Looks like Lite-On has come along with a set top box that takes the worry out of which device to chose. The device can handle all "dash" and "plus" varieties of DVD discs - write once DVD-R and DVD+R, and rewritable DVD-RW and DVD+RW - plus CD-R/RW discs, too. We posted as press release the other day with the complete specs, but now we have a bit more information and picture, though not a very good one. Also, the reporter apparently had the use of the LVW-5045 for a while and makes some comments about it.
| EASY AS PIE: Despite its uncommon versatility, the Lite-On is easy to use. For starters, it automatically recognizes the type of blank disc you've placed in its drawer and, in a few seconds, automatically configures the disc for recording. And yes, you can even record video onto a CD-R/RW blank, though it will be encoded in the lower-resolution MPEG-1 (aka CD-V) format. With jewel-cased write-once DVDs now selling for about a buck and re-writables priced at $2, why cut corners? Tapping a button called "Easy Guider" brings up a menu system that walks you through the process of recording - onto a disc, onto the 160 GB hard drive, or to dub from one drive to the other. The Easy Guider menu system also offers a visual display of all the shows recorded on a disc, defined with a still image from each program and, if you've entered text, a title. Highlight the picture, press play and the program starts. SIGHTS AND SOUNDS: When connected to an analog cable line, the Lite-On's built-in tuner produced a noisy (but viewable) picture from about half the unscrambled basic channels on my system, and a decent picture from the other channels. Much better results were achieved recording from my DirecTV/TiVo combi box, connected |
According to the article, we can find one of these online for around $375 US. They list for $450. The article goes on to say that we can expect to see a Sony RDR-HX715 in September with a retail price of about $700. The Sony will feature a TV Guide On Screen, HDMI output, advanced picture noise reduction system and a "very cool", fast playback with sound feature.
Source: Fort Wayne.om
