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DVD Recorder: Polaroid DRM-2001G tests

vhelp posted 2006 Jul 22 19:29

[UPDATED] - last time on Thu July 27, 2006 p.m. Prev revsion: Sun July 23, 2006 p.m. Prev revsion: Sat July 22, 2006 p.m. -[ Polaroid DRM-2001G Review / Tests / Experiences ]- Some Basic Features (includes my personal 1-5 scoring) : [x] - [3].DISC FORMATS: DVD, +R/RW, -R/RW, SVCD, VCD, JPEG, MPEG4 [x] - [3].RECORDING FORMATS: +R/RW, -R/RW [x] - [4].HDD: 80 gigs [x] - [4].DV: Input; can also control dv-cam via inc remote [x] - [4].RECORD QUALITY: HQ(1hr), SP(2hr), SP+(2.5hr), LP(3hr), EP(4hr), SLP(6hr) [x] - [3].VIDEO EDITING: Basic( split, segment, index pic change, renam, more.. ) [ ] - [1].RECORD CONF SETUP: None, i.e., no adjust of IRE; Color; chrom/luma, etc. [x] - [3].Audio: this unit puts out a MAXimum of 384k audio. [ ] - [3].Component Video: Input and Output (can record from Component as well) Note 1, There's no such thing as a perfect score. Note 2, Items check marked with an "X" were Used in the latest test rounds. Main Menu - Polaroid DRM-2001G: ** [x] Preface ** [x] PROS and CONS and Myths ** [x] Test preporation road map ** [x] Picture Quality Tests ** [ ] empty ** [ ] empty ** [x] DOWNLOADS of DRM-2001G sample clips ** [x] Closing Notes ** [ ] Resources ** [x] Misc, Tips, Hacks, etc. ** ** ** TIP - Audio: Determining if your Tuner's audio is MONO or STEREO - by vhelp; ** ** ** TIP - HDD: Adding in a *new* Hard Disk Drive - by next; Note, those that are check marked "x" are to an extent, completed. Finally, I'm just beginning to share with you my past two weeks expereince with my new 80g HDD unit. I just love it. Now, if you'll bare with me as I unfold all the information I have so far, I would appreciate it :!: -vhelp 4050

vhelp posted 2006 Jul 22 19:30

PREFACE Timing is everything.. Sorry to everyone, for being so late with this review/test. I was hoping to have it ready for Thursday evening, but the heavy rain/thunderstorms prevailed and had knocked my power out, on and off throughout the remaining evening/night. Also, I had wanted to do a short review on the unit* separate of tests, but realized that I can merge both into one, if time allows. I've been spending most of my time with the unit, recording various tv programs; vcr videos; dvd videos; etc, so that I could post *honest* facts and figures, and not come at you all as if I knew every- thing there is to know about the new Polaroid unit. That would be so foony. Anybody can post pics in a matter of seconds. So, I spent the last several weeks getting preporations and tests and things in motion, for an honest and true report. And, putting this thread/topic together was probably the hardest part of it all. So please bare with me as I know I'll make mistakes, and hope to find them and correct them as fast as possible. Also, because I lost my webspace account (have to wait for provider's call) I am not able to post pics and things as quickly as I used to. For now, I have to learn how to upload images to this forum. So, this thread is mainly about the unit's picture quality capability. You decide if this unit fits your needs -- couple that with your level of comprimises when shopping around for a dvd recorder. * some of you may recall that I had mentioned I would give a review.. My standalone DVD Recorder is a Planning and Preporation, Adding and Revising.. First, bare with me as I add/update to this topic. Been waiting two weeks to put this together, and I'm a bit restless and excited at the same time, and getting my images and thougths/notes together is overwelming. User Configuration features.. This unit does not have any fancy or advance user-configurable settings. So, if you are looking for things like, IRE; Color adjmt; more.. you are going to be looking elsewhere. It looks like this unit was fine-tuned to the point of good overall picture quality, and that is not saying too much, by this author. You'll have to test and try, yourselves and conclude with your own level of expetations, etc. A 2nd unit? oh, the excitement.. To be honest, I'm seriously thinking closely at getting a 2nd unit. If that matters any, in your decision weighing.. this unit does (IMHO) such a great job at many video sources, *including* (and to my surprise) VHS. I was *really* surprised! I honestly can't get (or do) enough with this unit. I am SOOO satisfied with it. A 2nd unit might be in order, if I can swing it. And, it *IS* a good purchase decision -- you won't regret it! Special note.. please, no bashing.. And, for those who want to beat this author up (in the form of posting your tipicle relative links of facts and figures, to show how wrong I am or what- ever) or bad-mouth another unit, please.., (find another forum) there's no room for this here. This is just a review/test of this unit's picture quality and maybe a few other things, I don't know :) Lets separate, shall we.. Also, I thought about separating everything into pages, so that navigating and adding new info would benefit. This way, only a page has to be updated, and the user would only have to jump directly into it. Not a bad idea, after all. I think I'll go along with this idea, and do it, hehe. -vhelp 4051

vhelp posted 2006 Jul 22 19:30

PROS and CONS and MYTHS, oh my Below, are just a few of pros/cons/myths I could get at. Some of these myths (if you don't mind my refering to them as such) were based off what I read inside many user reviews from online shopping malls found via google searchs. when I read them, some of them I couldn't believe, and just had to test for myself (after waiting more than 3 months for the unit to finally show up at Wal-Mart) I think that about the only truth in Myth's, are with the tuner's audio. Read on.. PRO: ** Quality of MPEG videos. Its quite good actually. My source is from Analog cable, though a bit noisy. But this unit handled it well, (better than other brands) and without producing as much pixelation in the finished MPEG's. VHS sources is a bonus, IMHO. I couldn't believe the quality I could get out of it after a re-encode to my usualy and specialized MPEG-2 videos. I favor VHS sources as a hobby, specially when they are Widescreen. These transfers I make into high bitrate Widescreen Anamorphic videos. PRO: - [rev 1.0] ** Ability to capture from a pre-record on units HDD while still Recording. (or, as davideck; calls it, "timeslip" [or, timesliping; timeslip manuver]) Say you are recording something, but you would like to capture from it as well. And, say you want to capture one of the pre-records from the HDD on the unit. Well, you can.. by pressing the [DVD] key on the remote, and viewing what is already on the units HDD by scrolling through the list of videos and choose which one to play, and capture from it.. all, while the unit is still recording a tv program. Nice. Explanation, in more detail: This is probably some aspect of the unit's featured "TimeShift" or "timeslip" capability. While you are recording to the HDD from your TV Tuner (or any other source) you can play what is already recorded (or stored) on your Polaroid's HDD. So, while you play what's on your HDD (while the unit is still recording) you can capture with a capture card or another dvd recorder (or whatever) the video playing from the HDD. The unit can do both of two things at once.. record and play, at the same time, because it is using the HDD, which is far faster than an dvd-ROM. It's probably taking advantage of some on-bard MEM CACHE for this technique to work. However it works, doesn't really matter. It just does PRO: - [add ] ** Timeshift or Timeslip features.. This is a must-have, as well as a minimal requirement in a dvd recoder. You can benefit from this only with a HDD unit. I stole this explanation from another member, davideck; because it serves very well similarily in capability from one dvd recorder HDD unit, to another.. davideck; wrote: In the long run, the added convenience, flexibility, and capabilities of a HDD unit will save time, frustration, and blank media. As examples; Capturing to the HDD with Timeslip capability will allow you to verify the capture quality while you're capturing instead of after the entire DVD is burned. Will you ever see something strange in the tape playback during capture and wonder what the capture looks like? With Timeslip, you can search through the capture in progress and replay a section as many times as you like. Will you ever want to start the capture at a specific point? Timeslip will allow you to verify this in seconds and start over as many times as you like without wasting time and media. [/color] PRO: - [rev 1.0] ** Burning to +RW disc's w/out Finilizing.. Another plus feature I found was that this unit does not need to finalize a disc as long as it is an +RW format. Otherwise, -R, +R, and -RW, *MUST* be finalized. So, I look at using +RW disc's as a speed bonus, specially if you have a lot of archiving videos off HDD -> +RW to do. (I was informed that +RW always never requred finalization - was news to me) PRO: - [rev 1.0] ** Burning speed, i.e., 1 hr video length took 30 minutes.. Those +R and +RW 's I archived to (1 hrs) took 30 minutes to complete. So using the +RW format is better than the using the -R or +R disc's, if you are archiving to do non-permantent disc work. I highly recommend using +RW discs for quicky turn arounds, specially when you're busy doing multipile tasks. PRO: - [rev 1.0] ** Burning to +RW during recording.. Another plus. You can burn what you *have* already recorded, while recording a tv program. Comes in handy when you have to clean up space to make more room for add'l recordings. I've already had to do this a number of times on my small size 80g HDD. (I'm thinking about shopping around for a much larger HDD to throw into this unit -- I know it can be done) (I was informed that +RW always never requred finalization - was news to me) Now comes the CONS.. * Note, just because the items below are presented as CONS, does not mean that they are truely CONS. Some may be interpreted as PROS by other users. I wrote them down as cons because I felt that it would be best to describe anything that *seems* negative without bias. CON: - audio - [rev 1.0] ** Tuner Audio is MONO !!. Unfortunately, this seems to be True, so far. Although there were times when I could sware that the audio came out Stereo, I have to say, based on my observations and testing, its still mono :( Also note, the audio comming from the DRM-2001G unit is MAX'ed at 384k. However, everything else is STEREO, including recording from other sources :) Currently there are two ways to test this for *any* device (see below) CON: ** Scanning channels take about 10 minutes to complete. This was an unfortunate experience. But, since it was a one-time thing, I did overlook it and moved on. As a test, I simulated a power-outage, and unpluged the unit for about 30 minutes, and even over night, and then plugged unit's power cord back in. The channels were still where they were last. The only thing you had to change was the date/time. You see, I was worried that you would have re-scan in those channels, but that proved wrong. Boy, was that a load off *my* mind. CON: ** The Remote Control keys were small and hard to reach. This was also unfortunate, but I've grown accustom to this weak area, and most of my remotes are this way, anyway. The reason it bothered me, was mainly on account of hearing how other users were complaining about this. The [RECORD] button should have been placed further down. I also feel that the key layout could be better. CON: ** (in the editing stage) Spliting "accuracy" is done within a 0.5 sec interval. I wasn't sure weather or not this was a pro/con, but thought it prob should be here, case there are shorter (or, more accurate) numbers from other units or mpeg utilities. Considering how MPEG has always had this one flaw.. as such, this may be neither pro/con, fwiw. CON: - [rev 1.0] ** Jumping inside MPEG's during sw dvd playing.. I found that when I played the MPEG's inside powerdvd v3.0 it would not allow me to jump anywhere when I clicked anywhere inside the time line scale. The only thing I could do was FF really fast. On short scenes, it's not much of a problem, but on longer lengths, it is. Maybe this could be fixed inside a re-author. I dont' know.. because I do not speciallize in that area. Perhaps someone else can comment on that, cause it would come in handy for others. CON: ** The Recordings Form Factor setup.. There is no (VR vs. Video Mode) setup option. The way the unit works is like this. Depending on what you put into the unit, -r; +r; and -rw; the unit will set the form-factor to (Video Mode) ..while if +rw, will put into (VR mode) automatically. I guess this is why +rw disc's don't have to be finalized, because they are by default, form-factored to VR Mode. The problem with VR Mode recorded disc's are that some pc dvd-rom drives will not recignise them. For example, on my Pioneer DVR-220-S, the VR Mode recorded disc's are not recignised by my pc's Optorite DVD RW DD0201 dvd burner. Only if I set the DVR-220-S unit to Video Mode, will it recignise the disc's. However, on *this* unit, the Polaroid burnned disc's *DO* play inside my dvd-rom drive. So, that's plus. Mind you, I could be wrong about the VR thing, that the disk is VM after all, and not VR. * Terminology: replace "form-factor" with ... CON: ** VR Mode recorded video and Audio delay param value.. Note, this is for those of you who like to do re-encodes. First, Smartripper reports all my DRM-2001G MPEG's as having -67 ms delay. But, once inside DGIndex, it's another value. Read on.. When using TMPGEnc to re-encode demo's, the "audio delay value" was not the same as the one posted by DGIndex. For example, so far, all videos comming from the Polaroid unit are read in as having an "Audio delay value" of 48ms, but sometimes they can be different, depending on the video's GOP layout. When TMPGEnc processes this .d2v source, audio de-sync occurs. To overcome this, I had to use a bit of trial 'n error to finally reach a new actual setting value of: [-240 ]. So far, this has worked every time for me. Course, this could be an isolated issue with the TMPGEnc version I am using, not to mention, sw MPEG Encoder. CON: ** Unit Lock-ups.. It's been my experience with all my dvd recorders' that they lock-up at some point in time for mysterious reasons. The Polaroid model is no exception to this. I have experienced several lock-ups when using the machine. But I suspect it is on account of the various dvd media brands I have been putting into the unit or (because of the remotes' very small-size keys) hitting the wrong key-combo may have set the unit into caos. CON: ** No de-Macrovision capabilities so far.. I don't know of any at this time. FWIW, some VHS that I know for sure that has MV seem to pass through w/out an problems. My THX Widescreen movie, "Contact" was clean during recording. Note, when unit sences MV (ie, DVD) it imediately issues: PAUSE [copy protection] warning notice, though the picture passes through -- you just can't record from it. CON: ** Shutting off the unit.. The unit won't shut off if you are still inside a menu. When I have the unit connected to my pc so I can watch/record things during my multi-tasking, and when I finally shut down for bed, I often have the unit still inside a menu, and when I've already shut down my pc, and I go to power off the unit, it stays on. Can't tell you how annoying that is. Out of frustration, I just unplug the unit, and go ta bed :drool: Ok. Now for what I consider MYTH's.. I hope that noboday takes this too peronsal. MYTH: - noise 1 ** The unit is noisy, on account of (theory) Fan or HDD. False or, slightly false :) At least on this unit, there were Little, to No noise. However, it did come from the fan, and its purpose is an obvious one.. to keep the unit cool, but the Loudness of the noise was probably dramatised at best, though from other unfortunate users who are most likely used to quieter brands/models/units. MYTH: - noise 2 ** The unit exhibits loud noise on power-up from HDD. (I read this somewhere) False. Whenever I turn on the unit, there are no noticable or loud noise. It is quiet. MYTH: - tuner - [rev 1.0] ** Tuner video quality is bad. False. The tuner's quality is just as good as my Pioneer DVR-220-s brand/model. (however, the tuner's audio is MONO) MYTH: - remote 1 ** Remote has slow response time. (I read this somewheres also) False. After using this unit (and remote) every function operates accoringly, to its natural speed - usually, instant operation. MYTH: - remote 2 ** The remote only works within 6 feet. False. According to the manual, pg 6., the range's limit is 16 feet, but that the angle is a bit more narrow'er than most remots. -vhelp 4052

vhelp posted 2006 Jul 22 19:31

TEST PREPORATION ROAD MAP Because of the unit's Macrovision sensitivity to video DVD's, I could not run any tests using my Pioneer DVR-220-S as the optimum choice. I did not want to re-author any of the dvd disks I had -- I was too lazy, plus I couldn't find my disk that I *did* re-author from a previous test, using the "Ice Age" dvd disk's Setup from the "test THX" section. To give you an idea of what went on during my hay-ride in this area, the items below are what I used in these first round of tests. Some items were not used in the latest of tests, but are planned for later 2nd round of tests. PREPORATION for DEMO TESTS: Those items check marked with an "X" were Used. EQUIPMENT: ** [x] DVDRecorder: Polaroid DRM-2001G w/ 80g HDD ** [x] VCR: JVC S-VHS HR-S3910U ** [ ] VCR: Sharp VC H960 (composite only) ** [x] Source DVD PLAYER 1: Apex AD-1500 [ IRE = 7.5 ? ] ** [ ] Source DVD PLAYER 2: Pioneer DVR-220-s (is a dvd recorder) ** [ ] HDTV as source: Hisense, USDigital USDTV DB-2010 ** [ ] Pro Brand, Digital Stream HD3150Plus DTV receiver ** [ ] Laserdisc player: Pioneer CLD-V2600 ** [x] DVD source: "Ice Age" - disk 1, Setup, THX Optimization selection ** [x] VHS source: "Contact" 4:3AR THX Widescreen INPUT/OUTPUT AVENUES INCLUDED: ** [ ] RCA ** [x] S-Video ** [ ] Component (Y Pb Pr) SOFTWARE TOOLS: ** [x] DGIndex v1.4.3 ** [x] VFAPIConv.exe v1.05 ** [x] VirtualDUB-MPEG2 v1.6.15 B 24560 ** [ ] Bitrate viewer v1.5.043 ** [x] TMPGEnc v2.5 The basic recepe for obtaining the images used in the postings from the Polaroid DRM-2001G recorded MPEG's were: ** +RW -> Smartripper->HDD -> DGIndex -> VFAPI -> vdubMPEG-2->CopyToClipboard ..or.. ** +RW -> Smartripper->HDD -> DGIndex -> VFAPI -> vdubMPEG-2->SaveImageSequence->BMP Note, at the moment, today I am using .png w/ slight compression to fit this forums space requirement of 150kb image size. So, you might see some compression artifacts which can't be helped, for now. A minor note on DGIndex.. I almost didn't use this tool, but only because it no longer offers the option.. ** Video\Color Space\[RGB 24bit ] or [YUV 4:2:2 ] ..as other dvd2avi versions did. Because of this, this author is not certain of the color space output.. RGB or YUV, while vdubMPEG-2 internally converts to RGB. Apex AD-1500 piculiars.. After my previous rounds of testing with this unit, I found something *new* out about the Apex. There seems to be a Sub Sampling or Chroma-Bug being output during the Polaroid's capturing. Also, its not fully known weather or not the Apex is outputing: IRE = 7.5 values. But, when things are captured from the Apex, the color levels are pretty dark.. probably even darker then they should be. Because of these issues (above) it is my determination that the Apex is giving "flaud" or skewed result when used with the Polaroid, though quality was still acceptable. But, because this was the only available DVD unit to test with, not to mention I didn't know of the discovered issues noted, I had no other choice. But I am planning on a 2nd round of tests w/out the Apex. As such, I think its more so important to re-run the tests with another unit that does not have issues, and outputs proper specification parameters. Regarding VHS sources.. The recording preporations for this (using the above JVC vcr) were with the s-video connection. To be totally honest, I was expecting to see chroma rainbows and/or sampling errors, but to my review, I didn't see any. Recording from Commercial tape sources can be tricky when it comes to MV (macrovision) I haven't completed my test in this area to rule it out, but so far, no MV problems yet. At the first sign of trouble, I'll report back. Attempting re-encodes from vhs sources is possible, and with good quality finished results too. I found that in my finished Polaroid MPEG recordings, once brought into my pc for further processing, that setting up for an IRE of 7.5 (or PC Scale) was actually the better choice to use. All I can do to prove this, is UPLOAD some sample clips. Unfortunately, those *would* have to wait till next week, where I have access to fast internet connection. -vhelp 4053

vhelp posted 2006 Jul 22 19:31

** [ ] Picture Quality Tests, comming slowly.. The modes supported include: HQ, SP, LP, SLP All results of pics below are based on: Apex AD-1500 -> Polaroid DRM-2001G Polaroid DRM-2001G: HQ[9000 bitrate] ** Apex AD-1500[s-video] -> Polaroid DRM-2001G ** +RW -> Smartripper->HDD -> DGIndex -> VFAPI -> vdubMPEG-2->SaveImageSequence->BMP ** DGIndex [YUV->RGB].[TV Scale] - [L:16-235, C:16-240] ** saved as .PNG w/ (o) Optimized Octree compression. ** name: "vhelp.01b.ice.age.thx.0003.tv.sid.png" Polaroid DRM-2001G: HQ[9000 bitrate] ** Apex AD-1500[s-video] -> Polaroid DRM-2001G ** +RW -> Smartripper->HDD -> DGIndex -> VFAPI -> vdubMPEG-2->SaveImageSequence->BMP ** DGIndex [YUV->RGB].[TV Scale] - [L:16-235, C:16-240] ** saved as .PNG -- no compression. ** name: "vhelp.ice.age.thx.6253.tv.the.gang.png" Polaroid DRM-2001G: HQ[9000 bitrate] ** Apex AD-1500[s-video] -> Polaroid DRM-2001G ** +RW -> Smartripper->HDD -> DGIndex -> VFAPI -> vdubMPEG-2->SaveImageSequence->BMP ** DGIndex [YUV->RGB].[TV Scale] - [L:16-235, C:16-240] ** saved as .PNG -- no compression. ** name: "vhelp.ice.age.thx.2900.tv.color.bars.png" Polaroid DRM-2001G: HQ[9000 bitrate] ** Apex AD-1500[s-video] -> Polaroid DRM-2001G ** +RW -> Smartripper->HDD -> DGIndex -> VFAPI -> vdubMPEG-2->SaveImageSequence->BMP ** DGIndex [YUV->RGB].[TV Scale] - [L:16-235, C:16-240] ** saved as .PNG -- no compression. ** name: "vhelp.ice.age.thx.1550.white.chroma.blocks.png" Polaroid DRM-2001G: HQ[9000 bitrate] ** Apex AD-1500[s-video] -> Polaroid DRM-2001G ** +RW -> Smartripper->HDD -> DGIndex -> VFAPI -> vdubMPEG-2->SaveImageSequence->BMP ** DGIndex [YUV->RGB].[TV Scale] - [L:16-235, C:16-240] ** saved as .PNG -- no compression. ** name: "vhelp.ice.age.thx.1791.tv.black.chroma.blocks.png" -vhelp 4054

