"About DVD Recorders | HdBluDVD.Com - More HD-DVD, Blu-Ray, DVD Information"

It is safe to say that the era of the VCR is slowly drawing to a close (although VCRs will be around for quite some time) and the era of the DVD is now solidly entrenched, especially now that recordable DVD is available. As DVD recorders become more popular and affordable, my email box is filled with many questions on what they are, how they work, and what they can be used for. In order to address the most common questions regarding DVD recorders, here are some general FAQs that should make your DVD recorder buying decision easier. What is a DVD Recorder and what is a DVD Burner? DVD recorders and DVD Burners both create DVDs buy "burning" via a laser to a blank DVD disk. However, A DVD recorder typically refers to a standalone unit that resembles and functions very much like a VCR. All DVD recorders can record from any analog video source (most can also record video from digital camcorders via firewire). Like a VCR, DVD recorders all have AV inputs as well as onboard TV tuner for recording TV shows. DVD Recorders come in several configurations: Standalone, DVD Recorder/VCR Combo, or DVD Recorder/Hard Drive combo units. A DVD burner, on the other hand, refers to a unit that is either an external add-on or internal DVD drive for a PC or MAC (like a CDR/RW drive) that can record video, but can also read and write computer data and store it on a blank DVD disc. DVD Burners used in this manner are also sometimes referred to as DVD Writers. On the other hand, standalone DVD recorders have no ability to read or write computer data. Also, in order to record video and audio onto a PC-DVD burner the user must input the video to the computer"s hard drive using Firewire, USB, or S-Video through a video card and then copy the resultant files from the hard drive onto a blank DVD disk, whereas a standalone DVD recorder can record from video sources in real time, direct to a blank DVD. Standalone DVD recorders cannot be used to connect to a computer for recording of data files and can only record video from analog video inputs and, on most DVD recorders, from a digital camcorder via an iLink (Firewire, IEEE1394) input. Standalone DVD recorders typically do not come with drivers that are required to interact directly with a PC. However, it may be possible that some PC video editing software may allow for the exporting of standard DVD video files made on a PC to certain standalone DVD recorders through a PC"s and DVD recorder"s firewire interface, but, in this rare instance, you need to consult your software and DVD recorder operating manual or tech support for specific details. If no information is available on this, with regards to a specific DVD recorder, the assumption would be that the DVD recorder in question is not capable of this type of operation. Can I copy VHS videos and DVDs on a DVD recorder? Just as you can"t copy commercially made video tapes to another VCR due to Macrovision anti-copy encoding, the same applies to making copies to DVD. DVD recorders cannot bypass the anti-copy signal on commercial VHS tapes or DVDs. If a DVD recorder detects the anti-copy encoding on a commercial DVD it will not start the recording and display some sort of message either on screen or on its LED front panel display that it detects the anti-copy code or that it is detecting an unusable signal. A DVD recorder can be used to copy any homemade videos, such as camcorder videos and videos made from TV shows, and can also copy Laserdiscs, and other non-copyprotected video material. Also, remember that a DVD recorder also has a built-tuner for recording TV programming directly. The tuner can be programmed to record a series of programs on different days and times, much like a VCR. However, if you are recording a non-copy protected DVD to a DVD recorder you can record any of the video content, provided you click on the menu and start the video segments running and you have enough time space on the disc. DVD recorders function like VCRs in that they can record incoming video signals -- however, they do not automatically copy all the contents of the DVD - for instance, you cannot copy the interactive menu functions of a non-copy protected commercial DVD. A DVD recorder creates its own menu functions, it will not duplicate the function menu from a another DVD. In addition, most DVD recorders also have digital video inputs (IEEE-1394, Firewire, i-Link) that allow users of digital camcorders to digitally transfer their audio and video direct to DVD in real time. Additional DVD Recorder, VCR, and Television Connection Tip In addition to the above, it must also be important to note that you should not hook up a VCR and DVD recorder into the same path to your television. In other words, your VCR and DVD recorder should be hooked up to your TV through separate inputs on the TV. The reason for this is copy-protection. Even if you are not recording anything, when you play a commercial DVD on your DVD recorder and the signal has to go through your VCR to get to the TV, the anti-copy signal will trigger the VCR to interfere with the playback signal of the DVD, making it unwatchable on your television. On the other hand, the same effect is present if you have your VCR hooked into your DVD recorder before the signal reaches the