scuzzii Posted February 18, 2008 Posted February 18, 2008 After reading GAT474's post about his Marantz, and seeing it had a RGB output via Scart, I've been pondering whether or not to "add to the fleet". I have a Loewe Calida CRT TV and don't plan on upgrading to Plasma just yet. Therefore, HDMI, DVI and HD-DVD or BluRay aren't high on the agenda for me. I do have a RGB input via Scart option on the Calida though. Currently I'm using S-Video into Scart adapter from my 2 DVD's. I'm wondering if there is a DVD (pref HDD DVDR) with the following features: Scart RGB output Multi region can record DVD to HDD (my Sony doesn't do this for some reason unless via line input from another machine) can record NTSC (again, something my Sony doesn't do - although it can playback NTSC) DVD-A and SACD compatible (at decent quality). I generally look towards the mid-higher end of a range. This Pioneer caught my eye. http://www.binglee.com.au/Product.aspx?id=2385 Although the Pioneer site doesn't advise whether or not this player (or others) have RGB scart output... So, my question is, does anyone have suggestions on models I could look at with the above features as a minimum set of requirements?? Happy to consider SNA 2nd hand if someone is looking to offload a player as well.. No budget, will consider all suggestions. John EDIT: my current players are Sony RDR HX900 DVDR, Yamaha DVD1500
brumby Posted February 18, 2008 Posted February 18, 2008 I've got a Calida too, and I must admit I use a SVideo - Scart connector. You could try one of these on your existing player, scuzzi. Component to Scart (RGB) converter There may well be cheaper alternatives. Someone with more expertise should chime in here The European (Leowe, Metz, Grundig etc) DVD players had RGB Scart output. I'm pretty sure some of the not too expensive Denons did too. That was a few years ago, though. Not sure what's available nowadays.
scuzzii Posted February 19, 2008 Author Posted February 19, 2008 Thanks Brumby. That may well be an option. Mind you, if I come across a DVDR with scart RGB output and can record NTSC I might favour that player. For those who have a DVD recorder, can you dub from DVD to HDD just from the DVD disc in the player (rather than having the signal come in from another dvd player)? I'm sure I asked the sales guy whether my player could record NTSC and whether dubbing didn't require an external DVD player. Just one of those frustrations of mis-info.
Jake Posted February 19, 2008 Posted February 19, 2008 For those who have a DVD recorder, can you dub from DVD to HDD just from the DVD disc in the player (rather than having the signal come in from another dvd player)?[/b] Scuzzi, Ive got the Panasonic DMR-EX85, and no it wont do that. the only way to get something onto the HDD other than recording stuff is to take it out and hook it up to your PC. Also to high speed record from HDD to DVD I had to have recorded it in LP mode, but I dont mind that small caveat. Cheers, Jake
Jake Posted February 19, 2008 Posted February 19, 2008 Mind you, if I come across a DVDR with scart RGB output and can record NTSC I might favour that player.[/b] Regarding the DMR-EX85 Quote from a review (too tired from nightshift to get off the chair for the manual or to find it online...) The rear panel is fully connected with a full range of video output options. The inclusion of an HDMI digital output supports integrated video scaling using high-definition 720p and 1080i formats for the highest quality performance, especially from digital flat-screen displays. Alternatively, you can use analogue component outputs that support progressive scan video and there are two Scart terminals for standard users. Both Scarts have been considerately RGB-enabled for better performance, which means you can record from a separate device like a set-top box or your old VCR without compromising quality.[/b] I dont know about recording NTSC but I would be surprised if it didnt. Also, the Pana website says this model (12 mth old!) is now superseded. It was the pick of the bunh when I bought it and I reckon its brilliant. Cheers, Jake
Marine Posted February 19, 2008 Posted February 19, 2008 Most European DVD players/recorders should have Scart output it's still a popular connection method over there. Maybe you can look into importing a Euro version of whatever brand/model has the features you want. Having said that a DVDR with HDD but also with DVD-A/SACD playback might be stretching the feature set too far. If there is anything that has all those features I would be amazed if it actually had decent SACD and DVD-Audio playback, I think even decent Redbook playback would be a big ask.
scuzzii Posted February 19, 2008 Author Posted February 19, 2008 Thanks Jake and Marine. I've been looking at the Pana EX87 in the Pana range.. SACD and DVD-A are not a high priority as I have another machine for that anyway. I think you're right regarding the quality of that feature. Probably best left to what the DVDR are good for with scart and NTSC recording. The dubbing from DVD to HDD must be a restriction on all of them. Reading through my Sony manual recently (don't laugh), it was indicating it could. So FIIK....
scuzzii Posted February 19, 2008 Author Posted February 19, 2008 have downloaded the owner's manual for ther Pioneer 550. It has scart RGB output.. Haven't had a chance to look at whether it records NTSC and DVD to HDD yet but it looks promising.
