Magnavox 537, 535, 533, 515, 513, 2160A, 2160, 2080 & Philips 3576, 3575 - Page 215

OK I got into the 123 and 321 skip screens. I think it's not acting normally because of the defective DVD drive. When I do the skip followed by the code it just takes me to a different channel. I was finally able to get into skip screens by pushing eject and then quickly pushing V.skip followed by the skip code.
DVD-WR time is 0:00 DVD-RD time is 57:14 and CD is 0:00
The firmware with 123 was the same as reported in Wajo's sticky as being a 2160a.
One thing I didn't report before was the HDMI control feature(I turned it on) works quite nicely with my Sony LCD for automatic input switching not to mention automatically turning my TV on(when I push play on the 2160a) and the 2160a off when I turn my TV off (who needs one of those fancy Harmony remotes)

My first J&R 2160 also came with that plastic wrapping material--very hard to cut open. My second J&R 2160 had a larger outer box with the extended service contracts in a padded envelope loose in the outer box. The sealing tape to the Magnavox boxes had not been disturbed.

With the 2160 now out of stock and your 2160 with a bad DVD Drive, J&R may offer you a refund. You might be better off--after discussing your options with J&R--to call Funai concerning the problematic DVD Drive.

Interesting. I don't think my current HDTV (2007 model) has HDMI-CEC ability, but I'll have to keep this in mind for the future. I don't use Harmony remotes, either.

Wajo, I did try physically pulling the tray out and pushing it back in but it did make a rather loud grinding noise(I thought the same as you, if I could only get it to catch) unfortunately it just doesn't seem to move by itself other than the front opening a hair and the tray coming out the 1/2", I'll call J&R later today, I'm rather hesitant to open the cover since it does have the warranty sticker intact and seems to be attached rather well.
STG,
Not all TVs or devices have HDMI control, my '07 Panasonic LCD does as well as my '08 Sony LCD and my ('06)Panasonic ES-25 and ES-55 DVDRs and my ('08)Sony DVD player. My '09 Tivo HD does not My ('06)Vizio LCD also doesn't support HDMI control. I'm rather surprised at the compatibility of different brands using HDMI control, in the manuals it usually says it must be the same brand to work. My Sony TV also knows and reports I have a Magnavox HDR hooked to that HDMI input, I'm not sure where this comes from, but I'm assuming HDMI control. One more cool thing HDMI control does is, if I'm watching the 2160a and then turn it OFF, the TV will automatically switch inputs back to where it was before watching the 2160a. For example if I was watching channel 4.1 on the TV's tuner, after turning the 2160a OFF the TV returns to CH 4.1 on the TV. All in all quite handy if your TV/devices support it. I don't remember if the 3575 had HDMI control but I don't think so, and I've never used a 3576.

Very cool. I've been reading in the new PS3 Slim thread that people are getting its BRAVIA® Sync to work with many different brands of HDTV...not just Sony.

I don't know why, but I'm just surprised that Magnavox enabled the CEC communication in their HDMI port. I mean, obviously it does since your TV uses "Magnavox HDR" to identify it. All I can say is I'm impressed at what you can get for $160.

STG, pretty fancy posting the little R with the circle around it(after the word Bravia) as well as the "tm" after sync I agree, for the price the 2160 has lots of features
In regards to my bad DVD drive, J&R offered to send me a return pre-paid address label. Unfortunately they will no longer carry the 2160 I said I could wait until they got more in, but was told rather emphatically they will NOT be getting anymore.
I called the number on the box (1-800-605-8610) I think Funai, and was told I had two options. One would be to take it to a authorized service center (10 minutes away) and have it repaired for free under warranty. If they didn't want to service the machine I could then call Funai Corporate (1-888-290-0871) and they would then mail me a return address label to mail it back to Funai for repair. It sounded like they'd prefer I went the first route but again if they didn't want to fix it, corporate would.
Anyone have any suggestions? The gal at the authorized service center said I should just bring it in but the service guy was off for the long weekend. I'd really like to verify with him before dropping it off. The other option is to just call Funai Corp and say they just didn't care to look at it and get the free return label.
This authorized service center has been around for years (bought my first VCR their 27 years ago) but they do basically service all brands. IOW they may service everything but probably don't specialize in anything, it's somewhat a mom-and-pop place. Funai may(or may not) know more specifically about the machine, after all how in the heck did a machine that obviously has a bad DVD drive make it out the door Now it's possible Funai and nothing to do with the refurbishment and only paid a external company to do the work but if that's the case how do I know the same company might not get back my machine for similar refurbishment?
I hate to give it back to J&R, for $160 I feel it's a very good deal.
Thoughts?

