digitaldoc used our news submit to tell us "Here's a look at a set top DVD recorder, the Ilo DVDR05, available at Wally-Mart. With the falling prices on such units, they're predicted to be very popular this holiday season. The quality of the writing, when subjected to disc scans, was better than expected."
| For years, computer optical drive users have endured issues with every new drive, and new media in terms of compatibility. In the last year, things have improved, and more drives are less picky about the discs they will write to. I think that these set top DVD recorders will need a year or two of maturing while these compatibility issues get resolved. For the budget user, looking to replace their VCR, it is an acceptable choice. The write quality is average, and the machine is easy to program and use. I also like that it can play MP3/WMA music files, and JPG pictures adding to the functionality of the device. Hopefully, others will benefit from my experience.
It took me two months from the time the VCR broke until I had the Ilo up and running. For DVD Recorders to become a mainstream household electronic device, these compatibility issues need to be resolved. I doubt most users are willing to invest that much time into such a device. These compatibility issues also account for why there are so many boxes in the store that have been returned. |
Although the unit is inexpensive, ~$100 US, from what I can read on the Internet this is a re-branded Cyberhome device. The thing is with these type machines is that you cannot easily upgrade the firmware as we can read in the review and email support is lacking. I would highly recommend finding an DVDR04 unit which is actually a LiteOn device instead and was the same price (but good luck they seem to be no longer available). These are really fun machines to have for archiving TV shows and also you can find a handy page for firmware hacks here. It's easy to upgrade the firmware on the R04 especially if you have Nero on your PC and then you can have a region free machine that gives Macrovision the boot as well. Not to mention a custom 3 hour recording time.
Still, this review is very interesting to read on the R05 and for the money, it's a good upgrade if your VCR is at the end of it's life. By the way, it looks like Live Digitally has posted a thread here in our Club CD Freaks Forums as well if you would like to discuss this review. Looks like digitaldoc did a nice job checking out this set top burner. Thank you!
Source: Live Digitally
