Video Recorder - PEGA-VR100K

[rcr6392]

I am trying to decide whether I should use my 25% off to get the Video Recorder.

Any thoughts?


It would be 224.99 with the discount.

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=Cwzg247bDCjg0LGmrjjq0MHW5qWoyz1BkGg=?CategoryName=hp_NXSeries_CLIEGear&ProductSKU=PEGAVR100K

Or is it better to get a TV tuner card and some 'TIVO Like' software for Windows?

How much video will fit onto a 512 MB card.
Comparing the Video Recorder format to a DIVX format.

[golalmo]

Both options will do just fine.
You can capture video with a Video-In capable card (like ATI all-in-wonder) ans convert the movie with IC.
The VR100K do the same, in much easyer one step way.
You'll get the same result as with IC.
So it up to you to decide if the price is reasable.
IMHO it's way too pricey for such limited video recorder.
Maybe if it does mpeg 1/2/4 (actually it does mpeg4 in QT format - viewable in quicktime player) and up to 640*480 30fps, or at least, firmware upgradable for such formats - I would consider to buy one.
But then - it's only me, and I would love to hear other opinion (or correction)

[Gar]

The use of a computer to do what you want is very hit and miss. I had mixed luck with the process on my box at home and thought it was me. Then the company I work for did several dozen boxes for a local video company and it has been support headaches since.
Some folks out there have had instant luck (that is what it is, a roll of the dice) installing the hardware and out pops (after a few steps of course) video in a format you can use for whatever viewing you want to do. Every little component seems to make a difference... is there software in the background that is using up (hickups in the playback) the smooth flow of things? Is the HD talking to the mother board to the ram yadda yadda in the best way. Like I said, several dozen boxes... all set up the same way... one never has any problems and another has it's "good days and it's bad days". One item I have leaned from the process is to go to the card or adapter manufactures web site and see if they have a exchange of ideas from users. There you can see if there are interesting settings you have to use for different box set ups or everything just plain works. Even when all works though, it doesn't do everything on it's own, you have to do things in steps to get a final product the way you want it.
There are many people here on CS that have it all working great. They never seem to understand those that can't get it working smoothly. These non-working situations are not always user issues, we're finding there are just too many variables.
All in one boxes have only the parts that play well together from day one. Personally, now, I Tivo TV shows, then bounce those onto a DVD via a sub 300 dollar DVD burner (phillips stand alone box). From there I can use basic software on my PC to convert to whatever I need it to be to run on any other hardware. That works for me, others will like/dislike this.
I will be getting one of the Sony Video to MS boxes as that will be a great way for my wife to get her shows to watch on the way to/from work. No need for a computer and it takes no real time.
Yea, just my overlong two cents worth.

[reznamac]

The video recorders actually a good thing. Yes you can spend 3 hours trying to get a single show to convert right to your UX or you can set your PEGA recorder and get a flawless show and take 10 mins (to set up if that) to record and have your computer free.

I never understood people who spend 3 -10 hours trying to burm movies from the internet to make a dvd as an example. A dvd cost $14-20 and like most people (I make well over $20 a hour). So is it worth spending time doing it yourself vs haveing a machine do it for you prob not.

[duraace]

The question I have re; the VR100K, is it confirmed that even though it has video in/out jacks, one won't be able to recode a DVD/VHS onto the MS, because of copyrite? Will it really only be able to be used for TV recording?

[reznamac]

If theres a video in you can always record from a dvd. Simply hook the dvd video out directly to the unit and play and then on the unit record..

The unit from what I read acts like a VCR not really like a Tivo. I dont think you can pick Record CSI: Miami with the unit and it finds out what channel and so on and time. Its more like record channel such and such and at such and such time.

[TechStyle]

Does anyone yet know if the unit will be upgradeable? I too am planning to order one with my 25% registration discount, but am concerned about it's limited 15fps video quality?

Does the 15fps on the UX50 look smooth and full screen?

I'm willing to take a chance as it has a 30 day return policy, but hate to waste the 25% if it's not going to be something I'll keep (then I'd rather get the extended battery). Sony often has a habit of introducing a cool piece of new kit only to supplant it rather quickly with a better model leaving the early adopters flat on their wallets. :confused:

I hope this won't be the case here!

Opinions... thoughts... perspectives... anyone?

[rcr6392]

Anyone figured out a way to do it with a capture card that does not take too long?

[golalmo]

Originally posted by rcr6392
Anyone figured out a way to do it with a capture card that does not take too long?

Yep, just capture directly to MPEG1 ( URL=http://www.gocyberlink.com/english/products/product_main.jsp?ProdId=20]CyberLink PowerVCR II[/URL] is my favorite), and drop the file in the \DCIM directory on the MS.[