If the warranty sticker is gone or all ready broken just try opening it and spinning the gear Wajo mentioned and it will probably cycle then work. I had to do that for my unit after it came back from having the dvd drive repaired. It was stuck closed and wouldn't open, just clunk then try and sit there. I didn't want to wait yet another month so I opened it and eventually figured out the side gear moved the drawer and got it cycled back and working again.
Mine had no warranty sticker on it anyways so not a problem here for me.
If not you'll be waiting however long it takes to get there, be verified broken, repaired, them sent back, probably a month.

I am in the same boat.

My J&R refurb 2160 came in today. All looked good from the start but when I started moving the unit around to get it in the position I wanted it the unit turned off. A little troubleshooting found that moving the component out cables at all caused the unit to shutdown.

I was also told by the J&R CSR that the 2160 was discontinued. They did offer to swap for a 2080 though.

I had the same options from Funai service only the nearest service center is 60+ miles away. I opted to send it back to Funai for service (in Ohio). We'll see what happens.

Sorry to hear about the problems, Jeff and Tom. Were you able to contain your laughter at the offer for a swap? Maybe if they offered to install a 500gb drive in the 2080...

The 2160 A that I received Wednesday is still working fine. After reading your horror stories I must be the lucky one this time. I can live with the disc edit problems and I am OTA so tuning hasn't been an issue.

I really appreciate this site and all it's contributors. I have found it very interesting and informative. Thanks.

Here is a somewhat out of focus view of the right side of the DVD Drive:

I wasn't interested in a 2080 but I assume they would have refunded the difference in price.

I question just how deep Funai digs through these things when the refurb them. The warranty sticker was intact so they never went inside.

Mine was an A, May 2009. It had 84 hours on the HDD and 5.24 hours on the DVD read. DVD write and CD were 0. It had two titles on the HDD, both PBS shows from KCET in Los Angeles.

Mine had 2 titles, one from WALA(Fox 10) Mobile/Pensacola and the other from WKRG(CBS 5), I think both FL. While it's possible they put a new warranty sticker over the cover I believe others have reported the warranty sticker was broken as received. Maybe I'll crack it open tomorrow, thanks for the photo Digado. BTW I wasn't offered a 2080 but I would have also declined the offer. Mine was basically new, except for the bad DVD drive.

Sorry for changing the topic for a moment, but I just tried to copy an old VHS tape of "The Muppet Movie" onto my 3576 HDD. No go. Copy protection flag came up. So I tried "March of the Wooden Soldiers" which I figured was a Public Domain movie, and that went without a hitch. I guess I'll have to invest in a Video Stabilizer so I can copy my other VHS tapes with 3576. (I'm starting with these kids movies first, cutting my teeth, so to speak, before I take on the few VHS movies I really care about, and my home tapes.)
Ghpr13

jjeff: take your mag to the repair center. The 'refurbishers' likely do an inspection for scratches, dents, loose connectors, etc, but don't check the machine for every operation.
The 'family business' that has been around for 27 years will do you right, as they must be doing SOMETHING right .. kinda like Smuckers - with a name like that....
They'll likely tell you they have to order a replacement DVD, which is what I'd want them to do. Perhaps the original owner had a small person around who like to pull, poke and prod stuff until told to "stop or I'll make you stand in the corner" who managed to mess up the DVD. I would avoid sending it back to Ohio if at all possible. Just less chance to get lost and damaged in transit.
That being said, you could slit the warranty sticker, remove the DVD and take it apart for inspection. Can you put it back together? Something either broke or slipped past a physical limit, or got the gears out of sync with the switches. Either way, you may be lucky enough to get it working or not. Your choice as to how you want to spend your time.
Just my 2 copper clads..
tom

Thanks tw, I think that's the route I'm going to go.

