Product Description records any type of broadcast including HD, SD or analog * Digital VHS, Super VHS, and standard VHS recording/playback * one DF-420 D-VHS tape (not included) stores up to 3.5 hours of material in HS mode (28.2 Mbps), 7 hours in STD mode (14.1 Mbps), or 21 hours LS3 mode (4.7 Mbps) * VHS progressive scan upconverts analog VHS tapes to 480p * two 4-pin i.LINK (IEEE 1394) digital A/V jacks *
Amazon.com Product Description JVC supplies consumers with the best possible format for high-resolution recording with this digital VHS recorder. The device connects to the latest HDTV and hi-res projector systems through its High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) or component output, letting users archive everything from HD content (1080i and 720p) to standard digital broadcasts to analog programming. Fortunately for viewers with big videotape collections, the recorder is also compatible with the traditional VHS format, so you can still watch old videotapes and movies, along with the more modern D-Theater format. Recording lengths depend on the cassette type and the content source, with top-end D-VHS cassettes offering up to 3.5 hours of HD recording and up to 35 hours of analog recording. Other compatible cassettes include S-VHS (doesn't record HD content), S-VHS ET, Hi-Fi VHS (for multichannel analog sources), and traditional VHS. The recorder even offers MPEG-2 CODEC encoding, which enables viewers to make digital recordings of analog NTSC programming or analog cassettes (a technology aided by the Frame Synchronizer).
Viewers who can't wait to get started will be pleased with the plug-and-play setup, which automatically tunes the channels and clock. Programming is simple, too, with an express option and a one-year, 24-event timer. Each cassette notes the recording date of the program, in addition to creating tape numbers and categories for easier cataloguing. Befitting a high-quality video recorder, the unit also broadcasts high-quality audio soundtracks through its 5.1 Dolby Digital/DTS output (optical), or, alternately, using the MTS decoder.
The rear of the recorder includes a number of inputs and outputs for connection to TVs, stereos, and digital boxes. In addition to the HDMI connector, the unit boasts two iLink terminals for digital-to-digital connections (such as for digital camcorders), a component video output, two S-video outputs and one input, two AV outputs and two inputs, and an optical digital output for audio. The system's multi-brand remote control (with glowing keys) controls the VCR, TV, and cable box.
What's in the Box D-VHS recorder, remote control, two batteries, user's manual.
Until they get blu-ray sorted out....November 10, 2006 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
VCRs like this are the only current alternatives to blu-ray. Attach one to the firewire output of your motorola hi-def cable box (and presumably satellite boxes as well), and you can record in hi def on special (and pricey) vhs tapes... about $8 for a 2.5 hour tape and about $20 for a 3.5 hour tape. I seem to get sound or visual dropouts, sometimes every half hour or so, which can be annoying--not sure if that's the tape, the VCR, or the incoming signal. Otherwise, the quality is full 1080 i digital. JVC purposely designed the previous model 3000 so you couldn't set the timer to record from the firewire input; I think this model is the same. So you have to be there to push the record button, or record the program onto a DVR and then play it back and copy. (No one said being on the technological edge is easy). Tapes recorded on the 3000 play on this machine just fine and vice versa You can also record regular digital TV at near DVD quality for up to 20 hours on a tape; a nice feature for day-long marathons. You can NOT record pay for view... the VCR recognizes the material and blocks it. Supposedly you can record in super-VHS quality on regular VHS tapes, though I haven't figured that out yet. The HDMI output is handy, though it takes a second or so for my SONY LCD TV to display anything. JVC managed to make this pricey VCR look cheap, but it's not offensive. When the machine is on, the panel glows blue-purple, which you might find cool.
A Great HD VCR!February 23, 2006 2 out of 6 found this review helpful
This is an awsome VCR.Should you buy one now that HD DVD and Blu-Ray is to be release?I say not! Yes the picture quality on a D-theater tape blows DVD away! I have "Passion of The Christ" On DVHS and the picture and sound is awsome,pure 1080i video.I been looking for some other titles and must are no longer availible.FOX still have some movies avalible on there website,but the thing is must of those movies will be on HD Disc real soon,and for those that are lucky will be able to watch 1080p,sorry my TV only goes up to 1080i,but I'm sure it will still look great.Well any way this JVC DVHS is a great VCR.It will tied me over untill HD DVD and Blu-Ray.
HD recordingJanuary 27, 2006 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I own the JVC HM-DH3000U and a Samsung 5688 1080p dlp projection TV with built in HD tuner. I receive HD from my trusty rabbit ears and record it via the firewire cable. The picture on playback is perfect! I also own a sizeable library of pre-recorded D-VHS movies. They are also stunning! Once you go HD it's hard to go back. I have read other reviews that state they can't record or playback via the firewire link. I don't think newer model HD sets have this issue. My Samsung certainly doesn't. When I record a HD broadcast I only need to press three buttons and it's recording a HDTV broadcast in full HD via the firewire. So.... Having said that. I am seriously considering buying this or the other JVC D-VHS VCR that has a built in HD tuner! the HDMI input/output is very attractive and I think extends the life of the unit. Another major factor is the support for DTS. I own two D-VHS movies that have DTS tracks (Alien Directors cut and I-Robot). My 3000 only plays dolby tracks. The Dolby tracks are 500+ k. The DTS is 1500+k!!!! the difference is not subtle. D-VHS plays back video at 1080i with high FPS. When HD-DVD and Blu-Ray come out shortly they will not offer the FPS speed of these units! If you are serious about HD recording and don't mind spending the extra 10 seconds it takes to record, then this is the only way to go. Unfortunately most people have grown used to the convenience of chapter searches that DVD's offer (why I don't know)and other useless frills. When I watch a movie I do just that, I watch the movie. Quality never wins out over convenience.
My 2 cents
Don't Make This MistakeNovember 15, 2005 9 out of 14 found this review helpful
I was hoping to record off to tape some High Definition football games for those slow summer days. But it can't be done. Unless you have one of those 169Time machines with a satillite dish service. That is about the ONLY way to get a HD signal into this VCR. I have digital cable ... the cable box I-Link is incompatabile with this VCR, as are almost ALL from what I have read. I have an outdoor digital antenna that feeds a clear and perfect 1080i signal into the TV (and it looks GREAT) but this VCR only accepts and records 480i ant signals. I can record cable channels in 480i standard definition format up to channel 99, since this VCR will NOT receive any channel past that. This VCR does not perform the functions of most VCR's that are available at 1/5 the price.
The Cons to purchasing this device are many.
The Pros .... I haven't seen any yet.
Problems with HDMI with JVC HMDH5UJune 8, 2005 6 out of 8 found this review helpful
The HDMI on this unit would not work out of the box. Playback problems are frequent. The unit will shut off and restart after 20 seconds. I use it mainly for playback of recordings from the 169time processor. I have used the JVC 30000U and never had any problems. I have purchased two JVC 40000U units and neither one worked out of the box. Received error message 201.. calibrating. I called JVC and they told me to send the units to a service center.
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