2sheds Posted February 19, 2008 Posted February 19, 2008 After reading GAT474's post about his Marantz, and seeing it had a RGB output via Scart, I've been pondering whether or not to "add to the fleet".I have a Loewe Calida CRT TV and don't plan on upgrading to Plasma just yet. Therefore, HDMI, DVI and HD-DVD or BluRay aren't high on the agenda for me. I do have a RGB input via Scart option on the Calida though. Currently I'm using S-Video into Scart adapter from my 2 DVD's. I'm wondering if there is a DVD (pref HDD DVDR) with the following features: Scart RGB output Multi region can record DVD to HDD (my Sony doesn't do this for some reason unless via line input from another machine) can record NTSC (again, something my Sony doesn't do - although it can playback NTSC) DVD-A and SACD compatible (at decent quality). I generally look towards the mid-higher end of a range. This Pioneer caught my eye. http://www.binglee.com.au/Product.aspx?id=2385 Although the Pioneer site doesn't advise whether or not this player (or others) have RGB scart output... So, my question is, does anyone have suggestions on models I could look at with the above features as a minimum set of requirements?? Happy to consider SNA 2nd hand if someone is looking to offload a player as well.. No budget, will consider all suggestions. John EDIT: my current players are Sony RDR HX900 DVDR, Yamaha DVD1500[/b] scuzzi That's a pretty tough list of requirements - I can't find any options which will do all those . Don't get too hung up on the SCART connector. Remenber it's a connector and not an interface. I have connected RGB (and component - not the same as RGB) via RCA's at one end and SCART at the other a number of times. I'm wondering whether you are going to gain much improvement over your current models. cheers 2sheds
scuzzii Posted February 19, 2008 Author Posted February 19, 2008 scuzziThat's a pretty tough list of requirements - I can't find any options which will do all those . Don't get too hung up on the SCART connector. Remenber it's a connector and not an interface. I have connected RGB (and component - not the same as RGB) via RCA's at one end and SCART at the other a number of times. I'm wondering whether you are going to gain much improvement over your current models. cheers 2sheds[/b] Thanks 2sheds. I have found a few that are scart RGB out. I need this because my TV has scart only as input. The scart to RGB cables are only 1 way from what I've been told and that is Scart to RGB as the direction. I need RGB to scart as the direction for it to work with my TV. At this stage it is down to Pioneer 550 or LX60 Panasonic EX87 Still looking for other suggestions though. the Pioneer LX60 might be overkill as I don't need a digital tuner.
RichardN Posted February 19, 2008 Posted February 19, 2008 Hi John, Just thinking out loud, regarding the recording of DVD to HDD, I assume you mean a home recorded DVD rather than a bought one? I'm pretty sure you are unable to copy any commercially available DVDs. I have an older Pioneer (530) and can only copy to HDD as a backup as it keeps a copy on the HDD expecting you to write it to a blank DVD rather than view it from HDD. Richard
scuzzii Posted February 19, 2008 Author Posted February 19, 2008 Hi John,Just thinking out loud, regarding the recording of DVD to HDD, I assume you mean a home recorded DVD rather than a bought one? Richard[/b] Ummm, of course... I think that most are set up to prevent DVD to HDD for copyright protected DVDs.. Reading a few manuals for the current DVDRs it seems that if a DVD is finalised or copyright - you can't dub DVD to HDD.. What I also picked up on (which is obvious in hindsight) is that you can't mix NTSC and PAL on the same DVD when dubbing from HDD to DVD.. I'll have to separate my PAL porn from NTSC porn.. Just means I'll have to use an external source which is fine. I'll still have a 2nd DVD player that's not a DVDR.
