Entered CNET Catalog: 03/08/2005
SKU: 0027242671454
Manufacturer: Sony Electronics, Inc.
Manufacturer description
Sleek and compact, the RDR-VX515 is the perfect accompaniment to your home theater. This DVD/VCR player has DVD+RW/+R, DVD-RW/-R recording compatibility, enabling you to store footage on multiple formats. Also featuring one touch dubbing, which makes it easy to archive old home VHS tape footage to new DVDs, the unit also offers an i.LINK digital interface and Digital8 input, for simplified digital recording of home movie footage from a camcorder to a DVD. Also includes a new slim-line chassis and compatibility with +R double-layer DVD discs for longer recording time. Next time your friends and family stop by for a movie, pre-recorded game, or to listen to music, impress them with the RDR-VX515 DVD Recorder & VHS Combo Player from Sony. The hits keep coming with the RDR-VX515 recorder from Sony.Product summary
The good: Supports all four DVD formats plus double-layer DVD+R discs; easy-to-use menus; decent editing options; outputs VHS via component-video; FireWire input.
The bad: No S-Video input in back; so-so recording quality for VHS-to-DVD dubs; poorly designed remote; no IR blaster or VCR Plus functionality.
The bottom line: Sony's RDR-VX515 VHS-DVD recorder combo scores big with its support for double-layer DVD+R discs but drops the ball with its so-so VHS-to-DVD dubbing quality.
Average user rating: from 24 users
2.0 stars
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 10/21/2005
We weren't thrilled by the Sony RDR-VX-515's clumsy remote, which features the five-way navigational keypad in the middle, the playback controls just beneath, and the channel and volume rockers stacked up in the top-right corner. While the main menu and playback controls are logically laid out, there's a stiff sliding door on the bottom third of the wand that annoyingly hides all of the recording and editing buttons. We also wish a one-touch VHS-to-DVD dubbing button had been included on the remote; instead, we had to get off the sofa to press the one-touch dub control on the front of the deck.
The RDR-VX515's onscreen menus aren't as slick as those on Sony's higher-end DVD recorders such as the RDR-HX900, but the pared-down screens do the job with a minimum of fuss. The responsive DVD title-list menu displays seven titles at a time with a preview thumbnail for the selected title, and we like that the list scrolls down rather than having to click Next for another page of titles. We are also pleased that the VHS functions are nicely integrated into the standard menu system, a welcome change from the decks we've seen that still use blocky, '80s-era icons when you're using the VCR. We would have liked a bit more onscreen help--such as details on the various menu items at the bottom of the screen--but overall, we had little trouble navigating the various setup screens. The Sony RDR-VX515 makes a big first impression with its mastery of the four major DVD formats--DVD+R/+RW and DVD-R/-RW--as well as its support for double-layer DVD+R discs, which effectively double your recording capacity (the more obscure DVD-RAM format is not supported). One blank DVD+R double-layer disc can hold 2 hours of video at the high-quality HQ mode, 4 hours of SP video, and so on, to as much as 16 hours. The deck can't record on dual-layer DVD-R discs, but that's a mere quibble.
VHS-to-DVD recording (or vice versa) is a snap: just press either of the one-touch dubbing arrows on the front of the deck to begin the process or to navigate to the dubbing screen from the system menu. Unfortunately, there's no one-touch dub button on the remote, and the deck doesn't prompt you for the recording speed, so you'll have to make sure you've set the right speed before you start. Naturally, the deck won't record copy-protected VHS tapes or DVDs.
The Sony RDR-VX515's timed-recoding options are disappointingly slim. You can program recordings for as many as 12 future shows on either the DVD or VHS decks, but there's neither an electronic onscreen programming guide nor an IR blaster to change the channel on your cable or satellite box, so you'll have to make sure your tuner is set to the right channel before your recording begins. Making matters worse is the lack of VCR Plus functionality--a feature we've taken for granted in almost every DVD recorder we've ever tested. To set up a timed recording, you'll have to enter all the date and time settings manually.
There are a total of eight recording speeds to choose from, ranging from the standard 1-hour HQ mode all the way to an 8-hour SEP mode, with plenty of selections in between, including the 90-minute HSP mode, the 2-hour SP mode, and the 150-minute LSP mode. However, there's no flexible recording mode that lets you squeeze a precise amount of video on a disc, a handy option that we're finding on more and more DVD recorders. Naturally, all of the above recording times are doubled when using DVD+R double-layer discs.