vhelp posted 2006 Jul 22 19:31

** [ ] empty

vhelp posted 2006 Jul 22 19:31

** [ ] empty

vhelp posted 2006 Jul 22 19:31

** [ ] Downloads of sample clips - ongoing.. TH.07.27.06 DOWNLOAD: 072606.drm2001g.[supernatural].mpg ** Analog Cable -> Polaroid DRM-2001G[Coax IN, tv tuner=MONO] ** +RW -> Smartripper->HDD -> DGIndex[TV scale] -> VFAPI -> vdubMPEG -> TMPGEnc ** Note, DGIndex [YUV->RGB].[TV Scale] - [L:16-235, C:16-240] ** Encoding: CBR @ 9000 bitrate / Audio: 384k ** Note ( was suppose to be, [supernatural.hitchhiker] ) TH.07.27.06 DOWNLOAD: 072606.drm2001g.[matrix.end.fight.scene].mpg ** Analog Cable -> Polaroid DRM-2001G[Coax IN, tv tuner=MONO] ** +RW -> Smartripper->HDD -> DGIndex[TV scale] -> VFAPI -> vdubMPEG -> TMPGEnc ** Note, DGIndex [YUV->RGB].[TV Scale] - [L:16-235, C:16-240] ** Encoding: CBR @ 9000 bitrate / Audio: 384k TH.07.27.06 DOWNLOAD: 072606.drm2001g.[matrix.begin.fight.scene].mpg ** Analog Cable -> Polaroid DRM-2001G[Coax IN, tv tuner=MONO] ** +RW -> Smartripper->HDD -> DGIndex[TV scale] -> VFAPI -> vdubMPEG -> TMPGEnc ** Note, DGIndex [YUV->RGB].[TV Scale] - [L:16-235, C:16-240] ** Encoding: CBR @ 9000 bitrate / Audio: 384k ** Note (was suppose to be, [matrix.load.the.jumprope.scene] ) About the MPEG clips.. First, know that these sample clips are re-encodes by my own hands. And.. As you all know how I have pointed many times in past, how these broadcasters or entities output their video sources at various degress of quality attributes, such as color space being off; or source is purposely jimmied or tainted; for their own reasons. Also, there will be other sample clips, and from other sources as well, like VHS. I know some want to see what this unit can do with VHS sources, though those source I did work with were based on Commercial Tapes. -vhelp 4057

vhelp posted 2006 Jul 22 19:31

CLOSING NOTES: IMHO, I am so very pleased with this unit. Even in its bare-bones state, it just performs so well. Bare-bones is just that.. no user-control of the higher advanced features found in many higher priced brand/models dvd recorders. Apex player and sub sampling / Chroma-Bug.. With the exception of the Apex AD-1500 being used as the test input model, it is obvious that this Apex has a problem with: color space; and sub sampling handling; causing the familiar Chroma-Bug found prominately in RED's as well as other color gradients. A follow-up battery of tests will probably be done soon, using a none-macrovision source, fed into a better brand player, such as Pioneer, because they have user-configureable option settings, like IRE; Chroma; etc. However, because it has been determined by this author that the Apex is to blaim for the poor picture quality (sub sampling / chroma) from it's output port, on some of the tests, it is only fair for me to note with you all that I found other player devices which did perform without the issues, (though not included in these tests) in terms of recorded picture quality, etc. As a for instance, my VCR, a JVC S-VHS had no color space or sub sampling / chroma decernable issues. Anyway. Only further follow-up tests can add truth to all this nonsense. Redo some of the test? ..that is the question.. I am considering re-doing some of the tests, but using a clean non-macrovision video source. To do this, I would have to re-rip my THX disc and re-author an new disk, unless I can find my old re-authored disk of the THX disc I did last year. Also, to include in these tests, other features not yet in this round, such as the Component features. I wanted to include in this round of tests, this area, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. And how I would test this is through the avenue of my: ** [ ] Hisense, USDigital USDTV DB-2010 and ** [ ] Pro Brand, Digital Stream HD3150Plus DTV receiver Mysterious features, and then some.. Last, and in addition to all the above, this unit offers (shall I say) *many* mysterious tweak-like potential advantages that one only needs to be figured out, making this unit a treasure trove. Did I say, I'm thinking about getting a 2nd unit ? Well, I'm still thinking about it, hehe :lol: Recommend this dvd recorder? .. Of course I would. There are minor issues or slight clumzyness about this unit, but that's a give or take with any dvd recorder or new toy. The latest results I reported (above) are based on a player with some minor problems. And a follow-up round of tests might be done soon, to add to the one's above. Sometimes we never know a device is "faulty" until some years later. In my case, it was some years later, with my Apex and these tests uncovering them. But you would never know, from watching on tv, as a normal person would. -vhelp 4058

vhelp posted 2006 Jul 22 19:32

** [ ] Resources

vhelp posted 2006 Jul 22 19:32

** [ ] Misc, Tips, Hacks, etc. Determining if your Tuner's audio is MONO or STEREO: STEPS: - testing stero/mono Audio - by vhelp; > This should be easy to test, by hooking up a splitter to you main video > cable line: > > Pioneer DVR-220-s (or other "known" stereo unit) > == > ** > ************ --- Main Cable Line to your Tuner --- > ** > == > Polaroid DRM-2001G > > --- Fig A. --- > > Knowing in advance when a particular tv program will be airing in Stereo > you can record the source with both units. > Applying the above test should prove once and for all, Stereo or Mono. Adding a *new* HDD to the unit: STEPS: - adding HDD - by next; > open the case > remove the old hdd > put in new HDD > power on unit WORDS: ** HDD - Hard Disk Drive -vhelp 4060

next posted 2006 Jul 23 12:28

Great review. You might want to add that this unit's hard drive can be easily upgraded. It's essentially plug and play. Just open the case, remove the drive and put in a new. I have a 200 gig in my now.

Marvingj posted 2006 Jul 23 13:07

Super Review, Loved it!!!!!!!!!

vhelp posted 2006 Jul 23 13:48

Afternoon everyone :lol: Thank you guys. About the topic creation.. Finding typos/Revisions and much more, was a chore to do. I can't tell you how many times I kept finding something to cleanup. Now that its skulped into what it is today, its slowly begining to look like something meaningful and useful, not to mention, a resource stop. My Original Component INPUT test idea.. I mainly wanted it (at first) for the Component. When I first saw it back in February, I couldnt' believe it had Component OUT *and* IN. I wanted to test it out with my HDTV receiver, cause on one of my receivers, I can hack it to output Component quality video. so, I wanted to run some ideas across it. That's what got me started on this unit in the first place. Everything else followed as time progressed. Course, now that I have it, (thanks to the 80g HDD) it's been used quite heavily since. Waiting for the Polaroid DRM-2001G to arrive at Wal-Mart, more.. I waited more than three months for this thing to arrive at my Wal-Mart. Every week I went in, and still no units. I told this to the saleswomen. And, I even tried pushing agressvily at the saleswomen and then the store manager, hoping to get *them* to allow me to buy the floor model, but even she wouldn't budge an inch. Last thing she said was, "..nobody had ordered these units, yet ???" and the other women replied, "no!". Manager continued, "..order them now, and round up everyone for a.." well, I guess they all had an interesting meeting, afterwards. But it didn't do me any good at that time, cause I wanted to walk out with one, then. Anyway. 2nd idea - (HDD/Ribbon hack) .. My second idea on this unit was to hack it so that I could rig some kind of outside HDD and Ribbon (that I was going to invent or put together somehow) and -- cut to chase -- create some kind of swap-HDD-MOBO-Swith gizmo. :idea: - The idea is to eliminate the writing out to an +RW disc. But, I didn't want to try this (or any type of warranty-void) until I was sure that I was happy with this unit. So far, I am very happy with it :lol: -vhelp 4061

LCSHG posted 2006 Jul 23 21:27

vhelp [quote]PRO: ** Ability to capture from a pre-record on units HDD while still Recording. Say you are recording something, but you would like to capture from it as well. And, say you want to capture one of the pre-records from the HDD on the unit. Well, you can.. by pressing the [DVD] key on the remote, and viewing what is already on the units HDD by scrolling through the list of videos and choose which one to play, and capture from it.. all, while the unit is still recording a tv program. Nice.[/quote] Is this addressing the HDD while it's recording, or addressing the HDD while recording to the DVD disk vhelp [quote]PRO: ** Burning to +RW disc's w/out Finilizing.. Another plus feature I found was that this unit does not need to finalize a disc as long as it is an +RW format.[/quote] I know of no +RW disk that would require finalizing to play in any machine that will accept a +R/RW disk, or any +R/RW recorder that would do so. Edit It was indicated that this unit has a 2,5 hr SP mode If so that would be a halp for those concerned with bit rate on programs of say 2 hr 20 min and use the 3 hr mode

vhelp posted 2006 Jul 24 21:39

>> PRO: >> ** Ability to capture from a pre-record on units HDD while still Recording. >> >> Is this addressing the HDD while it's recording, or addressing the HDD >> >> while recording to the DVD disk Both.. if I understand your question. I probably should have wrote: ** Ability to capture a pre-recorded video on unit's HDD, while still Recording. Explanation, in more detail: This is probably some aspect of the unit's featured "TimeShift" capability. While you are recording to the HDD from your TV Tuner (or any other source) you can play what is already recorded (or stored) on your Polaroid's HDD. So, while you play what's on your HDD (while the unit is still recording) you can capture with a capture card or another dvd recorder (or whatever) the video playing from the HDD. The unit can do both of two things at once.. record and play, at the same time, because it is using the HDD, which is far faster than an dvd-ROM. It's probably taking advantage of some on-bard MEM CACHE for this technique to work. However it works, doesn't really matter. It just does :) While Recording -> play/watch HDD videos[OUTPUT: hdd video] -> RCA/S-Video output >> PRO: >> ** Burning to +RW disc's w/out Finilizing.. >> Another plus feature I found was that this unit does not need to finalize a disc >> as long as it is an +RW format.[/quote] >> >> I know of no +RW disk that would require finalizing to play in any machine that >> >> will accept a +R/RW disk, or any +R/RW recorder that would do so. Ok. So I didn't realize this. I always thought that *all* dvd media required finalizing. >> It was indicated that this unit has a 2,5 hr SP mode >> If so that would be a help for those concerned with bit rate on programs of >> say 2 hr 20 min and use the 3 hr mode yes, it has 2 1/2 hr mode, or SP+ [2.5hr] But, there is no adjusting of the Bitrate or Times, like there is on other brands, like Pioneer. Personally, I dont find the need to increment Bitrate or Time for recordings. That's mostly because I do all my recordings in 1hr increments. If there are more than 1 hr, I'll just break it up into 1 hr increments (find a breaking point, like a commercial, and stop, then restart recording for the next hr) The reason I follow this practice is because it makes things easier in terms of smaller source chunks to work with. And, since +RW disc's are 4.3g, makes no sense to go beyond that point, depending on the nature of the project. -vhelp 4062

trhouse posted 2006 Jul 24 22:15

vhelp : There is no (VR vs. Video Mode) setup option. The way the unit works is like this. Depending on what you put into the unit, -r; +r; and -rw; the unit will set the form-factor to (Video Mode) .. Can you verify this? I was under the impression that this recorder is like the Lite-On, only VR mode for any disk type.

LCSHG posted 2006 Jul 24 22:18

vhelp Thanks This machine must have an onboard mem buffer as the HDD can't do two things at once, Thats a handy thing to have and the machine looks to be very good for the price. I have been trying to find out about this unit but no supplier has one in this area. It was reported that it will format a larger HDD without use of a PC and possibly be CP free. If so it would be one heck of a unit. Thanks again

lordsmurf posted 2006 Jul 24 22:36

Pull off the case cover and see what encoder chipset is inside.

trhouse posted 2006 Jul 24 22:50

According to LSI it is Domino. http://www.lsilogic.com/news/product_news/2006_04_18.html

LCSHG posted 2006 Jul 25 12:35

trhouse Thanks for the link. I Must have missed it. I knew the Polaroid had an LSI chipset burt wesn't sure if it was 2nd or 3rd gen. It has been indicated that the 3rd gen disk may have CP compliance incorparated in the architecture but don't know for sure. Even so the unit looks good especially at the price

trhouse posted 2006 Jul 25 13:19

LCSHG, I tested and photographed the the insides of this unit on this thread recently, http://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=279460&start=90 The heatsink is cemented onto the LSI chip so I could not pull it off. The Achilles heel of this unit is the remote. It works over a very narrow angle from 8-9 feet.

next posted 2006 Jul 25 17:09

trhouse : LCSHG, I tested and photographed the the insides of this unit on this thread recently, http://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=279460&start=90 The heatsink is cemented onto the LSI chip so I could not pull it off. The Achilles heel of this unit is the remote. It works over a very narrow angle from 8-9 feet. The remotes are hit and miss. I picked up two units. One remote was very difficult to use because of limited range. The second worked as a normal remote should. It works fine from across the room and the both units were very responsive to this remote. This told me that the unit itself has a decent ir receiver and the problem was in the distribution of faulty remotes. Also on another forum it was stated that when set up with a Harmony remote the unit worked fine. If you get a bad remote then return it (as I did). I wound up keeping the unit with the good remote and everything is fine. Also there initially was a bunch of bad units that were distributed to Walmart that had to be sent back to Polaroid - maybe because of bad remotes? I don't know but beware of ebay purchaes as a result. At least for a while. I believe some of these units were sold before they were recalled I think this is why the remote is listed as a "myth" above. Obviously the remote tested was a good one.

trhouse posted 2006 Jul 25 17:37

Thanks for that information. This unit came from Walmart. I just checked the manufacture date. February/2006. It probably should have made the recall but slipped though. It is going back today.

next posted 2006 Jul 25 18:14

trhouse : Thanks for that information. This unit came from Walmart. I just checked the manufacture date. February/2006. It probably should have made the recall but slipped though. It is going back today. Definately! I think they started showing up at Walmart in late April or possibly May so your February production date is way too early. I saw one on ebay with a date of June of 06.

vhelp posted 2006 Jul 27 21:56

Evening everyone :lol: Ok. Here are several sample clips that I put together real quick for you all to freely download and review for your own reasons. But I must inform you that I miss-labeled a couple -- [supernatural].mpg was suppose to be [supernatural.hitchhiker] and, [matrix.begin.fight.scene] was suppose to be [matrix.load.the.jumprope.scene] Sorry for the screw-up. Anyways. You can get them at the DOWNLOADS link, [on page one].. with full detail descriptions. Note, these latest sample clips are re-encodes of the DRM-2001G video's. -vhelp 4066

KTH posted 2006 Jul 30 22:26

I just picked up one of these units from my Local Wal Mart. This one has a February 2006 manufacture date and yes it does or should I say DID have the limited remote control range problem. I repaired the problem by taking apart the remote control and replacing the Infrared LED with one I purchased from Radio Shack (Cat. #276-143). It cost me $2.28 with tax (pretty cheap fix). The range now is excellent. In fact it's probably better than any other of my remotes for other devices. I can even put the unit behind my back and face the remote to the wall in back of me and it will still work. Please note before trying this that this mod will require soldering and desoldering of the LED and that LED's do have a polarity to them so make sure to solder them in correctly.

Barnabas posted 2006 Jul 31 23:48

I want to thank both vhelp for his WONDERFUL review of this unit, and KTH, for the new LED idea. My unit sits fairly low under the Dishnetwork receiver in my bedroom, and the remote BARELY worked at all until I replaced the LED with the higher power one. Only cost me $1.98 with tax. Hardest part was getting the remote control apart. BTW, any one know of a way to turn off the timer display icon? once programmed to record a timed show, the icon stays on until it's finished recording.

vhelp posted 2006 Aug 01 05:23

Morning all :lol: Thanks KTH (for his "bright" LED idea -- I have to try it -- our electronic's specialist) and to Barnabas kind words. I Didn't know you were in the market for one. Yeah. Like I said, (about the unit) it's all bare-bones, but does such a great job with all sorts video sources out there, and re-ecoding them w/ IVTC, and you can't believe its that good! (Oh, NBC has been airing Star Trek Enterprise on Thursdays, pretty late, around 12:30am but they don't interupt it with any logos nor banners at bottom, that i've seen) -- check out the sample clips. So far, the logo stays at the bottom, and can't be removed. Perhaps if enough users complain, Polaroid will put out a Firmware patch for it.. what at it, fix that annoying clock.. what's up with that :) -vhelp 4076

MrSpeed posted 2006 Aug 07 13:29

I picked up one of these units last week. I've only had a chance to record some VHS tapes. I asked a few friends to judge the quality and to their casual eyes the recordings looked better than the original source. The unit seems to boost colors a bit which would probably fool some people that the quality was better. There is indeed less noise in the picture. The recordings also looked better than when I captured through the DV passthrough of my camera onto the PC,--> apply some filters in VirtualDub --> encode to DVD. All these tests were in HQ mode (9Mbs). I did a few quick recordings in SP mode (2hour) and it was almost impossible to tell the difference between the two recordings. I'll be hooking it up to cable later on and do some more tests.

ccat284 posted 2006 Aug 14 15:27

I have had this Polaroid DRM-2001G unit now for 2 weeks. It is my first stand-alone DVD recorder. I have an engineering education, so I am very cautious of technology in its infancy. After some struggles with the purchase of a reliable PC DVD recorder, I wasnt sure if I wanted to hassel with the purchase of a stand alone machine. I bought the DRM-2001G at Walmart for $219 only because it was cheap and easy to return if it didnt perform. I threw caution to the wind and made the purchase with no research. All I can say is WOW, was I lucky! This unit rocks (except for the remote problem mentioned above). The user manual packed with the unit was VERY POOR (china-english and poorly organized), but the one that is on the Polaroid web site is a different version and is ok. The documention is this unit's second short-coming (remote is #1). I have dubbed 2 dozen video tapes and in some cases the copy is better than the original. For my many documentary programs I found the EP mode to be very adiquate and getting 4 hours on a disk is very cost effective. The off-air tuner is also very good and sensitivity is better than I have on any other tuner in my home. This unit is not very feature rich for editing and disk creation, but for $219 it has exceeded my expectation. If I could have a wish list I would wish: 1. for better editing features 2. direct dubbing from DVD to HD 3. better menu flow 4. USB port for portable/external HD storage 5. more than 60 minutes of time-shifting ........and most of all 6. an ethernet port with browser interface (web server) so I can control the unit from the web or PC/home network and access the unit's HD data. This would allow it to have some SLINGBOX type abilities. How cool would that be!!! I am sure Polaroid will eventually introduce a high end model with these features and I will definately buy another unit. Polaroid, if you are out there, I am an engineer ready to beta test your latest creation !!!! I will write more later, now I am out to purchase a new IR led for the remote. Maybe I will post step-by-step pictures and proceedure for this upgrade???? Chuck

ccat284 posted 2006 Aug 14 15:39

Group, I am interested it installing another larger HD in my Polaroid DRM-2001G. I hear it is plug and play, however I need some specifics...such as: 1. hard drive format needed?? (fat32, NTFS, or just low level format, etc) 2. interface? (IDE, SATA) 3. set drive as MASTER or cable select? 4. in the thread, someone installed a 200gig, anyone installed a larger drive? Thanks, Chuck

victoriabears posted 2006 Aug 14 17:44

Look remarkably like the RJ tech and Curtis ones I have and yes they can do wonderful recording.

trhouse posted 2006 Aug 14 20:52

The hard drive is a Western Digital Caviar, WD800 enhanced IDE drive. If you look inside, you can probably see if CS ( cable select ) is set.

BCdave posted 2006 Aug 14 22:13

Thanks to the detailed information and enthusiasm in this thread, I am weighing the pros/cons of the Polaroid vs. the LG LRH-780 (LG's 80GB model available in Canada). Could someone please clarify the following: 1. When recording from a stereo source (ie. NOT the mono tuner ... What WERE they thinking ??), is the audio recorded as AC3 ?? or as the bit-hungry PCM stereo ?? 2. vhelp notes that +RW media is recorded in VR mode, while -RW is recorded in Video Mode. I've never run across VR mode with any media other than -RW, and I wonder if +RW discs in VR mode are as problematical as the -RW's, for compatibility with other players, and particularly for transferring to computer via Decrypter for editing with Video Redo. 3. Finally, has anyone found the YES DVD function to be useful ?? Can you opt not to create the 3 "music videos" (which seems like a remarkably tacky feature) ?? Thanks again for the info so far (I only wish someone would do a similar review of the LRH-780 !! ), and for any responses to my queries. My son is visiting Portland, OR this week, so he can pick up the DRM 2001-G tax-free for me, if I decide to pull the trigger.

Barnabas posted 2006 Aug 14 22:33

YESDVD only works when you record from a source other than the HD. Sort of a stupid way to do it. You can turn off YESDVD for Music Videos if you want. Nice recorder however.

trhouse posted 2006 Aug 15 02:33

: 1. When recording from a stereo source (ie. NOT the mono tuner ... What WERE they thinking ??), is the audio recorded as AC3 ?? or as the bit-hungry PCM stereo ?? Neither. Here is what PowerDVD reports for an XP mode recording and SP mode recording, respectively,

ccat284 posted 2006 Aug 15 08:05

Barnabas : YESDVD only works when you record from a source other than the HD. Sort of a stupid way to do it. You can turn off YESDVD for Music Videos if you want. Nice recorder however. Does the automatic CHAPTER creator work in the same fashion? I have it set to create chapters every 10 minutes. I did burn from the HD (I thought) and it worked fine on the first try. All future attempts failed. I reset the parameter to 5 minutes and tried again, no go. What am I doing wrong???

next posted 2006 Aug 15 09:37

trhouse : The hard drive is a Western Digital Caviar, WD800 enhanced IDE drive. If you look inside, you can probably see if CS ( cable select ) is set. I've installed two drives now. The first was a 200 gig seagate which worked fine. The second is a WD 250 gig that also works fine. It is truely plug and play. I removed the drives from their packaging and put them in the Polaroid. There was no PC required. The Polaroid formats the drive to the capasity of the installed drive. I've filled the 250 gig drive with no problems. I plan on installing a drive in the 500 gig range soon which I'm sure will also work fine.

Barnabas posted 2006 Aug 15 10:37

ccat284 : Barnabas : YESDVD only works when you record from a source other than the HD. Sort of a stupid way to do it. You can turn off YESDVD for Music Videos if you want. Nice recorder however. Does the automatic CHAPTER creator work in the same fashion? I have it set to create chapters every 10 minutes. I did burn from the HD (I thought) and it worked fine on the first try. All future attempts failed. I reset the parameter to 5 minutes and tried again, no go. What am I doing wrong??? I have mine set at 20 minute intervals, and that's what it plays back at when burned from the HD. That part seems to work ok from the HD so far.