I did crack the cover (no way to get it apart without breaking the warranty seal, I even tried the old hair dryer trick but the seal kept trying to separate into layers. In the end I just ended up cutting it, I'll plead ignorance if it becomes a issue, I believe others have said their referb. came with the seal already broken
I couldn't see anything obvious with the drive in place, so I under took the somewhat difficult task of removing the drive from the machine. With the drive out I still couldn't see anything obvious, the gears seemed to move easily to a point. I did notice one broken cog of a white nylon gear lying under the drive, I couldn't find a gear with a missing cog though. After reinstalling the drive it worked exactly as before
I'm not sure if Wajo has documented the HDD before(he probably has I seem to remember) but as long as I had it apart I noted the following: It's a Hitachi 160gb Jan '09 mfg., it's rated 5v 420ma and 12v 700ma, SATA 3gb/s 7200 RPM.
My machine lists a March '09 mfg date.

The following is My personal review of the 2160a features and picture quality others opinions may vary.
Since the DVD drive is bad, my review is going totally off the HDD. Picture quality should be exactly the same for a given speed. Features are also limited to HDD playback and recording.

Likes: Seems quite well built, metal parts, looks nice next to my other equipment.
new icon, this is a cool feature where each title that hasn't been played has a handy new icon to easily identify if it's been watched or not.
Easy to start each title from the beginning or from where you last left off(resume).
Decent remote, well laid out, eject on remote, decent sized buttons.
The next feature is either a + or - depending on your preference, I think I like it though. On my other equipment when you have a S-video cable plugged in it automatically defaults to that input, no way to access the composite when a S-video cable is inserted. On the 2160a you can have both cables plugged in and you select which one you want to use, from the menu. It's not as easy as the automatic switching I'm used to but it does allow one to have both cables plugged in and easily switch between the 2. On my most used Panasonic I'm starting to get afraid I might wear out the S-video input from constantly unplugging and plugging it in(it's quite a tight fit).

Picture quality here's the controversial part, remember it's only my opinion, take the bad with the good or read no further. I tested using a commercial Monsters inc. DVD fed through a Sima CT-2

Previously I owned a Philips 3575 which I could not get it's contrast to work with my TV, it had what some have referred to as black crush, the blacks were way too black and the whites where way too white(adjusting the contrast/brightness did make it better but I was never able to totally correct this). I'm happy to report the 2160a did not have this issue, blacks and whites were just perfect on my 46" Sony 1080p LCD TV which is set to a neutral position for contrast and brightness.
HQ and SP picture quality were very good, basically as good as my best machines. I'd have no problems using this machine recording in SP which one is able to get something like 60 hrs. on the stock HDD.
As I noted when I tried the 3575 I did notice a big drop in PQ going down to the 2 1/2 hr speed(SPP). I believe SPP and above is 1/2 D1 resolution which I for one don't care for. 1/2 D1 is no worse than my Panasonics but what I like about Panasonic is they retain full D1 through the 4hr speed(should be 3hr but it's not).

As many of you know the disadvantage of full D1 on longer speeds is the potential for macroblocking(picture displays areas of small squares during high bit rate scenes). I didn't see significant macroblocking on the 2160a until the 4hr speed, on my Panasonics it becomes noticeable to me when one tries to fit more than about 3hrs per disc.
IMO macroblocking and resolution go hand in hand, you can't increase one without also increasing the other. With the drop in resolution on the 2160a it's able to decrease macroblocking on speeds above 2hrs but for that reduced macroblocking you also reduce your resolution. It's my personal preference to maintain full resolution to ~3hrs/disc, others may prefer the 2hr cutoff point that the 2160a has.