In its favor, the RDR-VX515 boasts a strong set of editing options. You can rename, erase, and protect titles with write-once DVD+R/-R discs, while rewritable DVD+RW discs let you add or erase chapter marks and divide titles. With VR-formatted rewritable DVD-RWs, you can also erase chapters, snip out specific parts of a chapter or title, or create video playlists that leave your original titles intact. Not bad, but for some reason, you can't set title menu thumbnails, no matter what format of DVD you're using, a bummer for those who take pride in designing their DVD menus.
The Sony RDR-VX515's set of connections falls slightly below par. In back, you'll find the standard RF and A/V inputs and outputs, a component-video output that also passes video from the VHS deck (a nice plus that cuts down on cable clutter), and a single S-Video output, as well as both optical and coaxial digital audio outs. Unfortunately there's no S-Video input on the rear panel, an inexcusable omission for a deck in this price range. At least there's an A/V input with S-Video input up front, along with a FireWire input for digital camcorders. We tested the Sony RDR-VX515's VCR-to-DVD dubbing abilities with a 12-year-old VHS tape from our collection, and the results were only fair. While the deck did a nice job of finding the best tracking settings to counter the wear and tear on our aging tape, the final dub looked soft and a bit noisy, with faint but distracting wavy lines of interference. While the RDR-VX515's dubbing quality wasn't the worst we've seen in a VHS-DVD recorder, it pales when compared to that of the stellar dubs delivered by the aforementioned LiteOn LVC-9006 or the Panasonic DMR-ES30V.
When hooked to an external source, the DVD recorder itself scored respectable marks in our resolution tests. In its 1-hour HQ and 2-hour SP modes, the Sony RDR-VX515 captured more than 450 lines of horizontal resolution for a rock-solid image, while the 150-minute LSP mode still looked excellent, with slight artifacts visible near the edges of objects. Predictably, the picture turned noticeably softer in the 3-hour LP mode, falling south of 250 lines in the 4-hour EP mode. By the time we'd reached the 8-hour SEP mode, our test image was marred by severe blockiness and motion artifacts.
Turning to our test recordings of Star Trek: Insurrection, the peasants fleeing the swooping probes looked sharp at HQ and HSP speeds, with a bit of background blockiness apparent in the 2-hour SP mode, growing even worse in the 150-minute LSP mode. The picture became much softer in the 3-hour LP mode, with moments of fast action looking murky and clear blockiness in the background. The 8-hour SEP mode was practically unwatchable, with severe blocky artifacts and stuttery frame rates. Changing scenes to the smoky interior of the damaged Enterprise bridge, the deck did a fine job of rendering the smoke and the showers of sparks all the way down to the 150-minute LSP mode, with little sign of false contouring, although the image turned soft and blocky by the time we reached the 4-hour EP mode.
The Sony RDR-VX515 had little trouble in our 2:3 pull-down test, smoothly rendering the haystacks and bridges at the beginning of Insurrection with nary a jaggy.
User opinions
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1.5 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Locks frequently, weak laser, low quality tuner
Pros: The remote controls my Sony tv
Cons: Locks frequently on DVD's that play in other players. When it has problems reading it often will not respond to pressing the eject button.
The tuner strength is weak on NTSC(analog) channels.
Review: As Gus posted it locks frequently and won't eject the disk. dlstorm is incorrect about there being a manual eject button. Yes, there's a electronic eject button, but that's what does not work when it locks up. However, you can take a small flathead screwdriver, to grab the teeth on the exposed white gear and rotate it counterclockwise to get the tray far enough out to grab and pull out.
This is by far the worst quality Sony product that I've ever purchased. Avoid it like the plague.
This is by far the worst quality Sony product that I've ever purchased. Avoid it like the plague.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Great if you learn how to use it!
Pros: One-touch dubbing is convienent, easy to edit out commercials in VR mode
Cons: Instruction manual is very difficult to understand, no upconversion (HDMI out)
Review: I think this is a great unit. I think the most common problem with DVD recorders is that people do not fully understand them. If you take the time to decipher the user manual, you will be more than satisfied with your purchase. I will admit it took 2 follow-up trips to Best Buy to receive additional training on how to use it, but I'm glad I didn't return it. The VR mode lets your edit items recorded on DVD+RW discs...I find this great for editing out commercials or unwanted material.
User Rating:
0.5 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Do not buy this DVD Recorder...look elsewhere!
Pros: It looks pretty and comes in a nice box...that's about it.
