Customer Reviews

GoVideo RV4000 - DVD recorder/ VCR combo

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I purchased this product specifically to record VHS tapes to DVDs (although it is possible to record DVDs to VHS tapes as well) in one unit without having to use a several components (a TV or monitor IS REQUIRED to be connected either by supplied coaxial or RCA cables so that the on-screen menus can be read and their options selected). This unit is one of very few that I found which would perform the VCR-to-DVD recording function with "one-touch" recording.

NOTE THAT ALTHOUGH THE RV4000 READS MOST TYPES OF CD AND DVD DISKS, IT CAN WRITE ONLY TO DVD+R AND DVD+RW DISKS. Although I had read some reports of difficulties using DVD+R or DVD+RW disks rated for speeds exceeding 4X, I used 1-16X Maxell DVD+Rs without any problems.

The recording process can be executed entirely with pushbuttons on the unit itself. All you have to do is select the source (VHS), press the one-touch recording button (VHS to DVD), select the speed at which the tape was originally recorded (HQ, SP, EP, SLP), then press the one-touch button again. Recording proceeds unattended and will stop when the tape stops. It is also possible to select parts of one tape or mix tapes onto one DVD.

When the recording is finished, an on-screen Disk Edit Menu is can be displayed to perform (optionally) such tasks as writing a Disk Name and Titles of selections. IF YOU WANT THE RESULTING DVD TO BE PLAYABLE ON ANY DVD MACHINE, YOU MUST USE THIS MENU TO "FINALIZE" THE DVD.

The unit has many other recording options to VHS and DVD from a television or cable signal, but I did not use the unit for these or test them. The options appeared to be quite extensive, however.

It appears that Cinevision was bought out by GoVideo, so the contact information on some Cinevision boxes may be obsolete. FAQs (though no contact information) are available at www[...] in the Support section. The lack of current support is the only reason that I have rated this unit **** instead of *****.

DO NOT BUY THIS UNIT FOR ANY PRICE

Check the web for numerous other complaints.

The list of problems is too long to detail here.
I know how to fix these units and completely disassembled mine several times.
There are firmware problems, overheating, incompatibility issues and on and on.

No matter how cheap this unit may appear to be, do not buy it. If you have one that really works, it was dumb luck.