Copyright limitations I'm looking for a DVD recorder that will allow me to record my favorite shows for personal use. Most of them are cablers...... from HBO. I know the Sony product has extreme copyright limitations- does this Toshiba have the same limits? Copyright limitations I'm looking for a DVD recorder that will allow me to record my favorite shows for personal use. Most of them are cablers...... from HBO. I know the Sony product has... » Read More Copyright limitations I'm looking for a DVD recorder that will allow me to record my favorite shows for personal use. Most of them are cablers...... from HBO. I know the Sony product has extreme copyright limitations- does this Toshiba have the same limits? « Show Less
389972
I too have bought a sony and could not record on it because of copy protection. What good is a dvd recorder if you can't record on it.
389973
it seems the problem is in the cable boxes or dvr. my unit will record most anything if hooked to one of the older cable supplied boxes, newer ones will block me. dont think the unit itself has the same problems as the sony units do, this unit is a good bet tho!
389974
Well, I'm going with this Toshiba recorder, because my Samsung DVD-R135 has some limitations on recording, like it'll only record on DVD- instead of DVD+, which this Toshiba does both, and copyright limitations got on my bad side, too, where the Sammy couldn't even record local stations off my digital cable box. I'm looking for a DVD recorder that doesn't have a tuner, yet, will allow for digital cable boxes to be a source for recording television shows. The Samsung does have a tuner, and I was dumb in connecting my cable box via coax instead of AV cables. That may have helped a bit, but I still think this D-R400 will do better than my current recorder. Well, I'm going with this Toshiba recorder, because my Samsung DVD-R135 has some limitations on recording, like it'll only record on DVD- instead of DVD+, which this Toshiba does both, and copyright limitations got on my bad side, too, where the Sammy couldn't even record local stations off my digital cable box. I'm looking for a DVD recorder that doesn't have a tuner, yet, will allow for digital cable boxes to be a source for recording television shows. The Samsung does have a tuner, and I was dumb in connecting my cable box via coax instead of AV cables. That may have helped a bit, but I... » Read More Well, I'm going with this Toshiba recorder, because my Samsung DVD-R135 has some limitations on recording, like it'll only record on DVD- instead of DVD+, which this Toshiba does both, and copyright limitations got on my bad side, too, where the Sammy couldn't even record local stations off my digital cable box. I'm looking for a DVD recorder that doesn't have a tuner, yet, will allow for digital cable boxes to be a source for recording television shows. The Samsung does have a tuner, and I was dumb in connecting my cable box via coax instead of AV cables. That may have helped a bit, but I still think this D-R400 will do better than my current recorder. « Show Less
389975
The answer is "It depends". Here is my set-up and if yours is similar, then yes you can. My movies are on a DVR and I use the analog connections, RCA video and two audio plugs, from the DVR to the Toshiba. Because of my set-up, I'm unable to use the digital or HDMI connection, so I don't know if they somehow provide copy protection. Maybe someone else can advise you on that. Hope this helps.
389976
I bought a Sony recommended by Consumer Reports, but before hooking it up I read user reviews here on Amazon--they spoke of copyright problems and recommended this Toshiba. I returned the Sony and am hopeful; abouit this Toshiba.
1696382
Alex, This is not an issue relating to the disk, but rather the hardware/software you are using to record the show. Most recording devices allow for a disk to remain "open" after recording and "finalized" at some later point. That being the case, you should be able to do what you want to do for multiple recordings. For example, I am using a dual VCR/DVD machine to copy my personal VCR tapes, and my system allows me to put multiple tapes on one DVD before finalizing it.
113683
John:I bought this unit for my husband for Christmas and I just checked with him. He said that you can record directly from the TV into this unit. If you want to save the program after you have watched it, you need to save it to a disc while recording or once you watch it, it automatically deletes
1419683
I'm not certain. I do know from my post that if you just have a cable (with NO cable box or satellite box) you can't record anything since this product does not have an RF in port, so to speak. I suggest you visit the Toshiba web site and see if it can answer this question. Toshiba seemingly no longer has "live" tech support - it's ALL on their site. Booooo ! ! ! Good luck and hope I've been of some assistance.