Cons: Doesn't work .Takes forever to load disc information. Disc compatibility issues. Problems ejecting DVD's no manual eject. DV dubbing from camcorder HQ mode jittery.
Review: I have been buying Sony products for many years...TV's, Camcorders, etc. and have always been satisfied. I bought this player as many of you have to transfer some old VHS tapes over to DVD, and to hook up my Sony Digital 8 Camcorder to dub some home movies onto DVD's.
My report..this unit failed miserably. The first one I purchased crapped out in about a month when the DVD kept registering as loading and would not open to accept a movie DVD. My mistake at that time was replacing it with a new one at the store...in hindsight I should have taken the money and run. So now I have a new one and guess what? The DVD drive still says loading and will not eject my DVD's.(and yes I did check the S/N at the store to confirm that they didn't give me back the same one)
I consider myself to be at an advanced level technically. Having set up computer networks, software installations, etc. since the early eighties. I research everything I buy and I read the manuals from cover to cover when I buy some new gizmo. I have been very thorough with regard to the DVD recording formats and in the end this Sony product still sucks.
There trouble shooting website is of no help and god help you if you call one of their service technicians who will ask you questions like the following: "Have you tried unplugging and replugging in the DVD recorder...then trying the eject button?" Uh!... gee no! Thanks for the suggestion...
I spent and lost 550.00 Canadian on this thing...don't you!
My report..this unit failed miserably. The first one I purchased crapped out in about a month when the DVD kept registering as loading and would not open to accept a movie DVD. My mistake at that time was replacing it with a new one at the store...in hindsight I should have taken the money and run. So now I have a new one and guess what? The DVD drive still says loading and will not eject my DVD's.(and yes I did check the S/N at the store to confirm that they didn't give me back the same one)
I consider myself to be at an advanced level technically. Having set up computer networks, software installations, etc. since the early eighties. I research everything I buy and I read the manuals from cover to cover when I buy some new gizmo. I have been very thorough with regard to the DVD recording formats and in the end this Sony product still sucks.
There trouble shooting website is of no help and god help you if you call one of their service technicians who will ask you questions like the following: "Have you tried unplugging and replugging in the DVD recorder...then trying the eject button?" Uh!... gee no! Thanks for the suggestion...
I spent and lost 550.00 Canadian on this thing...don't you!
User Rating:
3.5 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Good DVD quality, VHS not worth the extra price
Pros: DVD quality, title & chapter editing
Cons: VHS, Price,no HDMI
Review: I really liked this machine for the DVD editing. I found the title and chapter excellent and it even captured some titles automatically from my DVR, not sure how. I made 1 copy from a home recorded VHS, the quality didnt look too good, but then what can you expect? It wouldnt dub commercial VHS tapes due to copy restrictions but I don't think that was the machine's fault. However, because my VHS collection has many commercial tapes, also many in PAL format which this machine doesnt support, I decided the VHS function was not worth the extra money and returned it. The DVD's created (and FINALIZED) by this machine have played fine on all other players, including overseas!
User Rating:
0.5 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Disappointing
Pros: Makes great DVDs off the air
Cons: Very, very poor VHS to DVD dubbing, no S-VHS input
Review: I purchased this unit to replace an older VHS unit in my family's third A/V system. I was optimistic about the added DVD recording capability. I first used the DVD recording capability of this unit to record cable programming that was only aired in between midnight and 6:00 AM. For that it did a great job, even labeling the tracks with off-the-air programming info.
Then I began to archive our family's huge library of VHS tapes including commercial recordings and off-the-cable recordings. The resulting DVDs were so poor that I thought my VHS tapes had finally degraded to the point they were no longer worth keeping, let alone recording to DVD.
Then I played one of my later commercial VHS recordings on my top of the line JVC S-VHS machine I purchased about ten years ago for our main A/V system and found that it played quite well.
I then played the same VHS tape in a nice Mitsubishi S-VHS machine I purchased for our second A/V system about five years ago - again it plyed fine.
I can only conclude that the VHS playback function on the VX515 is very, very poor - just plain awful in fact. This seems to comport with other reviewers of this machine.
I own two other Sony DVD players and four Sony ES CD changers and I have been extremely pleased with their performance over the years.
Shame on Sony for the poor VHS playback quality of this machine. DO NOT purchase this machine with the intent of making high quality VHS to DVD dubs.
Then I began to archive our family's huge library of VHS tapes including commercial recordings and off-the-cable recordings. The resulting DVDs were so poor that I thought my VHS tapes had finally degraded to the point they were no longer worth keeping, let alone recording to DVD.
