Lite-On AllWrite LVW-5005 DVD/CD Recorder

Rating:
Summary: Wise Investment for $149.99!
Review: I bought my LVW5005 during 2004 Thanksgiving Sale, just finished exploring its features since Late Dec. I am still amazed how easy it is to operate & set Timer to record my favorite TV shows.

I called the tech support line once, and was connected with a live support in 30 seconds. The support line is listed wrong, should be 1-888-854-8366 (8liteon) NOT (4liteone)

Being a risk taker, I used Memorex DVD+RW & No Brand DVD+R that were not on the recommanded list and they worked just fine. And I also use cheap CD-R/RW to record hour long TV show with no problem. Finalized DVDRs play perfectly!

However, a finished DVD+RW is NOT ALWAYS recognized by other DVD players. (DVD+RW need not be finalized) And the VCD is also not recognized other than the LVW5005.

This model supports both PAL & NTSC, but unfortunately, most PAL is Region 6 and is not supported by this Region 1 only player.

Currently, I have it hooked up to a VCR, a JVC DVD player and a home theater system.

Overall, I am very pleased with this DVD recorder,it does much more than I expected. I cant wait to transfer all my VHS to DVDs for more shelf space.


Rating:
Summary: Astonishingly great value
Review: I can't recall the last time I was this delighted with a consumer electronic product! This DVD recorder has it all: record to any format (including audio CDs, video CDs, SVCD, and all flavors of DVD (+-R and +-RW)), optical digital sound out, component video out, progressive video. But the delight really kicks in when examining what else is here that isn't obvious from just looking at the box: a beautifully laid-out remote control, terrifically simple and thoughtful software ("EasyGuider") run via straightforward buttons on the remote, a very nice setup menu, and even upgradable firmware should that ever be needed. The EasyGuider software makes it easy to copy vinyl records to CD, or TV programs to DVD or CD, with audio cuts or video chapters, with step-by-step visual instructions, with the "live" picture always shown on the side. Very cool, very friendly. Of course, the factor that pushes the LVW-5005 into the category of "astonishing" is the very low price for this kind of capability.

Rating:
Summary: More than I hoped...
Review: I had been holding off on purchasing DVD recorders because of either high prices or poor reviews. I took a chance on this model, because of good reviews on the internet, it being at the right price point, and the fact that I filled up my PVR. It has exceeded my expectations. The recording quality at SP (two hours) is virtually indistinguishable from the PVR recordings from my dish. Four hour LP mode still exceeds a mid quality VCR, with no annoying flicker or color bleeding. The burner worked first time, every time. The controls, even timed record, are intuitive and simple, with an excellent system menu that makes all the features easily accessible. Pop in a disc - it is immediately recognized and formatted if necessary. You can easily set the time for chapter marks and append new material.
Amazingly, the burner accepts every type of media - DVD + or - R and RW, as well as CD-R and CD-RW, although I have not tried making a CD-V or audio CD. The instruction manual is well done and easily readable.
This is one of the best engineered pieces of hardware I have come across in years. Works better than any VCR I have ever owned. Basically, you just hit the record button and get a great recording. I have not used it yet for transferring and editing home videos, but if you just want to record from your cable or dish, this unit can't be beat.

Rating:
Summary: Love this Machine
Review: I have had my LiteOn for almost two months also and I love it. Make sure to check the LiteOn website from time to time for firmware updates. They are easy to install. I have already done one update so far. I have used both disk formats (+/-) and they work great.

Rating:
Summary: FICKLE MACHINE
Review: I Have had the 5005 for only ONE month and it is NOT working . In fact I dont hink the unit EVER worked correctly (and I have followed the instructions carefully). First, let me state, I bought this unit beccause it records in ALL WRITE media formats--that is, I can record to DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD -RW or +RW and it PLAYS all those formats and more. But be WARNED--even if the unit WAS working --it only accepts CERTAIN forms of Media (blank discs) and the LIST of media it WILL accept is VERY limited in the DVD-R format. (it can use RICHOH, IMATION> It CANNOT use Memorex, or MAXELL or even TDK DVD-R (it can use the TDK DVD +R) so finding Blank discs is a bit of a problem. NOW on to the Machine FLAWS: For some reason the machine is recording SOUND OUT OF SYNCH to the VIDEO. I have tried everything to correct this, changing RCA cables, using different recording media, nothing works. Also--it is a problem with the TUNER?HARDDRIVE itself, because when i just WATCH TV thru the Unit--the SOUND is slighty OFF to the VIDEO (DELAYED). well thta makes it USELESS to record on. ALl my recordings would be OUT of SYNCH. But that isnt the ONLY problem . When PAUSING during a RECORDING BEWARE--it will probably cause your DISCS to FAIL when finalizing. I have found a FAIL rate of about 25% when you PAUSE a recording. THAT IS BAD. It is also FICKLE about what BLANKS it will record on. It seems to like the EXPENSIVE TDK+R media (fail rate of about 20%, still NOT good!!) but it really HATES cheap DVD blanks (fail rate of about 50%!!!). SO--i called CUSTOMER SERVICE, they emailed me a lengthy FORM to fill out about getting the unit replaced or repaired. I have emailed it back to them and am awaiting instructions. I have spent well over $100.00 on BLANK media so far and HALF of it is wasted and ther other half has SOUND SYNCH problems . I may have only 20 GOOD discs recorded out of 100. I do not know if thisa is JUST MY UNIT, or in general,m the machine is not up to par. Cna anyone reccomend a DECENT DVD recorder for under $400.00? email me. ALso the instruction maunal isnt the greatest. I figured out HOW to do things by TRIAL AND ERROR, it is NOT that difficult a machien to use once you get used to it. It also looks fairly nice. its not too heavy. No annoying "fan noise" like in the RCA 8000. No annoying DVDRAM problems like Panasonic. And it accepts and records (if you can FIND the right blanks) in ANY format. I just wish my unit WORKED!! [e-mail]

Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your money or time on this one
Review: I just had my third LVW 5005 fail. The LVW works great for anywhere from 1 to 5 weeks. Then it gradually turns into a piece of junk. I have only used Lite-on recommended media (RitekG04). But sooner or later the recorder will stop reading disks that it burns. You may record something by setting the timer, after it's done recording the unit turns off. When you turn it back on the unit can't read the disk it just burned. This failure starts out randomly, but quickly gets to a 100% failure rate. Eventually it won't even recognise blank disks. Tech Support is stumped as to what causes this. So they tell me to send it in and they send me a new one. But they have eached failed also. All in the same way. I can't believe that I had the only three units made that fail this way. The LVW 5005 has turned out to be a very expensive lesson in not buying Lite-on products.

Rating:
Summary: Versatility and Value combined!
Review: I love this unit! So far, it has worked flawlessly. I have had this unit for almost 2 months. Unlike the previous reviewer, I have had no trouble recording and finalizing on Maxell DVD-R, Fuji DVD-R, Memorex DVD+RW (no finalizing required for DVD+RW). You should note that the manual is not well written, and whoever wrote it is obviously not a native English speaker - it is annoying. However, the user interface is easy enough to understand so you probably don't need to refer to the manual often. There is a section in the manual about formatting new disks, however if you have the latest firmware, there is no need to fomat disks. Once you insert a new disks, the unit automatically formats it if necessary. The firmware can be upgraded by going on to their website and loading it onto a DVD (using your computer's DVDRW drive) and popping it into the Liteon LVW5005. This is very convenient. However, the website is not intuitive and again, the English is not well written. I have used the DV port to record from my digital camcorder and the quality is perfect (Standard Mode)! I wouldn't go lower than standard mode if you want DVD quality. The 4hr mode looks like something recorded on a regular VCR. There is also VCD and S-VCD recording using a CD-R media. S-VCD is as clear as the DVD standard mode. VCD quality is on the blurry side. Recording from TV is just like using a VCR! Select the TV input source, channel, and hit the record button. The timer is easy to use and has worked well so far. All these features with an attractive price tag - Highly Recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Don't buy this thing
Review: I purchased this DVD recorder in July when my old VCR finally died and after reading good reviews in a electronics magazine. I bought it from an online retailer. The first one I received did not work AT ALL. After spending time on the phone with the technical support folks, they told me to ship it back and take advantage of the 30 day warranty. Major hassle but I had to do it. I received the second one in August and it worked great...until November when suddenly it would not do anything except ask me to insert a CD and give me an error message. Of course it is no longer possible to get a replacement from the retailer, so now I have to deal with the manufacturer. I spoke with a very nice guy in their technical support area who told me that they would send me a CD with some software that might correct the problem. Two days later I got an email from them telling me to send them my remote and a prepaid envelope big enough to mail a CD in it. So, basically, they won't even send me a lousy CD and plastic remote without me paying for it. For crying out loud - I just got my 200th unsolicited CD from AOL yesterday - how much more is this piece of junk going to cost me? Anyway - stay away from this thing.

Rating:
Summary: looks good so far
Review: I recorded only 1 hour of video on a DVD+RW. It functioned pretty good without problems. I played the DVD on another player and was impressed with the quality of the picture. I think VCRs are over. There was one glitch though during initial setup. It wasn't clear to me which jacks and which RF channel that the video signal was coming from: S-video, composite, component, or RF? Without a screen I couldn't see any menus to setup the system. By trial and error I found that composite output worked and it was a breeze after that. I bought a second one that I will give as a gift. I choose this model based on reviews I found on internet. There are a lot of DVD TV recorders. However only two brands supported PAL and NTCS. Philips models got poor reviews, which narrowed my choice to LVW-5005

Rating:
Summary: Great IF IT WORKED
Review: I've now recieved 3 different 5005's from Amazon. Each one has had a defect. Unit 1 was unable to record to ANY disk, even the one included with the unit. Unit 2 would not record to DVD-RW disks, again, not even the one included with the unit. I also bought several on their "apprved" disk list. No go. Unit 3 seemed to work perfectly! Now I see that the TV tuner does not work (I hadn't set it up before as I am not really using it to record off air)! Each time, Lite-on Tech support was great - "Just return it to the store where you bought it". Thanks alot. I don't see how I can get 3 bad units, unless thier quality control is non existant. Too bad, as this is the only unit I've found that has all the specs I require: all format recordng including audio formats. Avoid this unit if you can, otherwse buy locally so you exchange more easily. When it works though, it does what it's supposed to do.