television, in that a commercial VHS tape with anti-copy encoding will cause the DVD recorder to interfere with VHS playback signal, causing the same effect on your television. However, this effect is not present on tapes or DVDs your make yourself. The best way to hook-up a VCR and DVD recorder to a single TV is to split your cable or satellite signal so that one feed goes to your VCR and other to your DVD recorder. Then, hook up the outputs of your VCR and DVD recorder separately to the TV. If your television only has one set of AV inputs, you can either hookup the output of your VCR to the TV"s RF input and the DVD recorder to the single set of AV inputs OR get an AV switcher to place between the VCR and DVD recorder and your television, selecting the unit you wish to view. Of course, the best hookup option, if you have a home theater system with an AV receiver, is to hook up the AV outputs of your DVD recorder and VCR to your AV receiver, and use it as your video switcher for the television. This hookup scenario not only separates the DVD recorder and VCR paths to the TV, but will also allow you to copy between the DVD recorder and VCR more easily. Can I copy video from my Camcorder to a DVD Recorder? To transfer your 8mm/Hi8/miniDV/Digital8 tape to a DVD Recorder, just follow the following steps if using either standard Composite or S-video connections on your camcorder and DVD recorder. 1. Make sure you plug the camcorder directly into the DVD Recorder and NOT the TV. In addition, you have to make sure that your switch your DVD Recorder from its tuner to its AV inputs in order get the signal from those inputs to record on DVD. This is done with either an input select button on the DVD Recorder"s remote or front of the DVD recorder. If your DVD Recorder has both video inputs on the front and back, the back inputs are usually labeled Line 1, AV1, Aux1, or Video 1 and the front inputs may be labeled Line 2, AV2, Aux2, or Video 2. 2. Plug the Audio/Video cables supplied with the camcorder to the AV outputs of the Camcorder, and the other ends to the AV inputs on either front or back of the DVD Recorder. Switch the DVD recorder to AV-in, Line-in, or Aux in (depends of brand). 3. Put the tape to be copied in the Camcorder, and also put a blank DVD in your DVD recorder (make sure the DVD is formatted or initialized - depends on format used). 4. Press play on the Camcorder, then press record on the DVD Recorder and you will be able to copy your tape. 5. When your recording is done, press record stop the DVD recorder and stop on the camcorder. Depending on what format of disc you use in the DVD recorder, you may need to go through a finalization step before removing the DVD from the DVD recorder. If you need to finalize your DVD, this step takes several minutes. On formats that require finalization, this process allows the finished DVD to be playable on most standard DVD players. ADDITIONAL NOTE #1: On a miniDV or Digital8 camcorder you also have the option to use the iLink interface to copy your video to a DVD recorder, provided the DVD recorder also has an iLink input. Most DVD recorders have this input on the front panel, but some DVD recorders do not have an iLink interface. If you have this option available, however, this method is preferable for copying miniDV or Digital8 camcorder video to DVD. You need a 4-pin to 4-pin iLink cable (also referred to as Firewire or IEEE1394) to connect the miniDV or Digital8 camcorder to the DVD recorder. ADDITIONAL NOTE #2: If you have a DVD Recorder/Hard Drive Combo unit, you also have the option of transferring your camcorder video to the hard drive first, make any changes that you may need, depending on the capabilities of the hard drive"s firmware, then copy your completed video to DVD at a later time. This method also allows you to make multiple DVD copies (one-at-a-time) of your camcorder video using the same source (the video stored on the DVD recorder hard drive). This insures the same quality on each DVD copy, which is great for distributing DVDs to friends and family. Can DVD recorders connect to an Antenna, Cable, or Satellite Box? Any antenna, cable, or satellite box with RF, AV, or S-video outputs can be connected to any DVD recorder. However, DVD recorders do not accept progressive scan or HDTV input interfaces (although almost all DVD recorders can output progressive scan on DVD playback). So, if you have an HD satellite box, you will have to use the satellite box"s alternate RF, AV, or S-video outputs to connect to the DVD recorder"s inputs. One more point to add is that while DVD recorders can be connected to cable and satellite boxes, not all DVD recorders have cable or satellite box control. This means that on more entry-level DVD recorders, when you set the timer on the DVD recorder to record a cable or satellite program, you may also need to leave your cable or satellite box tuned to the correct channel ahead of time or set the cable or satellite box"s own timer to go to the correct channel to be recorded to match the time you have set on your DVD recorder. To find out if a DVD recorder has satellite or cable box control, look for features such as a supplied IR Blaster (this feature is common in many VCRs), which allows the DVD recorder to change the channels and on/off functions of a cable/satellite