| Brand Name: | JVC |
Product Specifications
Technical Details
- Digital VHS recorder archives high-definition, standard, and analog sources
- Connects to HDTV (1080i and 720p) through HDMI connector or component output
- Records up to 3.5 hours of HD content and 35 hours of analog content on single cassette
- 2 iLink terminals, component output, 2 S-video outputs and 1 input, and 2 AV inputs and 2 outputs
- 5.1 Dolby Digital/DTS optical output for multichannel soundtracks; MTS stereo
Product Details
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Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
JVC supplies consumers with the best possible format for high-resolution recording with this digital VHS recorder. The device connects to the latest HDTV and hi-res projector systems through its High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) or component output, letting users archive everything from HD content (1080i and 720p) to standard digital broadcasts to analog programming. Fortunately for viewers with big videotape collections, the recorder is also compatible with the traditional VHS format, so you can still watch old videotapes and movies, along with the more modern D-Theater format. Recording lengths depend on the cassette type and the content source, with top-end D-VHS cassettes offering up to 3.5 hours of HD recording and up to 35 hours of analog recording. Other compatible cassettes include S-VHS (doesn't record HD content), S-VHS ET, Hi-Fi VHS (for multichannel analog sources), and traditional VHS. The recorder even offers MPEG-2 CODEC encoding, which enables viewers to make digital recordings of analog NTSC programming or analog cassettes (a technology aided by the Frame Synchronizer).
Viewers who can't wait to get started will be pleased with the plug-and-play setup, which automatically tunes the channels and clock. Programming is simple, too, with an express option and a one-year, 24-event timer. Each cassette notes the recording date of the program, in addition to creating tape numbers and categories for easier cataloguing. Befitting a high-quality video recorder, the unit also broadcasts high-quality audio soundtracks through its 5.1 Dolby Digital/DTS output (optical), or, alternately, using the MTS decoder.
The rear of the recorder includes a number of inputs and outputs for connection to TVs, stereos, and digital boxes. In addition to the HDMI connector, the unit boasts two iLink terminals for digital-to-digital connections (such as for digital camcorders), a component video output, two S-video outputs and one input, two AV outputs and two inputs, and an optical digital output for audio. The system's multi-brand remote control (with glowing keys) controls the VCR, TV, and cable box.
What's in the Box
D-VHS recorder, remote control, two batteries, user's manual.
Product Description
The HMDH5U from JVC redefines home theater performance. Its playback picture is ready to display on the newest HDTV and hi-res projector systems. It enables full enjoyment of prerecorded D-Theater movies, now and in the future. But it also keeps you in touch with the analog video library you've built over the years because, as they say, the show must go on. So go beyond video. Experience the extreme performance of the HMDH5U from JVC. The HMDH5U digital-VHS recorder features a High-Definition Multimedia Interface, four hour HDTV digital broadcast bit-stream recording/playback with DF-480 tape, 5.1 channel Dolby Digital and all basic analog VHS HiFi features.
Customer Reviews
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Same as the HM-DH40000 except for HDMI and DTS,
By
This review is from: JVC HMDH5U Digital VHS High-Definition Recorder (Electronics)
The JVC HMDH5U is essentially the same unit as the JVC HM-DH40000. It's more expensive (even though the MSRP is less), not nearly as pretty lacking the front cover of the HM-DH40000, and most importantly has a couple small upgrades. As such its a great VCR but still not a particularly great digital recording device. Whether this is a better buy depends on how you plan to use it.
