JVC HMDT100 Digital VHS Recorder with Integrated HDTV Receiver

by JVC

Product Details

• Item Weight: 16.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 16 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0002J6H42
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #228,222 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The first-ever digital VHS recorder with an integrated HDTV receiver, JVC's HM-DT100 performs two functions in one, receiving lifelike high-definition video signals on an HD-compatible TV and then recording up to four hours of the signals for crisp, rich playback. The unit connects to HD-ready TVs and hi-res projection systems through its High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), which eliminates picture degradation by transferring information by digital means exclusively (no digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital conversion). For systems without HDMI inputs, the recorder connects via its iLink (ideal for digital camcorders), component-video, S-video, or composite outputs, which combine to give viewers a multitude of audio and video options. The device also features a 5.1-channel Dolby Digital and DTS audio output that broadcasts high-quality audio soundtracks in multichannel surround sound.

Fortunately for users who still enjoy standard digital and analog programming, the HM-DT100 records those signals as well, including converting analog signals to digital recordings via the CODEC processor. Viewers with large videotape collections can ditch their old VCRs, as the unit is compatible with the traditional VHS format, while also playing far more modern D-Theater content. Recording lengths depend on the cassette type and content source, with top-end D-VHS cassettes offering up to four 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, and Hi-Fi VHS (for multichannel analog sources). The system's multibrand 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 HMDT100 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 HMDT100 from JVC. The HMDT100 digital-VHS recorder features an integrated HDTV receiver, 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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars D-VHS Appears to Have Been Abandoned, October 17, 2005

By 

Michael A. Israel (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JVC HMDT100 Digital VHS Recorder with Integrated HDTV Receiver (Electronics)

On the one hand, the JVC D-VHS units are actually state of the art. I own two different units and they do a great job.

The key for any buyer to think about is how you want to use it. If your plan is to record OTA HD programming then these are the only game in town. If you want to build up a library of pre-recorded D-Theater titles, forget about it.

Problem is that buying one now is sort of like buying the latest in 8-track players. JVC, along with the studios, appear to have abandoned the D-Theater format. The quality of the D-Theater tapes is spectacular, better than CD and even higher bitrate that broadcast HD. Unfortunately, the last titles released were "Master & Commander" and "Passion of the Christ". Those will probably be the last ones ever. Even blank D-VHS tapes are becoming harder to find.

Most of the better D-Theater movies are no longer available. This will leave you shopping at that big auction site. You will find mostly stuff not worth owning. You will also find that some rare titles such a Bourne Identity and Alien are selling for prices that defy any sort of logic. Look at what you can purchase these on DVD for and multiply by 10 or 20 and you will get the idea. You would really have to be insanely obsessed with seeing these pics in HD to purchase them at that price. Of course, with BlueRay or other HD DVD right around the corner, those tapes will soon be worth less than a buck on the same auction site.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars JVC HMDT100 DVHS - Timer Problems, December 10, 2004

By 

Distant Cousin (Earth) - See all my reviews

This review is from: JVC HMDT100 Digital VHS Recorder with Integrated HDTV Receiver (Electronics)

JVC HMDT100

Received a JVC HM-DT100 unit November 2004 and all seems to be in good working order, at this time, except the recording program/event timer.

The timer does not function properly in regards to weekly program event (repeat) timing/recording. I am continuing to evaluate.

I have performed several power resets and carefully read the manual several times. Any leads to solving this problem OR a JVC contact (toll free number if you have it) that is not a droid would be helpful. If JVC does a recall, I would appreciate any information related.

The quality of HS HDTV recording is very close to HDTV quality. The playback is almost 1:1 to the original.

I am reluctant to obtain another unit until this timer problem is resolved.

If you get one of these units, read the manual carefully and take your time learning and setting up the machine. It is somewhat complicated. This aint your "grocery store special" VCR. If you get scrambled garbage or a locked up image, do a disconnect from power for 5 seconds and then reconnect to AC power. I have had to do it about six times so far to resolve lock ups and problems with the timer and tape speed settings.

If other users have suggestions or known solutions to problems with this machine please leave that information here in a review.

Thanks for reading.

4.0 out of 5 stars Dead Format Nostalgia, January 23, 2010

By 

Boyd R. Pukalo (Warren, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JVC HMDT100 Digital VHS Recorder with Integrated HDTV Receiver (Electronics)

I recently purchased one of these machines online, brand new, as well as the previous generation JVC 40K.
I also bought several D-Theater movies, including Alien (not avaliable on Blu-Ray yet).
The picture is excellent and as good as a Blu Ray disc.
The recorder will capture whatever is being broadcast on cable or over the air if you are using an antenna.
There is absolutely no loss in quality when recording digitally, but now DVR's and Tivo's do this but have moved from tape to Hard drive storage.
Unfortunately the timer recording functionality is very primitive on DVHS decks.
I connect these DVHS decks through only a firewire cable to my HDTV-unfortunately firewire ports are not common on new HDTV's.
Some guy on amazon marketplace is listing a new in box unit for twice what you can get it at B&H Photo, same thing on ebay.
Well, its a dead technology but it is fun playing with it now that prices have come way down on the hardware compared to when they were new listing for around $1500 USD MSRP.