58409
This DVD recorder is for computers, not your tv. You will have trouble finding a DVD recorder for your tv. Try purchasing a DVR instead.
1031391
It greatly depends on the quality you record shows at. And this can be mixed, even recording by timer. Each show can be at a different quality. I record at the lowest quality and it's been a while, but I think it was 1200 hours or something outrageous. I currently have 370 programs recorded (some very short) and 187 hours left. I would generally not recommend the highest quality recording speeds because the lower and middle are very good quality and higher would just be a waste of disk space. And remember, unlike any other DVR, it is truly unlimited space if you buy a pack of DVD-R's. You can burn recordings to DVD and then delete them from the HDD. Yes, I love these devices, and I own three. It greatly depends on the quality you record shows at. And this can be mixed, even recording by timer. Each show can be at a different quality. I record at the lowest quality and it's been a while, but I think it was 1200 hours or something outrageous. I currently have 370 programs recorded (some very short) and 187 hours left. I would generally not recommend the highest quality recording speeds because the lower and middle are very good quality and higher would just be a waste of disk space. And remember, unlike any other DVR, it is truly unlimited space if you buy a pack of DVD-R's. You... » Read More It greatly depends on the quality you record shows at. And this can be mixed, even recording by timer. Each show can be at a different quality. I record at the lowest quality and it's been a while, but I think it was 1200 hours or something outrageous. I currently have 370 programs recorded (some very short) and 187 hours left. I would generally not recommend the highest quality recording speeds because the lower and middle are very good quality and higher would just be a waste of disk space. And remember, unlike any other DVR, it is truly unlimited space if you buy a pack of DVD-R's. You can burn recordings to DVD and then delete them from the HDD. Yes, I love these devices, and I own three. « Show Less
1343652
My old one (same model) became increasingly fussy about discs before it just refused to record on any. They are notoriously fussy about recording on DVD- discs. I think the formatting has changed also over the years, so they cannot record on some DVD+ discs. It's best to just record on DVD+ anyway, b/c the Toshiba, for instance, will convert an older DVD+ disc so you can finish out, edit and finalize, but all the Toshiba will do is play an unfinalized DVD- disc. Find a brand that works for your recorder, and stick with that brand, DVD+ only. If your recorder gets fussy woth THOSE, it's probably not going to last much longer. My old one (same model) became increasingly fussy about discs before it just refused to record on any. They are notoriously fussy about recording on DVD- discs. I think the formatting has changed also over the years, so they cannot record on some DVD+ discs. It's best to just record on DVD+ anyway, b/c the Toshiba, for instance, will convert an older DVD+ disc so you can finish out, edit and finalize, but all the Toshiba will do is play an unfinalized DVD- disc. Find a brand that works for your recorder, and stick with that brand, DVD+ only. If your recorder gets fussy woth THOSE, it's... » Read More My old one (same model) became increasingly fussy about discs before it just refused to record on any. They are notoriously fussy about recording on DVD- discs. I think the formatting has changed also over the years, so they cannot record on some DVD+ discs. It's best to just record on DVD+ anyway, b/c the Toshiba, for instance, will convert an older DVD+ disc so you can finish out, edit and finalize, but all the Toshiba will do is play an unfinalized DVD- disc. Find a brand that works for your recorder, and stick with that brand, DVD+ only. If your recorder gets fussy woth THOSE, it's probably not going to last much longer. « Show Less
2176883
I don't believe you can. I had 2 of these VCR"s and they never worked properly. They always ate the tapes and sounded watery. I ended up buying a Toshiba and haven't had a problem in years, but it does not record video to DVD. That feature would be in a model costing a few hundred dollars.
2119829
I bought this particular DVD several months ago and am more than satisfied. As a matter of fact, I placed a new order of the same just days ago. However, they are recommended in the Owner's Manual of my recorder. You may be better helped by simply calling the company of your recording unit to discuss your problem. Good luck, Lynne.
