Akai DVDRW120 Progressive-Scan DVD Player/Recorder
By: Akai Average Rating: 3.5 Total Reviews: 38
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 On: 2007-06-25
I have had this DVD recorder for more than 3 years now, its an excellent product. I makde dvds from my Hi-8 Camcorder.
I am pleased with this product.
 On: 2006-05-21
This is the first dvd recorder I ever purchased. I checked around for the machine requirement I woul like to have (region free, play and record dvd+r and easy to install and operate) this was the one I was recommended. I following the directions and got it to work and play fine the next day. I recorded tv programs with a dvd+rw, no problem, also I finalized the dvd+R. I transferred vhs to dvd+R , very easy. But when I tried to play the dvd+R and the dvd+rw, it would not play on my other two dvd players ( keep saying, check disk), I call the company and they told me that if I finalized the disk, it should not be a problem. The solution was to copy the movie or program on Akai, go to my computer PC (all my other dvd+r were burned on this pc) burned it again as region 1. This way I could see the movie using all my dvd players. The dvd-rw I copy with AKAI only played on the AKAI. Too much work. I sent it back. I recommended for the easy set-up, the picture quality was great and if you only going to play the dvd+R and DVD+RW recorded on this machine. Otherwise, think about it.
 On: 2006-02-27
My recorder was delivered three days ago. I was very nervous, anticipated the worst based on the reviews. However I have been completely delighted with the machine. For starters, the system navigation is pretty straight forward. I was doing a test recording literally 10 minutes after taking the recorder out of the box. It worked no problem (Memorex 4x DVD+RW). Over the weekend I have tried every feature and I have experimented with various hook up configurations. Every thing works great! Regarding image quality: on EP (4 hour recording time) the image is still considerably better than VHS. With prerecorded discs using the component video cables, the color is vibrant and full and the overall effect is very much like watching film (I have a tube HD TV).
My only complaints include that response time (eg time from when you put the disk in and execute some command) is a little slow, and it doest allow the cable signal to pass through when the unit is off.
So for the price ($145 - unit, shipping and a 3 year warranty) I am happy.
On: 2005-11-04
I have had mine for a little less then a year. The recorded picture quality is very good both on EP and SP. Like the previous reviewer, I also am having problems with the drive not opening and closing. When I do manage to get it open, it will not read the DVD unless I open and shut it a few times. This must be a defect in this model. Buyer beware.
On: 2005-09-18
Hi, bought mine a year ago.... now, the tray wont come out. Grrr.... anyone know what LiteOn DVD+-R/W model would work as a replacement? (I could work with the front bezel off... he he he, but thats not good) The PC dvd recorders here are just cheap anyway.
The unit itself is solid... I even can record blindly (without a TV) he he he... a larger than normal oversample space though. Big, like 10-15% I think.
On: 2005-06-01
I thought it would play any DVD from anywhere in the world because of the Pal/Secam right? No. Thats only the TV you can play your DVDs on. So yeah, you could travel with it, just bring your DVDs with you, because thats all thats gonna play on them. Major bummer.
 On: 2005-04-02
lets start with the positives.Price, easy to use on screen menu, good quality recordings.
pal and ntsc playback is a feature that i use but have not found on any other dvd at this price. The bad news was that it stopped working 4 weeks after i bought it. the disc would keep spinning while the machine kept displaying "load disc". sent it in for repair. I paid for the shipping. (only has a 90 day warranty, not 1 year). works fine now (most of the time) but also will not finalize some discs after spending 2 hours recording which is very fustrating because if you cannot finalise you cannot play the disc on any dvd player.
On: 2005-01-16
I have this Akai DVDRW120. I bought it because of the Secret Menu. I have used it for about a month and it has worked flawlessly. The copies it makes are like the origonals. I searched for another on the entire Internet. I bought the last one from Amazon. I am hopeful that it will work as well as the one I have.
The menus are easy, the formatting easier. It looks good and works great. I may have the last "new" unit in existance because I searched high and low including ebay, where I got my first unit.
I will write more when I receive my 2nd unit from Amazon.
On: 2004-11-20
I bought the Gateway AR230 so I could archive a closetful of old Beta (yes, Beta!) and VHS tapes I recorded over the years. I basically record using the 6-hour option which means I can copy 3 VHS tapes onto a singel DVD. Works pretty well and is a piece of cake to use except occasionally the AR230 gets confused and refuses to copy a tape - it thinks a tape is copy protected when it isnt. I called Gateway and they werent able to help. Maybe theres a hack out there thatll let me do that (I did find out that you can bypass the region code via a secret menu). For the price its an OK bit of kit.
