DVD Recorder that plays divx and xvid too? - Yamada??

[TheGame7]

I was in the market for a DVD player with the capability to play divx and xvid so that I could watch downloadable content on my television using a cd-rw or dvd-rw, which I could reuse time and time again as well as saving myself the hassle of converting such content to mpeg 2 just for this purpose.

In my research, one of the best products I found to fulfil this task was: http://specialreserve.co.uk/Umax-Yam...70_6395_r.html

However, I then thought about how I had longed to one day purchase a DVD recorder, hearing good things about the Panasonic e50(?) to supplement by SKY+ and wondered if it was possible to put two and two together.

I thought about DVD recorders but then quickly dashed the idea for the time being thinking it would not be possible to get one that is divx and xvid compatiable in addition to just a normal DVD player - as this is one of my priorities at this minute.

But then, after some more research, I came across such a player that is a DVD recorder and DVD player, but most importantly with the divx and xvid playback features too, the Umax / Yamada DVR-8400X DVD Recorder & DivX / DVD Player: http://specialreserve.co.uk/Umax-Yam...40_4081_r.html

Does anyone have this device? What is it like? Or have they just crammed in too much and lost out in each area accordingly?

Others I have seen include:

http://www.svp.co.uk/acatalog/dvdrecord.html - {HA 4143} Sumvision SV-1001 DVD Recorder with DivX/Xvid Compatibility

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=86837 - H&B DRX-430

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...129463-6470240

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/9309...r-re.html?rd=1 - MUSTEK R100LM DVD/DivX player/recorder

Also found that the aldi Tevion that was on sale also handles exactly what I wanted: http://www.dvd.reviewer.co.uk/forums...&Type=1&Page=1

Please offer as much knowledge about these products as you can to help me make the right choice - is Yamada the right one to go for? I have heard the H&B is same as the Ellion(sp?) and should be avoided.

What features should I expect - does the Yamada have these? I have read something about 16:9 switching, progressive scanning and RGB support being a must? Any other similar features that I need and why? And does the Yamada fulfil these?

Also, most programmes I record will be 2hr but the odd PPV is 3hrs, does Yamada's do 3hr as I have seen some that offer 1hr, 2hr, 4hr and 6hr qualities..

Thanks in advance.

TheGame7

P.S. I know LG do such devices and that JVC and Samsung should be bringing some to the market too, but I cannot afford the brand name - even if I would benefit greatly.

P.P.S. Are DVD9 recorders to hit the market any time soon? And is it worth waiting for?

Edit: Links fixed..

[bradavon78]

I'm also thinking along the same lines.

* Firstly none of your links work. It looks like you've highlighted and copied them from somewhere else instead of copying the actual link.

* Secondly Samsung have a DivX compatible DVD recorder out (with component outputs too). It's a bargain at £155 from PRC Direct:

http://www.prcdirect.co.uk/PRC/PRC.s...duct/DVDR122MR

Multi-region also. I've not been able to find out if it's Xvid compatible but I'd be surprised if it wasn't.

[bradavon78]

* 16:9 switching - I believe this to just mean it transmits a flag so the TV knows to switch to WS mode. Big deal, without it you can press a button on your remote to switch to the mode.

* Does your TV have component inputs? (3 cables - 1 red, 1 green and 1 blue) I'm guessing not, without the connection component outputs on your DVD player (and therefore progressive scan) mean nothing. Having said that it makes it future proof.

* AFAIK all DVD Recorders output RGB for the TV scart but not all output RGB for the secondary scart so when you record the quality isn't going to be as good.

* Dual layer (aka: DVD-9) Home DVD Recorders are already out from the odd company but they're expensive and will be ages before they come down in price. The blanks discs are expensive also (£2.30-2.50 each). I wouldn't wait personally no.

[TheGame7]

OK links fixed...

When you talk about the second scart and RGB, do you mean I need to check if it inputs in RGB so that it improves picture quality? (I have SKY+ which does output in RGB so it would be a huge benefit to get the superb image quality).

Will look into the Samsung, but of them all which have you lot had experience with and would recommend as having everything you need and recording a good quality too.

[bradavon78]

You may find this comprehensive guide useful:

http://www.btinternet.com/~james_lan.../whichdvd.HTML

Originally Posted by TheGame7

When you talk about the second scart and RGB, do you mean I need to check if it inputs in RGB so that it improves picture quality? (I have SKY+ which does output in RGB so it would be a huge benefit to get the superb image quality).

Yes exactly that. Not all DVD Recorders have scarts which can record RGB.

I don't know if the Samsung does (as I've not been able to source any reviews) but it looks to definitely be the best DVD Recorder with DivX out there.

p.s - The Samsung can record 8 hours on 1 disc. Most are 5-6 hours.

[TheGame7]

Anyone confirm that the Yamada has RGB in or not?

[TheGame7]

I like the look of the Samsung and the site seems to recommend it.

But is there any way to be certain that it plays xvid files as well as divx? And is there anyway to upgrade its firmware - or would the Yamada benefit from being up to date?

Also, the site you gave suggests that the Samsung has "flexible record" or a type of it in this case where I state how long the recording will be and the recorder makes the most of the disk space so for a 3hr recording I get the maximum quality and am not restrained to the 4hr setting and I like this feature a lot - but it goes on to say "The Samsung only allows flexible record when using the timer" will this be a big hassle or is it easy to make use of in a "normal" recording?

And, do I have to stump up the extra £15 for a multiregion model (the one you have linked too) or can I purchase it for £140 and hack it using the remote - I have searched google to no avail.

Also, does the Samsung have the RGB in I need and is it a biggy if it does not have RGB out too - or is this the norm?

Finally, with what you said in mind, should any DivX player play xVid too? If so, any other brand names offer a recorder with divx/xvid playback features for this price range?

Thanks.

[pudds]

Don't bother with yamada they have awful build quality and zero tech support.
Their cheap for a reason!