First, I apologize if I'm duplicating a thread but I've not been able to find any discussion of this product using the search function. I just saw the model for the first time today. It looked like a very good deal but so did the Liteon that I bought at Walmart in Dec. 04 and it was one of the worst screw jobs I've ever gotten. Also, somehow I think I heard something about Phillips getting out of this product line.
Not that particular model. But have got a 3370H which has HDD recording. Would never buy again - half the material I want to record is locked out by the inbuilt copyright protection system. These guys really don't want market share. Anyone knowing how to get round these or which recorders and more user friendly I would love to hear about them to.
I have the 3455H, which cost a little over $300 including tax. Overall, it's not a bad unit for the price. Here are the problems I have with the Philips: 1) The video from the cable TV tuner is somewhat degraded. It lacks sharpness. 2) If left idle for an extended period of time, the unit tends to "freeze up" and become unresponsive to any commands, either from the remote or from pushing the buttons on the unit. I have had to unplug it and plug it back in at least a half-dozen times in the three months or so I have had it; however it has never resulted in any loss of stored titles. 3) The buttons on the remote are REALLY small. I know this sounds stupid, but it actually makes editing a little more difficult. On the positive side, I haven't yet found a brand of disc that the Philips won't record to. If you are looking for a good DVDR with HDD, I would suggest spending an extra $100 or so and getting a Pioneer unit instead. I also have a Pioneer 633H and it is superior to the Philips 3455 in every way (many more features) however it only records in -R format.
Thanks to both of you. I wasn't aware of that copyright blocking feature, though I suspect I would have discovered in a hurry if there is one on this model. Generally, I have heard better things about Pioneer. The feature of handling both + and - formats is tremendously important to me because I've got a lot of things in the + format already but don't want to commit to it for the future. Again, thanks. I need a little encouragement to remain wary of WalMart's line.
Purchased one of these units in early July. Purchased DVD+RW disks since information on box indicated it would record on all disks. Recorded on one disk, inserted another disk, got "disk is full" notice. Inserted another disk--same message. Tried "erase disk" got "disk is empty" message. Called Philips customer support was told would only record on certain disks contrary to informatio on box. CS said they had been trying to get box info updated. Drove all over town to find recommended disk, inserted disk, received "disk is full" message again. During time I used the unit it froze up several times and I would have to unplug for a while to get it working again. I boxed the unit and returned it to Walmart, for full refund on unit and disks I purchased there. I am still looking for DVD recorder.
Re: Phillips I have had a DVDR70 for some time now (no longer made). I am on my third replacement unit and now the third (out of warranty by now) has failed to read some discs. Previous returns suffered locking up as described with the newer model above. When you consider the budget market, Phillips offer many features (even video plus) but even now they are still churning out DVD recorders with the same old problems. Re: copyright problems. I assume you are recording from an external source via scart?? If so you can use a micro-chipped scart lead that cuts out the protection signal. Google it. works a treat for VHS to DVD anyway and will work on the same principal for other external sources.
This is a great unit. I bought mine at WalMart 2+ months ago and love it. Very easy to use, transfers from HDD to DVD with ease. The next comparable one with a 160 GB HD is almost $ 100.00 more. I just noticed that Walart is out of stock because I was about to purchase another one.
Does anyone know if this recorder will work with Digital Cable? If not is there a recorder besides TIVO that will? I have Comcast Cable, and my last recorder would not work with the digital cable.
I purchased the Philips 3455H/37 from Wal-Mart in Sept. 06. Numerous features but have had the following problems. The first unit would not record to a blank disc from HDD, returned it and the new unit did record to disc but about three days later the new unit began completely shutting down. I don’t mean going into standby mode but completely off and could not power on from unit’s power button or the remote power button. Would have to unplug, wait a while and replug into power source. I just sent this one back and am waiting for the next unit. I will post again once I’ve had this one a while. DB
i bought one about 10 days ago and i hate it. I'll be returning it to walmart when get some time. I wrote a long review at epinions.com...you can find similar reviews there. The quality is excellent, but it is very user unfriendly. If you decide to buy one, buy locally from somewhere with a no hassle return policy. this unit does not allow more than 125 channels etc... i have digital cable also, but i record the upper channels to my cable box DVR, then dump them to my panasonic dvdr.