 On: 2004-10-20
This unit records great until it finalizes the disk, at this point you can get really bad artificks and blocking with dvd stopping and hard to read.
I find from the menu it is a Liteon clone for parts, so dont waste your money on this unit.
On: 2004-09-28
I am still uncertain about this Recorder. The unit is the least expensive I found and it looks good. Does it work? ... well, sometimes ...
I couldnt use any of the 5 Memorex DVD+R I bought initially.
Based on recommendation here, I then bought a 50 pack Fuji DVD+R disks. I transfered 5, 6 VHS tapes to them, the unit worked wonderfully. Then it stopped working. This past week, I tried about 10 blank disks, the unit either could not read it, could not format it, or had a write failure after a few minutes.
I am going to try different brands of media next week. I do hate to throw good money after bad though ....
On: 2004-09-27
I am still uncertain about this Recorder. The unit is the least expensive I found and it looks good. Does it work? ... well, sometimes ...
I couldnt use any of the 5 Memorex DVD+R I bought initially.
Based on recommendation here, I then bought a 50 pack Fuji DVD+R disks. I transfered 5, 6 VHS tapes to them, the unit worked wonderfully. Then it stopped working. This past week, I tried about 10 blank disks, the unit either could not read it, could not format it, or had a write failure after a few minutes.
I am going to try different brands of media next week. I do hate to throw good money after bad though ....
On: 2004-09-22
Easy setup. Crystal clear playback with Pre-Recorded DVDS. Will not re-create HDTV broadcasts from cable - that is not to say you cannot copy them, they will simply play back in standard digital quality. Is that so bad? So far, I havent heard of any DVD Recorder capable of HDTV playback.
Heres The Beauty part: Thanks to John S in Toronto (Check out his review) You can utilize a secret menu to kill the Macrovision Copy Guard on all your Pre-Recorded VHSs and copy them to DVD...In the same clear quality. I dont think the Mainstream Name Brand Copiers can do that.
I have recorded many broadcasts and VCR copies on DVD+R and DVD+RW and passed them around to friends with different brand DVD players. They all played back beautifully.
Thank you Akai. Again I say: I hope it lasts.
On: 2004-09-21
I bought this unit from Amazon for $189.99 when it was on sale for couple of days for Labour day, It is a nice product so far here are the pros and Cons
Pros:
1. Good price $189 {better than buying a PC and Capture cards to Capture Video and Burning VCDs or DVDs}.
2. Nice Recording image Quality (Even at EP mode 4hrs) (SP recommended for better image quality)
3. Good build of the machine, feels solid, Small Fan included for extended periods of use, this unit remains cool inspite of running 16+ hours of continuous use.
4. Nice array of inputs and outputs, Firewire is an added bonus
5. Remote control is well laid out, Easy Guide menus provided for people with less knowledge to Burn DVDs.
6. AC 110/240v capable works everywhere in the world, PAL /NTSC capable.
7. DVD Component Output is great (Must have HDTV Capable TV), SVideo and RCA outputs also available for Non HDTVs
8. Progressive Scan Output is also available.
9. Accepts virtually any cheap DVD+R media, and DVD+RW media, tried with Cheap GQ DVD+R and Memorex DVD+RW works great.
10. Plays commercial DVDs okay, But do not expect it to play all badly scratched Rental DVDs, Plays cheap VCD 2.0 (PBC ON/OFF), 1.1 and 1.0 Flawlessly
UPDATE !! -- Converts and plays cheap PAL VCD/SVCD to NTSC TV output easily and displays on NTSC HDTV capable TV without change in Aspect Ratios or color mangling.
Cons:
1. It is very basic DVD recorder, No fancy Editing is possible, Even the Title name does not go beyond 8 characters!!!
2. Does not play WMA media. No ID tag display for MP3s, No menu structure for MP3 playback selection like Panasonics DVD players.
3. JPEG image viewing produces little darker pictures no aspect ratio is maintained if the image size is small (It streches picture to fit the screen)
4. Included TV tuner induces noise on TV channels when connected to CableTV on certain channels when the unit is on, I had to connect the unit seperately rather than the pass thru option to avoid this interference, Looks that the powersupply in this unit is producing noise which interferes with TV tuner.