BCdave posted 2006 Aug 15 14:21

Thanks, trhouse, that's very helpful ... Or at least, it would be if I wasn't so clueless about audio formats. Most of the references to mp2 in the forums appear to indicate that mp2 is not fully compliant with the NTSC standard for DVDs. eg. gshelley61 wrote (in discussing the differences between some LiteOn and ILO models): Perhaps the Radio Shack product buyers specified Dolby Digital for audio as a requirement since that is the North American DVD standard (along with LPCM). MP2 audio, though it normally will work fine in North American players, is not an official standard here. I just don't know. Obviously, the Polaroid has many exceptional features for such a low price (LSI encoding chip, component in, upgradeable hard drive, YES DVD), but some of the shortcuts are a concern (mono tuner, mp2 audio, VR mode on +RW media). I thought I could work around the mono tuner by recording the component input from the stereo tuner on an LG non-HDD recorder, but I need a high compatibility with various DVD players for distribution of my family videos, so maybe the Polaroid isn't the machine for me ... But it's such a BARGAIN I hate to pass it up !! Any comments on whether mp2 audio or +VR mode are problematical or not ?? Thanks, guys.

MrSpeed posted 2006 Aug 15 21:40

At first I was concerned about the mpeg2 as well. However it seems to play fine on all the DVD players in my house. I almost like the fact that it uses mpeg2 instead of LPCM so it can encode the video at 9Mbs in HQ mode. If I distribute a disc and someone has a problem I'l just reencode the disc with AC3 instead.

MrSpeed posted 2006 Aug 15 21:45

I seem to have an issue with the audio level out of the optical digial out's being low. Playing a DVD it's fine, but the audio from the tuner is low by what seems to be at least 6-10DB. The volume is set to max from the remote. Anyone else see this ?

bravoland posted 2006 Aug 17 21:54

Well.. i purchased a unit and i am giving it a test run here.. here's the Con's right off the bat 1. the Mono Tuner Of Course 2.Cannot hook up to TV thru RF Coax Output on device i tried just hooking cable coax to input and output to tv thru coax..you have to output via s-video,composite or component to be able to see the pvr.. i called customer service and confirmed this 3.timer display icon will not turn off. that's a real pain 4.No Visual recording light on Unit (it would be nice to know walking by if the unit is recording.. when you turn the unit off a little red LED comes on..now that's backwards...) 5.Unable to rename channels? it shows in the manual that you can..but i was not able to..was anyone able to do this..for example in the setup edit a channel where name is ch003 and rename to NBC ? 6. Cannot stop program on hard drive and start program where show was stopped..show starts from beginning 7.Cannot turn off or suspend unit without stopping recording. 8.Screen shows 80:02:20 when recording at 8pm..>??? that display is confusing as all get out.

Cheryl911 posted 2006 Aug 18 10:45

Can someone please explain how to do the segments to cut out commercials. My book shows something different than what's on the screen, or I'm screwing something up! ...Thanks!

Barnabas posted 2006 Aug 18 11:03

Once you have selected segment, the video will start to play. Use the right and left keys (on each side of the OK button on the remote) to advance or reverse the video displayed. When you find where you want to cut, press "OK" to make the first "mark" press "OK" again for the 2nd mark and so on. You can use "pause" if you need to.

christopheramos posted 2006 Aug 23 14:03

Chuck (ccat284), you wrote: "I am out to purchase a new IR led for the remote." What does this mean? I find the remote control for the DRM-2001G to be just plain crappy. I am looking to fix this problem, and wondered if you knew (or anyone) knows how to do it. Thanks! Chris

Barnabas posted 2006 Aug 23 14:41

KTH : I just picked up one of these units from my Local Wal Mart. This one has a February 2006 manufacture date and yes it does or should I say DID have the limited remote control range problem. I repaired the problem by taking apart the remote control and replacing the Infrared LED with one I purchased from Radio Shack (Cat. #276-143). It cost me $2.28 with tax (pretty cheap fix). The range now is excellent. In fact it's probably better than any other of my remotes for other devices. I can even put the unit behind my back and face the remote to the wall in back of me and it will still work. Please note before trying this that this mod will require soldering and desoldering of the LED and that LED's do have a polarity to them so make sure to solder them in correctly. Works like a charm now!

christopheramos posted 2006 Aug 23 14:59

Hey Barnabas or KTH!! You said you "picked up one of these units from my local Wal Mart." Were you talking about the DVD Recorder, or did you go and buy a new remote of some type and then installed a Radio Shack LED? In other words, did you just take the remote that came with the recorder, and replace the LED with the one you got from Radio Shack? Or did you purchase something else besides the new LED? Thanks!!! Chris

Barnabas posted 2006 Aug 23 15:13

christopheramos, I bought the DVD recorder at Walmart, took it's remote apart, unsoldered the old LED and replaced it with the new one. No screws at all to hold the remote together, so just pry it apart.

christopheramos posted 2006 Aug 23 17:39

Hello again Barnabas (or anyone else!) I found that I'm having a very basic problem: I can't seem to set this unit up. I am trying to output my satelite receiver to the unit, then output the unit to my TV. I have a big screen TV, and it only has a coax input in the back. I read another post on here that you cannot connect the unit to your TV using a coax cable, but you have to use a S-VHS or composite or cables or whatever. If that's true, why on Earth does the unit have a coax out? In light of that fact, I am unable to setup my unit. Does anyone have any ideas?

Barnabas posted 2006 Aug 23 18:07

I don't think it has RF output, so you will need to pick up an RF Modulator to connect it to your TV. My old Sony 72" TV was like that, only RF connections. I used to run the Satellite TV into it from my VCR.

christopheramos posted 2006 Aug 23 18:17

Okay, thanks Barnabas!!! I will look for a RF Modulator!!!! Regards (and thanks again)!

christopheramos posted 2006 Aug 24 07:04

Hello again everyone, I still can't set up this DVD recorder. I ran my satelite receiver into the recorder, and then out to the TV. Since my TV only has a cable input in the back, I used a RF Modulator (as Barnabas suggested). This still didn't work. The satelite image feeds through the recorder just fine, and I can see the channels on my TV. But no matter what I do, I can't get the recorder's setup menu to appear. I make sure that I am about 1 foot away from the recorder, so that the crappy remote works. But nothing. Nothing will bring up the menu. By the way, the instruction manual that came with this unit (and the one I downloaded from the Polaroid website) sucks. Any ideas? I don't know if this unit is broken or not. Or if I am just doing something wrong. Thanks so much!!! Chris

GuyScharf posted 2006 Aug 24 09:45

When power to the DRM-2001G is turned off, is the signal still passed through (RCA to RCA or, better for me, S-Video to RCA)? I would want to normally have power to the DVDR turned off but if the signal isn't passed through when it is off, I can't do that. If you have the unit set to view S-Video input (not recording), turn power off, then turn it back on, are you still looking at the S-Video input or has the unit defaulted to showing the disc (or a "no disc" message)? Does it have a OTR (one-touch record) mode for 30, 60, 90, etc. minutes? What is maximum length? Does unit stay on or power off after OTR recording? Can you tell me the exact width of the unit? Specs seem to be missing on that point. Thanks! Guy

christopheramos posted 2006 Aug 24 11:47

Hey Guy! Well, here are the specs per the documentation: Size: 430mmX48mmX308mm (beats me as to how many inches that equals). Additional features are: ______________________________________________________________________________ YesDVD software creates DVDs at the touch of a button TVGuardian® Foul Language Filtering Technology (activation and fee required) Built-in 80G hard disk Real-time recording using DVD+/-RW, DVD+R recordable discs, and dual format DVD+R/RW-R/RW Record in different quality and length (HQ, SP, LP, EP, SLP) Easy one-touch recording with auto index creation Easy editing on recorded video content Dual media format Simultaneous DVD playback and record movie in hard disk Live video time shifting allows for pause, forward and rewind on live video Plays DVD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, VCD, SVCD Plays music CDs, CD-R/RW, WMA compatible JPEG image compatible Progressive scan video output Front panel VFD display Front and rear A/V inputs Rear S-video inputs IEEE-1394 front input ______________________________________________________________________________ I'll try to answer your other questions: 1. When power to the DRM-2001G is turned off, is the signal still passed through Yes. When the unit is on or off, I still get a satellite signal just as if the satellite receiver was connected directly to the TV. 2. If you have the unit set to view S-Video input (not recording), turn power off, then turn it back on, are you still looking at the S-Video input or has the unit defaulted to showing the disc (or a "no disc" message)? You see, I find the whole display screen goofy. When I turn on the unit, I can switch between settings by pushing the input button. But the way the settings read on the display, I can't even tell what they mean! So I have no idea what input I actually have when I push the input button. However, I have tried this: I would try all of the different input settings, then hit the menu button. Not matter the setting, no menu pops up. 3. Does it have a OTR (one-touch record) mode for 30, 60, 90, etc. minutes? What is maximum length? Does unit stay on or power off after OTR recording? It does have an OTR button. (HQ=1 hour, SP=2 hours, LP=3 hours, EP=4 hours, SLP=6 hours). I've never been able to record anything yet, or tried to, since I couldn't ever get a menu. Don't know if any of this helps. But I sure am stumped!!! Thanks so much! Chris

Cheryl911 posted 2006 Aug 24 12:11

12x17 and 2 inches deep... Input is... SV (looks like S-U) is rear S-video FC is Front composite rC is Rear composite Yu is Rear component I'm still trying to figure out how I know if I made a segment cut and if I can delete the cut if I actually did... One more thing...when I'm watching a channel it says 3 liue (3 live means channel 3)...also when I turn it off and then power on, the last channel I was watching comes back on...

wblackledg posted 2006 Aug 26 19:40

Low audio issues with DRM-2001G Hi, I bought a DRM-2001G and almost everything about is fine, except the audio level is really low. I have volume turned up to 20 (max), but it doesn’t seem to help. Is their a cure? thanks :(

Barnabas posted 2006 Aug 26 19:58

No low audio here. Do you have the audio on the remote turned down perhaps?

INFRATOM posted 2006 Aug 30 18:00

I just bought one, I don't see a digital audio input , does it mean if I record from external source using componant my audio will be what? What if my source is dolby digital?

MrSpeed posted 2006 Aug 31 13:02

Barnabas : No low audio here. Do you have the audio on the remote turned down perhaps? What are you using for outputs ? I have low audio output through the digital audio out. I am using the CATV input. I think it even happens with the front composite inputs. It is at least 6db lower.

grantsoo posted 2006 Aug 31 15:14

This unit has far exceeded my expectations for the price. I have found the same limitations that others have: - quirky remote - I am much better with it now after a few days as I learn how to aim it and be careful with the keys - poor instructions - I've figured out everything I've needed so far, but it took time - mono tuner Here's what I like for the price: - excellent video quality - recording to the hard drive is great - I burn a number of shows then to DVD at the same time - ability to cut out on the hard drive what I don't want to record to DVD - compatibility - another burner I had made DVDs that would not play on every unit - this one makes discs that play on everything I've tried - called customer support to inquire about what "standby" mode meant - talked to someone right away - the ability (from what I've read from others) to virtually plug and play a larger capacity hard drive (I'm waiting till the warranty is over for that) For the price, this thing rocks!

INFRATOM posted 2006 Aug 31 15:27

I want to record TV shows from SAT, I can use componant in but what about sound the digitals are all out. So if some one has any suggestion, am I restriced to regular input sound what if the sound of the show is dolby any info on this subject is appreciated also links on how to change the HD. Thanks.

trhouse posted 2006 Aug 31 16:00

No matter what your sound source is, the 2001G records it as mpeg1, layer 2 audio. Strictly speaking, this does not comply with the US dvd-video standard which requires at least one audio track be either LPCM or Dolby Digital. In the past I have recorded with mpeg1, layer 2 audio on dvd's and have never run into a US dvd player that would not play it, so I do not believe it to be that important.

INFRATOM posted 2006 Aug 31 18:09

Thanks for reply for TV shows as you say maybe good enough.

Cheryl911 posted 2006 Sep 02 18:29

Well today I copied a homemade DVD of something recorded off TV...three hours. I finalized and the dvd plays back just fine on the Polaroid...but it will not play on two different players and won't play on my iLo recorder either...did I miss something. I watched as it was recording...named the titles, etc...watched the display numbers...everything seemed to go ok...on one player it will show only 2 minutes of recorded material and that's all it plays...even though on the menu it shows three seperate titles and has the time correct for each one. Sure could use some ideas...and help...

grantsoo posted 2006 Sep 03 13:47

I had lot's of trouble to start with because of the poor documentation and was left with a few DVDs with unexpected or unplayable stuff on them. I then tried recording just short items, finalizing and playing and worked through a few things I wasn't doing right. Maybe try something just 5 or 10 minutes long and do the same thing, watch it through to see all the steps. I was at a dead end a few times, read, tried, pushed buttons and now the only thing I've got left to figure out is why YesDVD doesn't work on a 2 hour movie. I'm wondering that if you fill the disc, it doesn't have room to do its stuff and therefore doesn't give you the option.

grantsoo posted 2006 Sep 06 05:46

I've now found my problem with YesDVD. I didn't read close enough and it only works with DVD+R. I had tried some -R. Every now and then I run into the problem with the unit becoming slow to respond to the remote. I just shut the it down and power up again and it returns to normal.

Cheryl911 posted 2006 Sep 06 07:46

I took mine back...the timer recordings were fine...everything else looked like it was recording but when played back on another machine...nothing...so now I start re-looking...

Barnabas posted 2006 Sep 06 11:35

Cheryl911, You just need to rip the DVD from your Polaroid to your hard drive, edit, re-author and burn. Then they will play on most anything. I have tried a couple of DVD Recorders and nothing else I tried has had the quality the Polaroid captures do. I even use it sometimes over my Canopus, edit, filter, CCE encode etc.

Kagehi posted 2006 Sep 09 17:00

Just got one of these yesterday. Frankly, I could live with the flaky remote (thankfully it can be fixed), but why the @$$@#$ can't VCR and DVD recorder companies get their heads out of their collective backsides and figure out how to make the clock in these things continue to operate when power is lost? Computer manufacturers have been doing it for 20 years. When I buy something I expect the damn things to work right. And this one is, if anything, worse than the one VCR I do have, which also had an auto-set for the time. See, in that one, it periodically, like once every 10 minutes, would look for the PBS station and set its own clock, so if power went out, you would at most have to wait 10 minutes for it to correct itself. In that case, it still forgot all its timer settings, so you where screwed anyway though. This damn thing doesn't lose the timer settings, but you have to manually activate the "automatic" date/time setting feature... WTF? Where I live we get a) lightning storms, b) high winds, c) occational idiots running into telephone poles. The city was "supposed" to put all this junk underground, but found it "easier" to ignore their own ordinances. As a result, alarm clocks, my TV, every VCR we have, my stereos clock and other settings and now this damn thing, are all vulnerable to not fracking working if there is so much as a hickup in the power. Needless to say, there are no TiVo dealers in town and the cable companies attitude for DVRs is, "What? More than 2-3 people want one and expect us to have them in stock?" To me, as nice as this thing is, its a mixed bag. On one hand, its a major improvement over a VCR, but on the other hand, its *as useless* as a VCR, since it won't bloody work, not "if", but **when** then power fails for a few minutes, never mind the 2-3 hours it went down last night in the storm we had. These clowns (and by that I mean everyone that makes recorders) need to rethink their clock designs, *badly*. They have needed to do so since the day they started making them programmable in the first place. And I wouldn't have minded paying an extra $10, or whatever, for one that worked right. Got myself a UPS to plug into to fix it, but why I "should" need to pay $50 for what could have been fixed using a $2 battery (at least in any sane world)...

Kagehi posted 2006 Sep 09 17:06

Oh, and real fun.. Trying their online help I commented on their time losing issue and asked about a new remote. Both messages got me a link to the "get accessories here" section, which has batteries that don't work with this unit and a three remotes, which don't either.... Great, yet another ATI, which is more interested in pointing you at irrelevent BS, than actually reading and talking to you about the question you asked... Like it would hurt them to let you reply to their reply, or *actually* read and understand the original request(s).

next posted 2006 Sep 09 17:51

deleted

INFRATOM posted 2006 Sep 11 16:15

I only use componant input and DV. Is there a way when it is turned on go to Rear Componant straight so I don't have to change. My observations :, remote should have had a bigger button for freq used keys, I may remedy that with another remote. It is very Noisy, one can hear it across the room like a computer (30-32db) and gets hot too. It is slow to responding maybe it is the remote and takes few seconds to boot at startup. It does a very good job in capturing from VHS on componant and also DV. I wish it could connect to a computer through DV for file transfer . Has anyone tried? is it possible? if you know any specific remote that works well. I always used computer to capture and record but using this is a bit easier and looks like in dvd recorders HD is a must. One good thing display can be change back and forth from progressive on remote, I had so much problem with my phillips when mistake is made. One last thing in the middle of recording from VHS source said mismatch system and it paused and one other occasion macro switched on put a black band in the middle of screen for no reason but after on and off it went away. If one doesn't read in the manual how to finalize +R it is almost impossible to find that hidden menu!!

Adan Bayro posted 2006 Sep 11 21:41

DRM-2001G: Evaluation from a Basic User. I already have many time being user of Recordings Video (Cameras, VHS, DVDs, etc.), and for that reason I have cheered up to intervene in the Forum. I send my opinion in English and Spanish: a.- The Manual: a.1.- Problems: The Manual is very bad. it is confused, disjointed, ncomplete and bad designed. b.1.- Solution: Redrawing and rewriting it. b.- The remote control: b.1.- Problems: The problems of the Remote Control are important, because in the DRM-2001G everything or almost everything is made for the buttons of the Remote control. b.1.a.- Several buttons has more than a function and that confuses. b.1.b.- The buttons of the remote Control, are extremely small and they are very side-by-side, for that reason it is very easy press a wrong button. b.1.c.- The Buttons are located wrong. Need reorder the ubication for better use. They allow to press by mistake, buttons with different functions to which it want to carry out. b.1.d.- the capture of the sign emitted by the Remote Control is not good. There are times it is necessary to press one, two or more times the same button, so that the function is executed. it is possible that the angle of capture and the force of the sign are very bad. b.1.f.- The speed to action is slow. There are times the answer is so slow that I think that the sign was not captured. I press the same button again and it accept the two order....a problem. b.2.- The Remote Control Ideas of Solucion: b.2.a.- Increase the force of the sign. b.2.b.- Increase the angle of capture. b.2.c.- Modify the software. The software should allow to execute the actions by being navigating between menus. using the buttons of Arrows (UP, DOWN, Right, Left) and the Button "OK". Similar to has the TIVO and many software current PCs, CellPhones, etc.). c.- Burn DVDs: c.1.- Problems Burn DVDs: c.1.a.- When you are ordered record the DVD, there is not information on the process. Due to the above-mentioned, and in function of the quality and duration of the video to record, it is necessary to calculate the time of recording based on: "experience." c.1.b.- When is finish recording the DVD (-R,-WR and +R), it is necessary to execute the: FINALICE. c.1.c.- A DVD recorded in the DRM-2001G when is seeing in the same DRM-2001G, and press the Boton FWD, it is able to obtaining quick speeds of 2, 4, 16 32. The same DVD reproduced in other DVD play (example: Phillips DVP 3050v), and press the Boton FWD, alone speeds are obtained from 2 and 232 (40 minutes of video in less 10 seconds). There are not intermedies speeds. Solution: an informative display. Solution: An option, for the user (if he/she want), order that executed automatically the FINALICE, once finished the recording of the DVD. d.- The Write from TV Programs to the Hard Disk works well. e.- The write from VHS to the Hard Disk works well. f.- The quality of video is very well. g.- The price is relatively cheap ($US 219.oo + tax --> Walt Mart). I read that somebody said: "you get what you pay for" The DRM-2001G is cheap, it is true. The troubles that it has do not stop the operation. But, have problems and many users (as me) look for an operation "simple" and "sure". I hope that POLAROIID solution THAT problems, because I believe that the video is very well. I will continue analyzing it. ---- Note Additional: I have a TIVO Serie2 HUMAX. I have a problem: it don't record DVDs that they are superiors 4X (is posibles is only my device). ? does somebody know how do I be able to [upgrade] their DVD Writer, so that do it allow me to record DVDs -R 8X/16X? Because once they no longer exist in the market the DVD-R 2X or 4X, my tivo go to garbage, thank you ========================= DRM-2001G: Evaluacion de un Usuario Basico. Tengo ya algun tiempo siendo usuario de Grabaciones de Video (Cameras, VHS, DVDs, etc.), y por eso me he animado a intervenir en el Forum. Mi idioma materno no es el Ingles, por eso disculpen los posibles errores gramaticales. Leo bien el Ingles, pero no lo escribo muy bien. Envio mi opinion en Ingles y Castellano: a.- El Manual: a.1.- Problemas: El Manual esta muy mal hecho. Es confuso, desarticulado, incompleto y mal disenado. a.2.- Solucion: Re-disenarlo y re-escribirlo. b.- El control remoto: b.1.- El control remoto Problemas: b.1.a.- Los problemas del Control Remoto son importantes, porque dada las caracteristicas del software/hardware, todo o casi todo en el DRM-2001G se hace por los botones del Control Remoto. Hay que invertir bastante tiempo en aprender el uso de todos ellos (y son bastantes). b.1.b.- Varios botones tienen mas de una funcion y eso confunde. b.1.c.- Los botones del Control remoto, son sumamente pequenos y estan muy juntos, por eso es facil presionar dos o mas de ellos. b.1.d.- Los Botones estan mal ubicados. Permiten apretar por error, botones con funciones diferentes a las que se quiere realizar. b.1.e.- La captura de la senal emitida por el Control Remoto no es buena. Hay veces hay que presionar mas de una vez el mismo boton, para que la funcion se ejecute. b.1.f.- La velocidad de respuesta es lenta. Hay veces la respuesta es tan lenta que pienso que la senal no fue captada. Presiono otra vez el mismo boton y acepta las dos ordenes (ejemplo: al ordenar el tiempo de grabacion en el HD). b.2.- El control remoto Ideas de Solucion: b.2.a.- Aumentar la fuerza de la senal. b.2.b.- Aumentar el angulo de captura. b.2.c.- Modificar el software. Que el software permita navegar y ejecutar la operacion a travez de Menus, usando basicamente los botones de Flechas UP, DOWN, Derecha e Izquierda y su tecla OK. Similar a como lo tiene el TIVO y casi todo el software actual PCs,Telefonos,tc.). c.- Grabacion de DVDs: c.1.Grabacion de DVDs Problemas: c.1.a.- Cuando se ordena grabar el DVD, no hay informacion sobre el proceso. Debido a lo anterior, y en funcion de la calidad y duracion del video a grabar, hay que calcular el tiempo de grabacion en base a .. "experiencia" .... c.1.b.- Cuando termina de grabar el DVD (-R, -WR y +R), hay que ejecutar el FINALICE. c.1.c.- Un DVD grabado en el DRM-2001G cuando se esta viendo en el mismo DRM-2001G, y se presioma el Boton FWD, se pueden obtener velocidades rapida de 2, 4, 16 y 32. El mismo DVD reproducido en otro display (ejemplo: Phillips DVP 3050v), y se presioma el Boton FWD, solo se obtienen velocidades de 2 y 232 (40 minutos de video en menos de 10 segundos (no se ver velocidades intermedias). c.2.- Soluciones: c.2.a.- Un display informativo del proceso de grabacion del DVD. c.2.b.- Una opcion, para el usuario que asi lo desee, que ordene que el FINALICE se ejecute automaticamente, una vez terminada la grabacion del DVD. c.2.c.- Solucionar el problema de grabacion. d.- La Grabacion de Programas de TV en el Disco Duro funciona bien. e.- La GRabacion de VHS al Disco Duro funciona bien. f.- La calidad del video grabado (Hard Disk y DVD es muy buena. g.- El equipo es relativamente barato ($US 2190.oo + tax --> Walt Mart). Lei que alguien dijo: "la calidad que se recibe, depende del precio que se paga" El equipo es relativamente barato, es cierto, pero algunos de los problemas enunciados son bastantes molestos, sobre todo para un usuario sin mucha experiencia o tiempo. Yo como usuario busco una operacion sencilla, segura y de calidad. Si POLAROID soluciona lo anterior, en la futuras versiones del DRM-2001G, creo que habra conseguido una excelente maquina, porque la calidad del video es muy buena. gracias