746660
I just purchased a Toshiba D-VR610 DVD/VCR recorder (tunerless), for the purpose of copying my VHS tapes to DVD. Other than a poorly-written manual, I like the unit. I'm using rewriteable DVDs, so that I can learn how to use the unit without wasting DVDs. If you read through all of the reviews on the various websites (Amazon, Bestbuy, etc), you will find that this unit gets high marks by customers, whereas most other brands have various issues.
2092854
Thanks for your reply. I've had mine for a little over 2 weeks and I'm able to record everything off the DVR. I had to call Toshiba twice because I didn't know what I was doing. Their customer service was incredible!! I will definitely buy Toshiba products again.Just wondering... why would you use DVD+R disks? Am I correct that those cannot be used again? I've used DVD+RW.One more question... is there a way to delete shows that are on the DVD without formatting the disk? Like if I have watched some shows but not others and I want to record more.Thanks for your help Thanks for your reply. I've had mine for a little over 2 weeks and I'm able to record everything off the DVR. I had to call Toshiba twice because I didn't know what I was doing. Their customer service was incredible!! I will definitely buy Toshiba products again.Just wondering... why would you use DVD+R disks? Am I correct that those cannot be used again? I've used DVD+RW.One more question... is there a way to delete shows that are on the DVD without formatting the disk? Like if I have watched some shows but not others and I want to record more.Thanks for your help
1419688
Unfortunately, you cannot record off the air with this unit. To use the Toshiba DR430 for that purpose, you need an independent digital tuner. (Digital front end.) They are fairly cheap if you don't have one already. An alternative is to look for a DVD recorder that has an internal tuner but they are more expensive if they make them. I have not looked. Most manufacturers assume that someone with a DVD recorder will probably have satellite or cable access. Another alternative is if you already have a VCR with a digital tuner. It will function as the "front end" and has outputs that the DVD can read. You do not need to record on the VCR for it to pass the signal through. You might be able to find one of these VCRs cheap or even free if the recording function does not work. Obviously, the digital tuner function must work. Good luck.
533577
Wendy, I asked my hubby as I had bought for him. He said I should tell you when we had a problem putting VHS on DVD as it was suppose to do, he could not find anyone to look at it let alone fix it. That said, he also says no, it doesn't record without and external digit tuner. He really is NOT happy with the entire unit and Toshiba. He still gets upset thinking I wasted my money on it and it was the one he wanted.
354037
I looked up the Toshiba product that you mentioned. I don't see a problem at all. Let me break it down by what I can tell from the product description. "One Touch Recording makes recording your favorite show simple. Just connect the DR430 to your cable or satellite box and you are set to record with the push of one button." Simple enough. Do what it says then connect your cable or satellite box to the receiver with an HDMI cable to the SAT/Cable in slot. Run another HDMI cable from the receiver to your HDTV. "With the DR430, converting and archiving your favorite home movies to DVD is simple. You can also experience your DVD movie collection in near HD quality with the DR430's 1080p up conversion via HDMI. Video up conversion up to 1080p resolution via HDMI takes your current DVDs to a new level, for an amazing viewing experience on today's HDTVs." If you were going to just use the DVD recorder like a DVD or Blu-ray player to take advantage of the up conversion you'd connect the DVD recorder to the DVD input on the receiver with another HDMI cable. You could also connect it by an HDMI cable to one of the available video slots. Either way would work. Hope that helps.
1051305
Do you experience "copy-protected error messages", while trying to record a movie from the T. V. ? If Toshiba's are famous for this, can you reccomend a recorder that will let you record movies on thr T. V.Tom
1430647
Will I be able to record shows that are stored on my cable dvr to this dvd recorder? Has anyone tried this?
1472047
What programming did you record to the DVR that you wanted to put on disc?Some channels, including premium channels like HBO put an interval signal in their content that prevents recording. It makes devices such as the Sony DVDirect think there is no active input signal and thus it will not record. I found it impossible to make discs of VOD content as well due to this feature. Most recently I was unable to burn the HBO miniseries THE PACIFIC to DVD because of this feature.