Toshiba RD-XS32 DVD Player / Recorder

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Manufacturer: Toshiba
Price at amazon.com: Too Low To Display
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New from $425.03

List price $549.99



Product Features:

• Plays DVD, CD, VCD, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD-R, CD-RW, WMA, and MP3 media
• Progressive-scan player, records over 100 hours, firewire camcorder interface
• Multiple front and rear S-video and composite inputs and outputs
• Dolby Digital and DTS compatible 3D virtual surround sound
• Measures 16.93 x 3.07 x 12.64 inches (W x H x D)

Product Description:

The RD-XS32 DVD player/recorder from Toshiba combines a versatile video recorder and a high-end DVD player with a clear, realistic picture and warm, natural sound. The RD-XS32 is the perfect next-generation upgrade from your old VCR and a powerful addition to your home theater. The multidrive recorders on the RD-XS32 allow you to record onto an internal 80 GB hard disk drive (HDD), a DVD-R disc, or rerecordable DVD-RW and DVD-RAM discs. The HDD holds up to 103 hours of programs, and you can rapidly dub shows from the HDD onto a DVD. A high-speed dub of a recording from the HDD onto a DVD-R disc can be completed 24 times faster than the length of the program. In other words, two hours of recording can move onto a disc in a matter of minutes. DVD-R copies of recordings made by the RD-XS32 will play on almost all DVD players and DVD-compatible computers. Toshiba's time-slip playback feature allows you to watch a program that is being recorded from the beginning while the rest of the show records. You can also use the time-slip feature to pause a live broadcast that you are recording, and then resume watching it from where you left it, whenever you want. Setting up a recording is simple. The RD-XS32 uses Gemstar's VCR Plus technology, which lets you select the programs you want to record by name, without worrying about setting the right time and channel. You can schedule up to 32 different shows with this timer recording feature. The programs that you have recorded are logged into an adjustable menu that displays the date, time, and channel that you recorded. You will also see a still-video image of the show you recorded in the menu. You can rename the listings and create chapters within the recordings that allow you to easily skip to your favorite scenes or to dub a cleaned-up copy of the show you've recorded onto DVD. The easy-to-use menu also features a live action window that lets you monitor the program you are currently recording or playing. In addition to high-quality recordings, you'll get the most out of your DVD library as well. The RD-XS32 utilizes Toshiba's ColorStream Pro progressive-scan video technology to yield vivid colors, clean resolution, and reduced onscreen distortion. The RD-XS32 uses digital cinema progressive scanning to reproduce your DVDs in theaterlike clarity. While the RD-XS32 is compatible with both analog and digital televisions, you will get the optimum effect by using the player with a high-definition-compatible television. In addition to playing a full range of DVDs, the RD-XS32 plays CDs and MP3 audio files, so you can enjoy your favorite music. You can also view digital JPEG photos from CDs created in your computer with the RD-XS32. The RD-XS32 features rear-panel composite audio and video inputs, and RCA inputs on the front panel to connect your camcorder for dubbing onto DVD. An additional digital IEEE1394 Firewire jack is included on the front panel for an instant connection with digital camcorders. The Firewire connection automatically synchs up with your camcorder and creates a customized onscreen menu for dubbing. What's in the Box DVD recorder unit, remote control, owner's manual.
From the Manufacturer Key Features: 80 GB hard disc drive (HDD): This drive, similar to what is used in a personal computer, can store recorded broadcast programming and dubbed content. The RD-XS32 will allow high-speed dubbing from the HDD to a DVD-RAM, DVD-R, or DVD-RW without any deterioration of the digital MPEG-2 signal and provides instant access to recorded programs. So forget about searching for blank videotape when you want to record, simply hit record and the HDD do all the work. ColorStream Pro... read more


See all product description...

Description from Manufacturer:The RD-XS32 DVD player/recorder from Toshiba combines a versatile video recorder and a high-end DVD player with a clear, realistic picture and warm, natural sound. The RD-XS32 is the perfect next-generation upgrade from your old VCR and a powerful addition to your home theater.

