Philips DVDR985 Progressive-Scan DVD Recorder and Player

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Manufacturer: Philips
Price at amazon.com: Used & new from $250.00

List price $699.99



Product Features:

• DVD+RW and DVD+R recorder
• Save TV shows and camcorder footage on recordable DVDs
• Plays CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, SVCD, and VCD discs
• Built-in TV tuner; Dolby Digital decoding accommodates AV receivers with 5.1-channel analog inputs
• Progressive-scan video output renders pristine, flicker-free images on high-definition and HD-ready TVs

Product Description:

Average Customer Rating:

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Comment: This is a great product. Rating:
I was skeptical about purchasing this product. There have been a number of ratings in which the user states that the completed DVD's are not compatible. I didn't want to spend that much money for a product with limited compatibility. I told myself I would immediately return it if I ran into the same problem.

After I set it up according to the directions, I recorded a DVD+R from cable. After the disk was FINALIZED, it ran in all brands of DVD players that I own. These include, Proscan(RCA), Samsung, and Pioneer units. The disk was compatible with ALL players I own. So far I have not run into any problems.

It is a little complicated regarding setting up and various recording options, but for a unit this complete that is to be expected. It is definitely not plug and play like a DVD Player.

My main use for this device will be to back up home videos and prerecorded videos on a more permanent format. I also want to download pictures from my digital camera onto a DVD so I can send them to family members to watch on their television.

In conclusion, except for a complicated setup and directions, this unit works perfectly. I will be using DVD+RW soon and hope they are also trouble-free. I have not encountered any compatibility issues previously encountered. If I do have problems in the future, I will come back and revise this review.

Good luck with your purchase.

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Comment: SAVE YOUR $$!! VERY FRUSTRATING--- Rating:
I'm hoping this review will prevent someone else from being taken ... like i was with this product. I purchased the Philips DVD+R / DVDR985 recorder, with the intention of archiving my videotape collection. At times the recorder seems to work fine, and, aside from a shaky beginning, I began to transfer my collection with few problems. Then the problems started. Let me start by saying that the manual is HORRIBLE. It doesn't begin to cover half of the glitches and how to fix them, that you'll run into with this unit! As pointed out in other reviews, "DISC ERROR" is pretty common with this unit, and once this happens you now have an expensive coaster. Too many of these, and your pocket book will start aching! Exactly what has happened to me. The biggest problem i'm CURRENTLY having (believe me, there are many, many headaches with this monstrosity), is that when I try to record from a black and white source (and some color), the picture will "bleach out" and record this way, so that the entire thing is unwatchable in the end. DOES ANYONE HAVE A CLUE HOW TO FIX THIS?? That's the other thing; I'm asking anyone out there, because another frustrating aspect to this whole experience is attempting to get help from the so-called "helpline". You might as well shoot yourself in the head now. First off, out of the 4 times I've called for help with various issues (disc stuck in tray, won't come out, picture messed up, etc.), the solution is always the same: unplug the unit, and restart the unit by reprogramming the menu, or whatever. This has worked for a couple of problems, but I personally think Philips is being elusive about some of the problems this disc recorder has, such as this buisness with the image "bleaching out" (i've found others on the internet that have the same problem, yet when you tell the customer service about it,and ask for a solution, they claim that they've never heard that particular complaint). This is currently driving me insane, and I'm at the point now of cutting my loses and getting rid of this thing. Problem is I can't in good conscious, pawn it off on someone! It really is a piece of junk. Even when it manages to squeeze out a recording, there's this feeling you have that you've just gotten real lucky. This isn't how it should be. There's too many problems with this unit, and I have to say I can't recommend this thing to anyone. Take my advice, and don't blow your cash on it! You will find yourself as frustrated as I am!

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Comment: I wish I read the reviews Rating:
What more can I say. I went back to my history to warn others of this terrible product with even worse customer service but I see many people have done so already. I purchased the Philips DVDR985 almost a year ago and it quit recording and began having problems reading disks about ten months after purchase. The companys web site list numerous authorized service centers near my home but when you call customer service they tell you the only place to repair this model is in New York. I sent a detailed letter to the address their customer service center provided to me to send my complaint in writing to. the letter was sent back undeliverable. I would gladly forward copies of my letters and email to Amazon if it would help warn off future customers from being taken. I own many Philips products and had very good success with them but this experience has scared me off buying anything else with the Phillips brand. Based on the products repair history, Phillips should recall them all and make good with their customers by repacing the unit with a newer, improved model, if one exists. Could Amazon forward all the complaints about this product to Phillips? They need to know.

Posted at November 11, 2003 07:59 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)