5. As most of the reviewers on this site have observed, the unit takes sweet time to obey commands, do not expect it to be fast when you press buttons, It does its job, But you will have to be patient.. and wait..
6. Limited editing capablities once recording is done, the only option is to delete and or edit the title name and or finialize the VR to DVD video.
7. Do not attempt to fill the disk to the brim, It will surely confuse the player, It might hang on you if you do not enable chapter markings, If you enable Chapters (5-15 mins) it does not hang but the last chapter is lost, Remember, After the DVD recorder fills the DVD, It must have atleast some space left to write the Index mark, Lead-in Lead-out, hence plan ahead to avoid Coasters.
For the price, I would say it is good product, It is too early to comment on the reliability of the unit, However, the unit looks well built, Hope it lasts long. I do recommend it for people who looks for cheap and decent unit.
On: 2004-09-20
I bought this unit from Amazon for $189.99 when it was on sale for couple of days for Labour day, It is a nice product so far here are the pros and Cons
Pros:
1. Good price $189 {better than buying a PC and Capture cards to Capture Video and Burning VCDs or DVDs}.
2. Nice Recording image Quality (Even at EP mode 4hrs) (SP recommended for better image quality)
3. Good build of the machine, feels solid, Small Fan included for extended periods of use, this unit remains cool inspite of running 16+ hours of continuous use.
4. Nice array of inputs and outputs, Firewire is an added bonus
5. Remote control is well laid out, Easy Guide menus provided for people with less knowledge to Burn DVDs.
6. AC 110/240v capable works everywhere in the world, PAL /NTSC capable.
7. DVD Component Output is great (Must have HDTV Capable TV), SVideo and RCA outputs also available for Non HDTVs
8. Progressive Scan Output is also available.
9. Accepts virtually any cheap DVD+R media, and DVD+RW media, tried with Cheap GQ DVD+R and Memorex DVD+RW works great.
10. Plays commercial DVDs okay, But do not expect it to play all badly scratched Rental DVDs, Plays cheap VCD 2.0 (PBC ON/OFF), 1.1 and 1.0 Flawlessly
UPDATE !! -- Converts and plays cheap PAL VCD/SVCD to NTSC TV output easily and displays on NTSC HDTV capable TV without change in Aspect Ratios or color mangling.
Cons:
1. It is very basic DVD recorder, No fancy Editing is possible, Even the Title name does not go beyond 8 characters!!!
2. Does not play WMA media. No ID tag display for MP3s, No menu structure for MP3 playback selection like Panasonics DVD players.
3. JPEG image viewing produces little darker pictures no aspect ratio is maintained if the image size is small (It streches picture to fit the screen)
4. Included TV tuner induces noise on TV channels when connected to CableTV on certain channels when the unit is on, I had to connect the unit seperately rather than the pass thru option to avoid this interference, Looks that the powersupply in this unit is producing noise which interferes with TV tuner.
5. As most of the reviewers on this site have observed, the unit takes sweet time to obey commands, do not expect it to be fast when you press buttons, It does its job, But you will have to be patient.. and wait..
6. Limited editing capablities once recording is done, the only option is to delete and or edit the title name and or finialize the VR to DVD video.
7. Do not attempt to fill the disk to the brim, It will surely confuse the player, It might hang on you if you do not enable chapter markings, If you enable Chapters (5-15 mins) it does not hang but the last chapter is lost, Remember, After the DVD recorder fills the DVD, It must have atleast some space left to write the Index mark, Lead-in Lead-out, hence plan ahead to avoid Coasters.
For the price, I would say it is good product, It is too early to comment on the reliability of the unit, However, the unit looks well built, Hope it lasts long. I do recommend it for people who looks for cheap and decent unit.
On: 2004-09-15
I had this DVD recorder for two weeks. Initially it worked fine but later it started having trouble playing any DVD. The DVDs would get stuck frequently while playing (the DVD play fine in the Sony DVD player). So maybe a problem with this unit but I just returned it. Will buy a Sony DVD recorder once they are little cheaper.
On: 2004-08-31
Read an earler review stating that this unit isnt compatible with DishNetwork and/or DirectTV.Of course I bought the unit before reading that review and have had some interference on my TV picture-(wavy lines) ever since I hooked it up to my DishNtwork system.It records some TV shows fine-without the interference-but now the interference seems to be getting worse and showing up on the recordings.Wondering if the unit is defective or that it isnt compatible with DishNetwork-so would like to know if anyone else has had similar troubles.
