811 Timers and DVD Recorders - Help!

[barryp]

I would like to purchase a DVD recorder to use with my 811. Is it possible to use the 811's timers (set from the programming quide) and IR blaster to control a DVD recorder? In other words, is there a DVD recorder on the market that is supported with the 811 codes?

I was looking at the Panasonic ES10 but it seems that I will have to program it AND the 811 to record...bummer.

Another question about the ES10. Does it play commercial DVD movies in progressive scan? It seems from a CNET compare that it does NOT play "DVD".

Thanks for any help,

Barry

[Jason Nipp]

Yes the 811 can be controlled via IR. There are many that have done this. But please note if you mapped any ota to the 2-99 channel range some devices cannot enter a 0 prefix. i.e. channel 13.1 = direct key entry 0131.

[barryp]

Actually, I'm looking to control a DVD recorder with the 811, not the reverse as you have stated. I'm looking for a recorder that can be set to "record", then set to "stop" based on the 811 timers like it does with my VCR.

Are you saying that I can use a DVD recorder to control the tuning of the 811? If that is the case, I suppose I am unable to use an EPG to find and record a program. That is, I'm forced to find a program manually, and set the time manually on the recorder (like the ancient days)???

[olgeezer]

Might check area stores for a Sony RDRHX715. Ask them to check the owners manual to see if its cable box control is compatable with a Dish 811. I checked it does have 2 remote codes for DishPro receivers. 160GB HD, DVD +/- R/RW TV Guide PLus and last and most important HMDI upconvert

[chrisk]

You might try reading this thread -> http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=47978

At the risk of sounding flip, did you bother to read this forum before posting? The link above is just a few posts from the top and the title is "DVD recording on 811".

[c_caz]

I've been using my 811 connected to a Pioneer 520 for around a year to do what you are asking. The 811 see's it as a vcr and will start and stop it with the timers you set on it. Works fairly well, the only real issue is that you it only controls the stop and record on the DVDR so testing codes sucks.

[barryp]

Thanks for the reply to my post about the 811 and ES-10 c_caz. I will look into the Pioneer models.

I got an Panasonic DMR ES-20 last night, figuring I would just program both the 811 and DVDR when I wanted to record - back to the 1980s. I am very dissappointed with the ES-20's 480p output to my Sony KP-53HS10 (4x3 HDTV). My Toshiba 480i DVD player looks much better. BTW, I'm using the component output with both DVD players. With the 480i (Toshiba) input to the Sony I can set it to 16x9 mode and the Sony DRC circuitry compresses the signal, creating a very clear image - this is the way I have viewed DVDs for the past 3 years. If I do this with the ES-10 (set to 4x3 or 16x9 480p) I get a red and a blue line across the bottom of the picture. I would appear that the DRC only works with interlaced signals. At any rate, the progressive scan picture (Sony set to 4x3) is very soft and washed out compared to interlaced.

Does anyone have any experience with Sony sets and this issue?

Thanks

[Ron Barry]

First of :welcome_s barryp

Something is not right here... Couple of things to look for.

Well what I would suggest first barry is get your hands on a DVD calibration Disk and do a quick calibration of your component input. Secondly, I would play with your panasonic DVD settings to make sure you progressive scanning is turned on and that you have the correct settings for your configuration.

How does the svideo from your Pana look?

My guess is that you might have something in your settings not adjusted right. You should get a better picture going with 480p out progressive than with 480i. If your picture is soft, I would suspect your TV settings are not optimum. WHat picture mode are you watching on Pro, Vivid, etc?

Since this is moving towards a more general topic I am going to move the thread into a more general area for more visability to your question. I assume your 811 questions have been answered.

[barryp]

Thanks for the response.

I have the calibration disk but the Toshiba 480i output looks great on the 53hs10 - input 5. I am actually swapping between the two decks, my 480i Toshiba and the 480p Panasonic. That is, I am simply swapping the component video and the optical audio cables between the two decks. The Sony sees that it is receiving 480p with the Panasonic and 480i with the Toshiba.

I have not tried s-video with the Panasonic. I can give it a try.

I have the HS10 set to "movie". Am I correct in my understanding that the HS10 only uses the DRC when I select 16x9 and input 5? Should I be able to use this feature with 480p as I have been doing for years in 480i? As I mentioned before the Panasonic is definately set to 480p (I have tried 4x3 and 16x9) but i get the lines at the lower portion of the picture when the HS10 is set to 16x9.

I was watching Skeleton Key (new DVD release) last night which didn't look very good so I started swapping back to my Toshiba deck. It looked very good as usual. I am going to play with some other movies today like Gladiator. I am a bit rusty on the DVD technology. I believe the "anamorphic" DVD encoding is where the HS10 compresses in 16x9 mode. I will see if there is any difference between that and Skeleton Key.