Lite-On LVW5005X DVD Recorder

You can't beat this recorder if you are looking for a VCR replacement. It's easy to set up, works with DVD - and + R and RW Discs as well as recordable CDs and CD-RWs. The timer is simple, the picture quality is great and use in transferring Mini DV tapes to DVD via Firewire is flawless. The unit is compact and has a wide variety of inputs. I tried 3 other brands and 4 other models before deciding this is the one I want to keep. Toss the VCR, you'll love the 5005X.

Well I bought this with high hopes it would work. But as I look at it in pieces on the floor I realized it might have been a false hope. Oh.. the reason it is in pieces is that it won't open the drawer anymore. I tried to see if I could get my disk out but the drawer is a sealed unit.The product worked for awhile but even then it sometimes made disks that would not work on other players. I tried a number of disk manufacturers on their accepted list but still it was hit and miss, mostly hit I must say, but it was frustrating.Well I am hoping once again. I just ordered the  Toshiba D-R400 1080p Up-Converting DVD Recorder ... Boy I really want this one to work....

Unbelievable - no timed recording. You can't set this for a future TV show and walk away. It will only record a show that is on at the time you push the record button - unheard of. I have another Lite-on that won't always make a playable recording for another machine. Sometimes it's compatible and some times it's not. Lite-on makes great DVD transport mechanisms for PC's, but not this one. They need a little help in the ergonomics dept.

I've own two of these recorders: the LVW5005 and the LVW5005X I can't speak for the condition or working order of the used machines that are being offered on Amazon at this time. I've had the LVW5005X since 2007. My review is for the LVW 5005X which is just a hardware upgrade of the LVW5005 download to record on 16X discs. The First one survived about 3 years which is pretty good for the industry. I still use the LVW5005X and lately I've begun to use it again daily.Pros: (1) It has several recording modes: 1hr (HQ), 2hr (SP), 3 hr (LP) (which is good for recording movies that extend beyond 2 hrs), 4hr and 6hr mode. It has super video quality especially in the 1 hour to the disc mode.Con: The LVW5005 began to hang-up in the "stop" mode after 3 years so I bought the LVW5005X . A few yrs later of continual use it began to have issues also. For this reason I can only give it 3 starsPro: I Googled for a repair solution and found you can install a replacement drive for LVW5005X. It is simply a matter of finding a compatible internal computer DVD burner to replace it with. For computer builders; it has an ide interface and power source the same as internal dvd/cd computer burners. I'm handy with computers and build my own. The only glitch was I couldn't fit the new drive into the space provided in the machine. So it sits on top of the cover. I don't mind as long as it continues to do the job. If I knew where my old LVW5005 was, I'd replace it's drive also.Pro:1)It burns about every DVD and CD disc format made. I've shared discs with friends often and have never had a complaint my discs won't play on their DVD player. It will record to an audio source to CD. 2)The biggest plus to this recorder is that not only does it record and play the NTSC/PAL formats; it will also record satellite or cable programming. With a digital converter it will also record local off the air digital channels too. 3) It has a timer that is easy to set up with the EZ Guider and records in stereo if it's selected in the Setup menu. For hookups you need to use component video output to your TV if you have a satellite HD DVR receiver. Otherwise you'll get a warning to unplug your HDMI cable and select SD resolution. The EZ Guider interface is the easiest menu I've used on a DVD recorder. Simple and easy to understand, just select your project and it takes you through the steps right through to finalization. 4) It has a DVI front input to hook up your digital video camera and record home movies to DVD.

AFTER RETURNING A TRUTECH 1600 AND SAMSUNG R120 DVD RECORDER THIS UNIT IS A KEEPER.COULD NOT READ FUJI DVD-R SO I WENT WITH THE TDK DVD-R WHICH IS ON THE LIST OF COMPATIBLE MEDIA IN THE MANUAL AND WORKS FINE.EVERTHING WORKS FINE.THIS IS THE MOST USER FRIENDLY DEVICE I HAVE EVER USED.THE ONLY CON IS THE TUNER IS NOT STEREO AND THE PICTURE QUAILITY FROM THE TUNER IS NOT AS GOOD AS YOUR TV TUNER...IF YOU WANT A PICTURE PERFECT STEREO RECORDING FROM YOUR TV/CABLE STATIONS THIS RECORDER WONT DO IT.MAKING COPIES FROM VHS TO DVD MEDIA QUILITY IS GREAT.RECORDING WITH DVD-R MEDIA AND FINALIZED PLAYED BACK ON ALL 4 DVD PLAYERS I TRIED.ALSO THERE IS A 10/05 SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD FROM THERE WEB SITE THAT YOU WILL NEED IF YOUR UNIT HAS BEEN MANUFACTURED BEFORE 10/05.

I bought this Lite-ON 5005x DVD recorder that was second hand through Amazon. The sender or previous owner was helpful, however never discussed how the machine's door refuses to open regularly and during recording has a high pitched whistle that is annoying to say the least. This is the last product I will buy from Amazon that says "Used models from...$". I was robbed out of a hundred bucks buying someone's junk.

I bought 3 of these in Apr 05. It's now Jan 06 and only 1 works as intended. The other two fail to erase or even recognize dvd-rw's that have been erased. They still work well as dvd players and record ok as long as the disk is brand new.

Super easy to use dvd recorder has the EASY guider system so it far easier to use than most other brands of recorders.Makes great recordings.Has the added benefit of being Region FREE so it will play commercial dvds from around the world.