Otherwise,have made several copies of VHS tapes that came out very well,with only a couple of problems.One of getting half way thru making a copy (twice) recorded on LP speed that would stop recording and ruin the disc as a reading of Fail would show up when I tried to replay the disc.
On: 2004-08-13
Not a good, easy to use, reliable and quality product (Yes still has a good price, but for me it doesnt worth it, I pay a little more to get a keeper not something for 2 weeks of Olympics). Look elsewhere since there is a good bunch of new and better DVD-recorders out there.
On: 2004-08-12
Not a good, easy to use, reliable and quality product (Yes still has a good price, but for me it doesnt worth it, I pay a little more to get a keeper not something for 2 weeks of Olympics). Look elsewhere since there is a good bunch of new and better DVD-recorders out there.
On: 2004-08-11
I have not had any of the problems other reviewers have written about. My Akai unit works as good as my Panasonic DVD Recorder and my Emerson DVD Recorder, both Wal-Mart specials. And the Akai unit cost less. I am impressed with the Akai unit to the point where I will order two more units to be used as gifts at Christmas time.
On: 2004-08-07
I am waiting for a replacement from Amazon. The first one I received had a problem with the DVD drive mechanism. It would not even recognize a commercial DVD disk which played on all my different brand of cheap players.Made a horrible grinding noise and sped up and slowed down like it was trying to find the disk. But that aside, this is a good machine. The set up was easy. Be aware that in order to use the "S" video output , you must first hook it up to the RCA video output to get a menu on the TV screen, so that you can then tell it to use the "S" video output. After that is done, the "S" video output works fine. Oh, and by the way, the secret menu for macrovision and region free is on this machine manufactured in February 2004. And it has a fan in back.
Amazon is 2 day shipping me a replacement unit and has provided a free shipping UPS return label. I think this is good service from Amazon. Better than other on line stores where you are stuck with the return shipping. I also like Amazons 30 day return policy. When you are buying electronics, you need this flexibility.
Update 13 August 2004:
Amazon sent the replacement unit in on time. This one works and all functions appear to be normal. Picture is great even in extended play (4 hour) mode. I am using Ritek 2.4 x and 4.0 x DVD+R disks. Also Ritek DVD +RW disks. This recorder recognizes them with no problem. Able to access secret menu and record commercial VHS tapes with no picture scrambling. Note that every time you insert a new disk, the player automatically formats them. You do need to finalize DVD+R disks to play in other players. You do not have to finalize DVD +RW disks. This appears to be a LITEON clone. The volume label under Windows Explorer displays LITEON. Will see how long this player lasts.
On: 2004-08-04
First, this is a pretty good machine. Yes, it hangs up (3/20 disks) on +R media not only if you record to the end (rca inputs) but also if you accidentally push 2 buttons. It acts like a PC peripheral rather than a consumer electronic machine. But this is no VCR. Optical drives do take more time to respond. One has to adjust. Ive recorded about 20 8mm tapes (on TDK +R, 4x)and was able to record on my first night and several TV shows. Pretty straight forward with no bells or whistles but then again its only $200. One point: if you have a lot of action on tape you will have to decide whether to use internal digitizer or use the DV input (Digital 8 camera). I found the Akai internal A/D slightly better, but not perfect. Some quantizing can be seen in my sons little leaque scenes. If you have a lot of action on analog tapes, I recommended you check the A/D characteristics of the available recorders. I havent found the spec of the Akai so Im guessing it is buried with other brands also. The only other way way to go is to buy a video capture card and do it on your PC. At least everything is speced out in PC land. My 8mm tapes were getting old so it was time to go digital. This machine is great for the novice and us cheapos. Dont get frustrated if you throw away a few disks, media is cheap now. Just think of it like burning CDs.
Update: Does not record the date from my Canon Elura 70 via DV cable. Huge bummer, reduce rating to 4 stars!!!
Update2: Almost all recorders do not record date stamp from digital camcorders via Firewire. This is a big issue that manufacturers have missed. Rumor has it only Phillips 75 can do it.
