| |
| |
|
Hardware Information |
|
|
|
DVD Recorders: Getting Started
IMO, these sd work 'like a VCR' as far as recording and playback. There are models w/ harddrives, VHS players, etc. built in, but to me that's overboard. Bells and Whistles The VHS option is not bad, but you most likely already have one you can plug into the inputs of the DVD recorder. I have a DVD recorder for archiving TiVo shows as opposed to accessing my TiVo from my PC. This is nice because it means I can also archive VHS tapes, camcorder tapes, etc. w/no extra work. I do have a TV card in my PC so I can do this, but using the DVD recorder is easier. My motto is: buy what you WILL use and not what you CAN use. I've bought lots of things that CAN do a lot, but in reality I don't use all the extra features. Not in all cases, but in this case, I say pass on the bells and whistles. Again, there are models w/ all types of features, but if you buy one that is a DVR, DVD recorder, VCR, TV tuner all in one and one part breaks, it's all broke. Realize Something About Technology Remember - this is new technology and will only get better and cheaper. If you buy the top of the line today, it's going to be out of date and/or cheap tomorrow. Test the waters w/ a 'good' model and upgrade when the time is right. Editing Your Recordings Chances are - you won't. It's a pain for the most part and usually requires DVD-RAM or DVD-RW discs to do it and they're more expensive. If you have a lot of free time for this, you're a rare person. I was looking for this type of solution in getting ready for having a baby and I knew I wasn't going to be sifting through and editing hours of video. If you're really interested in editing, look in to PC options. Pinnacle, ArcSoft, Adobe, etc. - they have good solutions for that. DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW DVD+R and DVD-R are like VHS and Beta: they're both ok right now, but eventually we'll probably land on one or the other. It seems to be leaning towards DVD-R which tend to be less expensive also. Many recorders and players do both, but cost more. I say save some money, pick one (probably DVD-R) and move on. If you pick the wrong one, chances are in a couple years you'll be buying a new one anyway. Moreover, you'll probably be able to get a cheap one w/ a built in converter or two trays to duplicate one to the other. DVD-RAM and DVD-RW are the rewritable types. They're more expensive and for my purposes aren't worth worrying about. My Recommendation I got the Panasonic DMR-E55K: It records to DVD-R like a VCR. I don't use it to record live TV so I don't use VCR+, but it has it. Also, it has TimeSlip which lets you watch something while it's recording (start recording "24" at 8pm and start watching it from the begining at 8:20 to speed thru commercials like a TiVo). Again, I don't use this, but it has it. Plain and simple, it records my TiVo, camcorder, digital camera (RCA cable output), VCR, etc. to DVD - that's what I want it to do and that's what it does. It's easy, creates a good menu w/ thumbnails and my chosen titles, it's a name brand w/ good reviews and was fairly cheap (there was a rebate at the time). Also, it plays CDs and mp3 CDs w/ a good interface so not only does it replace a CD player, but since you can put so many songs on one CD, it replaces a CD changer. An interesting trick: If you have a digital camera w/ RCA cable output, you can hook it directly into the dvd recorder and create a quick slide-show dvd. Many cameras even have a slide show function built in! You can use the sound from a music channel, CD, etc. Summary If you're going gung-ho into all the nitty gritty about DVD recorders, you're either just starting here or haven't bothered to read this far. If you're looking for a good, relatively cheap solution to digitize your tapes, archive TiVo, etc., I recommend the Panasonic DMR-E55K. Bear Cahill is a software engineer in the Dallas, TX area and runs a few websites: The Armchair Geek (thearmchairgeek.com), Webpage Hosting Info (webpagehostinginfo.com), Go To College Online (gotocollegeonline.com) and The Video Exchange Community (videoexchange.org) Publish freely if this resource box is included and links maintained as links.
