It just kills me to replace a $400 unit after only four years.
We are now comtemplating buying the Philips dvd3576h...they are still available but most are refurbished models...which makes me wonder if there were a lot of problems with the unit.
Any comments will be appreciated!
Thanks!

Have you looked through the this thread for your model Toshiba?
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post #2652 of 23752
1/13/09 at 2:46pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jolam View Post

Hello..I happened to come across this forum while researching hdd/dvd recorders. We currently have the Toshiba model listed in the title of my post. It is four years old and only has an analog tuner. We don't have cable or satellite and have been using it to record tv programs. We recently purchased a digital tv...but in February the Toshiba hdd/dvd recorder will become obsolete. My husband tried hooking up a conversion box to it but that didn't seem to work very well...recording would be a hassle with timing, etc. Is there a way to make it work?? It just kills me to replace a $400 unit after only four years.
We are now comtemplating buying the Philips dvd3576h...they are still available but most are refurbished models...which makes me wonder if there were a lot of problems with the unit.
Any comments will be appreciated!
Thanks!

Lots of NEW 3576's here.
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post #2653 of 23752
1/13/09 at 2:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jolam View Post

My husband tried hooking up a conversion box to it but that didn't seem to work very well...recording would be a hassle with timing, etc. Is there a way to make it work?? It just kills me to replace a $400 unit after only four years.

One option to keep using the Toshiba might be to get a DTV converter box that has a "VCR" timer in it. The timer allows for power on/off and channel changes. You would have to set the Toshiba timer for just the time and the converter box for both the time and channel. A bit of a pain maybe but it should work.

The Zinwell ZAT-970A DTV converter has this feature.
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post #2654 of 23752
1/13/09 at 2:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by wajo View Post

Lots of NEW 3576's here.

Hi wajo, I'm still banging out 1 or 2 movies a day with the H2160 library has grown to over 100. Still nothing on the US market to match these machines.
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post #2655 of 23752
1/13/09 at 3:01pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by auskck View Post

Hi wajo, I'm still banging out 1 or 2 movies a day with the H2160 library has grown to over 100. Still nothing on the US market to match these machines.

My 3575's have been fabulous and fun! My "test unit" has gone thru hell and keeps on ticking!

I'm anxiously waiting for Walmart to get the 2160 back in stock... I hope to be the first one to order!
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post #2656 of 23752
1/13/09 at 3:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by wajo View Post

My 3575's have been fabulous and fun! My "test unit" has gone thru hell and keeps on ticking!

I'm anxiously waiting for Walmart to get the 2160 back in stock... I hope to be the first one to order!

All the 3576's on SAM's Club auction went for high 200s to low 300s
I think people had BIDidust.
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post #2657 of 23752
1/13/09 at 3:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by auskck View Post

Sure no problem, I have a OnAir Gt. This is how I connect to the PC
DirecTv HD HR22 reciever
H2160
OnAir GT
Desktop PC with available USB port

DirecTV svideo and audio connected to H2160
H2160 svideo out and audio connected to OnAir GT
OnAir GT connected to PC via USB cable
OnAir GT comes with cables and software (support is good)
Link to AVS thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...695589&page=84

Link to OnAir GT
http://www.autumnwave.com/index.php/...uners/onair-gt

The OnAir GT has many uses, very versatile little box

Thank you.
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post #2658 of 23752
1/13/09 at 3:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by wajo View Post

I'd try an amp first to see if your digital signal is too weak. If those channels hold, of course, then you're set.

If not, I'd do the easy "Hang-by-a-Thread" test to see if attenuating the signal helps the digital cable channels.

Buying my 3rd Vizio LCD proved to me that a cable signal can be too weak not only for an entire range of digital channels, but also FOR JUST ONE DIGITAL CHANNEL GROUP, i.e., the weak signal doesn't affect the entire digital channel range. Here's a direct link to my experience with the weak-signal-for-one-digital-channel-group experience.

P.S. Curious how you watch both cable and OTA... at diff. times with diff. channel scan, switch, or what?

One machine on cable, and the other using antenna!
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post #2659 of 23752
1/13/09 at 3:33pm
I want to thank everyone for posting such in depth info - There is a great amount of useful info in this thread and others.

I have been going through many pages etc, but have a question.

I was thinking of picking a 3576 soon and would be connecting to a Comcast box. I would be using the Comcast box as the tuner.

Can anyone share what experiences they had with a Comcast box in this regard?
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post #2660 of 23752
1/13/09 at 3:43pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by albert_m View Post

I want to thank everyone for posting such in depth info - There is a great amount of useful info in this thread and others.

I have been going through many pages etc, but have a question.

I was thinking of picking a 3576 soon and would be connecting to a Comcast box. I would be using the Comcast box as the tuner.

Can anyone share what experiences they had with a Comcast box in this regard?

You would be better to set the 3576 1st on the coax and let it see how many QAM channels it can receive "in-the-clear", then make a line connection between the box and the 3576 for recording channels only the box can tune (scrambled, premium, etc.).

You can then record one channel while watching another thru either the box's or TV's tuner.

That setup is shown in sketch 1b here.
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post #2661 of 23752
1/13/09 at 4:31pm
I tried to do some forum searching but didn't see this question addressed.

Since it has firewire are you able to hook it up to a Mac and transfer files one way or the other? I was thinking it might be nice to transfer my VHS to the Philips and then use iMovie and/or iDVD for the editing.
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post #2662 of 23752
1/13/09 at 5:01pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by magusxxx View Post

I tried to do some forum searching but didn't see this question addressed.