Adan Bayro posted 2006 Sep 11 21:57

I am sorry about my TIVO note. It is in my original document a i forget delete. I be find other forum for that.

next posted 2006 Sep 12 09:53

I posted this on another site so I thought I'd post it here as well. As it relates to copy protection I found an unusual combination with the 2001G. I tried playing a number of DVD players into the 2001G and all except one engaged the copy protection of the 2001G. The only exception was a Philips 642 (feb 2004 build with original firmware). The 2001G is able to record all DVDs played on the 642. This worked on all inputs of the 2001G. This same Philips 642 engaged the copy protection on all the other DVD recorders I have.

next posted 2006 Sep 15 23:37

Good news. I posted this on another site so I thought I would share it here. For the few of you who have invested in this very cheap low end HDD recorder it appears to be not only plug and play hard drive upgradeable but also plug and play burner upgradeable. Both of the following dvd burners work when installed in the 2001G. The easy part is that the 2001G uses standard IDE cables. The two drives I tested were: Sony DW-Q30A (9-05 production date) and a BTC D33040 (11-03 production date). I only had 4 drives laying around to test and these two worked perfectly. The Sony is a Lite-On I believe. FYI.

aqctv posted 2006 Sep 16 13:21

I just bought one of these yesterday. trying to transfer off the HDD to DVD in HDD menu I select my items and then hit record it will only record one or two items nothing more what am I missing?

Cheryl911 posted 2006 Sep 16 13:33

Maybe the wrong record speed...

INFRATOM posted 2006 Sep 20 16:40

More feed back, It is noisy, gets hot and slow to boot. Also when I record from componant back it puts a logo in the lower right corner looks like a timer logo. One other thing I like it to go to the last screen when I turned it off it doesn't , every time I have to change with remote. The playback quality is only good if it records in HQ. I record sport with lots of movement and action if I record on slow even sp+ I get pixelation. Remote is not good at all. Maybe it worth for few good thing it does.

next posted 2006 Sep 21 09:24

INFRATOM : More feed back, It is noisy, gets hot and slow to boot. Also when I record from componant back it puts a logo in the lower right corner looks like a timer logo. One other thing I like it to go to the last screen when I turned it off it doesn't , every time I have to change with remote. The playback quality is only good if it records in HQ. I record sport with lots of movement and action if I record on slow even sp+ I get pixelation. Remote is not good at all. Maybe it worth for few good thing it does. Some of these units are noisy especially the first ones that were distributed. I find mine no more noisy than any of my other recorders. Most if not all DVD recorders get hot. It is important to make sure there is proper ventilation. I find my unit no hotter than any other recorders I have with a hard drive. If you open it up you will see three circuit boards, a hard drive and a DVD burner. The hard drive and burner will generate a lot of heat. But these are standard componants that run no hotter than others. Not sure what you mean about a logo. If you are using the timer record feature then a logo will be on the screen but this will not be on the recorded material. It is easy to default to an input source for when you turn the unit on. It is in the setup menu under timeshift. "TimeShift default source" will allow you to set this with either time shift on or off. The recording quality on mine is exceptional. It has an LSI chipset which is the best in the business. Boot up time appears normal to me. I actually have non hard drive recorders that seem to take longer (Toshiba Kr2 and R5 for example). Boot up time is a common complaint with recorders. Again this one seems normal to me. As for the remote some of the early units had poor remotes. The first one I tried had a very limited range. The second one I tried had very good range. Sounds like you may have a bad unit. Too bad. Perhaps you should return it and try a newer one and give it another go.

Cheryl911 posted 2006 Sep 21 12:16

FYI I called Polaroid and asked about Manufacture date... A=Jan, B=Feb..etc...

INFRATOM posted 2006 Sep 27 12:20

The logo I was talking about is the timer logo, when I record from back yuv / componant input using timer it shows on TV and it also gets recorded, when I playback it shows. Thanks I'll check the time shift setting

starflier23 posted 2006 Oct 02 10:03

I have been happy with my unit until today. I had recorded a program on the hard drive and wanted to transfer it to DVD to watch in another room. I went the the HDD menu and selected the add/clear and went through the process to burn the program onto the disk. I know that it is on the disk as I could access it with my computer and on the Polaroid unit. However, it registered as a "bad" disk on my other player. Is there anything I can do to change the way I am burning the disk in order to playback the DVD's on my other player. If not, the machine really isn't much help to me as the idea was to be able to record programs to watch later on the other machine. Thanks to anybody who can give me some help!!

Barnabas posted 2006 Oct 02 10:28

Rip it to your computer HD, edit author and burn. MUCH more compatible DVD that way.

MrSpeed posted 2006 Oct 02 11:48

Have you tried different media ? +R +RW ? Have you finalized the disk ?

majel posted 2006 Oct 02 11:52

Thanks for all the info on the polaroid DVD recorder. Bought one last Thurs and successfully copied VHS to DVD. The problem is the prerecorded VHS tapes I already own and want to convert. I assume this is a macrovision problem. Some of these tapes were purchased in the 80s and 90s. Is there any way around this? Would an old VCR let me bypass macrovision and if so anybody know how old the VCR needs to be? Thanks, k

starflier23 posted 2006 Oct 02 18:44

I have been using RW+ media, and I'm not sure if I "finalized" correctly. I do know that the information is on the disk becasue I could view it on the Polaroid as well as on my computer - just not on my other DVD player. What is required to "finalize" the disk? Maybe I missed something! Thanks!

MrSpeed posted 2006 Oct 02 19:08

I just checked my Polaroid. You can't finalize a +RW. Apparently you don't need to. I think your player is just being picky. You really can't do much on the recorder side to change things. You may want to try -RW and finalize it before playing on your player. With the dvd player in the player -On the remote press the DVD button -Press Up -Press the right arrow button. The menu appears -Press the down button to finalize disc

starflier23 posted 2006 Oct 02 19:32

I reinserted my recorded DVD. Then I pressed DVD. It loaded up. I pressed UP and got the Polaroid menu feature. I pressed RIGHT and a scrolling menu popped up with the following options: Play, Rename Disc, Erase Optical Disc, Record a New Title, Overwrite Disc, and Lock Disk. Is one of these used to "Finalize" the disc, or have I done something incorrectly? Thanks for sticking with me on this!!

grantsoo posted 2006 Oct 04 06:28

A couple of things: 1. I can and do finalize all +R discs. It gets rid of the annoying unrecorded section of the disc on the menu when you insert it. 2. On an inserted finalized disc, I press the up arrow to get the next menu, but get nothing after that. I do not get the regular Erase, Lock, Rename, Finalize menu any longer. I guess once you finalize, you no longer need those options. 3. I occasionally record a disc that will not play on my other DVD player, maybe 1 in 10 at the most. It will play on the Polaroid and on a computer, but not on another player. I did a re-record once and the new disc did play. Not sure what happened there. I also had one occasion where a non finalized +R would not play on the other player, I finalized it and it did. General note: Be carefull that you load the DVD properly. I had one go in a little off centre and had a huge racket before I could shut the machine down.

starflier23 posted 2006 Oct 04 10:39

So... can you help me with finalizing a disc? Here is what happened when I made the attempt... I reinserted my recorded DVD. Then I pressed DVD. It loaded up. I pressed UP and got the Polaroid menu feature. I pressed RIGHT and a scrolling menu popped up with the following options: Play, Rename Disc, Erase Optical Disc, Record a New Title, Overwrite Disc, and Lock Disk. Is one of these used to "Finalize" the disc, or have I done something incorrectly? Thanks!

grantsoo posted 2006 Oct 04 10:56

I'm lost on this one. The menu you describe is the one where I get "Finalize Disc." You can try their 800 help number. I got through right away when I called with one question and the person was able to help.

INFRATOM posted 2006 Oct 04 13:10

when you insert DVD+R you get the menu of segments that you burned so far, hit the up arrow invisible menu appears then to the right and finalize. This is only for disc you have to finalize like dvd+r not +rw.

starflier23 posted 2006 Oct 04 13:32

I contacted Polaroid customer service. They said that the unit will NOT finalize a +RW disc - only a +R disc. So... it sounds like I am basically screwed as far as being able to use re-recordable discs to watch on my other DVD unit. That is a serious bummer for me, as that was one of the main things I bought this unit for!! Ouch!!

mikel posted 2006 Oct 04 13:43

Try playing the disk anyway. On my old Philips 75, DVD+RWs did not require any finalizing.

majel posted 2006 Oct 04 14:55

How do I turn off the Music Video production from yesDVD? Someone mentioned here that you could. Thanks, k

fast.jo posted 2006 Oct 04 16:06

Hello all, Very interesting topic, I already learn a lot down here re. this Polaroid unit ... Anyway, here is my question : how to change the DVD region since I have a lot of original DVD from Europe and most of them will not play ? Thanks !

grantsoo posted 2006 Oct 05 07:03

To turn off music videos: Press Setup Scroll down to YeSDVD Select Music Video Off I don't know if I missed something here, but the videos are so ducky, using computer generated midi music, I turned them off right away. Is there any way to get anything of quality out of it?

MrSpeed posted 2006 Oct 05 15:15

It's a shame they didn't use real music for the music videos. YesDVD is a pretty cool feature otherwise.

Adan Bayro posted 2006 Oct 08 23:09

Next : what about your plan on installing a Hard Disk 500 MB? Was OK?.

Adan Bayro posted 2006 Oct 08 23:49

Somebody are "play" a DVD burned in the Polaroid 2001G in another brand "DVD PLAYER" to speeds of 4, 8, or 16? does it work well? My DVDs only work well in other brands to speeds 1 or 2. A video of 1 hour, at any superior speed to 2, always is playing at 10 seconds. is it a SETUP error? (that do I?) or Design error? Alguien ha probado ejecutar un DVD generado en el Polaroid 2001G en un DVD PLAYER de diferente marca a velocidades de 4, 8 o 16? Les funciono bien? En otras marcas a mi, solo me funciona bien a velocidades 1 y 2. Un video de 1 hora de duracion, displayado a cualquier velocidad superior a 2 siempre lo proyecta en 10 segundos. Esto es un problema de un error de setup que yo he hecho? o ... un error de diseno?

tigerjuju posted 2006 Oct 12 12:42

fast.jo : Hello all, Very interesting topic, I already learn a lot down here re. this Polaroid unit ... Anyway, here is my question : how to change the DVD region since I have a lot of original DVD from Europe and most of them will not play ? Thanks ! I think DVD region is usually associated to the DVD drive itself rather than the machine the drive is connected to. Also there are reports that ppl can swap the DVD burner in the Polaroid unit to get better HD->DVD burn speed, etc. And some dvd-drive firmware can be loaded with a hacked version that makes the dvd drive region free (like my BenQ 1620). Putting all together, I think you might be able to disable the region encoding if you swap the Polaroid's DVD drive with another drive that has a region-free FW loaded. This is just my unproven, educated guess. Maybe someone can test this. Also, I know this Polaroid recorder can play Divx and MPEG4. But can it play these types of files burned on a CD instead of a DVD?

starflier23 posted 2006 Oct 23 10:08

Okay... I am ready to "rip" the DVD content of some shows I have recorded on my 2001G to my computer HD. I have them burned to a DVD from the 2001G. Now... how do I locate the correct files, and what program do I use to "rip" the DVD to my computer HD? I need to do this so that I can then burn a regular DVD from my computer that I can play on my other DVD player...

tigerjuju posted 2006 Oct 23 11:57

You need the proper software to do this. I use Nero 6 by choosing DVD option (instead of CD) in Nero StartSmart, then select "Copy Multiple DVD-Video Movies to One" option under "Copy and Backup". Other software will work too. But you cannot simply just copy the entire DVD b/c you will need to re-compose the DVD so it is no longer in VR format. This is general DVD burning question that probably is more fitting on a different thread. You can get lot of info regarding video authoring on: http://www.doom9.org/

next posted 2006 Oct 23 13:23

starflier23 : Okay... I am ready to "rip" the DVD content of some shows I have recorded on my 2001G to my computer HD. I have them burned to a DVD from the 2001G. Now... how do I locate the correct files, and what program do I use to "rip" the DVD to my computer HD? I need to do this so that I can then burn a regular DVD from my computer that I can play on my other DVD player... You should be able to play the DVD burned on the Polaroid on your other DVD player without having to use your PC. Just make sure after you are finished with moving content to the disc that you finalize the disc. Without this step the disc will only play on the Polaroid. For help in ripping a DVD there is a great forum on this site that should be able to walk you through the process. I believe you will get more timely answers to your ripping questions there. Good luck!

Bondiablo posted 2006 Nov 05 22:26

i couldnt find it in the specs or manual anywhere so i asked polaroid. i wonder if they changed or the people they have answering questions just don't know what they're talking about. : From: PettersInquiry@scsoem.com To: bondiablo@XXXXX.com Subject: Polaroid Electronics: Response to your inquiry Date: Sun, 5 Nov 2006 17:47:23 -0500 Stereo --------------------- j e On 11/04/2006 you asked: DRM-2001G: DVD Recorder with 80GB Hard Drive. Is the TV tuner in this model stereo or mono?

vhelp posted 2006 Nov 06 19:55

Evening everyone :lol: Sorry faulks.. for being away for such a long time and not posting or responding to anything on these forums. I've been really busy with several image/video programming projects, and only on occasion lurk around here in silent mode, only to read a few topics whenever I could, bla bla bla :) (as for the projects.., I'm still at it, and probably won't be around here as much, though) Anyways.. Regarding the never ending bus. with the audio being Stereo/Mono.. Its a shame that this great unit does not support it inside the TV Tuner. Everything else is Stereo when you hook up audio sound from other sources to the unit. Bondiablo.. I think *that guy* was generically stating the trueth, that the unit is Stereo, which is true. But, its my best impression (ok, judgement) that he didn't have for-knowledge about the TV Tuner and Audio mystery :o oh well. One of the uses I get out of the Polaroid, includes.. Where I hook my Hisense, USDigital USDTV DB-2010's component outputs to the Polaroid's component inputs, and record HDTV -- at least those channels that *DO* come in :) and the audio is Stereo that way. Oh, and I still use my VCR to this day to record my favorite tv programs, and in 6hr EP mode, hehe. Ohhh... I gotta get ready to set it up for my "Heroes". -vhelp 4118

oldfart13 posted 2006 Nov 08 21:12

Just a simple question....are the Polaroid units available in Canada? I don't see them on Polaroid Canada's website but that doesn't mean anything as the newer Daytek's are not listed at the Daytek site either. So far I have checked out the major B&M stores in my area and come up with nada. Still looking.....

grantsoo posted 2006 Nov 09 16:46

I could not find one in Canada. I picked one up in Michigan.

oldfart13 posted 2006 Nov 11 22:31

Although I'm only 60 Km from the US border, I'm 300 Km from the nearest US Wal-Mart or other store that might have one. I'll have to check with friends in US cities.....

LCSHG posted 2006 Nov 11 23:27

On a +RW disk You do not need to. or should finalise a +RW disk in ANY Unit , period Many units will refuse to do this. In Some an attempt to do so will screw up the dosk . I this happens the recorder may show no disk present or ?. and the disk may become unusable. and only Fully erased in a PC. A number of units [mostly older] will not play a +R or +RW disk. Some that are this way will play a +disk -- BUT -- have nothing to do with a +RW I mainly use +RW disks, some have been used over and over many times. I can Burn a -disk in my unit. PS My daughter has a Toshiba that does not play a + disk, but sometimes will, om a +R disk but it will NOT play a +RW disk

FBI Agent posted 2006 Nov 12 20:24

QUESTIONS: 1.) Can I watch a DVD movie while recording something from the TV Tuner (cable)? 2.) Output audio is maxed at 384k? So if I watch movies in DTS Surround Sound (700k+) it won't output that high? Or is this different because I am using a optical cable out to my 5.1 receiver? 3.) So there aren't any replacement remotes for this model? Heard sometbody mention Harmony remotes am I right?

central50 posted 2006 Nov 15 09:14

I have a question to this product. This is the second unit, as the first I had exchanged thinking there was a problem. I even called tech support on this. When connected to my sony reciever via opt connection, when the unit is either timeshift recording or recording a show you can hear a slight "thump" noise as like a heartbeat. Its heard better from the sub on my 6.1 system. Even when I change the connections to analog, I still hear this noise. If I shut the recording off though, the noise is gone. And yes, it shows up on the recordings as well. When I talked to customer support they said this is a standard noise just amplified due to my reciever. Has anyone else heard this noise? I doubt there would be such high praise from people who have this unit and hear this problem, since it is annoying. Thankyou. -Jon

camlachie posted 2006 Nov 18 11:39

I am gonna pick up one of these units, But i havent read anywhere about recording thru the componant vid inputs,,,, Thats the main reason i am picking up this bad boy is the component vid input recording from my satellites or Vcr,,, IF anyone has info on it could you please post Thanks btw does the tv guardian work with the hdd or just with dvd playback?

vhelp posted 2006 Nov 18 12:01

camlachie, (you'll be making a great choice, should you purchase this unit) : ..Thats the main reason i am picking up this bad boy is the component vid input recording from my satellites or Vcr,,, IF anyone has info on it could you please post.. regarding component.. In addition to RECORDing from Composite/RCA and S-Video.., Yes, it does RECORD from component sources. I have recorded from my: ** Hisense, USDigital USDTV DB-2010 receiver's component output.. ..with great success! Note, because I do not have an HDTV (TV/Monitor) I can only record from the 480i setting. Since I can't see 720 and/or 1080 resolutions, I can't nativage (aka, test) the other 3 higher resolutions for to my Polaroid. But the HDTV receiver, when set to 480i, will record in very good quality. Thus, the one thing that I am not clear on, (and is why I did not post it in the first place, here) is weather or not, the Polaroid records the HDTV sources (via component IN/OUT) in the higher resolutions, 720/1080. :idea: - To test this, one would have to have an HDTV (TV/Monitor) so that they can actaully see the resoution (video image) to run the this test :wink: -vhelp 4122

next posted 2006 Nov 18 12:20

The Polaroid will not record in high definition. It, like all other DVD recorders, can only record in standard definition (480i).

