The Lite-On DVD recorder (LVW-5005)- -right price, right format

The experts say that recordable DVD will replace VHS when the DVD recorder prices are close to $200. The experts say that format-compatibility issues are still an unresolved problem. The Lite-On LVW-500 solves both of these issues.

I've always been a big believer in Consumer Reports magazine and generally follow their recommendations. They're always looking out for you the consumer.

In the Dec/04 issue (pp.18-19) Consumer Reports has this to say about buying electronics at Amazon. "In our survey, no retailer received topmarks across the board for price, selection, and service. Amazon.com did receive top marks in the categories in which it was rated-the only outlet to do so.....Consumer Reports readers gave Amazon.com very high marks."

For a quick view on pricing (Amazon's) and the links to their articles.

DVD RECORDER	PRICING	DVD Recorder Info
Lite-On LVW 5005	$$$$$	Read this page
Toshiba RD SX32	$$$$$	Toshiba Info
Yamaha DRX-2	$$$$$	Yamaha Info
JVC DR-MV1S DVD Recorder	$$$$$	JVC DR-MV1S Info
Apex DRX 9200	$$$$$	Unavailble

The Lite-On LVW-500 is the first DVD recorder that can write DVD+R/+RW and DVD-R/-RW, plus inexpensive CD-R/-RW discs for the handy VideoCD (352-by-240 resolution, 68 minutes of MPEG-1 on a 700-megabyte blank) and Super VideoCD (480-by-480 resolution, 34 minutes of MPEG-2) formats. A built-in tuner in this DVD recorder means that it's programmable for up to six hours of TV recording, while ample inputs allow for digital archiving of videocassettes.

You shouldn't have any trouble hooking up the Lite-On DVD recorder ( LVW-5005 ). It uses the RF input from your antenna/cable feed, plus RF passed through to the TV. Optical and coaxial digital audio outs are also provided.S-video and composite video inputs share the back panel with a single pair of analog stereo inputs; there's an identical configuration for the audio/video outs. Component video output to progressive-scan can be switched via the onscreen menu.

Follow the link to the Lite On LVW 5001 user manual. It's a similar model to the Lite On LVW 5005. As always give it a chance to load. It's a PDF file. Link to the Lite-On LVW 5001 manual .
The Lite-On LVW-5005 DVD recorder uses the All Write system to record and play back four of the major recordable and rewriteable DVD formats. The Lite-On DVD recorder (LVW-5005 ) is as simple to use as your VCR, with the extra step of finalizing discs so that they can play in other decks—a process that only takes about two minutes if the disc is full. (This isn't necessary with DVD+RW discs.)

This Lite-On DVD recorder uses the Easy Guider menu to get you burning DVDs in a short period of time. Pressing a button on the remote calls up the EasyGuider menu, from which you select the function you want to perform: play, record, format, or finalize. The deck recognized and formatted blank discs in about five seconds. Everything from "Insert Disc" to "Go!" is covered. This excellent guide makes the experience quick and stress-free.

Image quality, as always, is limited by the integrity of the original signal. Similarly as with other DVRs and DVD recorders the image is affected by the setting used: HQ for one hour of maximum-quality recording, SP for two hours, EP for four hours, and SLP for six hours. At its best quality the image is similar to good satellite TV or so-so DVD images. Bright text sometimes becomes difficult to read. In the lower-quality settings think hazy VHS picture. As with most of DVD recorders the higher-quality settings is a must.

Chapter markers on the Lite-On DVD recorder (LVW-5005) are automatically inserted at the default rate of every five minutes. You can use the Edit button before finalization for naming the chapters via a virtual onscreen keyboard. A simple disc menu is also created, pulling an early frame from each recorded program as a thumbnail to identify the individual titles.

These are the Lite-On DVD recorder (LVW-5005) deficiencies: The deck does not support 8.5-gigabyte dual-layer recording, which is expected to spread like wildfire this year. The Lite-On LVW-5005 DVD recorder lacks 2:3 pulldown detection — a video processing feature that reconciles frame-rate differences between film and video. The DVD recorder has a slow response to the commands punched into the handset.

The Lite-On DVD recorder’s real story is its painless multi-format and ease of use. The Lite-On DVD recorder (LVW-5005) is a great bargain, and it handles an impressive range of optical media. If you’re looking for a DVD deck that also serves as a CD recorder, this is the only one out there that fills the bill. Unfortunately this DVD recorder has no EPG to enhance your recording experience. You record the old-fashioned way----start/stop/channel approach.

If you're interested in buying the Lite On machine on the Internet I always suggest Amazon. They are one of the oldest, most trusted sources on the Internet and their pricing is competitive. You can find the Lite-On DVD recorder here.