151 of 153 people found the following review helpful:
Fantastic - Failures
TIP: read the "original review", then SEE the update history at bottom
** 05/05/2010 UPDATE newly released firmware update to correct the E19 error
** 11/10/2009 UPDATE: "workaround" for the known "Finalize disc bug fix")
** 9/25/2009 UPDATE regarding my defective unit)
--------------------------- MY ORIGINAL REVIEW ---------------------------...
20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
Finalizing a disk is still not fixed!
I have 2 of these units. The first one works fine, so I bought another one. The current one was manufactured in May 2009. The software "glitch" mentioned above where you can not finalized a disk after recording to it still is not fixed. I spoke with a customer service rep today, they have not idea when or if this will be fixed. This is painful. To finalize a disk...
This review is from: MAGNAVOX H2160MW9 HDD and DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, Black (Electronics)
TIP: read the "original review", then SEE the update history at bottom
** 05/05/2010 UPDATE newly released firmware update to correct the E19 error
** 11/10/2009 UPDATE: "workaround" for the known "Finalize disc bug fix")
** 9/25/2009 UPDATE regarding my defective unit)
--------------------------- MY ORIGINAL REVIEW ---------------------------
The Magnavox H2160MW9 is is a mixed bag of fantastic abilities and a few disappointing failures rolled into one product. My 4-star rating is very generous, considering the negatives.
If you've invested time doing research on HDD recorders, then you know how limited the choices are. With further research, you'll find that the problems I'm having are not isolated incidents. Google the model number and you'll see.
FAILURES:
*** DVD player does not - will not play DVD discs: --> see the UPDATE 9/25/2009 <--
I tried 14 discs - 2 from Blockbuster, 2 from Netflix, 4 store bought, and 6 created on my computer.
Most discs are not recognized and will not load. Magnavox will say "no disc". Some will play up to 30 seconds. The record breaker for me - Star Trek Generations, played for 4 minutes before crashing.
*** If you plan on recording or dubbing to DVD disc, there is a known bug; the DVD recorder cannot FINALIZE a disc IF you have ANY upcoming recordings pending in your "LIST". (like a repeating Thursday favorite weekly program) The Magnavox will give you an "E19" error message. This is NOT a problem until you want to play the recorded disc on a different player, such as a computer or a DVD player at a friends house. This problem can be solved by deleting ALL of your pending upcoming recordings ... OR ... if FUNAI, the actual manufacturer of this product ever decides to create a firmware patch, which so far is not likely even though they are aware of the problems. (the older Magnavox models worked fine)
---> SEE the UPDATE 11/10/2009: an easy workaround fix <---
*** Only records one program at a time and NO, you cannot watch a DVD disc movie while it's already recording - even if it's recording in HDD mode (but you CAN WATCH an already recorded program in your saved "LIST" while Magnavox is recording the current aired program). NOTE: for maximum viewing flexibility: connect your ANTENNA CABLE to the INPUT jack of the Magnavox - then connect a 2nd CABLE from the OUTPUT jack of the Magnavox TO the TV INPUT. Now use the TV remote "SOURCE" button to switch between the Magnavox or your TV tuner. In a nutshell, this gives you the ability to use your TV and/or other devices connected to the TV (PS2, Wii, Blu-ray, etc) while the Magnavox is busy recording shows.
FANTASTIC:
*** This model does a flawless job of recording upcoming shows AND will even WARN a family member if they attempt to change the channel while a recording is in progress or upcoming within the next hour.
*** You too can now pause live TV! Imagine being able to go to the bathroom, answer the door, make a call, turn the oven down, all without missing one second of your favorite program.
*** Fire your cable or dish company! No more monthly bills if you're satisfied with your available off-air local channels - absolutely FREE by installing an off-air antenna. (that old antenna on the roof will actually work)
*** Who needs the DVD recorder? Even though it's able to record to a blank DVD disc, why bother when you have a built-in HDD! You'll agree after owning this machine for a while. However... and on the plus side, you can dub from HDD to DVD - to save a copy of a favorite HDD recording. (and send this disc to a friend if you can deal with the "finalize problem")
In summary, this Magnavox is a bit of a mess but there's a lot to like. I ordered a replacement and maybe that DVD player will actually work. The way I see it, I would keep this Magnavox just for its HDD recording ability - EVEN IF it had zero DVD functionality. I'd simply buy and connect an LG Blu-ray disc player. Blame it on China if you wish.
Good luck,
Jeff
---------------------------- UPDATE HISTORY -----------------------------------
~~> UPDATE 9/25/2009:
I'm happy to report that Walmart quickly sent me a 2nd replacement Magnavox which does play EVERY single DVD disc I've tried. (Amazon was out of stock)
I must mention that I'm a loyal Amazon fan, with over 250 orders in 12 months, but Walmart was also very gracious and made it easy to return my defective product (drop it off at any store, including online orders) PLUS they even refunded my $25 one-day shipping cost for the 1st unit! (they don't cross-ship; you buy a 2nd unit, wait for delivery, and return the 1st unit within 30 days)(same as Amazon policy)
~~> UPDATE 11/10/2009 BUG FIX!!! (finalize disc bug workaround) Thanks to Wajo from AVS Forum!!!