BlindMaphisto posted 2006 Nov 19 10:48

Hello. I just purchased this DVR based on a lot of the reviews here and I have a problam I was hoping somehere could help me with. I want to record game play from video games but there is a delay when I play trough the dvr. If there anyway to get rid of the delay? Or if there isn't a way to get rid of the delay then does anybody know where I could buy a device that would let me split the signal from my xbox360 so that I can send one signal to the tv so I could play without the delay and one signal to the dvr for recording? Thanks for any help you can give me.

tase2 posted 2006 Nov 19 15:22

I am trying to archive some things off my HD Tivo (HR10-250) as I am getting rid of it and am getting a Tivo S3. I purchased this lovely Polaroid. OK-Got it working sort of. I can play a DVD through it, but I don't want to. I want to be able to see what is playing on the Tivo with it. I have S out of Tivo to S in on Polaroid. I have composites out from Polaroid to TV I have a Sony Wega I composites by default are Video 2 The Tivo by default is HDMI 6 How on earth do I get 2 to read 6? What am I missing? I know it is something stupid & simple I am spacing on. I tried "Save to VCR" but I must still be missing something on the dvr end :oops: __________________

vhelp posted 2006 Nov 19 16:45

Hi tase2, Congrats on your choice of the Polaroid! To get your Polaroid's OUTPUT to display a picture, you have to locate on the remote the [MONITOR] button, and press it several times, depending on the format you desire for your tv.. ** Tuner; Composite/RCA; S-Video; YUV(component) ..then, you'll be able to see what's going on. In this case: : I have composites out from Polaroid to TV you would press the MON button once, to get RCA switched on for composite out to your tv :) CONS: The only minor glitch w/ the Polaroid in this area, is that it seems to revert back to the Tuner; by default. Its not a big deal, but to some, it can be a minor annoyance, sometimes. -vhelp 4124

tase2 posted 2006 Nov 19 17:26

Thanks vhelp My Polaroid remote has no MONITOR button :( Am I missing something?

vhelp posted 2006 Nov 19 18:38

: Am I missing something? Yes. Your glassis :) Serious, though.. the button is at the top, just under the RED power (!) button. -vhelp 4125

FulciLives posted 2006 Nov 19 18:57

BlindMaphisto : Hello. I just purchased this DVR based on a lot of the reviews here and I have a problam I was hoping somehere could help me with. I want to record game play from video games but there is a delay when I play trough the dvr. If there anyway to get rid of the delay? Or if there isn't a way to get rid of the delay then does anybody know where I could buy a device that would let me split the signal from my xbox360 so that I can send one signal to the tv so I could play without the delay and one signal to the dvr for recording? Thanks for any help you can give me. You can buy a device that splits the signal at a RADIO SHACK. Usually such a device is referred to as a Video Distribution Amp. For instance ---> CLICK HERE Not cheap I know but usually a device like this will go for a lot more money. That device will accept composite or S-Video and will output the same. It also will allow you to input composite and outputs S-Video. Here is another RADIO SHACK device ---> CLICK HERE This one costs a bit more but it is better because it accepts component video for input and output. This way you can use the component output of the XobX 360 for best quality. - John "FulciLives" Coleman

tase2 posted 2006 Nov 19 22:53

New Question-RE: Audio SetUp I saw much discussion about Stereo vs Mono etc. But I am at the Audio SetUp Menu and I am wondering how most folks have theirs set up? Analog Audio Output? 2 CH or 5.1? SPDIF Output? RAW or LPCM? LPCM Output? 48K or 96K? Dynamic Range?? I've got R&W from source out to the back of Polaroid Will be hooking it up to 5.1 later on, but for now assume just red & white.

next posted 2006 Nov 20 06:57

vhelp : CONS: The only minor glitch w/ the Polaroid in this area, is that it seems to revert back to the Tuner; by default. Its not a big deal, but to some, it can be a minor annoyance, sometimes. -vhelp 4124 You can set the startup default in the setup menu under timeshift. You can also set it to timeshift on/off. I set mine up to s-video/off which means when I turn it on it defaults to the s-video input with the timeshift feature off.

claddagh80 posted 2006 Nov 20 13:04

Hi Thank you for posting all the helpful info. I am new to forums please excuse my ettiqute or the lack there of. Im having a problem finaliizing and viewing my recordings to optical device when i press DVD as the manual says i see the little hand in the lower right hand corner with the red circle and cannot view what i have recorded I have contacted the manufacture and they know not why but directed me to this forum any ideas? p.s the system allows me to record to the dvd but i can do nothing else and other dvd's play just fine

The_Knife posted 2006 Nov 20 14:32

BlindMaphisto : Hello. I just purchased this DVR based on a lot of the reviews here and I have a problam I was hoping somehere could help me with. I want to record game play from video games but there is a delay when I play trough the dvr. If there anyway to get rid of the delay? Or if there isn't a way to get rid of the delay then does anybody know where I could buy a device that would let me split the signal from my xbox360 so that I can send one signal to the tv so I could play without the delay and one signal to the dvr for recording? Thanks for any help you can give me. Sounds like the timeslip function is on. Try turning it off (it's the button next to the rec/otr button). If this works you may want to keep it from coming on every time you power up the recorder by disabling it in the setup menu, it's kinda hidden in the default source option which has on & off selections for each input source.

The_Knife posted 2006 Nov 20 14:42

tase2 : New Question-RE: Audio SetUp I saw much discussion about Stereo vs Mono etc. But I am at the Audio SetUp Menu and I am wondering how most folks have theirs set up? Analog Audio Output? 2 CH or 5.1? SPDIF Output? RAW or LPCM? LPCM Output? 48K or 96K? Dynamic Range?? I've got R&W from source out to the back of Polaroid Will be hooking it up to 5.1 later on, but for now assume just red & white. If you're using just the analog stereo outputs then select 2 CH and most of rest doesn't matter. The dynamic range setting is a something of a loudness or volume control. Setting it to anything other than "off" reduces the difference in volume level between the loudest sounds and the softest sounds. Maybe it's useful for movies than have really loud explosions that might annoy the neighbors but I leave mine off.

The_Knife posted 2006 Nov 20 14:59

tase2 : Thanks vhelp My Polaroid remote has no MONITOR button Am I missing something ? vhelp : Yes. Your glassis :) Serious, though.. the button is at the top, just under the RED power (!) button. -vhelp 4125 Maybe he's not missing his glasses. ;) My "B" model has a monitor button as you described above but I note that the manual depicts a button labeled "input" in it's place. Maybe later model remotes are labeled "input" instead of "monitor" ? Anyone care to comment on what's on an F or G model remote ?

tase2 posted 2006 Nov 20 15:10

The_Knife : tase2 : Thanks vhelp My Polaroid remote has no MONITOR button Am I missing something ? vhelp : Yes. Your glassis :) Serious, though.. the button is at the top, just under the RED power (!) button. -vhelp 4125 Maybe he's not missing his glasses. ;) My "B" model has a monitor button as you described above but I note that the manual depicts a button labeled "input" in it's place. Maybe later model remotes are labeled "input" instead of "monitor" ? Anyone care to comment on what's on an F or G model remote ? Ding Ding we have a winner. But the button needed is the button directly under the power button, so your help was greatly apprecaited.

tase2 posted 2006 Nov 20 21:01

Gosh I feel stupid. I recorded "The Shining" in HQ from my Tivo to the Polaroid HDD. I now want to take it from HDD to CD+R. I went into HDD-Highlighted it and pressed record. Is is supposed to record 1:1? There must be a quicker way to burn a disc. I'm not even sure I'm recording now. Doh :oops:

grantsoo posted 2006 Nov 21 06:23

If you want a recording to end up on 1 DVD, you need to decide that before you record to the hard drive and record it at the appropriate setting. For example, a 2 1/2 hour movie needs to be recorded at SP+. If you want to record at HQ you can then use the Split feature on the Polaroid to split it into smaller portions to record on multiple DVDs.

tase2 posted 2006 Nov 21 06:49

grantsoo : If you want a recording to end up on 1 DVD, you need to decide that before you record to the hard drive and record it at the appropriate setting. For example, a 2 1/2 hour movie needs to be recorded at SP+. If you want to record at HQ you can then use the Split feature on the Polaroid to split it into smaller portions to record on multiple DVDs. OK Thanks So if I rerecord it it at SP+ and it is now sitting in HDD what is the best method (i.e. button presses) for it to then end up on a DVD that will play in a stand alone DVD player? (I have a 16x disc in there now)

grantsoo posted 2006 Nov 21 08:45

Press HDD use up/down buttons to move to Title Press ADD/CLEAR (Record display will show on right side of Title) Press REC/OTR When done (disc recording display in top left of TV screen disappears) Press DVD Press up arrow Press right arrow Select Finalize Disc Select Yes (I really want to do this) When done DVD should now play on other players

tase2 posted 2006 Nov 21 09:03

grantsoo : Press HDD use up/down buttons to move to Title Press ADD/CLEAR (Record display will show on right side of Title) Press REC/OTR When done (disc recording display in top left of TV screen disappears) Press DVD Press up arrow Press right arrow Select Finalize Disc Select Yes (I really want to do this) When done DVD should now play on other players Thanks so much I am about 6 hours away from being home and trying again. I will let you know. When I do the above-if it is a 2.5 hour movie at SP+, how long should it take to burn to the disc? I am going to assume that 16x CD+R will be ok?

grantsoo posted 2006 Nov 21 14:19

The burning should take about 20 minutes. I don't know about the CD disc. I've tried DVD-R and DVD+R. I've found DVD+R burns faster and in general will have greater compatability

tase2 posted 2006 Nov 21 14:32

Of Course I meant DVD+R :oops:

tase2 posted 2006 Nov 22 10:10

As it seems to be turning out, it is just as easy to record to optical disc as HDD since I manually have to start the Tivo anyway. It finalizes on its own or at least it plays on my stand alone DVD player and that is all I really care about.

grantsoo posted 2006 Nov 22 13:35

Yes, if you record right to optical using YesDVD, it does finalize itself.

gshelley61 posted 2006 Nov 23 09:06

Does this unit have input black level settings (to properly record either 7.5 IRE or 0 IRE sources)?

vhelp posted 2006 Nov 23 10:29

gshelley61, No. It's just a bare-bones machine. But a really good one, in terms of quality. Really. Its not like the Pioneer's, where they have various setup screens to adjust just about everything thought up.. like the IRE levels. It is my opinion that the current Polaroid DMR-2100G model is pre-defaulted with a setup for 7.5 IRE levels. If you want, you could use the pics [located on page 1] and run them through your favorite histogram app and see what you get. Or, if you need a fresh setup of pics and things, request them here and we could start that process :) A Special Note !! ** Image Measuring Tools Project.. ** I have a histogram tool I'm working on, but it's not perfect, because the scale is not set to scale automatically -- it doesn't *normalize* the inside the window properly, so you have to set it manually by Trial n Error -- not a good way to start a public distribution, IMO. But, at least it's only 20 K in size, hehe :) Note, if I can figure out what I'm not doing right in the the histogram tool, I'll post it here. I also want to develop a few other image measuring tools. Much like those found in Vegas and/or Premier. But, at current, I lack a few brain cells in some of the how-to's. But, when I do figure them out, I'll post them here for everyone to use as measuring tools instead of using expansive and memory hogging applications like vegas and premier, to name a few. Anyone is welcomed to help out, if they want. Just PM me for details. -vhelp 4132

trhouse posted 2006 Nov 23 13:24

Looks like there may be a Canadian version of the 2001G, Have a look at this link, http://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=313329 The 2001G has an accurate IRE=7.5 tested here, http://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=279460&postdays=0& ... p;start=97

gshelley61 posted 2006 Nov 23 18:33

Thanks. From the posted tests it does look like it is set to record 7.5 IRE black level sources correctly. Image quality looks about the same as other LSI encoding chip based DVD recorders I've looked at, too. It apparently masks a few pixels on the left and right frame edges, which is no big deal.

mdoublem posted 2006 Nov 24 15:52

Unfortunately, I've run into trouble 2 months after purchasing this Polaroid recorder. Today when powering the recorder on, instead of the usual Blue Polaroid logo screen, I get a grey screen with a vertical bar in the middle of screen. What a bummer.... I guess I'm going to have to look into getting this thing fixed, fortunately still under 90 day warranty. I've been enjoying this machine and the quality, putting up with all of its quirks. I've fiddled with the monitor buttion to no avail. Anyone else have any trouble with their 2001G or suggestions.? Mitch

FulciLives posted 2006 Nov 24 16:21

If it has been less than 90 days and you bought it at WALMART (which to the best of my knowledge is the only place selling it) then you might be able to return it and get another. I think the WALMART return policy is 90 days or less. If that is an issue (no receipt or no original box etc.) then buy a new one at WALMART and take it out of the box and put the old one in the box and then return THAT for a money back refund. That might not be "ethical" to some but consider this: your unit should not break down in less than 90 days so ... sometimes you have to do what you have to do. - John "FulciLives" Coleman

mdoublem posted 2006 Nov 24 16:45

FulciLives : If it has been less than 90 days and you bought it at WALMART (which to the best of my knowledge is the only place selling it) then you might be able to return it and get another. I think the WALMART return policy is 90 days or less. If that is an issue (no receipt or no original box etc.) then buy a new one at WALMART and take it out of the box and put the old one in the box and then return THAT for a money back refund. That might not be "ethical" to some but consider this: your unit should not break down in less than 90 days so ... sometimes you have to do what you have to do. - John "FulciLives" Coleman Thanks for the quick feedback. You know, since I was a little leary about buying a Polaroid device, I kept everything including receipt from, yes, Walmart purchase on 9/22/06. I don't usually go to Walmart but I'd expect them to have a pretty good return policy so, I guess that would be the quickest and cleanest option... assuming they have them in stock. I'll probably wait until Sat to avoid crowds.

slr_65 posted 2006 Nov 28 02:53

Hi Guys, Our old reliable GE1101PB set top DVD player recently died so I went looking for a good replacement. I didn't realize how hard it was to find a comparable player to the one we had! While looking for one I ran across this thread . . . WOW! Nice review and comments! Our old VCR was on it's last legs too, so I took the plunge and bought one of these PVRs so I thought I'd chime in with a few comments too . . . *) First, our Walmart only had one - the display model. They showed 3 in stock but couldn't find them! They called other stores and no one else had one either! Probably a popular item over the Thanksgiving shopping weekend. An interesting thing though - I asked if they could order one and if so how long would it take. The clerk said it was marked as a "do not reorder" item. I asked if it was discontinued or what and the clerk said it could be that, or each store tailors it's stock to what sells and it may not have been popular enough. I had checked earlier and Walmart.com was showing them in stock and I thought about it, but the display model looked good, no scratches or anything, and it hadn't even been hooked up. I asked if I could buy it and they offered me 10% off. I asked for 30% as I'd just bought a closeout display product from them a week before and that's what they gave me (I didn't even ask for it - that was their first offer). They said no, but then I pointed out that the box for it was missing the styrofoam packing and I wanted to give it for a gift (ok, the gift was to myself but they didn't need to know that!) so they then said they'd give 20% off . . . I said DEAL! :D I wonder what's up with that . . . is it being discontinued, a new model coming out, or ???? Maybe if you want one you should grab it now! *) So far so good . . . I got it setup and am learning to run it (only had an hour or so to play earlier tonight). *) As an earlier poster noted, I can't seem to edit the channel label on mine either - I can select it but I can't do anything when I select it except arrow down past it. *) I don't know the manufacture date of mine, I'll check tomorrow, but my remote range SUCKS too! I'll hit Radio Shack for an LED tomorrow . . . just use a pocket knife to pry the remote apart? Is the polarity noted on the circuit board? *) Our remote also says "Input" rather than "Display" *) Anyone hacking the firmware yet??? That timer icon is annoying and more than 8 timer settings would be nice! Like I said, so far so good! I can't wait till the warranty is up so I can shove a bigger hard drive in the thing!!!! THANKS for the GREAT review . . . nothing like finding a huge bargain ever now and then!!!! Steve

slr_65 posted 2006 Nov 28 05:16

There's a review of this unit at: http://www.technudgelive.com/reviews/?p=91 In it he claims the DVD playback had stutters and the such (with factory DVDs). Seems strange since it can handle video off of the hard drive just fine and the DVD drive is apparently a pc DVD drive. Anyone else seen this behavior? Also, on another forum I ran across this . . . a 3 year extended warranty from Walmart for $23.88. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4100445 One thing I hadn't thought of . . . in 2009 analog broadcast will be shut off and switched to digital. I'm on cable and our first 60 channels are analog, but I wonder if they will keep providing those in analog or switch everything to digital. Oh well, hopefully Polaroid will come out with a model with a digital tuner in it for us (a stereo one! And still for only $200!!!! :wink: ) Steve

slr_65 posted 2006 Nov 28 09:51

Hi Guys, Just got a little time to play with the new toy before I gotta head to bed . . . I timer recorded an hour program last night (American Hot Rod) to the hard drive at SP+ speed. Today it was there and I could watch from the hard drive. I was also able to burn it to disc and watch it. One problem crept up though . . . when I try to watch the disc on our GE 1101PA downstairs (it still works) it plays fine, but if I try to fast forward it moves forward by leaps and bounds, not the 2x, 4x, etc. it's supposed to. It'll jump from begining to end in a heart beat! Anyone else have this problem? I forgot to set the chaptertimes so it doesn't have chapters . . . I can set the chapter time and reburn it and get chapters, or did I need the chapter time set before I recorded the program? I know, I know, I should play and find out, but it's bed time now (I'm working 3rd shift for the next couple weeks). Also, I was a little leary of tearing into the remote for a new LED at first . . . I can solder well and stuff, but my luck just isn't very good! However I checked the Polaroid web site and you can order a spare remote for $15 so I'm ordering another one and tearing into this one (and the spare if the mod to this one works!). G'night all . . . Steve

The_Knife posted 2006 Nov 28 21:50

So got some questions do ya there Steve ... :) Let's see if I can help. 1) re: being discontinued - Don't know and I haven't heard any rumors. 2) re: channel labels - I didn't bother trying. If I do I'll report back. 3) re: LED replacement - Yes the halves separate pretty easily with any sharp tool and snap back together no problem. The terminals/pads are labeled but I'd just eyeball the LEDs and line them up so the internals match (you'll know what I mean when you look at the RS LED). Then put a 90 deg bend in the replacement's leads before removing the original (which also has such bent leads). Now it's hard to install it wrong. Clean the pads, wick, remove and then resolder. Went pretty easily for me. It did makes things better but it wasn't miraculous. Still have to point it at the unit but now commands only take 1 button push to make it happen. I'd advise you to spend your $$s on any other remote than a true Polaroid replacement. 4) re: timer - Timer icon is annoying and I've not seen any hack to make it go away. Also while the book says you're limited to 8 recordings, I heard it's just like it's upscale Philips cousin and can do 20. I can confirm 9 via my own experience so I think this is true. 5) re: DVD playback - I haven't had any stuttering problems on DVD playback but the article did say this was with scratched DVDs. Perhaps mine haven't been as bad as those. 6) re: FF - Yeah, I've got this too. Recorded stuff at SP+ and burnt to a DVD. Played back on a couple of non-descript players. Fast forward at 2X seems fine, 4X is iffy and anything higher plays back at 1 bazillionX ! 7) re: auto chapter - Yup, you need to set this up before recording. 8 ) re: drop dead date - Who knows if the cable companies will even keep any analog channels up to the 2/2009 date. They'd really like to switch to digital because it saves so much bandwidth and thus allows them more channels. Nonetheless I suspect I'll have switched to something more HD and fully digital by then. The upside is that the unit will still record from a STB and if not, well it was only $200. Think how bad you'd feel if you had spent 3X that amount. ;)

slr_65 posted 2006 Nov 28 23:35

Hi, Yes, I DO have a few questions! :D *) The remote modification sounds pretty straight forward, I gotta work a double tomorrow so I'll have to give it a shot on Thursday. THANKS for the tips on how to do it! *) That's good news on the timers, though it'll probably necessitate the need for a bigger hard drive! *) Also good news on the DVD playback. I was pretty curious about that as it has no problem playing off the hard drive and the DVD burner in it is reportedly a pc burner and pc burners are usually pretty good readers too. *) The fast forward thing is annoying. Mine appears to do the 2x OK, but it's really moving much faster. Hitting anything higher than 2x just moves it to warp speed. It's really annoying as it makes commercial skipping hard. I've done a little digging . . . I think it's related to the screwed up DVD_VR format these set top recorders are using. I imagine the answer is to re-author the disc so now I'm playing with learning a couple authoring tools . . . good thing they have free trials! *) Drop dead date. Yeah, I'm not too worried about it. I got it cheap enough that if it does drop dead I'll have more than my use out of it. They will probably make a convertor to convert from digital back to analog anyway, so I imagine a crutch for this old equipment will be available. If not, oh well . . . an excuse to buy a new toy! Thanks for the tips! Take Care, Steve

camlachie posted 2006 Nov 29 09:41

Got my machine last week,,,, Definetly is one of the more difficult machines to operate, couple of questions, 1, how do you record a dvd to the hdd? 2. Tv guardian, can it work the hdd or do you have to burn to a dvd to get it to work?

