Now Available: Tech Talk Podcast with Scott Wilkinson, Episode 19 Click here for details.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjeff /forum/post/15457388
Someone else (citibear) should be able to answer your first question, but if your Pio is unrepairable and you have anyway to get Canada or have a Canadian friend, I'd strongly suggest going the Canadian Pioneer route. I don't think you'd be satisfied with the current HDD less Pannys.![]()
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1103462
Quote:
Originally Posted by CitiBear /forum/post/15458476
Do-it-yourself hard drive replacement usually fails on the Pioneer 533 and 633, occasionally it succeeds on the 531. Overall the track record is not encouraging on the 2005 models. There is no harm in at least trying the pioneerfaq tips, you can't damage the unit any further and you might manage to fix it enough to run another few months or a year.
The Canadian Pioneers are superb units, far more reliable than the accursed 531-533-633. If you would rather replace your faulty machine with a new model, do not hesitate to pick up a 450, 550, 460, 560. I don't recommend second-hand USA model 640s, because they sell for insane prices. Any of the newer Canadian models equal or surpass the 640 they are based on, there is nothing specific to the 640 that merits the going used rates on eBay. However, all the newer Pioneers eliminate the TVGOS timer system, which was the achilles heel of the 531-533-633 but also a big selling feature. If you must have TVGOS, the only machines that truly had a good version of it were the Panasonic DMR-EH55, 75 and 85. These are discontinued and very expensive if you can find one. With the phasing out of analog TVGOS this February, they really aren't worth it unless you have DirectTV or another system that converts/passes the TVGOS signal to older recorders.
Avoid so-called "international" models of Panasonic and Pioneer if you can. These are OK but overpriced, and can entail some difficulties in setup and repair (if forced to choose among these, I'd pick the Panasonic EH67). For what they cost, though, importing a Canadian Pioneer is a better deal. Hell, if you live anywhere near the border Canadian Pioneers are a steal right now: all stores are having liquidation sales in anticipation of new spring models, assuming Pioneer actually announces any (Pioneer is the last remaining seller of DVD/HDD recorders in Canada, along with Phillips-Magnavox in the USA they are the only options left in North America). There is also a Pioneer-based Sony RDR-HX780 in Canada, but it is a new model with teething pains.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CitiBear /forum/post/15458476
(Pioneer is the last remaining seller of DVD/HDD recorders in Canada, along with Phillips-Magnavox in the USA they are the only options left in North America). There is also a Pioneer-based Sony RDR-HX780 in Canada, but it is a new model with teething pains.
Quote:
Originally Posted by asunc /forum/post/15468484
Any pointers on where to learn the best way to intgrate with my Comcast STB for scheduling recording?