Use the JVC DR-DX5S to copy a DVD to a hard drive

The integrated miniDV deck allows you to copy the video from the camcorder to a DVD and then to the hard disc. It's editing options allow you to edit the video but compared to the editing options you have on a computer the JVC DR-DX5S has a smaller number of choices. You should also take into account that this DVD recorder is not compatible with high-definition recordings on HDV camcorder.

The JVC DR-DX5S has an integrated hard drive with a capacity of 250 Gb. You can use the”retroactive recording” option, which allows you to record a program from the beginning, even if you have already seen half of it. The “chasing playback” option is also available so you can watch a program even if it is still being recorded.

If you need to copy a DVD to a hard drive the JVC DR-DX5S has various recording modes : from the Premium XP recording mode (50 hours of recording) to the EP mode (328 hours). The recording quality is good, even in LP or EP modes (although the quality loss in EP mode is tolerable IT IS noticable).

The JVC DR-DX5S has a nice set of editing options. With most types of media you can add or delete chapters, change or protect a title, create or modify playlists, so that you can edit a recording without changing the original one.

The deck is compatible with –R/-RW discs, DVD-RAM discs, and even dual-layer DVD-R discs (you can copy a dvd to a hard drive and vice versa), but is doesn’t work with +R/+RW discs. Videophiles will dislike the JVC DR-DX5S' lack of an Electronic Programming Guide and lack of an IR Blaster.

The JVC DR-DX5S has 6-way dubbing among the 3 decks. If you dub at the original recording speed, you can dub at high dubbing speed (from HDD to DVD). Unless you do this the dubbing will be done in real time, so it will take some time. You can copy a DVD to a hard drive without any problems. However there are other DVD/HDD recorders that offer more options.

The connectivity of JVC DR-DX5S is quite solid. The deck comes with 2 S-video outputs, 1–video input, a component video, coaxial and digital audio outputs and R/F inputs and outputs. It also has a FireWire input for camcorders and A/V inputs. However, a HDMI output and a component video input would have made the set of connections even better.

The JVC DR-DX5S has a very nice design, even if there is an integrated miniDV deck. The front of the unit is covered by a silver door, which makes it look stylish and simple. On the front panel you can find buttons for recording and playback, but you cannot control the menu without the remote. The remote control is very easy to use; it has 3 main buttons for HDD/DVD/miniDV modes. The interface is intuitive and easy to use.

Conclusion: This unit was designed to perform different functions: it can copy a DVD to a hard drive and vice versa. You can dub video from you camcorder to a DVD or the HDD. This miniDV desk, the high HDD capacity and the quality of the recording make JVC DR-DX5S a worthwhile option for many buyers.

Read the articles on other DVD recorders offered by JVC.

• JVC DR-MH200S DVD Recorder
• JVC MH30 DVD Recorder
• JVC-DR-MV1S DVD-Recorder-VCR
• JVC-DR-M10S DVD-Recorder