box, much like a standard remote control, except that it is done on a schedule that you have programmed ahead of time. Can I Watch One TV Program While Recording Another With a DVD Recorder? Just as with a VCR, as long as you are not using a Cable TV or Satellite Box, you can watch one program on your TV, while recording another on your DVD recorder. The reason you are unable to to do this when using a cable or satellite box, is that most cable and satellite boxes can only download one channel at a time through a single cable feed. In other words, the cable and satellite box determines what channel is sent down the rest of the path your VCR, DVD recorder, or Television. If you have a Cable TV or Satellite Box and you still desire to be able to watch one program, while recording another, you have two main options: 1. Purchase or obtain a second Cable or Satellite Box. Connect one box to the DVD recorder and the other to the TV directly. 2. Inquire with your Cable TV or Satellite Service if they offer a cable or satellite box that has two onboard tuners with separate outgoing feeds that you can send to the DVD recorder and TV separately. NOTE: Your TV needs to have both an Antenna/Cable connection and AV input options, as the cable or satellite feed can be connected to your TV"s antenna cable connection, but your DVD recorder would have to be connected to your TV"s AV inputs to allow the playback of recorded DVDs. Can I make a copy of a DVD that I made from HBO? HBO and some other cable and Network programmers are beginning to copy-protect some of their programs on a random basis. The type of copy protection that is being used allows an initial recording (such as to a hard drive of a DVD recorder/Hard Drive combo or direct to DVD or VHS), but will not allow the initial recording to be copied again (such as making a copy from a DVD recorder hard drive to DVD or from DVD to DVD or DVD to VHS). Unfortunately there is no way around this with consumer equipment. This would be the same no matter what brand or model of DVD recorder you have. It is simply the luck of the draw as to which programs are copy-protected. You will see an increase of this practice, especially as HDTV becomes more popular and HD-DVD and Buy-ray High Definition DVD recorders reach the consumer. Can I play my recorded DVDs in other DVD players - What are the DVD Formats? There is no 100% guarantee that any DVD you make with your DVD recorder will play in all DVD players. Whether or not you can play a DVD you have made using your DVD recorder on most current DVD players (manufactured since the years 1999-2000) will depend mostly on the format used in recording the DVD. Without getting into the technical aspects of each format (for more info check related links at the end of this article) the relevance of each format to the average consumer goes like this: DVD-R: The most universal of recordable DVD formats that is used by computer DVD writers as well as most DVD recorders. DVD-R is a write-once format, much like CD-R and discs made in this format can be played in most current DVD players. DVD-R discs need to be finalized at the conclusion of the recording process (like a CDR) before they can be played in another DVD player. DVD-R DL A record-once format that is identical to DVD-R, except that it has two layers on the same side of the DVD. This allows twice the recording time capacity on a single side. This format is being incorporated slowly on some newer DVD Recorders. Although the actual recording format is the same as DVD-R, the physical difference between a standard DVD-R disc and a DVD-R DL disc may result in less playback compatibility on some DVD players that normally have the ability to play standard single layer DVD-R discs. DVD-RW: Recordable and rewritable format (like CD-RW) promoted by Pioneer, Sharp, and Sony. Discs are playable in most DVD players, provided it is recorded in the straight Video Mode and finalized. In addition, the DVD-RW format also has the ability to perform Chase Play, which is similar to Time Slip used in the DVD-RAM format (refer to the explanation for the DVD-RAM format). However, this function is available only in what is referred to as VR mode. DVD-RW recordings made in VR mode may not be as compatible with other DVD players. DVD+RW: Recordable and rewritable format promoted primarily by Philips, with a host of partners, including Yamaha, HP, Ricoh, Thomson (RCA), Mitsubishi, APEX, and Sony. Claims to offer a greater degree of compatibility with current DVD technology than DVD-RW. The DVD+RW format is also the easiest to use, in terms of basic recording, as the discs do not need to be finalized at the conclusion of the recording process in order to play in another DVD player. This is due to the finalization process being performed during the actual recording process itself. DVD+R: A record-once format introduced and backed by Philips and adopted by the other DVD+RW proponents, that is said to be easier to use than DVD-R, while still playable in most current DVD players. DVD+R discs need to be finalized before they can play in another DVD player. DVD+R DL A record-once format that is identical to DVD+R, except that it has two layers on the same side of the DVD. This allows twice the recording time capacity on a single side. This format is being incorporated on most