If you're not familiar with DVHS and the JVC DVHS VCR pluses and minuses, please read my long review of the HM-DH40000. In short, the format has issues but the VCR you get with it is in my opinion well worth it, especially at the price. The HMDH5U is a slight upgrade, with four things that the HM-DH40000 lacks. First, it supposedly runs a bit cooler than the HM-DH40000, although I haven't seen that on my model. Second, it can decode DTS (the alternative to Dolby Digital) encoded tapes, not a particularly important upgrade as there frankly isn't much recorded in that format available for playback. Third, it has an option to switch to 480i (standard definition) output by a single keystroke on the remote, which sounds minor but can be incredibly useful when you need to access the menu (only available in 480i) while you're watching video in 720p or 1080i. Finally, it has an HDMI output. For those unfamiliar with it, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the next-generation connection (like DVI or optical output) between digital devices. Besides being able to carry audio signals along with the uncompressed video (meaning less cords), its major advantage is that with a simple, cheap adapter it's backwards compatible with DVI interfaces, which your current HDTV or modern PC monitor probably already has. In my experience, the signal quality using HDMI or DVI tends to run a bit better than component but isn't terribly noticable unless you're really looking for differences. Still, it does mean this is less likely to be obsolete as an output device going forward, although I doubt component video inputs are going the way of the dodo bird anytime soon. (Incidentally, one more difference is the component output of this is supposedly slightly improved over the HM-DH40000, but I've never noticed it...and if your eye is good enough to notice such small differences you should be using a digital output anyway.) Unfortunately, almost everything else remains the same. Digital input is by Firewire only, meaning you're limited to a handful of devices that output HD signals this can record. (The 169time solution described below is intriguing but pricey - basically they're a third party that uses a low end computer to add firewire output to a number of other HD receivers. Check them out, but be warned they cost as much as this VCR!) Also, keep in mind that if you're running one of those few tuners that is Firewire compatible with this, do remember Firewire is 2-way - meaning you can play back digital audio and video using it instead, meaning the addition of the HDMI output is rendered moot. Since my recommendation is that you buy the HM-DH40000 more as a VCR than a digital recorder, whether the HMDH5U is a better choice depends on how you're planning on using it most of the time. If you can use the HDMI/DVI output and are planning on being dedicated to the DVHS and D-Theater formats, this might be worth the extra money. If you're planning on using it more as a VCR upgrade with occasionally archiving digital format, it lacks the sleek front panel of its predecessor and costs more. Just depends on how you use it.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Last Reviewer is INCORRECT!,
By
This review is from: JVC HMDH5U Digital VHS High-Definition Recorder (Electronics)
The last reviewer posted absolutely incorrect information regarding this unit. It is NOT POSSIBLE to record HD material using analog inputs. HD material can be recorded in full HD resolution ONLY through the firewire input. JVC gave him the correct information.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
HD recording,
By
This review is from: JVC HMDH5U Digital VHS High-Definition Recorder (Electronics)
I own the JVC HM-DH3000U and a Samsung 5688 1080p dlp projection TV with built in HD tuner. I receive HD from my trusty rabbit ears and record it via the firewire cable. The picture on playback is perfect! I also own a sizeable library of pre-recorded D-VHS movies. They are also stunning! Once you go HD it's hard to go back. I have read other reviews that state they can't record or playback via the firewire link. I don't think newer model HD sets have this issue. My Samsung certainly doesn't. When I record a HD broadcast I only need to press three buttons and it's recording a HDTV broadcast in full HD via the firewire. So.... Having said that. I am seriously considering buying this or the other JVC D-VHS VCR that has a built in HD tuner! the HDMI input/output is very attractive and I think extends the life of the unit. Another major factor is the support for DTS. I own two D-VHS movies that have DTS tracks (Alien Directors cut and I-Robot). My 3000 only plays dolby tracks. The Dolby tracks are 500+ k. The DTS is 1500+k!!!! the difference is not subtle. D-VHS plays back video at 1080i with high FPS. When HD-DVD and Blu-Ray come out shortly they will not offer the FPS speed of these units! If you are serious about HD recording and don't mind spending the extra 10 seconds it takes to record, then this is the only way to go. Unfortunately most people have grown used to the convenience of chapter searches that DVD's offer (why I don't know)and other useless frills. When I watch a movie I do just that, I watch the movie. Quality never wins out over convenience.
My 2 cents
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