The multidrive recorders on the RD-XS32 allow you to record onto an internal 80 GB hard disk drive (HDD), a DVD-R disc, or rerecordable DVD-RW and DVD-RAM discs. The HDD holds up to 103 hours of programs, and you can rapidly dub shows from the HDD onto a DVD. A high-speed dub of a recording from the HDD onto a DVD-R disc can be completed 24 times faster than the length of the program. In other words, two hours of recording can move onto a disc in a matter of minutes. DVD-R copies of recordings made by the RD-XS32 will play on almost all DVD players and DVD-compatible computers.

Toshiba's time-slip playback feature allows you to watch a program that is being recorded from the beginning while the rest of the show records. You can also use the time-slip feature to pause a live broadcast that you are recording, and then resume watching it from where you left it, whenever you want.

Setting up a recording is simple. The RD-XS32 uses Gemstar's VCR Plus technology, which lets you select the programs you want to record by name, without worrying about setting the right time and channel. You can schedule up to 32 different shows with this timer recording feature.

The programs that you have recorded are logged into an adjustable menu that displays the date, time, and channel that you recorded. You will also see a still-video image of the show you recorded in the menu. You can rename the listings and create chapters within the recordings that allow you to easily skip to your favorite scenes or to dub a cleaned-up copy of the show you've recorded onto DVD. The easy-to-use menu also features a live action window that lets you monitor the program you are currently recording or playing.

In addition to high-quality recordings, you'll get the most out of your DVD library as well. The RD-XS32 utilizes Toshiba's ColorStream Pro progressive-scan video technology to yield vivid colors, clean resolution, and reduced onscreen distortion. The RD-XS32 uses digital cinema progressive scanning to reproduce your DVDs in theaterlike clarity. While the RD-XS32 is compatible with both analog and digital televisions, you will get the optimum effect by using the player with a high-definition-compatible television.

In addition to playing a full range of DVDs, the RD-XS32 plays CDs and MP3 audio files, so you can enjoy your favorite music. You can also view digital JPEG photos from CDs created in your computer with the RD-XS32.

The RD-XS32 features rear-panel composite audio and video inputs, and RCA inputs on the front panel to connect your camcorder for dubbing onto DVD. An additional digital IEEE1394 Firewire jack is included on the front panel for an instant connection with digital camcorders. The Firewire connection automatically synchs up with your camcorder and creates a customized onscreen menu for dubbing.

What's in the Box
DVD recorder unit, remote control, owner's manual.Average Customer Rating:

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Comment: SIMPLY AMAZING!!!! I LOVE IT! Rating:
I was on my way to best buy to get the Pioneer DVR810-HS as I really wanted a HD unit that would record DVD-R and DVD-RW (Didn't want DVD-RAM, as the price of the discs are too high).

I was not crazy about Tivo, but didn't think I had a choice. When I got there, they had just gotten this Toshiba unit in (that day). Though they weren't able to answer many questions about it, since they had just gotten it, I figured I would give it a shot, and return it if I didn't like it.

Well, the only thing I can say is WOW!!! You can choose to record on the HD (no Tivo needed) or the disc directly.
The choices of record quality is HUGE! Anywhere from extreme quality (less than 1 hour per DVD), all the way to Low quality (over 6 hours per DVD) and everything in between. Best part, it will record on DVD-R, -RW, and RAM as well.

Even at the lowest quality recording, it still records at higher quality than my VCR. The built in noise reductions is awesome (you can turn on or off as you wish), stopping lines or blocks from appearing when image gets very bright or action gets fast.

The best part is the editing function. You can edit recording at will, creating chapters and deleting any of them at will. (create chapters for the commercials, then delete them. You now have the program without the commercials. How cool is that!!!)
Another great thing is if you record 2 programs on a DVD-RW, and delete the first, it moves the second up, so you don't loose the space. My last unit left the space blank, which means I had to record a show of the same time as the one I deleted. If it was longer, it would record over the second one.

The High speed dubbing works great. You can go from HD to disc very easily and fast (4 hour show dubbed to disc in about 15 minutes or less). When editing a show, it will create a playlist (i.e: original show divided up in chapters - show and commercials. Create playlist that will only play the show chapters, therefore eliminating commercials). You can then copy it on the HD or disc, creating a new original without commercials and delete the old original. Watch out though, if you delete the original without copying the playlist on the HD or disc as an original, it will delete any associated playlist with it.