In order to finalize a disc WITHOUT deleting all of your upcoming program timers:
1) - Press the SOURCE button on the remote and choose "L3 (DV) input"
2) - Insert the disc, go to the "Disc Edit Menu" and choose FINALIZE.
------- Notes -------
*** It is NOT necessary to delete your upcoming timer programs with this workaround.
*** Do not finalize a disc IF you have an upcoming program to record within the next hour.
- OPTIONS: wait until later OR change/set the clock forward 1 or 2 hours but RISK losing an upcoming recording
*** You can also FORMAT and ERASE RW discs while on INPUT L3.
(tune to L3 BEFORE inserting the disc - it starts automatically)
*** You can DUB several recordings onto 1 disc - depending on the quality/size of recording.
*** Funai recommends using DVD+R or DVD+RW discs rather than DVD-R or DVD-RW
~~> UPDATE 5/5/2010 FIRMWARE UPDATE RELEASED!
Thanks to "ieee488" for discovering the recent firmware update information.
Funai Statement:
"For problems finalizing the disc while a timer recording is intact. (error code E19). This firmware update is for model number H2160MW9A only. If you attempt to upgrade another model or model number of Magnavox DVD recorder, the firmware disk will be ejected. **Please follow the instructions carefully. A failed update may result in voiding the manufacturers warranty."
---------------------------------
DIRECT DOWNLOAD "Instructions" file, READ before installing the firmware update:
- find this file link in my May 21, 2010 post (click "Comments" - bottom right)
DIRECT DOWNLOAD "Firmware" file:
- find this file link in my May 21, 2010 post (click "Comments" - bottom right)
(I had file hyperlinks here but Amazon removed them - they ARE in my post though)
ATTENTION --> I have NOT tested this firmware update. Proceed at your own risk!
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This review is from: MAGNAVOX H2160MW9 HDD and DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, Black (Electronics)
Pros:
+ Record 1 show to HDD and watch a recorded show or a DVD
+ Digital tuner gets most, if not all, channels available
+ Dubbing from HDD to DVD, vice versa, is easy to do
+ You can edit recordings (i.e. delete commercials) before you backup to a DVD
+ Pays for itself (no more renting DVR from cable/satellite)
Cons:
- Doesn't record in HD (only SD)
- Single tuner only (CANNOT record 2 shows at same time)
- annoying auto clock problem (set to manual to avoid this)
- No channel guide to help you set timers
I paid [...] for my unit and even though it is not a perfect device, you cannot beat what it does for the price. You will have to read the manual to get the most out of your unit.
Check out [....] for a great thread if you run into any issues with this DVR...though I doubt you will.
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This review is from: MAGNAVOX H2160MW9 HDD and DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, Black (Electronics)
Excellent unit. By far the best recorder of any type that I have ever owned. It's very intuitive and easy to use. It has all the inputs that I could have hoped for using my sophisticated system. You can watch a previously recorded program even while recording another. If you are recording digital TV without buying Cable TV (I'm using free antenna) this is the unit for you. My only complaint is that the remote control must be used almost directly in front of the unit (the angles far from center just don't work)and less than 16 feet distant. Well worth the money.
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This review is from: MAGNAVOX H2160MW9 HDD and DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, Black (Electronics)
The only game in town (for recording SD on HDD with no monthly fees) until recently was the Philips DVDR3576H DVD Recorder with 160GB Hard Disc and Built-In Tuner, a very good unit (see Amazon's listing for informative detailed reviews, including my own). The Philips has become hard to find and is now usually overpriced. This Magnavox is essentially the same unit, and is very well priced. Go for it!
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This review is from: MAGNAVOX H2160MW9 HDD and DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, Black (Electronics)
Bought this HDD-DVR on Tuesday and it worked right out of the box. It's fantastic and couldn't be easier to set up and use. You can also get the best of both worlds, if you set it up properly. Let me explain .....
It has a self-contained signal amplifier and splitter, so I connected its coax input direct to the incoming cable and its coax output to our cable box. The coax output from the cable box goes to the coax input for the TV and the RWY audio/video output from the cable box goes into the RWY audio/video input in the back of the HDD-DVR. This means that the HDD-DVR can accept the analog and digital signals direct from the incoming signal (giving me twice the channels that the cable box decodes) PLUS the decoded signals from the cable box. It also means that you can watch one channel while recording another. Brilliant !
Of course you have your choice of connections for the HDD-DVR signal to the TV. I recommend HDMI, but unfortunately this unit only comes with one set of RWY leads.
