Customer Reviews

Toshiba D-RW2 DVD Player/Recorder

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As previous reviewers indicated, good basic DVD recorder. I suggest a starter recorder to replace VHS; you could buy a combo VHS/DVD recorder to archive your VHS library, but (1) dubbing is real time (if a tape is 2 hours, it takes 2 hours to dub to DVD), and (2) most commercial VHS tapes are coded to prevent dubbing.

Thus, as a basic DVD recorder:
(1) Easy user interface menu system (not many options available).
(2) East to use menu to insert Titles to recorded material; be sure to allocate a separate time program for each show to have a separate title (don't string several off-the-programs together as 1 recording).
(3) Timer programing lacks options for MON-FRI and SAT-SUN; this means you must individually program each repeating show (for example, recording the Tonight Show w/ J Leno requires 5 individual slots -- very tedious and takes up 5 of 8 program slots). My JVC DVD recorder has repeat functions (but user interface is very complicated).
(4) Using it as a 2nd recorder is OK if primary recorder is also DVD -R (I believe Panasonic uses +R, so not a good match).
(5) Box has drawing of input connections -- very nice. Does NOT have HDMI or DVI output (for those who insist on digital Video input to their Large Screeens. Primary output is Component. Samsung is pushing HDMI digital output; their "upconverting" is a waste of money - - you can't improve on source material).
(6) For those with DV Video (digital tape), must dubb using S-Video (probably no degration of source DV tape) - - no DV input (4 pin "mini" digital input -- my JVC has this).
(7) Relatively compact size (much shorter than a VHS); depth is reasonably shallow, but width is still wide bacause stylists want to give a substantial look). Also very quiet while recording (has cooling fan).

I picked this machine up a few weeks ago, and am most impressed with the ease of operation. Keep in mind it's a BASIC dvd recorder, single layer, dvd-r and dvd-rw, which is compatible with most players out there. I purchased this for the sole purpose of transferring old VHS material onto dvd, and this machine does a great job of that. And the low price of this machine makes it easy for anyone to make the move from VHS to dvd. Finally, I'll be able to get rid of those boxes of tapes. A real bargain.

This is a very basic DVD Recorder. It doesn't have a ton of bells and wistles which is what makes it perfect for beginners. The lack of DVD-ram is upsetting, considering the DR-W4 is only thirty more for many more features, but sometimes less features are nice, the simplicity makes it easy for my entire family to use. You cannot access menu items when discs are finalizing/formatting/or even when shows are recording, which is unfortunate. Otherwise, it is a great starter by a company that makes reliable products.

Mine only records on DVD-. I tried DVD+ it doesn't read blanks but does play all recorded dvds. It's got your average cheesy remote, and the drop down menu is all uncommon symbol's (refer to manual.) The L.E.D readout tells you how much record time you have left, my cyberhome didn't do that, It gave%. I only had it 3 week's but so far it's great With the exception of only being able to do 1 function at a time, For instance if it's recording or playing a DVD you can't set the timer. Otherwise once you get use to it it's easy.

The quality is great at 1 or 2 hr mode however I find the quality unaceptable at 4hr or higher.
If you use DVD-rw I have found the quality improves using verbatim 4x media as opposed to memorex 2x.
The unit does get very hot during recording which is not a good sign of a long lasting machine. Also blank media life expectancy has been rated to be lower when discs are exposed to exessive heat.
There is no 3hr mode or any in-between quality modes it's 1,2,4,6,8,10 - the 8 and 10 hr modes cannot be finalized to be fully DVD player compatible, however I would not condsider thoes modes anyway since 4hr mode looks rather bad. If you have a 2hr 30 min movie you will have to record using the 4hr mode. I find the unit great at recording 2hrs and under. The price for what you are getting is decent, although I have heard from another tekkie review site that this unit is not actually made by Toshiba?

This is a great product.Easy to use took me about a half hour to get things working.

I just ordered this model but my review is about a 2 yr old Toshiba recorder which has had much use and great service. I also have the Toshiba "combo" recorder which I am very happy with after 2 yrs. My DR-2 has a feature I wish Toshiba would bring back in the controls. Instead of recording at 1,2,3,4,6 etc Hours the older model lets you record all those and manually set increments inbetween like 133 or 159, or 183 minutes. I hate to have to record at the 3 hr speed when a movie runs over to 2 hrs 15 minutes or 2.30 hrs.

I question this machine recording on DVD+R disks as stated by one buyer. I think it only records on DVD-R 1-2x.

I have learned some tricks with any "errors" produced by the Toshiba recorder. I have found resetting it after an "error" clears up all. Just unplug the machine for about a day if you keep getting "errors". This resets the machine. I have very few coasters with this recorder. Toshiba in computers or these DVD recorders has always served me well.

If you use a Mac I have found the disks made on the Toshiba recorder duplicate well using Toast and the "copy disk" mode rather than the TS file mode. I like to make backups on the TV programs I record on my computer to save running the recorder.

I do wish Toshiba would upgrade the 1-2x recording disks to maybe 4x. Don't know why they are stuck in the lower speed.

JUST GOT MY NEW TOSHIBA...I was delighted to find this model will burn DVD-R 4x speed! Typical easy setup for Toshiba machines. I still wish they would return to letting the user manually set the length of recording like on earlier models.

You can't go wrong with this set...beginner or pro!


Just discovered you can record on 8X DVD-R disks and branded up to 16x listed in manual.

NOTE: This recorder is great, if you have S-video or RCA jacks on your TV. If your TV only has an RF coaxial cable connection, you will need an RF modulator to watch anything...I missed this originally.

If you are just looking to replace your VCR....this is the unit for you. I you have a 27 inch TV or smaller....perfect for you. If you want high quality video for a big screen....you need to find something else.

Only two negatives. One, the menu it creates for a DVD could use a still from the video, but it does not...minor, but it is a nice feature most units come with... Two, record modes are 1 hr, 2 hr, 4 hr etc....no 3 hr option....this is disappointing.

Good Product. Good Price. Just remember it is DVD-R and DVD-RW only. I purchased DVD+RW by mistake.

I needed to replace an aging VHS, and was tired of crappy recordings. My TV is a Sony, with basic cable input [no cable box]. No HD.

The Toshiba hooked up simply, the same as the VHS. The manual was complete, and understandable. Recording is simple, and works well...the 6 hour mode comes out just fine, as good as any VHS.

I've recorded on DVD-R, and DVD-RW. No problems, save a cut off third show on a three show recording onto a DVD-R... I'm sure this can be overcome by switching to a 4 hour record mode. Said DVD-R was playable on my JVC DVD player.

Note that a DVD is a different animal than a VHS...you cannot re-record over a track, instead you have to go in and delete it. Titles can be given to multiple recordings on the same disc. Closed captions may not record.

This unit was described as "entry level". I sure wouldn't want one that was any more complicated...you can do many, many things with editing and recording...8 shows a month ahead of time. Those who were critical must have more complicated systems to satisfy, or need HD, or something.

I couldn't be more satisfied, esp. for the money !

I bought the Toshiba D-RW2 player /recorder the same day I bought another model of Toshiba player/recorder. I gave this one to my son to record Vsh tapes etc for his sons. They are more then pleased with this toshiba.