The_Knife posted 2006 Nov 29 14:00

camlachie : couple of questions, 1, how do you record a dvd to the hdd? 2. Tv guardian, can it work the hdd or do you have to burn to a dvd to get it to work? 1'st - You can't record digitally from the internal DVD to the HDD like you could on a PC. The only way I know of is to connect some analog output(s) to one set of analog input(s) and record just like you would from any other external source. The normal Macrovision "protections" apply so maybe this will work and maybe it won't, depends on the DVD you're trying to copy. 2'nd - Sorry can't help you w/ TV Guardian as this is a feature I don't use. My GUESS is that TVG works in what ever playback stream is in use. It's not normally recorded "onto" either the DVD or HDD when activated. It works by looking at the closed captioning, detecting and "bad" language there and muting the audio output of the Polaroid. Any source that has closed captioning that's played through the Polaroid will feed through the TVG filter. If I'm correct then a potential way to record a filtered video is to do what I said above. Select a source (ie - tuner, DVD, HDD), connect the analog audio outputs (the red & white jacks) along with whatever video outputs you choose back to the appropriate input(s) and command the Polaroid to record from that input. TVG should mute the audio outputs when the "bad" language occurs and you'll record this momentary muting onto the DVD or HDD, whichever you've choosen. Maybe someone who uses this feature will give it a try or correct any misperception I have of how TVG works.

slr_65 posted 2006 Nov 29 16:30

I think I found another quirk . . . Last night I programmed in four timers. I got curious so I just started loading in random program timers to see how many it has . . . I got up to 12 before I got a phone call and got interrupted. Once I got back I had other things to do so I went to clear out the unneeded timers . . . er, uh, hmmmm . . . how DOES one do that? Cancel works during the intitial input, but not once it's entered and you're editing it! I never did figure out how to cancel a previously entered timer! I turned it over to my son and he couldn't figure it out either so he just edited it to an hour later and to record for a minute each so the timers did their thing an hour later and cleared themselves. Then he just erased the unneeded titles off the hdd. Not a big issue, but still a quirk. All in all, I'm happy but I'd really like to get the fast forward thing figured out. TTYL, Steve

next posted 2006 Nov 29 16:45

slr_65 : I think I found another quirk . . . Last night I programmed in four timers. I got curious so I just started loading in random program timers to see how many it has . . . I got up to 12 before I got a phone call and got interrupted. Once I got back I had other things to do so I went to clear out the unneeded timers . . . er, uh, hmmmm . . . how DOES one do that? Cancel works during the intitial input, but not once it's entered and you're editing it! I never did figure out how to cancel a previously entered timer! I turned it over to my son and he couldn't figure it out either so he just edited it to an hour later and to record for a minute each so the timers did their thing an hour later and cleared themselves. Then he just erased the unneeded titles off the hdd. Not a big issue, but still a quirk. All in all, I'm happy but I'd really like to get the fast forward thing figured out. TTYL, Steve Try the add/clear button on the remote.

next posted 2006 Nov 29 17:23

slr_65 : All in all, I'm happy but I'd really like to get the fast forward thing figured out. TTYL, Steve If you want to fast forward in a more orderly manner try using the right arrow button next to the OK button. This will advance in 30 second intervals. You can also go back in 30 second intervals by using the left arrow. This will only work when using the HDD. But that's where the "warp FF" seems to happen. On a disc the FF seems to perform fine.

slr_65 posted 2006 Nov 29 17:49

next : slr_65 : All in all, I'm happy but I'd really like to get the fast forward thing figured out. TTYL, Steve If you want to fast forward in a more orderly manner try using the right arrow button next to the OK button. This will advance in 30 second intervals. You can also go back in 30 second intervals by using the left arrow. The fast forward problem is when playing a DVD burnt in the Polaroid on another stand alone DVD player. Everything works fine except for fast forward -> the fast forward is MUCH too fast! By the time I hit it and try to hit play it's went wwaayy too far! This makes it a pain when watching a program that has commercials in it as you can't just hop past them. :evil: So far I've tried it on a GE 1101PA, GE 1101PB, and an Apex 1500 and they all show the same behavior. Another poster here had the same behavior on a couple different players also. I think it's due to the odd ball DVD_VR format used on the discs. I've tried VOBFix and a couple other programs but haven't got the problem solved. I'm thinking re-authoring with something like TMPG or ULead DVD Movie Factory may fix the problem, but I haven't had time to try that out yet. Thanks! Steve

next posted 2006 Nov 29 17:51

slr_65 : next : slr_65 : All in all, I'm happy but I'd really like to get the fast forward thing figured out. TTYL, Steve If you want to fast forward in a more orderly manner try using the right arrow button next to the OK button. This will advance in 30 second intervals. You can also go back in 30 second intervals by using the left arrow. The fast forward problem is when playing a DVD burnt in the Polaroid on another stand alone DVD player. Everything works fine except for fast forward -> the fast forward is MUCH too fast! By the time I hit it and try to hit play it's went wwaayy too far! This makes it a pain when watching a program that has commercials in it as you can't just hop past them. :evil: So far I've tried it on a GE 1101PA, GE 1101PB, and an Apex 1500 and they all show the same behavior. Another poster here had the same behavior on a couple different players also. I think it's due to the odd ball DVD_VR format used on the discs. I've tried VOBFix and a couple other programs but haven't got the problem solved. I'm thinking re-authoring with something like TMPG or ULead DVD Movie Factory may fix the problem, but I haven't had time to try that out yet. Thanks! Steve Okay I get it now. I'm going to check it out. Thanks. I just edited my previous post. The arrow thing only works on the HDD but it makes it more manageable.

slr_65 posted 2006 Dec 02 07:28

OK, We've been playing with our new toy for a few days now . . . *) Unfortunately another bug has reared it's ugly head . . . occasionally now our fan is getting very loud and distracting. :( We bought it from Wally World and I have all the receipts and stuff, but I hate to take it back as per my earlier message it was the only one they had and they couldn't find another one in a neighboring store or their warehouse. Walmart.com does show them but the whole return / reordering process would probably take a while and we're now addicted to the thing! I'm to the point of just not worrying about the 90 day warranty . . . the thing needs a bigger hard drive anyway! Has anyone who has opened theirs taken note of what the fan is and if an off the shelf replacement would be possible? *) The remote range did suck but the LED upgrade works like a charm! Installing the LED was a bit of a pain - the remote is a little hard to pry apart. I found that if you pinch the sides up front by the LED it'll open up a bit and allow you to get a thin blade in, then just work it around the sides. You will make a few pry marks on the side of the remote but that's not a big deal. The result was a much more usable remote - before it was hit or miss from the couch if you would get it to work or not. Now it works everytime! :D You do have to point it at the unit, if you point it off to the sides by any great distance it doesn't work, but if you point it directly at the unit it does work. Interesting enough if you point it directly away from it (in my case towards the back wall of the living room) it still works too, which is a change as that didn't work before the LED upgrade. You again do have to be directly in line with the unit though, move it to the sides and it doesn't work. It must have a very narrow receiving angle on the sensor. The high output LED takes care of the range though - I moved the unit inline with the hallway and got it to work from 25' away! This is a very worthwhile upgrade if you are having remote range problems! *) We're just loving the 40+ hour recording time and timer functions! It's great to program in all your favorite shows and then not have to worry about shuffling tapes or missing your favorite programs! *) The DVD burning has worked fine with TY 8x injet printable media. *) I still haven't had time to see if re-authoring the DVDs will get rid of the fast forward bug I've mentioned earlier . . . has anyone else? *) The 30 second interval fast forward and 10 sec interval rewind when watching from the hard drive is excellent! Makes commercial skipping much easier! All in all we're happy, but we've GOT to fix the noisy fan issue! /Steve

The_Knife posted 2006 Dec 02 14:58

I hear you on the fan. My"B" unit was noticable though not that loud when I got it. Not sure if it's been getting louder or that with the new A/V setup I'm noticing it but mine is crossing over the border into being objectionable. Somewhere I read about removing the metal that blocks the exit flow on models like mine. Supposedly made a big reduction in noise. When I get a chance this week, I'll break out the Dremel and have at it. Let you know how it goes. As for other models, it's been reported that fooling with the fan mounts helps.

slr_65 posted 2006 Dec 02 19:44

I look forward to hearing how the dremel helps with the fan noise! BTW, our serial # starts with a "D" so that makes it manufactured in April? Also, interestingly enough our unit doesn't have the fan holes or mounting bolts back by the power cord! The back panel is just solid metal there. Wonder exactly where the fan is at in there and what it looks like? Curiosity is overcoming me, I may have to tear into this thing before the warranty is up!

jonlowe posted 2006 Dec 03 08:28

I got a DRM-2001G yesterday. It has a serial number starting with "K". I've been trying the region free hack on VideoHelp without success. I've done this sort of thing before with other players without an issue. I have several Region 2 DVDs that I'd like to be able to play. Anyone had success with a "K" serial numbered unit? I followed the directions explicitly several times, and also tried some variations without success. Also, my unit would not recognize any disc. DVD, CD, etc. when I first got it. Found that the ribbon cable was pinched by the shield over the DVD transport, and had cut partially thru the ribbon. Re-routed the ribbon, and it works fine now. Jon

jonlowe posted 2006 Dec 03 08:33

One other thing. The mainboard in my unit has a populated connector labled USB. There are several other unused areas with missing components on the board, but this one is fully populated. Anyone tried to connect anything to this? Jon

slr_65 posted 2006 Dec 03 10:09

Hi Jon, Welcome aboard! It's a nice unit, but we're having trouble with our fan. If you open yours again could you snap a picture of the fan and post it? Thanks! Steve

next posted 2006 Dec 03 10:26

slr_65 : Hi Jon, Welcome aboard! It's a nice unit, but we're having trouble with our fan. If you open yours again could you snap a picture of the fan and post it? Thanks! Steve "B" model pics are already posted. Look at the second sticky in this forum - " DVD Recorder models - Picture Quality and Features Analysis". Notice how the "B" fan differs from the newer models. Here's a pic of the fan in a later model. I think it's an "F". It has the hard drive removed and the longer IDE cable installed so the hard drive can be external.

next posted 2006 Dec 03 10:28

slr_65 : I look forward to hearing how the dremel helps with the fan noise! BTW, our serial # starts with a "D" so that makes it manufactured in April? Also, interestingly enough our unit doesn't have the fan holes or mounting bolts back by the power cord! The back panel is just solid metal there. Wonder exactly where the fan is at in there and what it looks like? Curiosity is overcoming me, I may have to tear into this thing before the warranty is up! What's the big deal about taking the cover off? I don't think the clerk at the returns counter at Walmart is going to "bust" you. edit - by the way the warranty should never apply to one of these. The warranty is 90 days parts and labor which is identical to the return policy. So hack away!

slr_65 posted 2006 Dec 03 10:50

: What's the big deal about taking the cover off? I don't think the clerk at the returns counter at Walmart is going to "bust" you. Well actually I didn't know that! I don't buy much from Walmart and I don't diddle with consumer electronics at all, so I had no idea if there was a warranty seal or something on the thing. The cables on ours were -just- long enough to fit so pulling it out of the entertainment center isn't an easy task and I'm working lots of overtime lately (fortunately I have internet at work! :D ) so I just haven't had any real time to unhook the thing and pull it out to give it a good going over. Later tonight I think I'll do just that though . . . time to see what's up with that blanking fan! The removable hard drive . . . what's the purpose of that? Is the hard drive in a format that a PC can read?

next posted 2006 Dec 03 10:56

slr_65 : : What's the big deal about taking the cover off? I don't think the clerk at the returns counter at Walmart is going to "bust" you. Well actually I didn't know that! I don't buy much from Walmart and I don't diddle with consumer electronics at all, so I had no idea if there was a warranty seal or something on the thing. The cables on ours were -just- long enough to fit so pulling it out of the entertainment center isn't an easy task and I'm working lots of overtime lately (fortunately I have internet at work! :D ) so I just haven't had any real time to unhook the thing and pull it out to give it a good going over. Later tonight I think I'll do just that though . . . time to see what's up with that blanking fan! The removable hard drive . . . what's the purpose of that? Is the hard drive in a format that a PC can read? Yup the hardest part for me is the darn "hooking it up" part. I use a removable hard drive enclosure. It provides unlimited storage. Here's a pic. It's the black box on the right side of the pic.

next posted 2006 Dec 03 11:54

slr_65 - here's a couple of threads over at AVS you might find interesting: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=675487 http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=736151 The first thread is long - almost 1,000 posts.

drstew posted 2006 Dec 03 11:55

Is the 3 hour mode 1/2 D1?

next posted 2006 Dec 03 12:03

3 hour is full. 4 hour is 1/2. I believe this is correct. I checked a couple of months ago.

jonlowe posted 2006 Dec 03 12:36

slr_65 : Hi Jon, Welcome aboard! It's a nice unit, but we're having trouble with our fan. If you open yours again could you snap a picture of the fan and post it? Thanks! Steve Mine looks like the one that was just posted, sitting at an angle, no vents in the back, just on the bottom. BTW, there are no warranty seals. I was glad there weren't because I could open mine up and fix the DVD cable issue I had. None of the Walmarts around here had one of these, but I took a trip yesterday, and bought the only one a Walmart that I went past had. Jon

jonlowe posted 2006 Dec 03 21:06

I posted a region free hack that worked on my "K" prefix serial numbered unit in the DVD player hacks section. I successfully played a couple of Region 2 DVDs. I tried a BUNCH of different ones before this one worked. Apparently, Polaroid changed something in the latest players that makes the older hacks not work. Now, if someone would do something about the stupid icon in the lower right corner when a timer recording is set up... Jon

slr_65 posted 2006 Dec 03 21:59

next : slr_65 - here's a couple of threads over at AVS you might find interesting: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=675487 http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=736151 The first thread is long - almost 1,000 posts. Wow! 33 pages! I'm cross eye now! :lol: THANKS!

medtech posted 2006 Dec 04 16:37

Hi all, I just bought one of these a few days ago and have just love it. The VHS recording quality is excellent. I'm hoping someone knows the answer to a problem I've run into. I recorded a home move from VHS to the HDD IN HQ. Did all my editing and it comes out to about a little under an hour and half. Now I want to burn it to a DVD. HQ is an hour on DVD, so I changed the DVD setting to SP. But when I select the title, I'm told that it exceeds the disk space. I've changed all the setting I can find to SP. Can I only record to a disk from HDD in the speed that it was recorded? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks

The_Knife posted 2006 Dec 04 19:39

medtech : Hi all, I just bought one of these a few days ago and have just love it. The VHS recording quality is excellent. I'm hoping someone knows the answer to a problem I've run into. {snip} Can I only record to a disk from HDD in the speed that it was recorded? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks In a word, yup. You can only copy to disc in the speed you used to record to the HDD. You'll need to split it into 2 pieces and use 2 discs.

jonlowe posted 2006 Dec 05 11:10

next, I see what appears to be an 8300HD DVR in your stack of stuff. Do you use the component out from that to feed the DRM-2001G, or s-video? I'm interested in creating 16:9 anamorphic DVDs from HD content in the 8300. I know I can only record 480i and all of that. If you do this, would you mind doing a step by step on how? I have a couple of OTS HD receivers for some local HD programming my cable carrier doesn't carry, but they won't do 480i over component, only 480p, so I'm stuck with s-video on those. Thanks. Jon

next posted 2006 Dec 05 12:32

jonlowe : next, I see what appears to be an 8300HD DVR in your stack of stuff. Do you use the component out from that to feed the DRM-2001G, or s-video? I'm interested in creating 16:9 anamorphic DVDs from HD content in the 8300. I know I can only record 480i and all of that. If you do this, would you mind doing a step by step on how? I have a couple of OTS HD receivers for some local HD programming my cable carrier doesn't carry, but they won't do 480i over component, only 480p, so I'm stuck with s-video on those. Thanks. Jon Yes component from the SA8300HD to the Polaroid (SA8300HD set at 480i). This will allow you to record wide screen. It will not be anamorphic on a 4x3 display though. The Polaroid does not set the wide screen flag. On a 4x3 display the picture is stretched - no letterbox. But on a 16x9 display you will get full widescreen recordings. There will be no artificial letterboxing that you see when using the s-video connection on the SA8300HD. In order to get true anamorpic there are two options. One is to take your Polaroid recording via disc and edit on a PC using IFOedit. IFOedit will allow you to insert the wide screen flag. You can then reburn the result. This option to me is too much of a hastle. The second is to use the Polaroid as a component to s-video converter and record with a recorder that sets the wide screen flag. In my case I use a Toshiba RD-KX50. Other recorders do this as well. Under this scenario I go component out of the SA8300HD into the Polaroid and then out of the Polaroid via s-video to the Toshiba RD-KX50. The stack I posted above has changed. I have replaced the two DVD players shown with the Toshiba. This process is fast and easy and produces anamorphic recordings that play correctly on both 16x9 and 4x3 screens. Some have said that by using the Polaroid as a component to s-video converter I will experience a generational loss and the PQ will suffer. Actual results show that a loss of PQ is not the case. The PQ is excellent. I think the LSI Domino chipset in the Polaroid may be the reason. If you are not concerned about how the result will play on a 4x3 screen then true anamorphic is not necessary. Using just the Polaroid will produce full wide screen recordings on a 16x9 display. I am far from an expert so I may be using terms incorrectly but I think you get the idea. Here's a pic of the new stack that shows the Toshiba as well as an external DVD burner that is being driven by the Polaroid. edit - I should be clear that under the second scenario I am using the Polaroid to just convert and pass the signal. I'm not recording to the Polaroid first and then re-recording it later with the Toshiba. It is a real time pass through process. edit # 2 - There is also a third option which is a device placed between the SA8300HD and the Polaroid. This will send the wide screen flag to the Polaroid and thus you will have true anamorphic recording results. It runs about $150. Search "logic design" over at the AVS DVD Recorder forum for info.

jonlowe posted 2006 Dec 05 19:21

Thanks, just what I needed! Jon

fast.jo posted 2006 Dec 10 19:09

Jon : I posted a region free hack that worked on my "K" prefix serial numbered unit in the DVD player hacks section. I successfully played a couple of Region 2 DVDs. I tried a BUNCH of different ones before this one worked. Apparently, Polaroid changed something in the latest players that makes the older hacks not work. Just what I needed too ! :wink: Great since I did post a request like that 2-3 months ago but no answer ... :-x Thanks again Jon.

jonlowe posted 2006 Dec 13 13:30

For those looking for a better manual than what Polaroid provided, check out: http://www.denver-electronics.com/UploadetFiles/154/25/DHD-161,_UK.pdf A very similar unit. Doesn't have component in (has SCART instead), but the menu structure is identical. Jon

The_Knife posted 2006 Dec 14 17:15

Got a question on recording formats. Vhelps original test report stated this: "** The Recordings Form Factor setup.. There is no (VR vs. Video Mode) setup option. The way the unit works is like this. Depending on what you put into the unit, -r; +r; and -rw; the unit will set the form-factor to (Video Mode) ..while if +rw, will put into (VR mode) automatically. I guess this is why +rw disc's don't have to be finalized, because they are by default, form-factored to VR Mode. " Can anyone else confirm or deny this ? I understand the VR mode is some odd mutation but is the Video mode truly the DVD-Video standard ? Thx.

elfdez posted 2006 Dec 14 18:12

Hello everybody. I have the 2001G for nearly 2 months now, and I just tried for the first time to record to Dv input from Digital Camcorder, I found that it records OK with my Sony TRV70, but when I try to record from a recently purchased Canon ZR500 it shows (Copy protection cannot copy)of course these are home videos, switching the tape to the Sony, same thing, I called Polaroid and of course they don't know. This happens when try to record to Disc or HDD, I can see the video but it won't Record. My unit Serial No is a G. Some input will be appreciated.

camlachie posted 2006 Dec 29 12:12

Has anyone tried to connect the Dv input on the front to either a didgital cable box, or a Vcr. I have a Dvhs JVC DH 40k and am trying to connect to the unit, It reconizes the vcr and when i hit the record button it starts the playing of the vcr but no signal is coming thru to the Poloriod unit. Has anyone had any sucess?

jonlowe posted 2006 Dec 29 16:59

THE DV input will only work with camcorder type of input. It won't accept HD input, only NTSC (and maybe PAL) camcorder output. Same interface, but completely different data streams. Jon

camlachie posted 2006 Dec 30 15:57

THats what i THought but still wanted to try,,,, Well atleast i have been able to record HD 5.1 on a S-Vhs Video tape thru my Dvhs Deck.....

ekuth posted 2007 Jan 09 00:23

Gah! Okay, needing help. Bought this puppy today after looking around. Bought it specifically for the component (RGB) in capability. I have a DirecTV HD receiver, I know how to hook things up correctly. Problem is this: Everytime I switch to the YUV input, I get a scrambled signal or no signal, or it flickers in and out. This is with my HD reciever set to either regular or HD channel. have tried all the available resolutions and formats. I got a partial, darkened pic using the 480i/p setting on my HD Reciever. Trouble is, by partial I mean it was like a split-screen with a big green line down the middle of the pic... that's the best I could get. 720i/p, 1080i would not display at all. Just the purple/green/blue scramble. SVideo displays all modes flawlessly, but I don't want SVideo, dangit! I've checked all my wires, ect- everything is correct. Direct connection from the RGB output on the HD reciever to the RGB input on the Polariod. Anyone else having this problem? Or do I just have a bum unit. I'm seriously puzzled, as I'm the guy other folks call to set up their home theatres... Any help appreciated!

jonlowe posted 2007 Jan 09 08:15

The component inputs on the 2001G ONLY accept 480i. 480p into the component inputs on the 2001G will give the effect you describe. I have a Samsung 360 Directv receiver that I use only for an OTA HD channel my cable carrier doesn't carry ( I don't have a dish at all). It puts out what it calls 480i/480p, but it only puts out 480i over the s-video or composite outputs. Component is 480p, with no way to force it to 480i. My cable box, a Scientific Atlanta 8300HD, can put out 480i over component, so I use that to transfer programs to the 2001G. I use 4801 over svideo from the Samsung box to feed the 2001G. That being said, I get very good quality over the svideo from my Samsung box into the Polaroid. The high quality HD source makes all the difference. The 2001G can only record 480i in any event. Jon ekuth : Gah! Okay, needing help. Problem is this: Everytime I switch to the YUV input, I get a scrambled signal or no signal, or it flickers in and out. This is with my HD reciever set to either regular or HD channel. have tried all the available resolutions and formats. I got a partial, darkened pic using the 480i/p setting on my HD Reciever. Trouble is, by partial I mean it was like a split-screen with a big green line down the middle of the pic... that's the best I could get. 720i/p, 1080i would not display at all. Just the purple/green/blue scramble. SVideo displays all modes flawlessly, but I don't want SVideo, dangit! Any help appreciated!