new PCs with DVD writers, but is slowly being introduced into standalone DVD recorders. Although the actual recording format is the same as DVD+R, the physical difference between a standard DVD+R disc and a DVD+R DL disc may result in less playback compatibility on some DVD players that normally have the ability to play standard single layer DVD+R discs. DVD-RAM: Recordable and rewritable format promoted by Panasonic, Toshiba, Samsung, and Hitachi, which is not playback compatible with most standard DVD players, and is not compatible with most DVD-ROM computer drives. One of the unique features of DVD-RAM, however, is its ability (with its random access and quick writing speed) to allow the user to watch the beginning of a recording while the DVD recorder is still recording the end of the program. This is referred to as "Time Slip". This is great if a phone call interrupts your viewing or if you come home late from work and miss the beginning that important TV episode or televised sporting event. Another advantage of DVD-RAM is its extensive capability for on-disc editing. With its quick access speed, you can rearrange the playback order of scenes and delete other scenes from playback, without erasing the orginal video. However, it must be re-noted that the recording made is not compatible with playback on most standard DVD players. Is there a DVD recorder that records in all formats? So far, only LG Electronics offers some DVD recorders that are able to record in all current DVD formats: DVD+R/+RW, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R DL, and DVD-RAM. In addition, LG and Sony have both released standalone DVD recorders that can record in the DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW formats, while Toshiba and several others have introduced DVD recorders that record in DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD-RAM. Pioneer DVD Recorders record in DVD-R/-RW only. Also, Panasonic has added DVD+R format recording to its DVD-R/RAM DVD recorders. In addition, LiteON has introduced a DVD recorder that can record not only to DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW, but can can also record video and audio CD-R/-RWs. However, there is no standalone DVD recorder that includes all DVD and CD formats in a total multi-format recording mix. Lastly, for those that prefer to take the PC route to DVD recording, a few manufacturers now have DVD burners for PCs that can write in all formats (DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW/RAM). It may seem confusing to have to decide between all of the DVD recording formats. You are asking yourself: "Which one will become obsolete the quickest?". The real answer to this is: "None of them". As long as the recorded DVD plays in your DVD player, or your friend"s and/or relative"s DVD player(s) that is all that really matters. The only format to stay away from, in terms of compatibility with other players, is DVD-RAM. How much time can I record on a DVD? Basically, all DVD recorders have 1,2,4, and 6 hour recording modes, and some may also have 2 1/2, 3, 3 1/2, 4 1/2, and 8 hour modes as well. Keep in mind that if you want the recording to be of "DVD quality" you need to use either the one hour or two hour modes -- if all you want is VHS quality, the 4 hour mode would be similar to the VHS SP 2 hour speed. Recordings made at 6, 8, or 16 hours would be of very poor quality. Another factor to keep in mind is that if you want your recorded DVD to play in most other DVD players, you have the best chance with the 1 or 2 hour recording modes. Due to the amount of compression needed to fit more video time on a DVD, you may experience some skips and stalls on some DVD players. Personally, I never, if at all possible record more than two hours on a DVD (or 4 hours on the newer blank dual layered recordable DVDs) - after all, the main reason for DVD reocrders is to record better quality video, not just longer video, and also have it compatible for play in other DVD players. A commercial DVD can hold approximately 130 min of video information per layer. Most commercial DVDs have two layers at 130 min per layer, which is why it seems that the DVD is holding a lot more than two hours of information. Can I create chapters and menus on the DVDs that I make using a DVD Recorder? You can organize DVDs made on a DVD recorder in two basic ways: 1. DVD recorders typically insert automatic index marks about very five minutes on a recorded DVD. However, if you are using a RW type of disc, you also have the option (depending on the recorder) to insert or edit your own index marks. These marks are invisible and do not appear on the DVD"s menu -- they are accessed through the NEXT button on your DVD recorder or player remote. It is not guaranteed, however, that all DVD players will recognize these marks, but most will. 2. The other way you can organize your DVD is by chapters. In order to create chapters, you must record a series of video segments separately. In other words, if you want to have six chapters on your DVD, you record the first segment, stop the recording process (rec stop, not rec pause) - then start the process over again. Every time you start a new segment, a separate chapter is created on the DVD"s menu, which you can go back and add a title or other designation. NOTE: There