Then I played one of my later commercial VHS recordings on my top of the line JVC S-VHS machine I purchased about ten years ago for our main A/V system and found that it played quite well.
I then played the same VHS tape in a nice Mitsubishi S-VHS machine I purchased for our second A/V system about five years ago - again it plyed fine.
I can only conclude that the VHS playback function on the VX515 is very, very poor - just plain awful in fact. This seems to comport with other reviewers of this machine.
I own two other Sony DVD players and four Sony ES CD changers and I have been extremely pleased with their performance over the years.
Shame on Sony for the poor VHS playback quality of this machine. DO NOT purchase this machine with the intent of making high quality VHS to DVD dubs.
User Rating:
5.0 stars
out of 24 user reviews
I guess mine is the only one that works correctly!
Pros: Sony quality, price, easy-of-use, menu options, stylish, frontal controls
Cons: Remote is a little too big, slow motion not frame-by-frame, LCD screen a little small
Review: I bought the Sony RDR-GX330 and took it back because it didn't have optical outputs or frontal controls. I don't usually buy combos, but this was on sale for just $210 and I couldn't pass it up. One major reason was it has optical AND coaxial out, which most units for this price do NOT. Plus it has the DV in (Firewire) for my Sony MiniDV HC96 camcorder right in the front for easy hookup.
I love dubbing from VHS to DVD on regular DVD-R discs. The quality is identical to the VHS tape. I even played the VHS and the DVD disc side by side on 2 TVs and couldn't see the difference. Maybe the other people's units were defective or they're VHS tapes have been kept around magnets. That's just weird.
I used to sell and install home electronics for a living as a Sales Manager and I love that this unit has a lot of great hookups both front and back. Especially the Progressive Component Video output in the back. (for those with HDTVs) For the price, it's very hard to beat. I tried the comparable Panasonic combo, but it failed on features and ease-of-use menus. It's good, but just not good enough. Try the Sony RDR-VX515, you'll love it!
I love dubbing from VHS to DVD on regular DVD-R discs. The quality is identical to the VHS tape. I even played the VHS and the DVD disc side by side on 2 TVs and couldn't see the difference. Maybe the other people's units were defective or they're VHS tapes have been kept around magnets. That's just weird.
I used to sell and install home electronics for a living as a Sales Manager and I love that this unit has a lot of great hookups both front and back. Especially the Progressive Component Video output in the back. (for those with HDTVs) For the price, it's very hard to beat. I tried the comparable Panasonic combo, but it failed on features and ease-of-use menus. It's good, but just not good enough. Try the Sony RDR-VX515, you'll love it!
User Rating:
0.5 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Frustrated
Pros: Ease of dubbing from VHS to DVD
Cons: Constantly breaks down
Review: I bought my unit at Tweeter back in Oct 05. Since then I have had four units, and am about to return the fourth. It works fine for a couple of weeks, and then something goes wrong. Now it won't eject a VHS tape. Previously, other things went wrong, including: defective recordings with "pixellated" images, inability to eject a DVD. A friend who also purchased this unit has had similar problems. Stay away!
User Rating:
1.0 stars
out of 24 user reviews
You can't view recorded DVDs on computer!
Pros: Easy to setup
Cons: This should be recalled
Review: I purchased this to record World Cup games. After one week of use, I am returning it. The only pro I see is that it's easy to set up. The recording quality's not so good unless you do SP or better. Pixelation becomes very apparent on lower settings. Text entry on the poorly designed remote is inefficient. After finalizing the disc, I am unable to play the disc on any of my computers. Sometimes, immediately after recording a program, the recorder will inexplicably erase the just-recorded program. The display says "writing" for about 15 minutes, and when I enter the title list the program does not show.
I cannot recommend this product. I have owned many Sony products, and this one is by far the worst in terms of quality and reliability, which is what you need when recording programs.
I cannot recommend this product. I have owned many Sony products, and this one is by far the worst in terms of quality and reliability, which is what you need when recording programs.
User Rating:
0.5 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Don't buy this!
Pros: None to speak of!
Cons: Read my review!
Review: This piece of crap gives Sony a bad name. Recorded shows won't play back. Its almost as if it doesn't recognize discs it formatted and recorded. When I'm able to record something that plays back, the disc won't play on anything but this. When DVD+RW discs are used, they can be used only once. You have to use a fresh DVD+RW everytime. Tried reformatting the disk on my PC and when I tried it the VX515 would spit it out. Ejecting a disc takes forever. You'll wonder why it would say "LOADING" when you're trying to eject the disc! STAY AWAY FROM THIS!!!!
