JVC DR-MX1S DVD Player/Recorder, Hi-Fi VCR, and Hard Disk Recorder

JVC DR-MX1S DVD Player/Recorder, Hi-Fi VCR, and Hard Disk Recorder Review

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I got this dvr as a gift in 12/2005 and it is now 5/2006 and I LOVE it.br /br /I have been transferring my old vhs tapes (about 200+) to the hard drive, deleted commericals, created a playlist and put them on dvds practically every weekend since I got it. Then I go onto a movie database website (imdb.com), search out the movie and copy the description onto a dvd labelmaker for each dvd. I even bought this fantastic dvd binder holder from Walmart that hold 24 dvds in what looks like a book the size of a dvd - 3 "books" in a case, which is a total of 72 dvds. I bought 4 of them so in total I can have 288 dvds in such a SMALL amount of space.br /br /The manual is difficult to understand, so I've basically learned how to use it by going on various websites (Amazon is one) to really learn how to use it.br /br /The playlist is my all time fav thing, although my beginning dvds aren't as good as my current ones. I also love the idea that if I had 3 playlists on a dvd, if I wanted to see the 2nd I could go directly to it instead of rewinding on a vhs. Another great feature is the "Resume" - if I start to watch a show and I have to stop, if I go back to the same show I have the option of either going to the beginning or to resume where I left off. When you finalize the dvd (which you need to do if you want to play the dvd on ANOTHER machine) the different backgrounds you can choose from is a neat feature also.br /br /I tape my daytime soaps on the hard drive instead of vhs which is fantastic and unlike on a vhs tape, I can tape the shows separately and just delete one without touching the other shows - unlike a vhs tape where you have to rewind and either use another tape or tape over.br /br /PROBLEM - The only problem I'm having is being able to tape and watch different shows at the same time - manual is confusing in this regard. The machine froze a couple of times, but all I needed to do was unplug it and it fixed whatever caused the freezing.br /br /Hubby couldn't understand why I wanted the machine, he thinks I'm nuts for even having all my vhs tapes of movies/shows of the past. He even asked me if I indeed have 200 vhs tape, does that mean I'm going to have 200 dvds. I told him probably not, in the sense that with the dvds I can categorize the various movies/shows which you really can't do with the vhs tapes.br /br /The main thing I wanted it for was as a spacesaver, which is something vhs tapes is not. I'm a big Elvis Presley fan, so I showed him my 9 vhs tapes (3 movies on each tape) of his movies right next to the 7 dvds of the movies; no comparison in spacesaving in my opinion - which is what I really wanted.br /br /I highly recommend this machine to anybody who would listen. The cost on the JVC website is absolutely disgusting (,000, please), but hubby went onto another site and got it for a whole lot less.

JVC DR-MX1S DVD Player/Recorder, Hi-Fi VCR, and Hard Disk Recorder Feature

• All-in-one DVD player/recorder, hi-fi VCR, and hard disk recorder
• 80 GB hard drive; high-speed 24x dubbing
• Compatible with DVD, DVD-R, and DVD-RW formats
• Analog and iLink FireWire A/V inputs for component connection
• Record up to 35 hours of TV programming; Super MPEG post-processor

The JVC DR-MX1S is a versatile, all-in-one video recorder for people who work with a variety of recording formats. Equipped with a DVD burner, hi-fi VCR, and 80 GB hard drive, the unit lets users record content to any of the three types, or dub from existing DVDs, videocassettes, or digital files to other formats. The technology is a must for digital video enthusiasts and anyone else who shares video files, as the multiple options meet virtually every recording need. The device also handles playback duties, using its onboard video processor to enhance images for improved resolution. p The versatility of the DR-MX1S extends to other areas, inviting people to choose between DVD-R and DVD-RW discs for recording, or between analog and iLink FireWire inputs for connecting to a DV camcorder, external VCR, computer, or other device. The recorder also offers 24x dubbing for quick copying, along with space for up to 36 hours of TV programming. Additional features include intelligent dual-path encoding, a Super MPEG pre- and postprocessor, an advanced DVD library database, and animated thumbnails. Busy users will appreciate the live memory feature, which lets them play and record footage at the same time. pbWhat's in the Box/bbr DVD recorder/VCR/hard disk recorder, remote control, two batteries, user's manual. The DRMX1S features a DVD burner, VHS deck and a 80GB hard drive, allowing you a variety of recording and viewing options. All three functions can be used separately, or you can record to DVD or tape a program stored on the hard drive, which features basic PVR functionality. The DVD burner uses DVD-RAM and DVD-R/-RW media and JVC’s DVD Navigation software that can store information for about 2,000 recorded programs, and it displays a thumbnail image of what is on the DVD for quick reference. The DRMX1S also features JVC’s Super MPEG Pre and Post Processor that can boost image quality and a 1394 port.

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Customer Reviews

Quirky, weird machine that has some good qualities... - Blacky - Gotham
All the problems other reviewers have listed here, I have experienced as well. When I first tried to insert a VHS tape - it wouldn't turn on or auto-insert and naturally the tape stuck in the machine. I got this as a refurb and I wasn't about to pay anything more than I already had (5) - so I wrestled with the tape, got it out then repeated the exercise many frustrating times. Finally, for no discernable reason, the machine came to life and I haven't had that problem since. The manual is, to say the best, obtusely written and damn near impossible to follow. If you depend on a cable converter - you will NOT be able to watch one show and record another at the same time. Sometimes the deck will turn on and display "LOADING" on the front panel, then it changes the channel and shuts itself off - which of course is downright strange.br /br /What's good about it? Well - it's relatively easy to program - the recording quality is top-notch and the DVD quality is excellent. It makes flawless VHS dubs (that is, when you can get tapes to load ;-)) All in all, I would only buy this machine to copy my tape collection to DVD. Otherwise, it's a pass.

Last JVC product I will ever buy - Cy Korte - Wisconsin Rapids, WI United States
I bought my DRMX1S and when I recieved it the first thing it did was eat a VHS tape. The company I bought it from sent me a 2nd new one. This one was working fine except for occationally jamming up with VHS tapes. I had to unplug it and plug it in again to get my tape out. Shortly after the warranty ran out I started having problems with the hard drive. I could record things on it but I couldn't edit dub or access anything I recorded. I sent it to JVC for repair and they send me a repair estimate for 0 of which over half was for parts and parts are suppose to be covered for a year. When I called JVC for an explantion I was promised a call back which I never recieved. After I called them a couple of more times they tell me that it was recieved damaged and that was the reason for a parts charge. I tell them I have insurance on the package and they say they will get back to me. I just keep getting a bill for an estimate every week. The repair estimate has a section where it states the unit was recieved in fair condition with no mention of any damage. When the unit worked it was great but for the price it should have lasted longer. I expected more out of what I thought was a quality company. I gave it one star because there isn't anything lower. I will never purchase another JVC product.


Apr 30, 2010 20:52:04