may be some variations (like the look of the DVD menu and additional editing capabilities depending on the DVD format used, or whether you are using just a DVD Recorder or DVD recorder/Hard Drive combo) -- but the basic structure outlined above is fairly consistent across the board when using basic standalone DVD Recorders. If you wish to be more creative, with respect to creating a more professional looking DVD with chapters, titles, graphics, transitions, or added audio tracks, it is best to use a PC or MAC equipped with a DVD Burner, in conjunction with the appropriate DVD editing or authoring software. Can DVDs I record be played anywhere in the World? The short answer is "NO". However, there are solutions that can work, if you have the money and time. The world operates with two major video systems, NTSC and PAL. NTSC is based on a 525-line, 60 fields/30 frames-per-second at 60Hz system for transmission and display of video images. This is an interlaced system in which each frame is scanned in two fields of 262 lines, which is then combined to display a frame of video with 525 scan lines. NTSC is the official analog video standard in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, some parts of Central and South America, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. PAL is the dominant format in the World for analog television broadcasting and video display (sorry U.S.) and is based on a 625 line, 50 field/25 frames a second, 50HZ system. The signal is interlaced, like NTSC, into two fields, composed of 312 lines each. Several distinguishing features are one: A better overall picture than NTSC because of the increased amount of scan lines. Two: Since color was part of the standard from the beginning, color consistency between stations and TVs are much better. In addition, PAL has a frame rate closer to that of film. PAL has a 25 frames per second rate, while film has a frame rate of 24 frames per second. Countries on the PAL system include the U.K., Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, China, India, most of Africa, and the Middle East. Some DVD recorders can record in PAL from a PAL source or NTSC from an NTSC source, however, they do not covert the signal during recording -- in other words, you cannot record a PAL disc if your source is NTSC or vice versa. Also, NTSC DVD recorders cannot record a from its NTSC tuner to a disc in PAL format. The only real workarounds for this are: If your friends have a DVD player that has a built-in NTSC-PAL converter -- that would enable them to play an NTSC disc and view it on a PAL TV (or vice versa). OR If you purchase an NTSC to PAL converter and place it between a camcorder or VCR and a DVD recorder with PAL recording capability so that the DVD recorder can record a DVD in PAL. How does DVD recorder video quality compare to a VCR or DVD player? DVD recorders can record video in resolutions ranging from DVD quality to VHS quality depending on the recording mode used, somewhat analogous to the different recording speeds on a VCR. Although there is some variation from manufacturer to manufacturer, DVD recorders typically can record in one hour, two hour, four hour, and six hour mode. The one hour mode will be very close, if not the same, as DVD quality, while the four and six hour modes will be more like VHS SP and EP respectively. One factor to ultimately consider however, is that, even at the one hour mode, the quality of the source material determines the quality of the recording. If you are copying an old home video that was recorded at VHS-EP using the one hour DVD recorder speed, you won"t get DVD quality; you can"t make something bad look better, however it won"t be any worse when using the one hour speed. By the same token, if you take a miniDV camcorder video that was recorded at 500 lines of resolution and dub it to the DVD recorder using the four or six hour speed, you will only get VHS quality. The rule of thumb is to always use the best source material and fastest/shortest recording mode possible. Are there DVD Recorder/VHS VCR or Hard Disk/DVD Recorder combos? VHS VCR/DVD recorder combos are now available from most major makers. All units feature VHS-to-DVD and DVD-to-VHS internal cross-dubbing capabilities for non-copyguarded DVD and VHS videos. However, if you already have a working VCR that you don"t need to replace, and you buy a separate DVD recorder, all you would have to do to copy from the VCR to DVD using a DVD recorder is to hookup the VCR"s AV outputs to the AV inputs of the DVD recorder (which works much like a VCR) and simply copy your video (if non-copyguarded) to DVD. There are, however, several DVD recorders from a few manufacturers that include both a hard drive and a DVD recorder in the same unit. This type of system allows the user to copy raw footage or record a series a programs to the hard drive and then edit or copy smaller segments or the entire contents of the hard drive to a blank DVD. Also, another benefit of this type of unit is that if the DVD runs out of space during recording, the excess video is automatically recorded onto the hard disk, which, once again, can be copied onto another blank DVD at a later, more convenient time. The hard drive feature on a DVD recorder is very useful for temporarily storing your video, either from you camcorder, TV