User Rating:
0.5 stars
out of 24 user reviews
This is a dud.
Pros: Can't find any.
Cons: too expensive for useless technology.
Review: I attempted to transfer video tapes to dvds. The recording froze after 10 seconds no matter what method I used. After trying for days, I just gave up. Circuit City took it back. Great dissappointment.
User Rating:
1.5 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Will be returning it to store tomorrow
Pros: Sony quality better than most decent
Cons: plagued by protection
Review: I will never own a burner that will not allow me to play a DVD that I authored on my laptop when in my boat or RV. This is a big JOKE that the discs only play on THIS recorder? I will find a more reliable way to back up my VHS data that I can use FREELY whenever, however and with whomever I wish.
Getting tired of Sony's need to be the copyright police.
Getting tired of Sony's need to be the copyright police.
User Rating:
2.5 stars
out of 24 user reviews
RDR-VX511 - Copy protection over the top.
Pros: Dual Layer
Cons: Does not record any copyrighted material - even off cable.
Review: I understand the copy protection from tape to DVD, but this unit will not let me time-shift certain programs from a Comcast analog signal. Cable is plugged directly into unit with no cable box. Records 9 seconds - just enough to waste the blank DVD and then swithes to audio only mode with a CG warning. No prior warning. I'm returning mine.
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Dubbing quality is not that bad. - Unit is not as bad as some of the more negative reviews
Pros: +R DL support and chapter title features; built-in undocumented switch (via menus) to permanently filter out VHS and DVD Macrovision suring dubbing
Cons: No S-VHS input on rear
Review: The particularly negative reviews previouly logged on this model with C|NET are really quite unfair. Unless you have particlarly degraded VHS tapes, the dubbing quality is quite acceptable. As for compatibility with other bands of drives and PC's, fear not, there is no autoboot zerosector "root-kit" on this DVD recorder as one note implies. I suspect the reason that this individual was unable to externally read DVD's made with this recorder was that he/she forgot to finalize them (a required additional step) after completing one or more writing sessions. If you don't finalize the disc, then only this unit will be able to read the intermediate disc format. After finalizing, I found that 9 of nine separate devices (PC's and other brands of DVD players) had no problem reading the discs recorded with this unit. The chapter title and elegant title chapter selection screens (auto-inserted by the finalization process) are particularly elegant.
User Rating:
1.0 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Get ready for some serious venting! Harrumph! I was hoodwinked by the Sony name brand!
Pros: Instant transfer button, multi-disc, IEEE 1394 port
Cons: Price, "4-head Hi-Fi stereo VHS" doesn't act Hi-Fi, no on-screen "complete" report, no auto finalize
Review: I have had a Toshiba standalone DVD-R recorder, and figured a Sony would be just that much better. Boy was I surprised and disappointed. I used the Toshiba at my last job, and found it to be as good or sometimes better than creating a DVD in the computer. So now that I am at a new job, I want to impress my superiors. So far, the Sony RDR-VX511 has made me look bad. If only this unit had a feature where an on-screen report was able to display when the finalize cycle was complete. If you don't wait for this Sony to stop making noise, I think it interrupts the finalization process. I used both memorex DVD-R 16X discs and Verbatim White Inkjet Printable DVD-R 16x discs. Both discs had a hard time playing in a Dell running Win XP - SP2, Cyberlink PowerDVD DX 5.5.1423. All that would come up was the menu, and the choices proved non-clickable. I also noticed that discs would display as "SONATA_VOLUME" rather than the name I painstakingly inputted using the Sony's remote. There are also blank menu spots, making the disc look stupid and unprofessional.
I also played a disc made from VHS-DVD on a PowerBook G4 laptop, 17" model- I was able to play it beyond the menu, but was horrified at the color replication - solid colors flicker, as though its a low light recording. The image is fuzzy. Also, I can't find a mode where you skip the menu and just have a straight run DVD either - which would be preferable to a non-functional menu. All in all this unit is thouroughly unsatisfying. My advice? Get a standalone DVD-R burner and a separate VCR. I'd say a Toshiba, since I'd used one before, but I can't recall the model number. It was also cheesy, but I was able to make a disc with no menu, upping the class factor. The Sony RDR-VX511 does make a <swell> DVD player, but so does a $40 Acer.