All in all I'm impressed with the 2160a and would have no problem recommending it. If one is recording from a noisier source than a commercial DVD, say analog or noisier cable(or even a noisy SLP VHS), you're probably better off dropping to 1/2 D1 on anything over 2hrs/disc. When I occasionally record off analog cable anything above(or at times even) SP looks like a macroblocking mess. I think I'll try and test the 2160a with a noisier signal to see how it handles it, I have a sneaking suspicion it may even be better than my Panasonics, more to come
Initial impressions recording off the built in tuner tuned to a quality HD broadcast are also good but I want to play around more before fully evaluating it.
edit: to expand on my last sentence

I did some more comparison recordings, this time using the 2160a's built in tuner, and feeding my Panasonic EH-55 I used a CM-7000 fed to it's S-video input.
I didn't notice a significant difference depending on the format of the recorded channel, that is differences were similar no matter if tuners were tuned to a SD or either of the HD formats. This is different than tests I have made with Panasonics line of DVDRs w/digital tuners where 720p channels recorded better than 1080i channels.
Overall the whole D1, 1/2 D1 was similar to my DVD tests. I just don't care for 1/2 D1 no matter what, it's just my preference. Personally on the 2160a I'd not use SP if I cared much about the PQ. With that in mind I concentrated mostly on the SP differences between my 2 test machines. Recording from DVD I didn't notice much if any difference between the two machines using SP, this wasn't the case recording from broadcast TV. While the 2160a did look quite good, if I closely analyzed the picture paying particular attention to small print the differences became quite obvious. On scenes where I could not read the small print on the 2160a I was able to read it on my EH-55. If I could just barely read the small print on my EH-55 I could not read anything on the 2160a. The lettering also seemed to stand out more on my EH-55 than the 2160a but I guess this would expected given the fact that I could see more resolution with my EH-55. I sure wish I could do screen shots like member bfdtv in the Tivo HD thread. They are so clear I'm sure they would show the difference. I did try using my digital camera pointed at my TV but the results were very dismal.
What to summize from above tests? If I had to guess I'd say since the line input SP recordings were very similar between the two test machines and since the tuner recordings differ, that the CM-7000(CECB external OTA digital tuner) is capable of more resolution than the built in tuner in the 2160a. Note for those not familiar with the CM-7000 it is generally regarded as the best CECB for sharpness, my guess is using a tuner like the Zenith DTT901(a very good tuner in it's own right but no s-video) would be quite similar to the 2160a.
Are the differences dramatic? I'd say no, but they are there. Is the EH-55 using a external tuner anywhere as convenient as the 2160a's built in tuner? Not even close IMO. Take from this last test as you want, I'm just reporting what I see. I still want to do some tests from a nosier analog cable connection but those tests will have to wait until later in the week.

[quote=jjeff;17118759]I got my 2160A today, DOA
It looked like new and was shipped in a brown 2160 refurbished box covered by a very thick plastic covering that IMO would have floated if dropped in water
It included all accessories (cables, remote, manual, batteries, etc.) I see no way one could tell from the outside of the box if it was a A or non A so it seems like Terrence at J&R was just shinning me on
Upon plugging in I immediately noticed the DVD drive door open and the tray came out 1/2" and stopped, I knew this wasn't a good sign
Setup went fine although I have one odd thing to note. ....

I tried manually moving the DVD drive in and out but could not get it to catch even with a disc in the tray, because of this I cannot report if the finalizing bug is present or not. I'll call J&R tomorrow to see about a replacement, I sure hope they pay my return shipping and won't be too happy if they don't. This was definitely DOA and I can't see how it ever made it past the refurbishment process
/QUOTE]


I received my 2160A model from J&R on thursday and the DVD drive is in exactly the same situation as jjeff's.

I sent an e-mail to J&R about it yesterday, I will see if I get any reply on tuesday when I return to work. If not, then I will call them. There is a "waranty void" sticker on the back that I don't want to disturb at this time in order to preserve my options.

My unit was made in March 2009. There was "0" for the DVD write register and "04" for the DVD read register. There were 150 hours on the HDD operation, and three recorded programs on the HDD.