Since it has firewire are you able to hook it up to a Mac and transfer files one way or the other? I was thinking it might be nice to transfer my VHS to the Philips and then use iMovie and/or iDVD for the editing.

No, the USB connection on North American DVDRs are "dumb"... only good for playing some content, like JPG pics, MP3 and WMA files.

Auskck uses an "OnAir GT" to connect from his 3576/2160 (won't matter which) to his PC, as described here. Maybe it doesn't matter if it connects to a Mac?
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post #2663 of 23752
1/13/09 at 5:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by magusxxx View Post

I tried to do some forum searching but didn't see this question addressed.

Since it has firewire are you able to hook it up to a Mac and transfer files one way or the other? I was thinking it might be nice to transfer my VHS to the Philips and then use iMovie and/or iDVD for the editing.

I'm not familiar with the Apple, But if you have TV card or TV input device you should be able to make the connection.
***** Update ******
OnAir GT software is for Windows I don't know it the Mac will run it.
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post #2664 of 23752
1/13/09 at 5:30pm
Originally I was going to get a TV input device and hook my VCR up to my Mac. But then when I realized I needed to replace my analog VHS anyways by mid-February, that I might be able to kill two birds with one stone.

I was hoping I could connect the VCR to the Philips, have it digitize the program, and then I could transfer the file to the Mac via Firewire and edit the file on the computer. If that didn't work, could I record a program, transfer the raw file to a DVD-RW and then put it on the Mac? So, I wouldn't have to just burn every program before putting it on my computer.

wajo: did you mean the Firewire was dumb?
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post #2665 of 23752
1/13/09 at 5:44pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by magusxxx View Post

Originally I was going to get a TV input device and hook my VCR up to my Mac. But then when I realized I needed to replace my analog VHS anyways by mid-February, that I might be able to kill two birds with one stone.

I was hoping I could connect the VCR to the Philips, have it digitize the program, and then I could transfer the file to the Mac via Firewire and edit the file on the computer. If that didn't work, could I record a program, transfer the raw file to a DVD-RW and then put it on the Mac? So, I wouldn't have to just burn every program before putting it on my computer.

wajo: did you mean the Firewire was dumb?

Sorry, trying to watch Idol and check out posts... I meant the USB was dumb which is what that ONAir GT connects to... got ahead of myself... and confused... nothing new!

I think the 3576/2160 firewire connection only recognizes DV cameras?

Fact check, please... back to Idol!
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post #2666 of 23752
1/13/09 at 5:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by magusxxx View Post

Originally I was going to get a TV input device and hook my VCR up to my Mac. But then when I realized I needed to replace my analog VHS anyways by mid-February, that I might be able to kill two birds with one stone.

I was hoping I could connect the VCR to the Philips, have it digitize the program, and then I could transfer the file to the Mac via Firewire and edit the file on the computer. If that didn't work, could I record a program, transfer the raw file to a DVD-RW and then put it on the Mac? So, I wouldn't have to just burn every program before putting it on my computer.

wajo: did you mean the Firewire was dumb?

Just guessing not a Mac person, but if you buy a TV input device, most come with some sort of DVR capabilities(software). In that case you could watch/record TV, VCR tapes, etc on your Mac. Most DVR HDD are formatted with Linux the files are also encrypted. You would need software to access the linux files copy and decrypt them. There is probably a third party package out there some where but I've given up looking. I know Dish/DirecTv are getting closer to marrying their systems with PCs.
Hope this helped and not confused you
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post #2667 of 23752
1/13/09 at 6:10pm
FYI:
Anyone looking for a good online TV guide:
Titan TV
titantv.com
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post #2668 of 23752
1/13/09 at 7:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by auskck View Post

FYI:
Anyone looking for a good online TV guide:
Titan TV
titantv.com

I'll heartily second that. The Titantv online guide came as an accessory with the latest update to my PCTV HD DVR stick. It's a very good one.

So now I have two guides on my computer. The Slingplayer software also recently had a major upgrade which included a new real-time guide built right into the player. For those not acquainted with Slingplayer, it's the software associated with Slingbox, which I use to control and view my DVDR3575H remotely from my PC in the bedroom where there is no cable outlet. In fact it works anywhere there's a broadband internet connection. If not for the firewalls at work, I could even program the 3575 from there.
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post #2669 of 23752
1/13/09 at 7:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by stump69 View Post

I'll heartily second that. The Titantv online guide came as an accessory with the latest update to my PCTV HD DVR stick. It's a very good one.

So now I have two guides on my computer. The Slingplayer software also recently had a major upgrade which included a new real-time guide built right into the player. For those not acquainted with Slingplayer, it's the software associated with Slingbox, which I use to control and view my DVDR3575H remotely from my PC in the bedroom where there is no cable outlet. In fact it works anywhere there's a broadband internet connection. If not for the firewalls at work, I could even program the 3575 from there.

The price is right as well.
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post #2670 of 23752
1/13/09 at 7:23pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by stump69 View Post

So now I have two guides on my computer. The Slingplayer software also recently had a major upgrade which included a new real-time guide built right into the player. For those not acquainted with Slingplayer, it's the software associated with Slingbox, which I use to control and view my DVDR3575H remotely from my PC in the bedroom where there is no cable outlet. In fact it works anywhere there's a broadband internet connection. If not for the firewalls at work, I could even program the 3575 from there.

Wow, I know several people who I hope read this... they wanted to control their 3575/3576 from another room or on another level fo their house!

Is this SW readily available, and how does it work with the 3575, i.e., what "connection"?
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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