The DVD creation feature is great as well. You can rename each chapters individually, and whole shows (titles) as well.
You can combine chapters and/or titles together as well. It gives you a few options on colors and display as to what it will look like, and the finished (finalized) product will then work in any DVD player and look very professional (though it does show in the upper right hand corner it was created with this unit).

For the price, you just can't beat it! I am thrilled with it! Great editing functions, incredible image quality, and easy to use. No Tivo monthly fees, which is the best part. Composite, digital audio out...

Another couple of great features as that you can record a program on the HD, while watching a DVD at the same time. The other great feature is when you are watching a show on the HD or disc, you can engage the PIP feature and see what is playing on the regular TV Channels.

You can't go wrong!

Hope this has helped you.

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Comment: Great all around for TV recording, transferring home videos Rating:
I thought long and hard about creating DVDs on a computer versus getting a stand-alone recorder. I am glad I got this one, it really has everything except DVD + R capability. In the few days I have had it, I have recorded several TV shows, transferred and edited Hi-8 tapes, time-shifted viewing, and created DVD's without any failures.
Features I like:
Controls your cable box (changes channels)
Programs like a VCR to record TV shows, very easy
Easy copying between hard drive and DVD's
Almost infinitely variable bit rates, 0.2 increments from 1.4 to 9.2.

Things to note:
179 page instruction manual, you actually have to read it to make DVD's, its not the clearest document, no index, somewhat confusing, but when you actually do it, works fine.

It has iLink DV input, but in fact I did not find the quality to be any better than S-video when transferring home videos. Actually, I prefer the S-video because I can intermittently record the date onto the DVD.
reuse, use DVD-R for recordings you want to keep forever. Keep in mind that DVD-RW is not a totally flexible rewriting format,
You edit your home video on the hard drive by creating chapter breaks in your home video, then piecing together the chapters in a playlist, which you then copy. I have found so far that chapters pieced together from separate parts of a video have a tiny noticeable pause in the video, unlike the instant transitions in the original.
Then you create a menu, you get thumbnails of either titles and/or chapters, 6 frames per page, with limited choice of colors (or your own background). Even the simplest computer-based DVD creation software gives you more options. It works fine for me, but do not expect to create masterpieces.

With a hard drive, there is almost no need to buy the expensive DVD-RAM discs, just use the hard drive. Use DVD-RW for recordings you want to keep for a little while but reformat for to reuse a DVD-RW you can either ONLY erase the last recorded item or reformat the whole disc (erasing everything).

I read with interest the other reviewers about the "black level" problem. I played the DVDs I made on another DVD player (RCA cheapie) and they appeared to be the same color level as when played on the Toshiba. I also dug into the instructions, and it appears there is a way to adjust the recording level to make your recordings darker (1 setting) or lighter (3 settings). However, I have not tested this function yet.

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Comment: Powerful combination of features Rating:
I've had this unit for about a month now, and here are my observations:

1)The manual needs to be re-written. It's not horrible, but it definitely needs work.
2)Note that the RF Out (to the TV) only passes on the original channels; you will not see any of this unit's output on it. In that regard, it differs from a typical VCR.
3)Note that the remote control has a hinged section at the bottom. I searched for over an hour to find the "setup" button. This was shown in the manual, but never caught my attention.
4)I've not noticed the problem with the black level that other reviewers have noted.
5)There are about three different ways to do anything. Sometimes it can get confusing, but you figure it out after a while.
6)The remote's not bad. Inputting names is tedious, but not overly so. You can get very good at skipping over commercials.
7)It doesn't replace a TIVO or ReplayTV, but does give you about 90% of what they do, and no subscription costs.
8)Recording, time-slipping, chapter definition and playlist editing all work very well. I've burned about 8 discs now, and they're all fine. I've only put one title per disc, so I haven't bothered with the menu stuff yet.
9)I really appreciate that when I turn it off, the hard disk stops spinning. I have this in my bedroom, and the noise difference is important. I sure wish my ReplayTV stopped the hard disk when it was turned off.

All in all, I'm very pleased. I used to use my PC with a TV tuner card to record and playback programs, but have now almost completely moved over to using the Toshiba instead. The combination of a hard disk with a DVD burner is very powerful.

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