DVD Recorder with local Xvid

[markjewiss]

Hi there,

I've tried searching for an answer for this, but can't find anything, but apologies if I've missed something obvious...

I'm looking at implementing a solution for archiving stuff from my Sky+ box (mainly kiddies TV to keep them happy), and having an easy way of playing things back on an HD LCD. I've currently got an original Xbox with XBMC, and I use that a fair amount for XVID content. I got an EyeTV from eBay some time ago, the plan being to rip content on to my Mac, and then put it on the Xbox, but the EyeTV has given up the ghost. I don't really want to try another one.

I've just got an Apple TV, which passes the easy test, and it will play my XVIDs/MKV files, so that seems ideal. But I can't get Sky+ stuff on there.

So, is there a DVD recorder out there that will allow me to upload XVID (and maybe even MKV files) that I can use instead. I'm also interested in the DVD Recorder so that I can digitise old home movies tapes...

Any advice?

MJ.

[Gavtech]

Originally Posted by markjewiss

So, is there a DVD recorder out there that will allow me to upload XVID (and maybe even MKV files) that I can use instead. I'm also interested in the DVD Recorder so that I can digitise old home movies tapes...

Any advice?

MJ.

Most of the decent makes [ Pioneer Panasonic Sony ] allow you to play DivX files from discs or connected USB mass storage devices, but are moderately restrictive.
I don't think any DVDR's can handle MKV, none of the above, but I stand to be corrected on other makes.

The only unit I know of that permits transferring of DivX files to the HDD is the Pioneer LX61D

Any DVDR can handle your other requirement of bringing forward old analogue material.

[markjewiss]

Originally Posted by Gavtech

The only unit I know of that permits transferring of DivX files to the HDD is the Pioneer LX61D

Thanks for the quick response. That looks like a *very* nice bit of kit, but a little bit overpriced for me... I may end up having to get a cheaper DVDR, and selling the Apple TV, and sticking with the Xbox. Can't really justify Apple TV and DVDR...

MJ.

[ramjet]

have a look at a sony hxd890 , and then decide if you can live with playing 6 divx files from one +RW disk at a time

and you can always use a pc to convert divx to disk using programs like convertX2dvd , possibly even mkv files , or use some other tool like VideoRedo or womble or whatever to get the original files into a format you can play on the sony ( which is a rebadged pioneer )

the sony will let you connect the sky plus box using its tv out scart socket to line 1 input on the sony , and set to rgb 16:9

and the sony will let you connect a vcr using 3 phono leads into its front line 2 input and dub in real time from a vcr onto the hdd , edit , then dub to dvdr disks

[dude1971]

How about the Xbox 360, will that be better than your older Xbox?

[markjewiss]

I'll take a look at the Sony DVDR... TBH I'd keep the Xbox for DIVX as I've got a simple workflow in place for that already, and it gets me out of having to burn things to disc.

Xbox 360 is a nice idea, I know that can do the DIVX/XVID/MKV files out of the box, plus it's a games console too! But we have a Wii and not enough time already, and it doesn't get around the archiving problem.

Anyone want to buy a virtually unused 40Gb Apple TV then? This may go in the classifieds later on. If only that could record, I'd be set.

MJ.

[STeveAV]

I believe the LG - RHT397H can store DivX/XviD on its Hard drive, its £179 on Amazon.

Its a feature I am interested in but the Sony RDR-HXD890 which hasn't got that feature seems to get the best reviews so I am trying to decide which to go for especially as Sky 1 has returned to Virgin media and I no longer need to get episodes of Lost as DivX.