programs, or other video sources. You can record video either directly to DVD, or the hard drive. You can even do some basic editing before putting your video on DVD. However, you have to remember that the DVD recorder"s hard drive is for recording video and audio only; you cannot use it to interface with a computer for storing other types of files. Can a DVD recorder record Dolby Digital 5.1/ DTS surround sound? Consumer grade DVD recorders all have the ability to play back Dolby Digital 5.1 source materail, and most can play back DTS source material, when used with an AV receiver. However, DVD recorders only have analog stereo audio inputs for recording audio, which is then encoded into two-channel Dolby Digital. The output of the recorded audio can be accessed either through the analog stereo outputs or the digital audio outputs of the DVD recorder. Although current DVD recorders cannot record in 5.1 channel Dolby Digital or DTS audio, when used with an AV receiver equipped with Dolby Prologic II and/or DTS neo:6 processors, the two channel audio recording can be reprocessed into a 5.1 or 6.1 channel soundfield, albeit not as accurate as an original 5.1 or 6.1 channel Dolby Digital or DTS soundtrack source. The reason for this is two-fold: Since you can"t record (or shouldn"t be able to) or copy DVDs and there is little 5.1 or 6.1 channel audio available from other sources to record, there is not much need for this function (although this is changing as more cable and satellite programming is transmitted in dolby digital 5.1). However, the second factor is probably more political than technical: even if you are successful at making a copy of a DVD video, you are prevented from making a copy of the multi-channel soundtrack, thus preventing you from making an "exact" copy of a DVD on a DVD recorder that could be "passed off" as the original. Lastly, it must be pointed out that there have been indications by a couple of manufacturers regarding the possible introduction of DVD recorders with 5.1 channel Dolby Digital recording capability, but none have actually hit store shelves. On a side note, Sony has released some camcorders with with 5.1 channel Dolby Digital recording - hopefully, this will filter into DVD recorders. Can DVD recorders record audio-only DVDs? DVD recorders typcially cannot record audio-only onto a DVD, a video signal must be present. However, you can record video without audio. Based on this, one option you have is to record a non-important video-only source as well as your intended audio source. Just plug in any video source to the video input (not the antenna or cable input) and the audio from your the stereo audio inputs from your tape deck or CD player that are associated with the same video input, and you should be OK. Since you aren"t concerned about video quality on this, you can record up to six hours of audio on your DVD using the lowest record setting (some DVD recorders now have an 8-hour mode as well). When you play the DVD back, you don"t have to watch the video part Just remember that you can only play a DVD on a DVD player -- your recording will not play on a CD player. The audio recorded on a DVD is encoded into the 2-channel Dolby Digital audio format. Can I record a DVD in Progressive Scan? DVD recorders do not actually record in progressive scan; progressive scan is a process that can be applied during the playback function, if the DVD recorder has progressive scan outputs. Although some DVD recorders have component video inputs (mostly made by Philips), these inputs are not progressive scan inputs. All DVDs are recorded in the 480i standard. When a DVD player or recorder plays a DVD, it is the progressive scan processors and line doublers used in the playback path that can determine how the 480i video recorded on the DVD is eventually displayed on a television or projection screen. The interlaced to progressive scan conversion can be done through either the DVD playback path or by a progressive scan television, however, it is more efficient to have the DVD recorder or player do it. In this senario, however, both the DVD player and the television or projector needs to be compatible with progressive scan in order to display it. The reason that DVDs are all recorded in the 480i standard is that is how the DVD can read by all DVD players (such as older non-progressive scan units) and be shown on a standard analog television. Even if you could record a DVD in 480p or higher, the DVD would not be playable on a standard DVD player, since DVD players can only read 480i off the disc itself. Any upscale conversion is done on the playback side. Essentially, a DVD player (or recorder - in playback mode) equipped with progressive scan converts the 480i to 480p for display on a progressive scan capable television, if you want to do further upscaling, you can do that with a line doubler or HD upscaler that can upscale to 720p or 1080i. To put this whole process in basic terms, your DVD is recorded in 480i. However, when you play your DVD back to watch on a television or computer monitor, it is how the processors in the DVD player, external line doubler, or other type of upscaling processor that determines how the image is displayed on your screen. All a DVD recorder can do is record the VHS, Laserdisc, or camcorder source as it comes