I also played a disc made from VHS-DVD on a PowerBook G4 laptop, 17" model- I was able to play it beyond the menu, but was horrified at the color replication - solid colors flicker, as though its a low light recording. The image is fuzzy. Also, I can't find a mode where you skip the menu and just have a straight run DVD either - which would be preferable to a non-functional menu. All in all this unit is thouroughly unsatisfying. My advice? Get a standalone DVD-R burner and a separate VCR. I'd say a Toshiba, since I'd used one before, but I can't recall the model number. It was also cheesy, but I was able to make a disc with no menu, upping the class factor. The Sony RDR-VX511 does make a <swell> DVD player, but so does a $40 Acer.
User Rating:
5.0 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Its a workhorse. So far ,, so good.
Pros: Dubbing dvd > vhs > dvd is easy. I just got it two days ago. I always liked sonys operators manuals.. It helps in the learning curve.
Cons: I didnt come across any cons.
Review: I would buy it again... I did some research before I purchased. I use dvd+rw dvds and it works. I learned you need to finalize the dvd before it can play in the pc. The video i work with is from covert law enforcement camera systems which is a challenge because of low light etc.
The different types of DVD disks confuse me.
Again,,, the learning curve is helped by the reading the manual and practicing.
The different types of DVD disks confuse me.
Again,,, the learning curve is helped by the reading the manual and practicing.
User Rating:
1.5 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Dissapointed with JPEG viewing
Pros: It is not as tall as the Panasonic
Cons: Poor JPEG picture quality
Review: I bought the RDR-VX515 today to view JPEG pictures off CDs in my living room to show family and friends. I am very dissapointed in the blocky low resolution images (most are about 2/3'rd megabyte). Images are much better from the camera or recorded on the hard disk of our Replay (TiVo equivalent) when viewed on the HDTV, so it can display them, but this unit does a poor job. It is not satisfactory for this purpose so I am taking it back tomorrow.
It will magnify images, but it cuts off our heads when it does, and does not have the ability to scroll up, but I think the image quality was better. I will have to stick with viewing them on the Computer Monitor where the same images are sharp and detailed, but not as convienent, or printing them.
The Remote had a poor projection angle width; if tipped up a little it did not work, I had to point it down right at the unit or the floor, which is not intuitive.
Roger Deal, Clovis CA
It will magnify images, but it cuts off our heads when it does, and does not have the ability to scroll up, but I think the image quality was better. I will have to stick with viewing them on the Computer Monitor where the same images are sharp and detailed, but not as convienent, or printing them.
The Remote had a poor projection angle width; if tipped up a little it did not work, I had to point it down right at the unit or the floor, which is not intuitive.
Roger Deal, Clovis CA
User Rating:
1.5 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Disappointing
Pros: Easy copying videotapes to DVDs
Cons: Can't play the DVDs anywhere else or copy them
Review: My wife and I bought the Sony RDR VX515 with the idea of copying our 20+ year collection of videotapes to DVDs and sharing favorites with family and friends. The copying was easy, we played them back and enjoyed them. Then came the disappointments. I tried to copy them on our PC's DVD writer and it couldn't even read any of them. Neither could the MAC's. Neither could the Audiovox DVD player. Nothing else but the Sony recorder will play them. We can not share them with family (which they may be thankful for, but that's beside the point) and that was the major reason for the purchase. If nothing else can read them, in the future without the original recorder the CDs will be worthless since I won't even be able to migrate the information. We're taking the recorder back to Best Buy.
User Rating:
2.0 stars
out of 24 user reviews
disaster/very dissapointing
Pros: none noted
Cons: dubbing is a huge problem
Review: I bought and tried two different units. The dubbing from VHS to DVD is a disaster. A huge waste of time. Finally gave up and returned unit and bought a similar Samsung unit. It worked first time on dubbing--no problems at all. Sony has a real dog with this model. Doesn't do what they say it does.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Over 100 hours of recordings and still going...
Pros: 1-Touch dubbing, multiple formats
Cons: No useful program guide.
Review: My daughter is into gymnastics. We record over 100 hours of meets each year and save them on tape for future viewing. (Yes, we actually do watch them).
Over a 2 week timeframe, we were able to transfer over 30 6-hour tapes to DVD. It automatically captured the recording breaks from the tapes and cretaed a new menu icon for each. The recording quality is the same as the tape, which is expected. I used to use the 1 touch dubbing without changing the dvd recording length, which led to the recording quality getting worse near the end of the disc. NOw we adjust the qaulity level/ recording length prior to dubbing and all is fine.
We also have transfered over 30 meets/programs directly from Tivo with no issue.