On: 2004-07-26
I have owned this Recorder for three weeks now.(Lets update that to seven weeks) Had some problems at first. Still have one major one. It records DVD+RWs just fine, but when one inserts a DVD+R it will format it and come back and say "Invalid Disc" and one can go no futher with that Disc. Have tryed Memorex 4X+R and Kypermedia 1x-2.4x-R (write speed) neither work. Memorex 4X+RW works but Imation 4x+RW has been trouble free. Have only recorded from Dish Network, I have a High -Def receiver hooked to it. It will"NOT" record in High Def. Mode but does great in Std. Def. 480i mode.
If one trys to use a DVD+RW Disc that has been writen to or formatted on a computer it would not work with my unit (but then the manual said it may not).
Found the error of my ways, my fault not the units! My unit will use Imation, Memorex, or Kypermedia DVD+R as long as I use "EASY GUIDER" mode. However if I wish to use the "Record button" on remote or the "TIMER" mode then I use DVD+RW, no problem using this work arround.
I have since the original review converted a VHS (Movie) to DVD+R and it looks and sounds as good as the original (hidden code turned on). I had thoughts or returning this unit after a couple of weeks, but now Im glad I didnt. I am uping my rating from three stars to "FOUR" Stars..
On: 2004-07-25
I have owned this Recorder for three weeks now.(Lets update that to seven weeks) Had some problems at first. Still have one major one. It records DVD+RWs just fine, but when one inserts a DVD+R it will format it and come back and say "Invalid Disc" and one can go no futher with that Disc. Have tryed Memorex 4X+R and Kypermedia 1x-2.4x-R (write speed) neither work. Memorex 4X+RW works but Imation 4x+RW has been trouble free. Have only recorded from Dish Network, I have a High -Def receiver hooked to it. It will"NOT" record in High Def. Mode but does great in Std. Def. 480i mode.
If one trys to use a DVD+RW Disc that has been writen to or formatted on a computer it would not work with my unit (but then the manual said it may not).
Found the error of my ways, my fault not the units! My unit will use Imation, Memorex, or Kypermedia DVD+R as long as I use "EASY GUIDER" mode. However if I wish to use the "Record button" on remote or the "TIMER" mode then I use DVD+RW, no problem using this work arround.
I have since the original review converted a VHS (Movie) to DVD+R and it looks and sounds as good as the original (hidden code turned on). I had thoughts or returning this unit after a couple of weeks, but now Im glad I didnt. I am uping my rating from three stars to "FOUR" Stars..
by: Anonymous On: 2004-07-19
.... thanks for the info about the hidden/secret menu. What you said about the Daytek version also applies to the Akai DVDRW 120 version. Just did it with the unit Ive had for almost 2 weeks. Maybe future products will not have this secret menu but mine does. Thanks again.... really good tip.
On: 2004-07-18
I Can Only Speak For The Daytek Version Of This Unit. Good Basic Machine. Slim Lines, Fairly Elegant. Blue Light At Top Can Be Toned Down With A Dark Felt Tip Pen. Have Used Memorex+R,Fuji+R,Verbatim+RW. All Successful And Play In My Two Year Old Toshiba Player.Seldom Use RF For Recording, AV And S Vid
Appear Somewhat Better. Good Results At EP Mode. On The DVRP30 There Is A Hidden Menu.On Setup Highlight Exit But Do Not Press Enter.On Remote Key In 2960 Then Press Enter.A Menu Comes Up Which Makes The Unit Region Free And Macrovision Free.This Is Worth Another Star At Least.
On: 2004-07-17
An earlier reviewer indicates that the AIKA DVDRW120 locks-up if you reach the end of a DV tape before stopping the DVD recording. This in fact is true. It doesnt lock-up if you are using the S-Video or component input - only the DV (firewire) input. Also, I tried the secret menu and it works, making the unit region free and turning off Macrovision. Bravo!
Ive changed my rating from 3* to 4* from my original review:
Very basic and NO TECH/CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Ive had this unit for a little over a week and it does work, although it lacks many options found on slightly more expensive units. It does a good job of archiving video tapes, but dont expect anything fancy. For example, the unit has very little editing capability and you cannot create even a basic menu. It creates a title every time you record and stop but thats it. You can create chapters every 2-15 minutes but they are not thumb nailed; you can simply skip ahead or backwards. The unit has no one touch record (OTR) capability so you either have to use the awkward program timer or manually watch the record process. As another reviewer noted, if the DVD record session is not stopped before the end of the disk, you will get an error. I spent two hours trying to get to tech support yesterday on the toll free number with no success. The AKAIUSA.com web site has no technical information other than the data sheet shown here. Dont expect any firmware upgrades or any other technical support. There is a new model DVDRW121 shown on the web site which looks like it may have some improvements (i.e. OTR and more recording speeds). In summary, this unit works and its cheap, but its very basic. Check out the other brands available at COSTCO.com for $300 and compare the features before you buy.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-07-16
Well, lets not compare with those hi-end expensive recorders. I think this one for this price, its pretty darn good.