in, the incoming video has to be (in the case of the U.S. for instance) a standard interlaced NTSC source. This interlaced video signal is then recorded onto the DVD. The recorded DVD can then be played on another DVD player (depending on the recording format used - such as DVD-R,etc..). If you wish to view the DVD playback in an upscaled fashion, through line doubling, you either the DVD player must be equipped with a progressive scan output or an external line doubler must be used. In conclusion, when you see a DVD recorder advertised as a DVD Recorder with Progressive Scan, what they are referring to is that the DVD recorder has progressive scan playback output capability, not that it will record in progressive scan. Can I record HDTV on a DVD recorder? DVD is not an HDTV format. DVDs cannot hold HDTV information. The maximum resolution of a DVD is 480i (which can be played back in 480p on a progressive scan DVD player). HDTV resolution is usually either 720p or 1080i, which is beyond the capabilities of a DVD recorder and is also beyond the capabilities for a DVD player to play back (although there are growing number of DVD players and DVD recorders that can now upscale standard DVD playback output to match the pixel count of 720p and 1080i -- but the DVD itself does not contain any HD information). In addition, DVD recorders cannot record in HDTV standards, due to the physical limitations of both the laser wavelength used and in the limited space of current DVDs for the storage capacity needs of HDTV signals. High Definition DVD recording is now starting to become available. High definition DVD promises to deliver true high defintiion recording and playback on a DVD-sized disc. Employing Blue Laser technology (which has a much shorter wavelength than the current red laser technology used in current DVD), a disc the size of a current DVD disc can hold an entire film at HDTV resolution or allow the consumer to record two hours of high definition video content. However, there is a catch. You guessed it, there are two competing formats that are incompatible with other. The competing formats are: Blu-ray, which is supported by Hitachi, LG, Matsushita (Panasonic), Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Thomson, HP, and Dell. Whereas, another format, HD-DVD, is supported primarily by Toshiba, NEC, and Sanyo. You would think that the overwhelming solution is to adopt Blu-ray as the standard for high definition DVD, as it has more supporters, but HD-DVD has one key advantage. To put it simply, Blu-ray entails a major infrastructure investment by its members for manufacturing; new facilities for manufacturing discs and players, lots of retooling. However, due to the physical specifications for HD-DVD, most of the manufacturing plants making current DVD players, discs, and other parts can still be used for HD-DVD. Don"t expect this issue to be resolved soon. Players in both formats have arrived, to be followed later by units with recording capability. Expect the prices of early Blu-ray and HD-DVD recorders to be high for the first couple of years. What about blank DVD discs? Blank DVDs can be found in most consumer electronics and computer stores, usually in the computer department. Since prices vary, I will not quote any here. The main thing to remember is to get discs that are of the same format as your recorder. For example, if you have a DVD recorder that records in the DVD+R/+RW format make sure you buy discs that have that label on the packaging. You cannot use a +R disc in a -R recorder or vice versa. However, many DVD recorders now record in both the - and + formats. If so, then this certainly gives you more blank disc purchasing options. If you not sure what format discs your DVD recorder uses, take your user manual to the store with you and get assistance from a salesperson to help you find the right format discs. In addition, make sure you purchase blank DVDs that are designated for either Video Use Only or both Video and Data use. Do not buy blank DVDs that are labeled for Data Use Only, as these are intended to be used only with PCs. More tip: The brand of blank DVDs used can also affect playback compatibility on some DVD players. My advice, when it comes to blank DVDs, stick with major brands. Also, if you have questions about a particular brand of blank DVD, you can also touch base with tech support for you particular DVD recorder and find out if the manufacturer for your DVD has a listing of brands of blank DVDs to avoid, or a list of acceptable blank DVD brands. Are DVD recorders also good DVD players? Besides all the recording features, DVD recorders, for the most part, are excellent DVD players. Just as with standard DVD players, basic units may not have all of the high-end bells and whistles, but most units have progressive scan output, component outputs, Dolby Digital/DTS pass-through, CDR/RW, and VCD playback, just as any current DVD player would. Some units also have CD-MP3 and JPEG still photo playback as well. Currently, no DVD recorders offer SACD (Super Audio CD) or DVD-Audio (multi-channel) playback, but this could change. In addition, DVD recorders are beginning to appear with 720p/1080i/1080p Upscaling capability on the playback side (DVD recorders cannot record in high definition as standard DVD is not a high definition