We burn the discs as DVD-R's as this is the only format that will play in my Acurea MDX DVD system.
It is annoying not to have a VCR+ like programming guide that works. THe DVD recording will also take the title from what the sourceis playing through the coaxial input. I also hate that I cannot copy my own DVD;s via computer.
Overall, we love it and would buy it again. Actually we did buy a 2nd one for our other Tivo unit.
Over a 2 week timeframe, we were able to transfer over 30 6-hour tapes to DVD. It automatically captured the recording breaks from the tapes and cretaed a new menu icon for each. The recording quality is the same as the tape, which is expected. I used to use the 1 touch dubbing without changing the dvd recording length, which led to the recording quality getting worse near the end of the disc. NOw we adjust the qaulity level/ recording length prior to dubbing and all is fine.
We also have transfered over 30 meets/programs directly from Tivo with no issue.
We burn the discs as DVD-R's as this is the only format that will play in my Acurea MDX DVD system.
It is annoying not to have a VCR+ like programming guide that works. THe DVD recording will also take the title from what the sourceis playing through the coaxial input. I also hate that I cannot copy my own DVD;s via computer.
Overall, we love it and would buy it again. Actually we did buy a 2nd one for our other Tivo unit.
User Rating:
1.0 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Crippled by DRM
Pros: Mostly does what you want if you don't want to use it on computer
Cons: Can't burn or import dvds on your computer
Review: Sony is obsessed with DRM (digital rights/restrictions management). When you burn a dvd with this thing, it hides the folders so that you can't see it on your computer. Even when you're doing your own home videos, good luck trying to make more copies on your computer.
It does most of the stuff you want it to, but I had to return mine since I need to be able to back up disks on my computer.
It does most of the stuff you want it to, but I had to return mine since I need to be able to back up disks on my computer.
User Rating:
2.0 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Not nearly as good as advertised
Pros: Easy dubbing from VHS to DVD
Cons: Complicated manual, long DVD loading time, Can't record to DVD from TIVO
Review: The main reason for getting this unit was to record from VHS to DVD and to DVD from a TIVO unit. It will not record from the TIVO unit, the most I was able to accomplish was the audi portion of saved programs. The quality of recordings from VHS to DVD is only fair at best. I just bought this unit and plan to return it as soon as I can research a unity that does both.
The manual is complicated, no doubt because of all the features. (Most of which I will never use)
It did perform nicely when recording from TV
to DVD. Quality seemed better than average.
The manual is complicated, no doubt because of all the features. (Most of which I will never use)
It did perform nicely when recording from TV
to DVD. Quality seemed better than average.
Updated
After fumbling around through the manual and not finding the solution to record from a Tivo unity to DVD, I discovered that the satellite HD-DVR was set at 720P. The sony can not record HD, (neither can any other dvd recorder at the moment). After setting the satellite unti to 480i, it recorded the saved programs from Tivo.
After fumbling around through the manual and not finding the solution to record from a Tivo unity to DVD, I discovered that the satellite HD-DVR was set at 720P. The sony can not record HD, (neither can any other dvd recorder at the moment). After setting the satellite unti to 480i, it recorded the saved programs from Tivo.
User Rating:
1.0 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Kool, but...
Pros: One touch reording
Cons: Ate my disk!!!
Review: This brand spanking new unit ate my disk (MEMOREX dvd+RW) after I recorded a 2 hr tape...the manual says it auto finalizes a +RW
disk, but it never came out.
After replugging it, it then said Child Lock, then continued to load my disk (I stopped it aft 10min).
disk, but it never came out.
After replugging it, it then said Child Lock, then continued to load my disk (I stopped it aft 10min).
Updated
Ok, I swapped it for another and it seems to work...apparently the finalizing process takes longer than 10 minutes (does the manual say that??? Noooo!!!!)
Knowing this, I'd revise my rating to neutral as I havent done any good quality transfers yet.
Ok, I swapped it for another and it seems to work...apparently the finalizing process takes longer than 10 minutes (does the manual say that??? Noooo!!!!)
Knowing this, I'd revise my rating to neutral as I havent done any good quality transfers yet.
User Rating:
1.0 stars
out of 24 user reviews
RDR-VX511 very error prone
Pros: Worked for 2 weeks.
Cons: No override to remove blank DVD.
Review: Worked for 2 weeks. Software issue makes unit think that a blank DVD isn't blank and the load cycle never ends. Cannot remove DVD. Sony will not ship new unit and requires user to pack and ship to Laredo, TX. Terrible design does not include manual eject. The LAST Sony product I'll ever buy.