DV / RCA / S-Video input, system menu is ok (for $199 what do you expect?) Oh, yes...it also comes with a fan at the back which some cheap recorders dont have like cyberhome, coby, lite-on, etc. So that it wont get BBQ.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-07-14
.... thanks to sc from MD for pointing out that you have to "finalize" a DVD+R so it will play in other machines. I missed that step in the manual, I did finalize all my DVD+Rs and they all play in my older player, which is an APEX AD-2500. I was under the impression I needed a newer player, nice to know that is not the case. Very well pleased so far with this machine.
On: 2004-07-14
I am confused by the one review. Someone please help me!! I cant rate this item YET - but based on the price and the contradictory statements I set it to a 3.The product reviews above states in the second paragraph "You can also use the DVDRW120 like a VCR, burning televised programs directly to disc. DVD+RW discs require no finalizing--you can record, eject, and play them with minimal fuss, thanks to "background formatting." This feature, which lowers total burning time, is an advantage over the "dash" formats. Other DVD+RW advantages include on-disc content editing and multisession writing. And, because of DVD+RW and DVD+Rs compatibility with most existing DVD players, theyre a great way for you to share your special memories with family and friends." If this is true then why did this person write "So Far, So Good- addition/correction, July 13, 2004
Reviewer: An electronics fan from Pennsylvania, USA
.... thanks to sc from MD for pointing out that you have to "finalize" a DVD+R so it will play in other machines. I missed that step in the manual, I did finalize all my DVD+Rs and they all play in my older player, which is an APEX AD-2500. I was under the impression I needed a newer player, nice to know that is not the case. Very well pleased so far with this machine." HELP - CONTRADICTORY STATEMENTS !!!!!!
On: 2004-07-13
After doing much research on inexpensive DVD recorders I bought this one. I am transferring all my old home movies from VHS tapes to DVD. The Memorex +RW media works great and plays in all players I tried, including the DVD Rom on the computer. The +R media only seems to play in the Akai unit that recorded it. I also wanted to edit raw footage from my Hi8 camcorder using authoring software on my computer. I had tried capturing it with a capture card straight to the computer but had major trouble with audio sync. Now I record it to DVD, rip it on to my hard drive, edit it, and send it back to the unit with the firewire to burn it. A great solution for all my needs for $199!
On: 2004-07-12
Ive had this DVD recorder for a week and so far it has done very well. I have had no problem recording from DirecTV.
I have been using KHypermedia DVD +R discs and the recordings play fine on my Apex AD 1500 and my Compaq R3000 laptop.
(You need to finalize your DVD +R disc before playing on other players)
From what I read on the web, this unit is identical to Daytek DVR-P30 and is a rebadged Liteon 5001 with a cooling fan.
The main drawback is the inability to edit recordings to to filter commercials etc.
Overall I am very happy with this purchase and hope it continues to perform well.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-07-11
When I first got this and set it up I was excited and it worked well. However, if you have DISH or DIRECTV their receivers will not communicate with it. I think the problem is with their receivers and not the recorder though. DISH and DIRECTV technology has not caught up to be compatible with DVD recorders.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-07-11
Just recieved this unit a few days ago and have transferred some of my recorded VHS tapes (movies) to DVD+R discs with no problem. Had to read the instructions over several times and finally got it all figured out and it was off to the races. Bought a 10 pack of Maxell DVD+Rs and the results are fantastic at SP speed. However, dvds will not play on my current dvd player, not the fault of the unit, will have to get a newer player that plays DVD+R and DVD+RW dvds, I see several players listed at Amazon that will play them in todays world, so that will solve that minor problem. This is all I have done so far with the unit and it was the main purpose of me buying it... it was a good price, good brand name and I wanted my tapes transferred to a more permanent storage medium as quick as possible. It makes chapter marks at any time you want.... I have chapters every 10 minutes, thinking of changing it to 6 minutes. I want to get a few blank DVD+RWs to test some tapes first before using a permanent +R blank. I have no complaints yet... I hope its around working years from now, its all I will need .... will hook it up to cable to use as a digital VCR with the +RWs, but my priority now is to get my tapes onto +Rs first.