RichardN Posted February 19, 2008 Posted February 19, 2008 Ummm, of course...I think that most are set up to prevent DVD to HDD for copyright protected DVDs.. Reading a few manuals for the current DVDRs it seems that if a DVD is finalised or copyright - you can't dub DVD to HDD.. What I also picked up on (which is obvious in hindsight) is that you can't mix NTSC and PAL on the same DVD when dubbing from HDD to DVD.. I'll have to separate my PAL porn from NTSC porn.. Just means I'll have to use an external source which is fine. I'll still have a 2nd DVD player that's not a DVDR.[/b] Sorry to state the obvious. :biggrin: I haven't tried it, but what you are suggesting may still not work either as it's possible Macrovision (or some other copy protection system) may screw up the recording? Not sure. Of course there are other ways to do these things if you have a PC and DVD burner handy........
scuzzii Posted February 19, 2008 Author Posted February 19, 2008 Thanks Richard, it's not macrovision though, these disc's are rarely protected anyway.. Plus, when feeding signal from VHS which was NTSC it was grey on the SONy (it didn't like recording NTSC). I checked the manual of the pioneer and it records NTSC so that should overcome the issue. Thanks moondog, I already use dvddecryter, dvdshrink and ulead movie factory. DVD decryter is no longer available because it removed macrovision. It was/is one of the better rippers and burners.
psnacks Posted February 19, 2008 Posted February 19, 2008 http://www.videohelp.com/tools/DVDFab_Decrypter this is great and free.
scuzzii Posted February 19, 2008 Author Posted February 19, 2008 http://www.videohelp.com/tools/DVDFab_Decrypterthis is great and free.[/b] Cheers mate. I have that as well but I'm happy using the last DVD Decrypter version at the moment as it removes macrovision. EDIT: I did join the VideoHelp forum though. Looks like a great resource.
2sheds Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 scuzziThat's a pretty tough list of requirements - I can't find any options which will do all those . Don't get too hung up on the SCART connector. Remenber it's a connector and not an interface. I have connected RGB (and component - not the same as RGB) via RCA's at one end and SCART at the other a number of times. I'm wondering whether you are going to gain much improvement over your current models. cheers 2sheds[/b] +
2sheds Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 scuzziThat's a pretty tough list of requirements - I can't find any options which will do all those . Don't get too hung up on the SCART connector. Remenber it's a connector and not an interface. I have connected RGB (and component - not the same as RGB) via RCA's at one end and SCART at the other a number of times. I'm wondering whether you are going to gain much improvement over your current models. cheers 2sheds[/b] +
RichardN Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 + [/b] ah yes, but still different pins than RGB
scuzzii Posted February 20, 2008 Author Posted February 20, 2008 Thanks 2sheds (twice) The scart AV2 input on my Loewe Calida just says AV2 (RGB). some of the other features on the new DVD recorders have my attention. I will do a scout for a RGB scart input adapter though and see what they are like. If they are just another cheap adapter, then not sure oif the picture will be any different. Perhaps a proper scart RGB cable from a scart output would produce better picture results and worth the investment. The site Brumby listed has several good options. The RGB cable and component cable can be confusing.. I was confused, then it was clear, now I'm not sure of I'm still confused.. this cable from Kordz could be an option as well. (Direction is selectable..) http://www.htcustomcables.com/scart_av_video.htm
scuzzii Posted February 20, 2008 Author Posted February 20, 2008 Well it's down to the following 2 DVDR's Pioneer DVR 550HXS Pioneer DVR LX60D Will be interesting what street price these are going for now. Can't be too bothered haggling but don't want to overpay..
Moondog Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 Well it's down to the following 2 DVDR'sPioneer DVR 550HXS Pioneer DVR LX60D Will be interesting what street price these are going for now. Can't be too bothered haggling but don't want to overpay.. [/b] The Panasonic wins for me in its SP mode that does 2 hours to a dvd with out lowering the screen resoloution It lowers the bit rate instead . On a loewe arcadia screen its hard to see the difference between that an XP mode V8 supercars an Afl included
scuzzii Posted February 20, 2008 Author Posted February 20, 2008 The Panasonic wins for me in its SP mode that does 2 hours to a dvd with out lowering the screen resoloutionIt lowers the bit rate instead . On a loewe arcadia screen its hard to see the difference between that an XP mode V8 supercars an Afl included[/b] MD, what Pana do you have?
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