User Rating:
3.5 stars
out of 24 user reviews
Good Choice - Lots of Features
Pros: ONLY Tabletop Unit that supports DVD+R DL at this time
Cons: Can not copy movies from your own Tivo- Not enough Input Choices
Review: I upgraded from a Phillips DVDR77 to this unit the other day. While this unit has some great features, the cons are very annoying.
First, it is obvious that Sony is high on controlling "GREAT" digital copies of anything, Therefore, this unit lacks both a Component Video Input AND an S-Video Input (On the rear panel.. there is one ont he front which is for a cam actually and is akward).
Also, it will NOT ALLOW me to dub movies from MY TIVO to the unit. it says they are copyrighted. Phillips unit does NOT do this. I am paying a LOT for Cable... a LOT for Tivo... A LOT for this Unit, and BLANK DVDs. So I would feel that dumping from Tivo to a DVD shouldn't be some taboo item. I am not looking to copy DVD discs illegally, but cmon... this is just making room on my Tivo for more shows.
Luckily this can be overcome by spending a hundred dollars on a video box at Best Buy. But still... Not happy about this.
The unit has some great features, but some missing. The menu looks good and organized, however you can NOT set the thumbnail that appears like you can on the Phillips (for DVD+RW, which is what I use mostly).
It also takes a LONG time for a DVD to load. I read that on the 500 reviews, and it is still the same here. However, I can wait a few seconds when it comes to that.
The picture looks pretty good, and this is the ONLY UNIT on the market right now (besides its sister unit the 315) which supports DVD+R Dual Layer discs. Which means you can store 4 movies of good quality on one disc. Also, at the worst quality setting, you can get 14 hours of video on there!
Overall, I DO LIKE the unit. Some peopel say the manual is hard to use, however, when you have tha tmany features, it is tough to make it EASY. That is why there is an index and a pdf you can search! The manual shows the basics then goes into more depth, like most.
This plays all sorts of media.. DVD+R, +RW, -R, -RW +R DL etc. it has powerful editing in the DVD-VR mode. The dubbing is good, and I was ablwe to get rid of my old analog VCR.. I hate analog things blech!
When you record a show off cable, it actually puts the show name in the title list which is convenient. Unfortunately, that does not happen if you use the video enhancer, which seems to stripthat info off as well as the "copyright" code.
I Do reccomend this unit, however, do note the cons I have wrote.
Mike
First, it is obvious that Sony is high on controlling "GREAT" digital copies of anything, Therefore, this unit lacks both a Component Video Input AND an S-Video Input (On the rear panel.. there is one ont he front which is for a cam actually and is akward).
Also, it will NOT ALLOW me to dub movies from MY TIVO to the unit. it says they are copyrighted. Phillips unit does NOT do this. I am paying a LOT for Cable... a LOT for Tivo... A LOT for this Unit, and BLANK DVDs. So I would feel that dumping from Tivo to a DVD shouldn't be some taboo item. I am not looking to copy DVD discs illegally, but cmon... this is just making room on my Tivo for more shows.
Luckily this can be overcome by spending a hundred dollars on a video box at Best Buy. But still... Not happy about this.
The unit has some great features, but some missing. The menu looks good and organized, however you can NOT set the thumbnail that appears like you can on the Phillips (for DVD+RW, which is what I use mostly).
It also takes a LONG time for a DVD to load. I read that on the 500 reviews, and it is still the same here. However, I can wait a few seconds when it comes to that.
The picture looks pretty good, and this is the ONLY UNIT on the market right now (besides its sister unit the 315) which supports DVD+R Dual Layer discs. Which means you can store 4 movies of good quality on one disc. Also, at the worst quality setting, you can get 14 hours of video on there!
Overall, I DO LIKE the unit. Some peopel say the manual is hard to use, however, when you have tha tmany features, it is tough to make it EASY. That is why there is an index and a pdf you can search! The manual shows the basics then goes into more depth, like most.
This plays all sorts of media.. DVD+R, +RW, -R, -RW +R DL etc. it has powerful editing in the DVD-VR mode. The dubbing is good, and I was ablwe to get rid of my old analog VCR.. I hate analog things blech!
When you record a show off cable, it actually puts the show name in the title list which is convenient. Unfortunately, that does not happen if you use the video enhancer, which seems to stripthat info off as well as the "copyright" code.
I Do reccomend this unit, however, do note the cons I have wrote.
Mike
