Jvc Dh30000u

[billw]

I have been looking at this. What STB's offer the IEEE interface to record to this?

Do any of the cable systems deliver equipment that have this interface activated?

[57U]

None of the current cable STB offer 1394, however, the ones soon to be released like the SA3250HD will, however, the cable company must "enable" this port and there are still some HDCP issues to be ironed out...

[billw]

So in other words, the only value at this point is the ability to watch HD pre-recorded material.

It seems that I cant find any place that rents these tapes.

[57U]

There are some people who are recording OTA signals with these D-VHS machines.

I'll be waiting for an HDPVR due in the next few months. Tape is so "last century".

I know that won't let me archive, but I never watch what I've archived, so I don't archive any more...

YMMV.

[billw]

I am on the fence with this as well. I have spent money in ways that I probably wouldnt today. I guess that is part of the learning curve.

I need to buy a new VCR and was thinking about the idea. That is just alot of money to justify.

[57U]

You could buy a half decent S-VHS VCR (spend $200+ to get one with "memory" to get rid of the "specks" that are always seen on the cheap ones.)

You could consider a DVD recorder, slightly higher quality still, but only in 1-2 hour mode. I'm told longer modes are no better than VHS.

[billw]

I think I might wait it out for the HDPVR. I am thinking I am trying to justify the new VCR purchase because my current VCR does not have S-video.

[57U]

I also forgot about HTPC...

[mnr929rr]

I own the JVS recorder and love it..........Can you imagine how expensive everything else coming out will be?And what if you want to save your recording forever?Yeah Vhs is out dated,but DVHS is picture perfect.Plus you can get arecorder for about $550 now,when they 1st came out they were about $1400.Just my input and opinion.Good Luck with your decision!

[billw]

where do you see them for $550

[mnr929rr]

Ok $613 ......But try ebay i have seen them as low as 500
http://www.pricescan.com/electronics/items/item511938.asp?sid=46860096
the more you search the net the better deals you can get

[FullBandwidth]

Looking at the spec sheet

http://www.jvc.com/company/press.jsp?pressType=2&item=209

it looks like the only way to record HD is via the iLink interface - there's no component input for recording? In other words, I can't send the component 1080i output from my STB into the VCR? The analog interfaces are composite/Svideo for SD, looks like.

[57U]

There are no consumer devices to record analogue HD signals like those from component video.

This all comes back to copy protection, so Firewire it is.

[FullBandwidth]

Thanks for the info.

Now a (maybe) weird question - anyone know of any software (Win or Linux) that would allow this unit to be used as a data backup device?

[halveb]

From what source can you record HD then if it is only available via firewire? Are there set top boxes that have the firewire output? I have a Toshiba DTS3000 and I don't think it has firewire.

[57U]

Some OTA STBs have firewire. The newest Scientific Atlanta boxes like the SA3250HD and SA4200HD will have firewire. Whether the cable company activates it is another story (that I've asked in another thread.

[halveb]

Which STB have firewire? I receive OTA HD signals but that is the only source I have. I subscribe to Charter Cable which in Wisconsin doesn't carry a high def signal and I don't suspect they will anytime soon.

It would be nice to be able to record the OTA HD signal and play it back as it was originally broadcast. I have a 34" Toshiba 4:3 direct view HD ready set and plan on buying a RPTV later this year and will need another STB and I may as well get one with firewire so when I save up enough pennies I can get something to record the HD signal.

[bigwoolydog]

The Samsung SIR-T165 STB has Firewire and works fine with the JVC; I use this combination all the time.