I will see what J&R offers to do. Based on what has recently been posted, they will offer a refund as they apparently are scraping the barrel on these refurbished 2160A models. I may try to get it repaired at a local Funai authorized repair place, particuarly if I can drop it off myself instead of shipping it. Fortunately I bought this as a backup/future spare parts unit to the 2160 that I bought from Walmart in January, so I can afford to wait to get if fixed. The finalizing bug when the timer is set wont be a problem for me; I assume that it is there although like jjeff I don't have a chance to find out.

Like jjeff, I am surprised that this defect made it through the "refurbishment" process. I can understand how some of the more arcane menu functions may not be checked due to time constraints, but a DOA DVD drive??

The unit arrived in an original sized plain brown box with some black printing, with the unit packed in bubble wrap inside the box. There are no scratches or dents on the unit. The 2160 that I bought from Walmart had color graphics on the box and styrofoam inserts holding the unit.

Too bad to hear about your 2160a, sounds like our machines are even the same mfg. date
Our boxes came in a refurbished box instead of the retail box with the graphics. Mine was also bubble wrapped and as mentioned before and the outside of the box was wrapped in a almost indestructible plastic covering.
I don't think you'd gain anything by trying to take it apart yourself, at least I didn't find anything obviously wrong.
They listed several authorized service centers in my town but most were on a good 1/2 hr away, the one I'll take it to is only about 10 minutes.
It would be interesting to see what they bill Funai if they replace the drive. AFAIK DVD drives even for Funai machines retail over $100 and then there's the labor, I can't see how it would be profitable for Funai considering I bought the machine for $160. I don't know how much Funai got the first time(retail) but then they had to pay to get the things refurbished. No wonder companies are hesitant to stay in the DVDR market, doesn't sound very profitable to me

You guys really need to try spinning that one gear in the pics. If the gears aren't damaged it probably will cycle the drawer and the drive will then work, if not then send it off to get repaired. It did work for mine and saved me from having to send it in again.

I kind of know how you feel. I received my replacement H2080 because the first one was defective. It turns out this second one is defective too and the DVD tray does not come out. It looks like many defects can go through the refurbishment process. J&R told me that they will no longer carry the H2080 or the H2160 so I can't get an exchange. I'm going to just return it. My other H2160 that I bought is working fine though. I think I'm going to try the DTV pal DVR now.

Sounds like a real rash of bad DVD drives all the sudden
I really hadn't heard this problem reported much before
Funny they told you they no longer have the 2080, they offered a 2160 owner a 2080 not to long ago but I wasn't made that offer. You might also think of getting the 2080 repaired locally if you like it, it wouldn't cost you anything under warranty.

These are refurbished, which are often units returned to retailers. It could be one or two people, "borrowing them" from Wallmart, and doing something that breaks them.

yeah i could...it seems like a lot of trouble though. how did you find a local funai repair dealer closer to you that that wasn't listed on their website?

It could be but mine looked like new, nothing looked damaged from the outside but as I noted before I did see that broken cog of a gear lying under the drive


Actually Funai suggested it after I told them the first several shops they suggested were on the complete other side of town than me. After I said the last place suggested was pretty close (I guessed 10 miles) she came back and said it was something like 4.2 miles (10 min) according to her computer. Now I thought, but didn't say, why wasn't that place suggested in the first place? Oh well, maybe if one went to Funai's website they could see a nice map listing various authorized service centers near ones zip code?

A relatively cheap stabilizer will probably work for VHS but probably won't for DVDs. DVDs contain a flag which turns on copy protection in the player.

Get an old Apex player with the Loopholes Menu or a very early ReplayTV DVR.

Early Apex players often won't play DVD±Rs of various brands or types but Loopholes generally works great for commercial discs.

ReplayTV's that strip are RTV2001, RTV2003, RTV2004, and RTV2020 only. No Panasonics or other ReplayTVs. Scarce, but cheap on eBay, when you can find one.

I have a old Apex AD-800, you know the one with the Karoke feature and large navigation wheel on the unit. What is the loopholes menu? My Apex has tons of menus, many of which should probably not be user accessible, but I've never heard the term loopholes.
I know Apex did produce a DVD player that didn't pass on the macrovision signal but I think that was a older model than I have.
My Apex plays commercial and -R discs but not +R or any RW discs.