format). The upscaling feature helps to match the number of pixels coming from the DVD recorder"s output to the native pixel resolution of a high definition television; however, although the images can look better and more detailed, upscaling does not actually convert standard resolution into high definition. In fact, if the recording is made from a poor source, such as a poor quality VHS tape, upscaling may not be desirable in that it will emphasize the defects of the recording as well as the good aspects, making the image look to harsh or noisy. How do I hookup a DVD recorder to my TV or home theater system? A DVD recorder can hook up to any TV that has at least a set of AV inputs (you will need an RF modulator if your TV does not have AV inputs). Just hookup your cable or antenna feed to the ant/cable input of the DVD recorder and loop it out to the RF input on the TV. In addition, you will need to hookup of the DVD recorder to the AV inputs (composite, s-video, or component) of the TV for DVD playback. Note: Although DVD recorders have an RF loop through to the TV, it is passive, when playing back a recorded DVD you must use the AV inputs of the TV or buy an RF modulator to put between the DVD recorder and TV to convert the recorded signal. Additional DVD Recorder, VCR, and Television Connection Tip In addition to the above, it must also be important to note that you should not hook up a VCR and DVD recorder into the same path to your television. In other words, your VCR and DVD recorder should be hooked up to your TV through separate inputs on the TV, or hooked up to an AV switcher or receiver. The reason for this is copy-protection. Even if you are not recording anything, when you play a commercial DVD on your DVD recorder and the signal has to go through your VCR to get to the TV, the anti-copy signal will trigger the VCR to interfere with the playback signal of the DVD, making it unwatchable on your television. On the other hand, the same effect is present if you have your VCR hooked into your DVD recorder before the signal reaches the television, in that a commercial VHS tape with anti-copy encoding will cause the DVD recorder to interfere with VHS playback signal, causing the same effect on your television. However, this effect is not present on tapes or DVDs your make yourself. The best way to hook-up a VCR and DVD recorder to a single TV is to split your cable or satellite signal so that one feed goes to your VCR and other to your DVD recorder. Then, hook up the outputs of your VCR and DVD recorder separately to the TV. If your television only has one set of AV inputs, you can either hookup the output of your VCR to the TV"s RF input and the DVD recorder to the single set of AV inputs OR get an AV switcher to place between the VCR and DVD recorder and your television, selecting the unit you wish to view. When connecting a DVD recorder to home theater receiver, however, you can connect it just as you would a VCR, through the VCR1 or VCR2 loop, with additional connection of the digital coaxial or digital optical output to the digital audio inputs available on the AV receiver. Use the monitor output of the AV receiver to supply the video part of the feed to the TV. In this type of hookup you have access to all the surround sound functions of DVD playback (of commercial DVDs) as well as the DVD recorder"s recording and dubbing functions from other video sources (such as a VCR) connected to the AV receiver. Most DVD recorders also have front mounted AV inputs as well for the connection of a camcorder or other video source. All the owner"s manuals provided with DVD recorders have explicit and simple hookup diagrams for a variety of setup senarios. In addition, DVD recorder/VCR combination units may have other hookup options; these would also be illustrated in the unit"s owner"s manual. Do DVD recorders also have region code lock, like DVD players? DVDs that you make yourself are not region encoded, however, DVD recorders are region specific with regards to playback of commerically made DVDs. On the positive side of things -- DVD recorders do not place a zone restriction on DVDs they record as that is strictly a commerical DVD function. For more information on DVD Region Codes, check out my article: Is it worth buying a DVD recorder now? Whether or not you should purchase a DVD recorder depends on your needs. If you like the idea of recording with the best video and audio quality currently possible, preserving old family videos in a more permanent format, making your own short films or videos, and need to replace an aging VCR anyway, a DVD recorder may be an option to consider. Prices are coming down fast. The first consumer DVD recorder introduced was priced at $3,000. However, in just a few short years, prices of basic units have dropped well below $199, with full featured units available in the $200-300 price range. In addition, specialized DVD recorders, with such features as built-in VCRs and/or hard drive storage, can be found in prices from $300 to $1,000. No matter what your budget and needs, there is probably a DVD recorder for you. The key thing to remember is to look for one that will serve your needs and is easy to use, then look for a good price on units with the features that you have settled on. Comments Please login to post comments or replies.