MORE RESOURCES:
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Testing Capacitor-How To Test A Capacitor When Breakdown Under Load Have you ever come across power problem where once you switch on the power supply and the fuse blow? You have checked all the components in the power (primary) and secondary section and all the components seems to be ok! Where is the fault? A fuse blown are usually caused by a shorted bridge rectifier, defective posistor, power transistor or FET, shorted primary winding of switch mode power tranformer, shorted secondary diode and etc. But in this article i'm gone to show you another secret of electronic troubleshooting tips. How To Choose The Best Student Laptop? How To Choose the Best Student Laptop?Merchants are singing those three magic words again, 'Back to School' and the fallout is everywhere!Just as you're getting your deep dark pre-cancerous tan going -- you hear those words -- and it spells the end of summer. Once again we are bombarded with advertising, featuring the latest in 'teen ware' 'school ware' and 'metal detector ware'. Looking for Information on CD Duplication and Replication? Time is one of the most important things we have that we are always short on. One way to maximize your time is to have the most up to date technology available. Setting up a Network -- Wired or Wireless? To Wire or Not to Wire Wireless networks are en vogue, but your installation won't be successful unless you chose the right type of network and set it up properly. Wired networks require that each computer be connected via a wire to a central location, called a switch or hub. DVD ROMs DVD CD ROMs have become predominantly the most used CD drive for desktop and notebook computers. They are very reliable and now come as a standard in most computers. Video Display Video displays are most recent technique used in both outdoor and indoor environments.Video displays are used to display live actions at either sporting event, cultural show, or any industrial event. A Look at Laser Toners Laser toner is the ink for laser printers. It is an extremely fine synthetic powder (usually plastic) packed into a cartridge. The Constantly Changing World of Inkjet Technology We have finally advanced to a time when technology can greatly improve graphics and printing. The technology we have at our disposal now is so advanced we are able to produce inkjet printers capable of printing proofs so accurate they can actually represent the end product. A Guide To Bar Code Reader Downloads Bar code readers have proven themselves to be essential tools in modern day business. Establishments, both big and small, have started to rely on bar code readers to make their operations quicker, more convenient, and more efficient. How To Choose A Computer Case Things to Consider When Choosing a Computer CaseIn the past, computer cases were all very similar? Clones of the same boring, beige box. With all of the choices available today, this is no longer the 'case', and people can use their systems' chassis as a means to express themselves and to set their system apart from the rest. You Can Prevent Computer Slowdowns & Issues Most people understand preventive maintenance like changing the oil in your car will help your car run better and last longer. The same principle holds true for your PC. Which Notebook Computer Has Your Name On It? Notebook Computers Are Sexy!Granted, the notebook computer may just be the sexiest accessory this side of a Baywatch Extra! But are they worth the extra money? Should your next PC be a notebook or laptop computer?What are the pros and cons of owning a notebook computer? More importantly, which notebook is best for you?There's no denying it -- notebook computers are sexy! Slim, svelte and lightweight; they always come across as looking sexy, the ultimate in high fashion accessories.Maybe sexy isn't the most appropriate word -- we are talking about chips, hard drives and bits of metal. Preventing Tape Drive Failure Contrary to popular belief, tape drives are generally robust and reliable. However, there are three common mistakes that people make that dramatically increase the probability of tape drive failure. Throw Away The Fax Machine - A Guide To Online Fax Have you ever felt like throwing the fax machine out the window? Well you may not know it but you can, but not literally please.There have been services available for some time which allow you to take your fax needs online and save yourself the hassle of wrestling with the fax machine. How To Format A Hard Drive Here's how to format a hard drive (Legal Stuff: We are not responsible for any damages, lost data, or anything of the sort).. Refurbished Laptops are the Real Deal! Laptop computers have found usefulness as portable media devices.Even refurbished laptops can be used as DVD players, stereos, and recording devices. Learn to Find Cheap Laptop Computers on the Internet Cheap laptop computers are coming to a store near you. In fact, there are many there already. What You Should Know Before You Buy Computer Equipment You will have many factors to consider when deciding on which computer equipment to buy. The bewildering amount of choices can seem overwhelming. Laptop Computers and the PVP Effect! Roll over lumbering desktop computers, the limber laptop is here, and it's here to stay! For a while now notebooks have outstripped their ageing desktop PC siblings, easily winning the gold medal in the computer sales olympics. We will illustrate how the PVP effect has contributed greatly to the increase in popularity of notebook computers. Three Must Have Accessories For Notebook Computers An Optical MouseNotebooks are normally equipped with touch pads which can be awkward. There's no substitute for the mouse.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 Indexadvertisements.com |