Bondiablo posted 2007 Jan 12 05:01

has this model been discontinued already? doesn't seem to show up anywhere right now. at least not in the US.

ekuth posted 2007 Jan 12 06:43

Just bought mine at Wal-Mart, so not as far as I know. And even using S-Video, the quality is impressive.

mdoublem posted 2007 Jan 13 15:21

Maybe you can find one but my Polaroid broke down right around Thanksgiving time. Returned for a full refund from Wal since it was only 2 month old but they were out so I could not exchange. I've checked about 3 other Walmarts in the L.A. area and have never gotten in again. Just checked my local Wal on Jan 12 and they've still got the display up but no new stock. I suspect they're done. But I'd snap one up if I could find a boxed version.

lordsmurf posted 2007 Jan 14 02:27

vhelp, can you confirm that Polaroid is 720x480 in 3-hour mode? And only 4-hour is 352x480?

vhelp posted 2007 Jan 16 20:05

LS, Sorry for not gettin back to ya sooner. I was taking a break from these forum boards. And pleas don't take it personal, that I didn't respond with an answer to your inquiry :) Well, the way I've been reading around here, it looks like you decided to take a chance on this model, and you took a chance and picked one up. So, I guess you have your answer. I only use mine for my HDTV receiver recordings. I've been mainly recording my tv series, "Lost". I don't really like the other lower settings, because it uses lower quality setup, and with my noisy Analog Cable, they don't mix very well. I -do- however, record in the HQ setting from my analog cable, and then re-encode them again, incorporate IVTC whenever possible. That's the only time I use the Polaroid with my analog cable. (I think that digital cable and satellite might do better in the lower set ups, but I don't know for sure) People mainly talk about the Toshiba brands, but I wanted a HDD unit that I could afford and comprimise in features found in other units. -vhelp 4204

lordsmurf posted 2007 Jan 17 08:25

Actually I have not tested 3-hour mode yet. The 2-hour and 4-hour was to my liking. I left my JVC DR-M100 attached to the same tv, and they share a split cable signal (one on digital box, one analog). So I get the best of both worlds.

flez posted 2007 Jan 18 09:45

Some questions....... Why in on of the pictures above has someone got the HD out of the unit on a long cable, has someone found software to be able to read the HD in the pc? Has anyone got another remote to work this unit, I dropped my remote now the unit is unusable until I can buy a spare or a one for all, but one for don't really list this unit (its a sampo designed machine, sold under lots of names, but only this latest poloroid has the guardian, other models have a usb in)

vhelp posted 2007 Jan 18 18:13

flez, Just find a store near by that sells "universal" remotes. Look for those that have the [menu] button (or most buttons) on it. This will usually clue you in on it having extended features support for DVD Recorders. Then, you only have to program (put in the matching code) to make your Polaroid work with the remote. This may take several attempts. I had to do this with my JVC vcr's remote, because I was getting really tired of juggling two or tree remotes, and after 6 years of this nonsense, you get tired of it. Anyway. My JVC remote did not have a listing for my GE tv set, but I used an RCA code, and I can now operate the TV with the JVC remote, now. So, you have to do a little research. Philips usually sell these. -vhelp 4209

Lightsluvr posted 2007 Jan 18 19:35

I asked this on another thread - but haven't received a response. I am intrigued by this recorder, and am hunting for a new or refurb. I found several on eBay but the "canned" specs used by the sellers do not mention component inputs. Did Polaroid do away with the component input in later versions, or did they just "drop" the mention of component inputs from their specs? Has anybody purchased a 2001G where the component inputs was disabled or missing? Thanks. LL

vhelp posted 2007 Jan 18 20:21

Lightsluvr, : Did Polaroid do away with the component input in later versions, or did they just "drop" the mention of component inputs from their specs? Has anybody purchased a 2001G where the component inputs was disabled or missing? Doubtful. I think the person who told you (that it didn't have input) was basing what he saw in the manual. The manual only mentions component output. But, rest asured, that the Polaroid does have a component input as well. Only Wal-Mart stores have the DRM-2001G model. I can't vouch for the spin-off or look-alike's. If you seriously want the unit for the component input, then go for this model. You can always return it if you are not satisfied. -vhelp 4211

flez posted 2007 Jan 19 02:11

: Only Wal-Mart stores have the DRM-2001G model. I can't vouch for the spin-off or look-alike's. But you are, the poloroid _is_ a spinoff, its made by sampo, badged by packard bell, eltax etc and now much later, by poloroid. Admittedly its now got tv guardian, but I dont think tvg was worth waiting for, and would have thought taking the USB connector off a step backward as well, it should be on the front, next to the component front input.

InXess posted 2007 Jan 19 04:17

Polaroid's manual shows both in- and out- component terminals in their depiction of back panel.

next posted 2007 Jan 19 14:32

flez : : Only Wal-Mart stores have the DRM-2001G model. I can't vouch for the spin-off or look-alike's. But you are, the poloroid _is_ a spinoff, its made by sampo, badged by packard bell, eltax etc and now much later, by poloroid. Admittedly its now got tv guardian, but I dont think tvg was worth waiting for, and would have thought taking the USB connector off a step backward as well, it should be on the front, next to the component front input. The front is composite not component. Only the Polaroid is distributed in North America. Philips sells something very similiar (3455)but at the sme time it is very different. The other similiar models are mostly for for European distribution. The have SCART connections for example. Denver also has a model out. Are these closer to the Philips or the Polaroid? Not sure. The Polaroid does not have USB. I can live with that based on everything else it offers.

flez posted 2007 Jan 19 15:37

Err, what does it offer that a usb version does not? I'm missing something I think with the english-anglish varients of things like composite-componet ? Mine has analog video and s-video(analog but seperate wires for luminance and colour) and RGB (never tested the rgb)

Lightsluvr posted 2007 Jan 21 15:47

Thanks for the reply... I scarfed up the display of the 2001G at my local Wal-Mart...30% off. Thought I would see what it will do and decide whether it is worth keeping... Really interested to see how it performs with my Directv HD receivers. I have the D* HD DVR, but looking for a recorder to supplement the DVR. Will report back. Love the idea of replacing HD with a 250 gb. LL

Bridge posted 2007 Jan 22 12:37

Sampo! Hmmm, I saw a sampo DVD recorder with component inputs sold for one week at Aldi's about two years ago.

flez posted 2007 Jan 23 03:09

Bridge : Sampo! Hmmm, I saw a sampo DVD recorder with component inputs sold for one week at Aldi's about two years ago. emm, are you sure, because netto(uk) did the denver(sampo), I thought aldi did one that was like the mustek. Sampo is a cheap producer, but the stuff usually is reliable and works well, check out the old area 450 site. its unusual for netto / aldi to use the same supplier, they usually have an exclusive deal / distribution thing in place, although you do sometimes see them same smaller item, ie screwdrivers from same manufacturer, just in different colours.

Lightsluvr posted 2007 Jan 25 19:05

A new replacement remote is available on the Polaroid website. My cost about $13 delivered. It works quite well. LL

flez posted 2007 Jan 26 04:43

I found my old denver dvr-150 remote, the only difference was it had an extra row of buttons and the functions printed on the case did now match the function you got when you pressed the button, then I had one of those wonderful ideas, swap the board into the other case.... So, problem solved, I know have a working remote, and with an led swap for an led from an old tv remote, I now have better range and a good angle, no more using gunsights to line the remote to the receiver. Seems the problem is not in the dvd player or the design of the remote, but just that they are using some very poor led's Do an led upgrade, you wont regret it.

flez posted 2007 Jan 26 04:44

Oh and one4all are doing a code for it, they have emailed me and said its 1321 for my kamelion 6, but that my remote needs an upgrade, now working on getting that done.

Fused0ne posted 2007 Jan 28 23:40

I have a question if someone can answer it please. Is it possible to rewind a program that is currently recording? For example lets say a timed program starts rec at 7pm and I am not home at the time. Lets say I get home at 7:15pm and would like to start watching what I had programed to rec and not wait til its done rec. I try to rewind while its rec but nothing happens. Can you not rew while recording?

InXess posted 2007 Jan 29 01:08

Only recorders with "chase play" or timeshifting can do that trick as well as PVR's. I think Pioneer, Toshiba, LG, Philips...

flez posted 2007 Jan 29 03:01

yes, provided the timeshift mode is active, if not, no. (tested on ehr2080)

Brent G. posted 2007 Jan 29 17:26

: Is it possible to rewind a program that is currently recording? For example lets say a timed program starts rec at 7pm and I am not home at the time. Lets say I get home at 7:15pm and would like to start watching what I had programed to rec and not wait til its done rec. I try to rewind while its rec but nothing happens. Can you not rew while recording? It's called "Chase Playback" and works if you are recording to the hard drive of your recorder. When it is still recording, just go to the Disc Navigator and select the program that is recording (or any other program), and play it. That's the way it works on my Pioneer 540H. If you don't have a hard drive recorder, then my old Pioneer 220-s could do a Chase Playback if I was recording on a DVD-RW in VR-Mode. Brent

Fused0ne posted 2007 Jan 29 18:08

I meant on this model, the Poloroid 2001G. It has timeshift but it still wont let me rew.

flez posted 2007 Jan 30 05:59

is the timeshift 'on' it has to be on my variant. My remote has a timeshift button, press for on, press for off, it must be on _before_ recording begins, you cant enable it halfway through.

Lightsluvr posted 2007 Feb 01 09:53

OK - here is a simple question. I have some video recorded on the Hard Drive. I want to transfer it to a DVD. The owner's manual says that the 2001G supports DVD-R/RW as well as DVD+R/RW. When I put a DVD-R in the tray, and slect Add/Clear to make the recording, I get a message which reads: "There is no recordable disc" Will the 2001G not record to DVD-R??? Thanks for clearing this up. LL

flez posted 2007 Feb 01 11:13

ehr2080 is + only, same hardware on poloroid afaik

jonlowe posted 2007 Feb 01 12:37

Lightsluvr : OK - here is a simple question. I have some video recorded on the Hard Drive. I want to transfer it to a DVD. The owner's manual says that the 2001G supports DVD-R/RW as well as DVD+R/RW. When I put a DVD-R in the tray, and slect Add/Clear to make the recording, I get a message which reads: "There is no recordable disc" Will the 2001G not record to DVD-R??? Thanks for clearing this up. LL I've recorded from my Polaroid to DVD-R. You have to ensure that the quality setting is the same on both the HD and the DVD. That is, if it is HQ on the HD, then it must be HQ on the DVD, and the length must be less than one hour. Jon

Lightsluvr posted 2007 Feb 01 12:42

jonlowe : Lightsluvr : OK - here is a simple question. I have some video recorded on the Hard Drive. I want to transfer it to a DVD. The owner's manual says that the 2001G supports DVD-R/RW as well as DVD+R/RW. When I put a DVD-R in the tray, and slect Add/Clear to make the recording, I get a message which reads: "There is no recordable disc" Will the 2001G not record to DVD-R??? Thanks for clearing this up. LL I've recorded from my Polaroid to DVD-R. You have to ensure that the quality setting is the same on both the HD and the DVD. That is, if it is HQ on the HD, then it must be HQ on the DVD, and the length must be less than one hour. Jon Thanks Jon - I think you solved my dilema. I recorded the HD material at HQ, which makes it too large to record to a single DVD. I'll go back and record the HD material at SP so it will fit on the DVD. Appreciate the info. LL LL

flez posted 2007 Feb 01 13:48

Ok so thats something you can do on the newer poloroid, I'm stuck with just 'copy to disk', you cant change the bitrate that its already in on the hd during the copy. Also you cant copy items of differing bitrate to a disk, which is annoying as when I recorded a series, I accidently did one in SLP...

Lightsluvr posted 2007 Feb 01 18:23

next : trhouse : The hard drive is a Western Digital Caviar, WD800 enhanced IDE drive. If you look inside, you can probably see if CS ( cable select ) is set. I've installed two drives now. The first was a 200 gig seagate which worked fine. The second is a WD 250 gig that also works fine. It is truely plug and play. I removed the drives from their packaging and put them in the Polaroid. There was no PC required. The Polaroid formats the drive to the capasity of the installed drive. I've filled the 250 gig drive with no problems. I plan on installing a drive in the 500 gig range soon which I'm sure will also work fine. Is this an exact replacement for the 80gb? It will fit internally in the same mount as the 80gb drive? That is exactly what I am looking for - do you have a model number and source for purchase? Thanks. LL

jonlowe posted 2007 Feb 02 15:09

Another option is to split your existing HQ HD file into two parts, and record it to two DVDs. Jon Lightsluvr : jonlowe : Lightsluvr : OK - here is a simple question. I have some video recorded on the Hard Drive. I want to transfer it to a DVD. The owner's manual says that the 2001G supports DVD-R/RW as well as DVD+R/RW. When I put a DVD-R in the tray, and slect Add/Clear to make the recording, I get a message which reads: "There is no recordable disc" Will the 2001G not record to DVD-R??? Thanks for clearing this up. LL I've recorded from my Polaroid to DVD-R. You have to ensure that the quality setting is the same on both the HD and the DVD. That is, if it is HQ on the HD, then it must be HQ on the DVD, and the length must be less than one hour. Jon Thanks Jon - I think you solved my dilema. I recorded the HD material at HQ, which makes it too large to record to a single DVD. I'll go back and record the HD material at SP so it will fit on the DVD. Appreciate the info. LL LL

lordsmurf posted 2007 Feb 02 20:07

Split.

Bastet posted 2007 Feb 03 16:13

I, too, had fan problems. Mine started about 30 days after buying it. It began making such a noise, I could not bear to hear it. It also vibrated the machine badly. So I popped the case, looked at what kind of fan it was, and bought a replacement on eBay. Hooked it up and now it's back to being quiet again. It didn't take more than a few moments to do it. Love the machine, though. Got mine at Wal-Mart, also.

lacywest posted 2007 Feb 15 13:30

Lightsluvr : A new replacement remote is available on the Polaroid website. My cost about $13 delivered. It works quite well. LL You are using this remote control for the DRM-2001G unit ?? The remote I saw at the Polaroid Site was for portable DVD Players.

Lightsluvr posted 2007 Feb 16 10:13

lacywest : Lightsluvr : A new replacement remote is available on the Polaroid website. My cost about $13 delivered. It works quite well. LL You are using this remote control for the DRM-2001G unit ?? The remote I saw at the Polaroid Site was for portable DVD Players. Yes - you specifically order the replacement remote for the 2001G. I looked at the website yesterday, and the price has gone up to $14.99 plus shipping. It really is specifically for the 2001G. It controls all of the functions, including record, setup, menus, etc. LL

lacywest posted 2007 Feb 16 12:35

Lightsluvr : A new replacement remote is available on the Polaroid website. My cost about $13 delivered. It works quite well. LL Okay I found it at the Polaroid website ... You have to use the ... shop Accessory section ... it takes a few clicks to get to it. But I did find ... but no details about the replacement remote. Question for Lightsluvr ... first off my remote is working fine ... no need to replace it. But I'm wondering about the ability to back up slowly in slow motion. I can go forward in slow motion but I would like to go backward in slow motion to edit out commercials. So ... does the this replacement remote ... have a feature for going in slow motion for editing out commercials in the reverse direction ... or does it only work for going forward. I really like the Panasonic EH50 with its 100 GB hard drive ... editing commercials is very simple and not difficult ... time consuming but very decently ... precise. I can enter the editing function [shorten title] and use pause at the spot where the TV show ends and the commercial begins and hit the ... start button. I then go to where the commercial ends and the TV show begins and hit the ... end button ... it then automatically goes to the next button to delete that section ... if I choose. If I change my mind ... no biggy ... just repeat the process. Nothing is deleted until I hit the DELETE button. And it does ask you ... Are YOU sure ?? ... in so many words :lol:

tonydoty posted 2007 Feb 20 21:34

I have been deep into all of the threads on this recorder. I would like to know has anyone taken a drive from the unit and put in your computer to look at how the files are saved. I wish to use the DVR as a video jukebox. I don't want to play and record the video in real time to the hard drive. Is there any high speed method to do this.

lordsmurf posted 2007 Feb 21 04:45

I think NEXT did this, and saw nothing on his computer. I saw discussion of this at AVSFORUM, and it was unsuccessful.

tonydoty posted 2007 Feb 21 06:55

Thank you for the information Lordsmurf. I have tried the RCA and The liteon and also a Poloriod. I can't find one that meets my needs yet. Do you have any experience with the Pioneer 640. If not what do you recommend in a TV capture card and software. I might need to build my own in a small computer.

FulciLives posted 2007 Feb 21 09:44

tonydoty : Thank you for the information Lordsmurf. I have tried the RCA and The liteon and also a Poloriod. I can't find one that meets my needs yet. Do you have any experience with the Pioneer 640. If not what do you recommend in a TV capture card and software. I might need to build my own in a small computer. I have the Pioneer DVR-531H-s which is an earlier although nearly identical unit to the Pioneer DVR-640H-s and I absolutely love it. If I needed another DVD recorder I would definately buy the Pioneer DVR-640H-s although I should point out that the Toshiba RD-XS35 is also a very good choice from what I've heard and what little I've seen (screen caps) about it. The one thing that scares me away from the Toshiba a bit is that it appears to be more "sensitive" to the cable/satellite TV form of copy protection. - John "FulciLives" Coleman

samijubal posted 2007 Feb 21 11:05

I've had no problems recording from c-band, 4DTV, Dish Network satellites with Toshiba recorders.

FulciLives posted 2007 Feb 21 11:13

samijubal : I've had no problems recording from c-band, 4DTV, Dish Network satellites with Toshiba recorders. Many other people have commented on having issues with the Toshiba when it comes to 5c protection (aka the broadcast flag). - John "FulciLives" Coleman

samijubal posted 2007 Feb 21 12:00

I can't speak for other people. I've been using satellites for 13+ years and DVD recorders for 5+ years, I've never once had a problem recording stuff.

FulciLives posted 2007 Feb 21 13:34

samijubal : I can't speak for other people. I've been using satellites for 13+ years and DVD recorders for 5+ years, I've never once had a problem recording stuff. That's great but you are on this board a lot and surely you have seen the complaints other people have had about Toshiba DVD recorders and 5c/broadcast flag copy protection. I mean don't make out like you aren't aware of ALL the comments made. You read enough of this board to have seen them. - John "FulciLives" Coleman

next posted 2007 Feb 21 14:39

lordsmurf : I think NEXT did this, and saw nothing on his computer. I saw discussion of this at AVSFORUM, and it was unsuccessful. Yes you are correct. I have not been able to see any files on a PC from a Polaroid HDD. Occasionaly I give it another try when I think of another way. But the Polaroid HDD can't be read on a PC like the HDD from a LiteOn 5045 - so far at least.

Seeker47 posted 2007 Feb 21 22:33

flez : : Only Wal-Mart stores have the DRM-2001G model. I can't vouch for the spin-off or look-alike's. Admittedly its now got tv guardian What is this feature ? Is it something to be avoided ? If one happened to find one of these 2001G units still being sold at a Walmart, would it necessarily have this feature . . . or is that dependent on the manufacture date ?

vhelp posted 2007 Feb 25 11:01

Sorry, I've been away from the boards.. am on sabaticle. In answering LordRichar's post in another topic, elsewheres.. Regarding HDTV and Components, I'll try and repeat this again, here. I have TWO HDTV receivers on hand. But I only use one, for reason's that will be made clear, below. I don't use the DRM-2001g for anything else other than HD. On occasion, I have used it for High Bitrate Analog Cable, but very rarely do I use it. Anyway, the TWO units are: ** Pro Brand, Digital Stream HD3150Plus DTV receiver (now clearnst @ $69) ** Hisense, USDigital USDTV DB-2010 (last clearnst @ $99) I'll start with the Probrand receiver.. The HD3150Plus has a THREE-position switch on the back of the unit, and it is marked, [480p 720p 1080i] as options. No matter what setting I switch this to, the components will not output an appropriate signal for the DMR-2001g unit. In fact, at the very least, the 480p setting will output TWO half-views of the 480p signal over component. I can view this when I connect the units together via component and use the composite (or s-video) output leads from the DRM-2001g unit. Now, had the HD3150Plus included an [480i 480p 720p 1080i] option, it would have worked over component leads, and I would have two HDTV receiver options to work (and experiment) with. And now for the Hisense receiver.. The DB-2010 has no position swithes. Any resolution settings has to be made via software (on screen menus) which is no problem. In my honest opinion, this model unit is a bare-bones. On the menu, its first TWO options are: ** Composite/S-Video ** 480i When I choose to utilize the components of the DRM-2001g recorder, I select the 480i setting. This will set the components to receive a proper 480i video signal across the leads. Then, the DRM-2001g output via composite/s-video a clear signal. Even for HD, I mainly use it for it's Anamorphic features, where I can capture (MPEG Encode) it to HDD or Opitical disc for further processing on the computer side. And, for this aspect, I use the following routine for turning out an D2V project for TMPGenc re-encode projects: Connection specs: ** Y:G Pb:B Pr:R <-- HDTV Receiver [component output] ** Y:G Cb:B Cr:R <-- Polaroid [component input] Capture OTA for recording ** Antenna -> Hisense, USDigital USDTV DB-2010 -> Polaroid DRM-2001G ** [(G)(B)(R)] - [STEREO] Bringing HDTV recorded by DRM-2001g as MPEG-2 to computer ** using +RW disc, I DRM-2001g[hdd]->RW disc->computer ** DGIndex[TV Scale]->D2V project->VFAPI->VirtualDUB-MPEG2->TMPGenc Audio-- the sound is definately, Stereo. So if anyone has any quirms about this area, don't worry.. its perfectly fine :) IVTC; [3-2] pattern; Film-- One thing I hate, but which I thought would not be an issue, on-going with HD, was with the sources Telecine (when its origin is Film) it has been proving me wrong, in that the [3-2] patterns are not consistant (in some content) as I thought would be in this new standard, for clean IVTC processes. (I'm currently producing a master list for this) You see, I had thought that because of this new standard, that they would re-do most of their video sources in a new and clean format, for HD. I guess I was wrong. Components-- let me get back to this, on the DRM-2001g unit. There seems to be a slight issue with the color range when using component connections and recording to an MPEG (via HDD or Optical disc) and bringing it over to your computer. Its hard to describe, but for the most part, the video is too rich in color. Its like it's 0-255 RGB range. And, I think that the -current- conversion process's are not setup for this type of format, and as a result, the color space is not accurate. I've been having trouble trying to match to a truer output, but mainly because I do not have a reference to gauge the DRM-2001g -> Computer, setup during processing. The closest I was able to get to (assumed) results were with using DGIndex v1.4.3 and selecting TV Scale and processing. The routie I use for this method are like this: (see above) Theory-- The problem could be on account of my Hisense DB-2010 hdtv receiver's output specifications vs. my Polaroid DRM-2001g 's specificiation over component video. -vhelp 4217

mdspiro posted 2007 Feb 26 14:08

I've had my Polaroid DRM-2001G since December 2006, and am generally very happy with it. I got it to mostly to transfer my huge library of video camera tapes to DVD -- so far I've burned about 100 DVDs worth of home videos, the sources being VHS, 8mm, and Hi8 Digital tapes. I'm using DVD+R discs, and am burning at the SP speed (2 hrs per disc). I'm using the YesDVD feature to create the intelligent menus with thumbnails, and to print covers. I actually like that feature! I've also started to burn some discs from shows recorded on the HD for my kids to play in the car DVD player, with great success. All of a sudden, I'm seeing a problem. When I put a completed DVD into the unit (both commercial DVDs and ones I've burned myself) it is now often not "seeing" the disc at all. It says "Loading", but then nothing happens. No blank screen, no disc menu, nothing. It acts as if I never put a disc in at all. It doesn't happen on every disc -- just certain ones. This sometimes even happens at the end of trying to burn a new disc -- it won't allow me to finalize the disc because it won't even read that there is a disc in there! The same finished discs that won't play on the Polaroid play fine on my other DVD player (a Panasonic unit in another room). Can anyone suggest a remedy? Is there something inside that I should clean or service on the Polariod? HELP! :cry:

InXess posted 2007 Feb 26 16:53

This is a burner issue - unable to lock on on a lead-in track, either service or replace it yourself. This is related to either bad laser pickup or unstable mechanism. Cleaning may help (I doubt it) and postpone the failure but it seems imminent.

mdspiro posted 2007 Feb 27 07:47

I opened it up last night and cleaned the lens -- slight improvement, but it's still not reading some discs. I'm willing to do the surgery, but how would I replace the burner? In other words, where would I get that part, and approximately how much does it cost? (Is this a logical repair, or would I be better off just cutting my losses and buying a whole new unit?) I wonder if Walmart would exchange it -- it's past the 90 day warrenty period, and I don't think I even still have the receipt or the box.

jcvh posted 2007 Mar 04 03:51

to grantsoo, you're on the money about the 2hr YesDVD. Compatibility with my other player is crucial to me. So I did a short test, recorded about 5min to DVD+RW, YesDVD worked great. But when I left it alone to record the full 2-hr show to DVD+RW, YesDVD played ok on the Polaroid. Took it to the other player and nothing! Just a blank screen. But... to starflier23, Had the same problem a you (read what I just said). Popped my YesDVD on the other player and nothing. The thing would just cycle for a long time on a blank screen and do nothing. Pressing Menu button did more of the same. However, Play and/or NextChapter got it going ok. So I can still play it by skipping to next chapter or searching to a specific chapter. Having said that, I had done a home VHS at Walmart with the YesDVD format and everyone in my family loved the resulting 'navigation' feature to see the DVD contents at a glance. So that was the primary reason I bought this thing. Not seeing the thumbnail index is a bummer!

ajcstr posted 2007 Mar 08 09:42

From reading the previous posts on this thread I have a question. I currently have a SA 8000 cable box. With this box you can't record any on demand programming or record live TV directly to a DVD. I was hoping to run the component cables through the polaroid to the TV so I could do these things, but it sounds like I would have to change the output of the box to 480i each time I did this? I guessit kind of makes sense that the polaroid would not be able to downscale 1080i but I just want to confirm.

lordsmurf posted 2007 Mar 08 12:32

My local Walmart just restocked the shelves with a dozen units. That said, however, there seem to be too many problems with these units. I've seen a pretty big volume of dud burners and other screwball issues going on. Some people ignore or accept them, but many are just returning them. A lucky few seem to have a good experience. I found the RCA to be an acceptable albeit imperfect alternative. A Toshiba XS-series would be the best choice in the USA, or a JVC DR-MH300/M300H in Europe.

trhouse posted 2007 Mar 08 13:40

The RCA 8030N is a nice compact, hdd recorder with a friendly navigation scheme. Unfortunately, its video capture performance is subpar. Black and white levels are both off. The black level is neither IRE=0 nor 7.5 but someplace in between. Colors are shifted towards the yellow. Its mono tuner suffers from internal interference resulting in subtle horizontal bars best seen in dark scenes. This is all documented on this thread, http://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=279460&postdays=0& ... ;start=102 The 2001G by comparison has accurate color reproduction as well as black and white levels as tested here, http://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=279460&postdays=0& ... p;start=97 It is best to keep in mind that these are two of the most inexpensive hdd recorders on the market. Compromises must be made to reach this price point. They are almost mirror images of each other. One has a well layed out remote and friendly interface but the video is subpar, the other has a poor remote ( which you can fix yourself ) and a less intuitive interface but the video is more accurate.

ajcstr posted 2007 Mar 10 11:59

How do I figure out when this machine was mfg? Is it built into the serial number? Mine begins with a K

lordsmurf posted 2007 Mar 10 15:07

trhouse, I've not seen any lines in the tuner. But I avoid the tuner because of the audio whine. When recording directly from composite, the image is quite clean. The signals on the RCA play back much worse from the recording deck than they do from a normal DVD player. The RCA plays darker, luma shifted. I actually found the Polaroid to have too much contrast, and the mosquito noise in the MPEG was unacceptable. Some colors were washed, darks lacked hues. Agree, these are bottom-feeder units, end of the quality totem. I just think the Polaroid is more towards dead last than an RCA is.

next posted 2007 Mar 10 18:34

My experience is more in line with what trhouse has reported and what was reported here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7671266&&#post7671266 lordsmurf - you seemed to have some trouble with the one you were testing. Perhaps it was a less than ideal unit.

next posted 2007 Mar 10 21:13

lordsmurf : A Toshiba XS-series would be the best choice in the USA Bingo

ajcstr posted 2007 Mar 11 11:19

Ok, the Polaroid that I have a "K" unit has the following problem - I plug it in the red light comes on. I press the power button, 25 % of the time the machine turns on, 75% everything goes dark. I have to unplug and plug in again. Even if it works, once i turn it off, I can't turn it on again. Which Toshiba model is the recommended one as far as you are concerned - this unit will probably have to go back and it was the last one. I did not like the RCA.

FulciLives posted 2007 Mar 11 12:23

ajcstr : Ok, the Polaroid that I have a "K" unit has the following problem - I plug it in the red light comes on. I press the power button, 25 % of the time the machine turns on, 75% everything goes dark. I have to unplug and plug in again. Even if it works, once i turn it off, I can't turn it on again. Which Toshiba model is the recommended one as far as you are concerned - this unit will probably have to go back and it was the last one. I did not like the RCA. You want either the Toshiba RD-XS35 or if you can still find it the Pioneer DVR-640H-s ... both are excellent models. Use something like PRICEGRABBER.COM to find the best (lowest) on-line price. - John "FulciLives" Coleman

ajcstr posted 2007 Mar 11 13:06

Thanks, but I really don't want to spend 300+. Want to stay under $250 so I may just go with a plain old recorder with no HD.

FulciLives posted 2007 Mar 11 15:54

ajcstr : Thanks, but I really don't want to spend 300+. Want to stay under $250 so I may just go with a plain old recorder with no HD. If you will be using a stand alone DVD recorder often ... especially for recording from cable/satellite TV ... then you will get very frustrated with a non-HDD model. I paid $338 + Tax at WALMART for my Pioneer DVR-531H-s (80GB HDD built-in) and I have never regretted it. Also bear in mind that the Toshiba and Pioneer HDD models have features not often found on other non-HDD modes like selectable bitrate so you can set a bitrate for a specific running time to maximize your quality instead of fixed times like 1 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour, etc. The Panasonic units (wihout a HDD) have selectable bitrate but the Panasonics kinda suck for other reasons and all the other non HDD models (by other companies) only have fixed recording times. What to record a move that is 2 hours and 10 minutes long? On some recorders that means using a 2 1/2 hour mode if you are LUCKY but with most it means using the 3 hour if not 4 hour mode (some go straight from 2 hours to 4 hours with nothing in-between). Just do it right and get one of the Toshiba or Pioneer models I mentioned. - John "FulciLives" Coleman

ajcstr posted 2007 Mar 11 19:20

I currently have a comcast box with a HD so I was really going to use the HD in whatever I got as additional storage which I why I can't see paying that much.

trhouse posted 2007 Mar 12 21:15

Lordsmurf : trhouse, I've not seen any lines in the tuner. But I avoid the tuner because of the audio whine. When recording directly from composite, the image is quite clean. It would be nice if it were possible to test more than one of these. I have seen reported problems that I did not see including the audio issue you mentioned. Unfortunately, I only had the one from a neighbor available to test. If I do come across another RCA available for testing, I will do so and post the results.

mabulok posted 2007 Mar 13 11:59

FYI: The led upgrade is a great mod. Thanks to whomever submitted. I think it was lordsmurf, but I may be wrong. Anyway, just wanted to let you know that the reason the radio shack was only a slight improvement is because it's operational angle is only 6 deg even though it is high power. Why not get an led with a 40 deg angle of operation instead? Actually what I did was pull one of the led's from an unused/broken dish net remote. Wow, hugh difference, and it didn't cost me a cent. Just make sure you use the larger of the two, if it is a remote with two led's. Good luck.

mabulok posted 2007 Mar 13 12:02

mdspiro : I opened it up last night and cleaned the lens -- slight improvement, but it's still not reading some discs. I'm willing to do the surgery, but how would I replace the burner? In other words, where would I get that part, and approximately how much does it cost? (Is this a logical repair, or would I be better off just cutting my losses and buying a whole new unit?) I wonder if Walmart would exchange it -- it's past the 90 day warrenty period, and I don't think I even still have the receipt or the box. Here's what you can do: Go to wallymart and get yourself another unit. Put the defective unit back in the box and return for a refund.

Jbasto posted 2007 Mar 20 14:13

Ok i need some major help w/ this damn dvd player my friends was playing w/ the setup and now we cant see crap nothing just is there away to reset the dvd player ?? cuz i cant see nothing just plane black Screen w/ a little white i can hear audio

ajcstr posted 2007 Mar 20 14:21

oh boy - he probably changed the TV Type from NTSC to PAL. I did the same thing right before I returned it (I was having other problems) and I was dead in the water. maybe someone knows how to reset this, but you are right - you just get a blank screen.

Jbasto posted 2007 Mar 20 14:36

Did u get to fix it ?? cuz damn im getting pist ticked off

ajcstr posted 2007 Mar 20 14:39

no, as I say I did that literally 2 minutes before I packed it up and took it back - you may have to have someone in the forum go through the buttons you would have to press on the remote to either change it back or restore factory defaults. You are basically flying blind at this point. Maybe you can follow the manual (page 12-13) slowly and luck out.

Jbasto posted 2007 Mar 20 15:00

o well if not i will try and Try till i get it

lordsmurf posted 2007 Mar 20 15:46

Or plug it into a capture card on a computer that can accept PAL. Many can.

Jbasto posted 2007 Mar 20 16:22

I fixed it !!! Thanks guys was easy just setup down(5) then right then ok ok

mdspiro posted 2007 Mar 20 16:54

mabulok : Here's what you can do: Go to wallymart and get yourself another unit. Put the defective unit back in the box and return for a refund. Thanks. I already did exactly that, and I've been using a new "K" Polaroid unit for about a 3 weeks now. So far, so good! I did have an initial problem with what I thought was another failing optical drive (lots of coasters) and loosing the ability to use the "YesDVD" feature on DVD's burned from my home video tapes. What I discovered is that I was using garbage media bought on sale (TDK DVD-R's) which was the source of all my problems. First of all, the YesDVD feature only works on +R/+RW disks, not -R. More importantly, high quality blank media is essential for the Polaroid, or any other DVR unit to produce good results. I went out and bought a pack of Sony DVD+R's, and it's been working perfectly ever since. If anyone is interested, check out this website for great information on DVD Media Quality: www.digitalfaq.com/media/dvdmedia.htm What I learned is that it's not the brand on a blank DVD that matters -- it's the media ID that is important, as it reveals the manufacturer.

Brain posted 2007 Apr 02 12:34

Anyone have a problem with the Chapter Editing feature? I recorded a Billy Idol concert on RaveHD and after burning the DVD I edited the chapter marks to have the chapters set at just before the begginning of each song. On the unit it works fine. Each chapter goes to just the begginning of each song but when I play it in my JVC Player it will only recognize the first chapter. I use Verbatim DVD+R media and tried it on several DVDs and the same thing. Even when I just use the 10 minute or whatever auto setting the JVC recognizes the chapters on some discs but not others. Anyone run across this prob? Btw, the recording quality on the HDD and the DVD was incredible! So was the concert. I got on my knees and worshipped IDOL. Update: I think I've pretty much had it with this unit. The recording to hdd and DVD+R disc (playing the disc in itself) is superb, no problems at all. But the bloody DVDs won't play properly in anything else. Chapters don't work right, fast forward doesn't work right, it'll play the first and last chapters only, sometimes play all the way through if I don't touch anything, it won't make "Compatible" a DVD+RW so it won't even play it in itself unless I was in editing mode (constantly freezes at 98% when trying to make DVD+RWs "Compatible"-without running "Compatibility" it won't play either) and that doesn't matter since the quality dropped to crap burning to a DVD+RW disc, even though title 1 is playing (only 1 title on disc) it always says Title 2 on the player, etc. I've tried several DVD+R and DVD+RWs and get the same thing. If the DVDs won't play properly and consistantly on other players then this thing is pretty much useless. Even if I didn't plan on making any DVDs for anyone or using it on another player, sooner or later I'll get another player/recorder and I'll have a bunch of DVDs that won't play properly. Good thing I got it at Walmart. They'll take it back. I wonder if their Philips DVDR3455 w/160gig hdd is any good. I hate to buy anywhere else so as not to have return hassles.

victoriabears posted 2007 Apr 02 12:43

A long relevant note,,but I have a Curtis dvd recorder and RJTech thats identical to this Polaroid.

Brain posted 2007 Apr 04 02:28

My unit just fried last night. Now it won't even turn on. Plug it in and the fan spins but no lights, no response, no worky. Took it back to Walmart today and I noticed several new price tags on the display model shelf. One was the price tag for the new Polaroid model with 160Gig drive, USB, HDMI and a bunch new features at $258. Another was for the new Philips 160Gig model #3575 with a bunch new features at $298. They didn't have any yet but the bloke said probably in the next several days they should be receiving them. I guess I'll give Polar another try.

bigjim25 posted 2007 Apr 16 12:30

I lock one of the titles on my player by accident and was wondering if Polaroid set a password since I hadn't set one yet :?:

Dakota22 posted 2007 Apr 30 14:47

Default I believe is 3308. No idea how to change it, not explained in my manual.

dvr810 posted 2007 May 09 17:06

mdspiro : I've had my Polaroid DRM-2001G since December 2006, and am generally very happy with it. I got it to mostly to transfer my huge library of video camera tapes to DVD -- so far I've burned about 100 DVDs worth of home videos, the sources being VHS, 8mm, and Hi8 Digital tapes. I'm using DVD+R discs, and am burning at the SP speed (2 hrs per disc). I'm using the YesDVD feature to create the intelligent menus with thumbnails, and to print covers. I actually like that feature! I've also started to burn some discs from shows recorded on the HD for my kids to play in the car DVD player, with great success. All of a sudden, I'm seeing a problem. When I put a completed DVD into the unit (both commercial DVDs and ones I've burned myself) it is now often not "seeing" the disc at all. It says "Loading", but then nothing happens. No blank screen, no disc menu, nothing. It acts as if I never put a disc in at all. It doesn't happen on every disc -- just certain ones. This sometimes even happens at the end of trying to burn a new disc -- it won't allow me to finalize the disc because it won't even read that there is a disc in there! The same finished discs that won't play on the Polaroid play fine on my other DVD player (a Panasonic unit in another room). Can anyone suggest a remedy? Is there something inside that I should clean or service on the Polariod? HELP! :cry: I've had similiar problems with my burner. I returned my original unit--to Wally-- when it was as bad as yours and actually swapped out the burners. All was fine for a while. But again today, after burning from HD recently and playing back ok, I tried to play this (DVD-R, not finalized) disk today. It wouldn't load. But after popping disk out and then loading and playing a commercial movie, tried it again and it plays back again! mdspiro: how did you solve your problem--if you did, lol??

mdspiro posted 2007 May 10 08:13

The answer is twofold: first of all, I exchanged my problematic Polaroid 2001-G at Walmart for a new one (same model, but a later series serial number). I had already burned over 100 DVD's on the first one, and I think part of the problem was simply that the burner was beginning to fail after my intensive usage. The new one works fine. The second thing I learned is that the Polaroid generally does not like DVD-R media. It will record and play them back (reluctantly, with some features like YesDVD disabled), but the native format for the Polaroid is DVD+R or DVD+RW. I can't prove it, but I believe that forcing my unit to record on DVD-R disks caused damage to the burner. Also -- use high quality media, and not off-brands, or sale items. I learned the hard way that sometimes even well known brands are crap (TDK's stink!). Now I stick to either Sony, or better yet, Taiyo Yuden brand -- which are considered the best media available. You can get them online from Supermediastore.com. Using high quality media reduces the burn failure rate significantly, and they are much more likely to hold up over time.

dvr810 posted 2007 May 10 16:30

Thanks mdspiro. I came close to buying some DVD+R a while ago. I will try that now! I usually pick up either Sony, Memorex, and have tried Fuji. (Memorex is on sale most frequently lately.) Usually buy on sale from one of the electronics stores (Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.) But it's always DVD-R. That is the format that was designed for my older Pioneer DVR-810H-s. I keep putting off fixing that burner, lol. Thanks again for your advice!

mdspiro posted 2007 May 10 17:23

Glad to be of help. You should read up on Blank DVD Media -- I learned that it's not so much the brand name that counts, as the actual "Media ID". Here's a good resource: http://www.digitalfaq.com/media/dvdmedia.htm As a rule of thumb, anything that's on sale at Circuit City, or Best Buy or any of those big box stores is probably garbage. With blank DVD's, it's really true that you get what you pay for.

mike1061 posted 2007 May 13 07:10

[quote="mdspiro"]Glad to be of help. You should read up on Blank DVD Media -- I learned that it's not so much the brand name that counts, as the actual "Media ID". Here's a good resource: http://www.digitalfaq.com/media/dvdmedia.htm As a rule of thumb, anything that's on sale at Circuit City, or Best Buy or any of those big box stores is probably garbage. With blank DVD's, it's really true that you get what you pay for.[/quote] That is very good advise. TY's and Verabiutm are not very expensive if you buy a 100, or more, on the internet. Thanks Mike

n7oo posted 2007 May 25 22:06

I recently purchased the DRM-2001G and appreciate all the great tips provided by this forum! One issue I've not seen addressed in the test reports is whether or not the TV tuner can be set for both channel formats. On mine, it only provides for the standard UHF channels but I would prefer it to be able to receive the cable channel scheme. I know on most VCRs and TVs I've experienced one can select either format. Has anyone advice on this topic? N7OO

mdspiro posted 2007 May 27 07:59

n7oo : I recently purchased the DRM-2001G and appreciate all the great tips provided by this forum! One issue I've not seen addressed in the test reports is whether or not the TV tuner can be set for both channel formats. On mine, it only provides for the standard UHF channels but I would prefer it to be able to receive the cable channel scheme. I know on most VCRs and TVs I've experienced one can select either format. Has anyone advice on this topic? N7OO I'm not sure what you are referring to when you say "it only provides for the standard UHF channels". Do you mean VHF and UHF, like when you only have a regular antenna instead of cable? If you hook up your cable to the input on the back, you simply choose "scan" in the setup menu and the tuner on the DMR-2001G scans for any active channels it detects -- you don't select a type. It will lock in all the cable channels. Now, it is an analogue-only tuner ... if the cable channels you are looking for are digital, you're out of luck. The next generation Polaroid DVR includes a separate digital tuner, but not this one.

n7oo posted 2007 May 31 13:21

On my unit, SCAN didn't report the cable TV channels. It got the VHF okay but not cable channel 74, for instance. Both of my TVs are recent models and they have menu settings for either regular or cable. n7oo

Gesundheit posted 2007 Jun 02 00:39

Guys, I'm at my wits end and am very much in need of some basic help. I'm not big on technical jargon, so please be easy on me in any response. All I'm trying to do is hook up my 5.1 from my DRM-2001G to my Prodynamics surround sound, but I'm having a few problems. As of right now, the only audio I get coming out of the back of the DRM is from the 5.1 red/white buttons on the back labeled R and L. I can't get audio to come out of any of the others. So, I have my choice of hooking up my back speakers, front speakers of center/bass units, but not the three together, or even two for that matter. I've tried hitting the audio button on the remote to possibly change settings, but all that happens when I hit that button is a small "you can't do that" icon appears at the bottom right portion of the screen. I've also tried adjusting the audio under the setup menu, but it won't even let me click on the audio button on the menu. Please help ... Thanks in advance.

Gesundheit posted 2007 Jun 02 00:53

Gesundheit : Guys, I'm at my wits end and am very much in need of some basic help. I'm not big on technical jargon, so please be easy on me in any response. All I'm trying to do is hook up my 5.1 from my DRM-2001G to my Prodynamics surround sound, but I'm having a few problems. As of right now, the only audio I get coming out of the back of the DRM is from the 5.1 red/white buttons on the back labeled R and L. I can't get audio to come out of any of the others. So, I have my choice of hooking up my back speakers, front speakers of center/bass units, but not the three together, or even two for that matter. I've tried hitting the audio button on the remote to possibly change settings, but all that happens when I hit that button is a small "you can't do that" icon appears at the bottom right portion of the screen. I've also tried adjusting the audio under the setup menu, but it won't even let me click on the audio button on the menu. Please help ... Thanks in advance. OK, let me add to what I just posted ... Through the timeshift button on the remote, I've been able to adjust the audio settings to 5.1 instead of 2 ch. That said, I am still getting sound out of one of the outputs on the back of the unit. What am I missing here?

Fused0ne posted 2007 Jul 28 04:07

I finally have enough money to get a new hard drive for my recorder, and I read it has to be IDE. Does it matter what brand? Western Digital? Seagate? Cache? Seek time? Any of that matter? Thank you.

lordsmurf posted 2007 Jul 28 16:36

Seagate 300-320 or Western Digital 250 are recommended. I think it's IDE/PATA, but open your Polaroid and look at the wire. SATA is totally different than IDE/PATA, easy to spot. If you're unsure, Google image search for help on what these connections look like. 7200rpm with 8MB cache are typical.

Fused0ne posted 2007 Jul 28 18:40

Ok then, thank you very much. So a 500gb is not good for this dvd rec?

mike1061 posted 2007 Jul 30 22:16

He told you what people are recomending. There have been posts about the 500's not working. Made by people that seem to know. Thanks Mike

Fused0ne posted 2007 Jul 30 23:26

Oh ok then, I hadnt seen msg's about that. Thank you both.

n7oo posted 2007 Aug 22 23:09

Excuse me if this function has been addressed. On some movies that were recorded to the HD I get this message when attempting to transfer them to DVD: The space of titles exceed the remain space of DVD disk. If it is explained in the manual then I missed it. I assumed it was referring to trying to record a 3 hour movie onto a DVD formatted for 2 hours. I then selected DVD times up to 6 hours but still get the same warning. Has anyone experienced this?

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