From early experience, I strongly recommend setting up the clock manually rather than accepting the auto setting (pulling the time from a PBS channel). I didn't the first day and the time signal must have been messed up overnight, because next morning the time read 12:08 PM on March 17, 2028 and all my programs had been wiped from the timer. Next day I set the clock manually and everything is working fine now.
I love this unit so much, that I'm tempted by buy another one. But first I have to convince my wife !
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This review is from: MAGNAVOX H2160MW9 HDD and DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, Black (Electronics)
I have 2 of these units. The first one works fine, so I bought another one. The current one was manufactured in May 2009. The software "glitch" mentioned above where you can not finalized a disk after recording to it still is not fixed. I spoke with a customer service rep today, they have not idea when or if this will be fixed. This is painful. To finalize a disk you have to delete all your timed recordings, finalize, then re-enter all your timed recordings. If you have more than a few- good luck. Otherwise- this is a great product when it works properly. You can have a tivo like experience with regular TV.
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This review is from: MAGNAVOX H2160MW9 HDD and DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, Black (Electronics)
The Magnavox H2160 is the only game in town. After having a DVR with DVD read/write as the storage mechanism (which recently gave up the ghost), it is so much better to have 160MB of HDD storage without having to mess with discs in and out. We use it to record programs that are not convenient for us to watch, then play them back - after which we usually just erase the program.
If we do want to save a program for posterity, we can easily dump it (oops, I mean dub it) onto a DVD+-R or +-RW. Works flawlessly.
Performance of the unit is very good - not HD of course, but still a good quality picture. Setting up recording time is straight forward and works well. Good flexibility in configuration with the built-in Tuner - I hook this up to cable box plus raw cable to be able to watch 1 show while recording another. The DVD player works very well with commercial DVDs. Some problems matching the Aspect Ratio to fit the screen on my TV, haven't yet figured out how to solve this.
A limitation is the User Guide - hard for the uninitiated user to get a feel for how to use the separate HDD and DVD features - the AVS Forum "thread" on this unit is a great resource to figure out how to use this unit's great capabilities:
[...]
No other maker has an HDD anywhere near the price, or without requiring a monthly fee for usage (e.g. TiVo). I'm giving this unit 5 stars in spite of limitations noted because there is no one else with a product that comes close to what this unit can do for the price.
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This review is from: MAGNAVOX H2160MW9 HDD and DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, Black (Electronics)
I was fed up with paying $97 a month for my basic cable so I did some research on the available DVR options, which is the only reason I stayed with cable. This one seemed to stand out above the rest in the price range because of the DVD recording, the digital tuner and the DVR functionality (pause, play, record, rewind, fast forward live TV).
There are two things to watch out for with this unit.
1. Finalizing a DVD requires a few extra steps (See the post by Jeff4U)
2. The Auto-clock feature will screw with your system (again, Jeff4U's comments has the fix)
While they do add to the complexity of the unit, they are able to be overcome.
I've read that a lot of people don't like that it only has one digital TV tuner. So you can't watch one program and record another. With my setup I have an outdoor digital antenna that I patched into my existing cable coax, so I didn't have to run any new cable. Then I split the video signal before the TV so I have one line going to my TV and one to my Magnavox 2160. Since the Magnavox is using an HDMI cable and my broadcast is using a coax, I just switch between the two inputs and can record on one station while watching another. Or, with my Roku box (which, by the way, RULES!) I can watch a movie while recording something else.
I know that not everyone will know how to crimp on new coax ends or maybe maximize the signal quality but again, a little research can help with that. I think this unit is worth while. You may have a little fiddling-around to do but you can make it work for you. I'm now saving over $80 a month and in three or four months, this unit will start paying for itself.
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This review is from: MAGNAVOX H2160MW9 HDD and DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, Black (Electronics)
This is a great unit. No media is necessary. Just record to the hard drive or dvds. Pause, rewind and fast forward past commercials during live TV. I have an antenna and the tuner picks up all channels near me. My only concern is how long will it operate problem free? Hopefully a long time. It is cheaper at [...]. where I bought mine.
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This review is from: MAGNAVOX H2160MW9 HDD and DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, Black (Electronics)
I have basic analog/digital cable, an analog TV and my 1994 VCR died.
I need to record TV shows, but where to get an analog VCR? What if my analog TV dies and I have to get a digital TV?. Should I buy an $180 digital/analog VCR/DVD player and assume VCR tapes will be sold 4 years from now? I refuse to pay an extra $20/month for a digital recorder box from the Cable Monopoly. This recorder will record at least 20 hours of high quality picture on a hard drive and it has digital and analog tuners so when my TV dies, I can swith to basic digital cable and a digital TV. You need red/white/yellow inputs for your TV at least, but it allows RGB or HDMI inputs too. I don't burn DVDs, but I use it to watch DVDs. Old VCR plus an old DVD player = $150 in the past. New HDD/DVD = $240.But I think it is worth it. Just be sure to turn OFF the auto time feature!
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