On: 2004-07-10
What more can I say....except do not waste your money. I tried using various media and eight times out of ten it would not format. I tried using the timer, it recorded for 8 minutes and then gave me a failed message, resulting in my missing my favorite show.
Either invest in a Pioneer, or keep your VCR until the cheaper models become more reliable.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-07-08
This is the only DVD recorder I have ever used so I have no frame of reference. However, I have used four regular DVD players and read the specs on many DVD recorders so I can kind of compare functionality. First, it works fine. I was able to record to DVD+RWs no problem right out of the box. You can control how often it places scene/track markers. I think default is every 5 minutes. It records each session as a separate file and places the scene/track markers within those sessions. The menu for replay of the sessions is convenient as its a graphical user interface showing time, date, and a representative picture from the session. It does take longer than a regular DVD player to recognize the type of disc it has in... up to 20 seconds or so (even with regular store-bought movie DVDs). Sometimes (rarely) it will not recognize the type of disc. You can remedy this by powering off and on and it always recognizes the disc when the disc is in when it powers on. Maybe I am expecting too much, but this unit does not have the ability to edit the sessions. I would like to edit out commercials but you cant do that with this model. I think you *can* do that on many other models. You also cannot "slipstream," i.e, where you go back and watch a part of the recorded movie while you are still recording. I think some Panasonics offer this feature. It also does not have "commercial skipping." Anyway, like I said, it has good basic functionality but is missing some of the bells and whistles I would want.
On: 2004-07-05
I specifically bought it because it has a Firewire input connection and I THOUGHT I could record my home movies from my JVC digital video camera as well as my old VHS home movies. It has an annoying flaw when the camera runs out of tape! If I end the recording session AFTER the tape ends, the recorder goes south and displays the status Stopping continuously until I finally give up and power off the recorder. The disc appears blank when I try to play it which leads me to believe the file wasnt properly closed. If I end the recording session BEFORE the tape ends, the recorder properly closes the file and the disc will play - except for the missing minutes or seconds left on the tape! Also, Im unable to record using the 1 hour HQ mode from the Firewire input but I havent experimented with other inputs or disc as of yet.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-07-04
WORKS FINE BUT RECORDED DVD CANNOT BE PLAYED IN ANY OTHER DVD PLAYER
On: 2004-07-04
After reading the reviews of some other bug-ridden DVD+R/W recorders I decided to wait until something better came along. Am I glad I did! This recorder at just under $200 is the least expensive on the market.Akai is a well known quality brand who exited the US market in the late 1980s or early 1990s. I owned both a reel-to-reel tape recorder and cassette tape deck from them, and both were well built and reliable. This DVD recorder is easy to use. The manual is very simple. It has a few translation errors (overwrited instead of overwritten) but the instructions are clear and I was up and running in no time. My first endeavor was to copy 8mm home video tapes. These transferred easily and there are simple steps to create multiple selection entries per DVD. It also automatically inserts chapter markers everyone 5 minutes which is very convenient for quick scanning. You can title each selection as well, and the selection picture shows the image from the start of the selection recording. Picture quality was excellent, though I admit my 8mm tapes dont strain the limit of the 2 hour recording mode. After burning some Maxell DVD+Rs, I tried them on several DVD decks. The only one that didnt work was a new auto Panasonic DVD Player. I suspect it was the player as Panasonic supports DVD-R. The disks played fine in a newer Samsung and Toshiba DVD players as well as a 5 year old Panasonic DVD Player. Overall, Akai has come through with a great product at a great price. Akai distribution is spotty so I think Amazon may be the only source for this great buy.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-06-18
I am very pleased with this purchase. The manual is well spelled out making the set up and ease of use quite easy. I thought the unit was going to be cheap looking due to the low cost but, to my surprise, the unit is very nice looking. All in all, this is nice piece of gear.
On: 2004-06-17
This is very nice. At this price I was worried it would be lacking features. But to my suprise it is loaded with everything I needed. It has the direct input for my digital camcorder and my digital camera. Home movies on DVD at this price is very cool. This is the deal of the year.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-06-17
As a long time satisfied repeat buyer of Akai, its good to see their products back on the market. Ive been waiting to buy a DVD-Recorder until the prices came down and now after getting and using the actual unit, i wish i would have bought it earlier. The picture quality of the recordings and the ease of use are top flight, this is a great product!
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