The Pioneer DVR-810H comes loaded with TiVo basic service--no startup costs, no monthly fees--as well as a spacious, 80 GB hard drive. But wait: it's also a full-featured DVD recorder and DVD player compatible with MP3 files on recordable CDs and with the latest high-definition and HD-ready televisions. The DVR-810H lets you control your live TV viewing, manage your broadcast recordings, and even archive your VHS cassettes and camcorder tapes to durable DVDs playable in most DVD players.
Setup is simple, and finding and scheduling your favorite shows is a breeze. The DVR-810H's built-in hard drive stores up to 80 hours of material for short-term storage and viewing. Record off the air, from cable or satellite, or from your home movies. Have your way with live television by pausing it, reversing it, and playing it in slow motion. You can even watch a recorded program from the beginning, while the recorder simultaneously finishes storing that very recording. The DVD recorder comes equipped with a 181-channel cable TV tuner for instant one-touch recording to the hard drive.
When you find yourself with a recording you want to watch again, you can keep it on the hard drive or simply burn it to a DVD-R (permanent, can't be erased) or DVD-RW (can be erased or written over many times). The DVR-810H features up to 18x record speed, so you'll be able to bounce a one-hour program to DVD in basic EP quality in just over three minutes. You can even record content to the hard drive while copying different content from the hard drive to a DVD.
The DVR-810H also features PureCinema 3:2 Progressive Scan for a filmlike presentation when watching movies. DVD mastering introduces a common distortion when adjusting 24-frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this distortion, removing the redundant information to display a film-frame-accurate picture. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. (You'll need an HD-ready TV to appreciate this feature.)
The unit is equipped to let you transfer old video content to long-lasting DVD-R or DVD-RW discs to preserve them for future generations. DVD-R discs are best for archiving because they are write-once discs and cannot be accidentally erased. Once you've loaded your content to the hard drive, you'll be able to edit it before burning it to DVD. The newly created DVD-R can be played back on most other home and portable DVD players, as well as DVD-ROM computer drives.
You get a pair of audio/video inputs (composite- and S-video with stereo analog audio), and two sets of left/right analog-audio outputs channel audio to Dolby Pro Logic receivers and stereo televisions. Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio output (Toslink optical) for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver. An RF coaxial AV input and output help you interface with older TVs, VCRs, and cable boxes.
What's in the Box
DVD recorder/DVR combination unit, remote control, remote batteries (two AA), a stereo analog audio/composite-video interconnect, an RF coaxial audio-video cable, a 25-foot RJ-11 phone cord, an RJ-11 phone splitter, an IR control cable, a serial control cable (male DB9 to stereo minijack plug), an AC power cord, a user's manual, an installation guide, and warranty information.
The amazing DVR-810H is a videophile's dream: TiVo service, an 80GB hard drive, next-generation viewing and recording features... and the list continues. This machine will forever change how you find, watch, and record video.The DVR-810H comes with the revolutionary TiVo Basic Service included, with no startup cost or monthly fees. Pioneer is the world's first company to offer this powerful combination. Setup is very simple, and finding and scheduling your favorite shows is a breeze.With the built-in 80GB hard drive you can record up to 80 hours of material - off the air, cable, or satellite, or your home movies - for short-term storage and viewing. You can actually control live TV: pause it, reverse it, play it in slow motion. You can even watch a recorded program from the beginning, while the recorder simultaneously finishes the recording. With the DVR-810H, there's just no going back to the old way of watching TV.And those shows and other content you want to keep for a longer period of time? Burn them onto a DVD-R (permanent; can't be erased) or DVD - RW (can be erased/written over many times). The DVR-810H features up to 18x record speed, so you'll be able to dub a 1-hour program to DVD in basic EP quality mode in just over 3 minutes. (DVR Version 2.0 4X Media.) You can even record content to the hard drive while dubbing different content from the hard drive to a DVD. It's fast and easy, and the content remains in a digital state throughout, so the quality level is very high.The DVR-810H features PureCinema 2: 3 Progressive Scan for a more film-like presentation when watching movies; a 9-bit/27MHz video DAC for a truly superior picture; Faroudja Directional Correlation De-interlacing, or DCDi, for a smoother, more natural picture; and a sophisticated noise reduction circuit which can achieve an amazing 6-10dB of noise reduction.The DVR-810H also features Dolby Digital and DTS Digital surround sound outputs, plus CD and MP3 compatibility.
1 Excellent
The folks who write negatively about this unit obviously did not understand how to work it, what they were buying, or understand what TiVo basic was and that it is a limited bare bones hook to get you to buy the plus version. I have had it for a year, it works perfectly, and is an absolute joy.
2 Poor, and forget repairs
Was very pleased with the spec for this product and had always felt that Pioneer products were a reliable bet. Boy was I wrong !
Being new to TiVo type services I was a little surprised at how complex and how LONG it takes to set the thing up, plus you have to have a telephone line available for setup even if you don't subsequently want to use the TiVo service
Everything worked fine for a few weeks, then the audio vanished. Tried resetting and checking signals and amp circuits, everything fine except no signal from the Pioneer RCA jack. Called Pioneer's service rep, who was quite helpful, but could only suggest I ship the unit back to them ... when did it become the buyers responsibility to ship defective goods back to the manufacturer at the customers costs (some $100 in this case)
The unit was very prompty returned - fully reset (ie another setup required) but still without RCA output from Output#1. Pioneer suggested I should use Output#2 or the Optical circuit instead i.e. they hadn't repaired it at all
All was fine on Output#2 for a few weeks, then that too failed. Am now using the Optical output and wondering how long that might work for
Oh, and the machine refuses to recognize any wireless network - there is not even the option on the menu to configure this option that the manual claims should be there
Maybe there should be a lemon law for electronics !
3 A piece of crap for the price !
Pros:
1. Good user interface
2. You can pause live TV
Cons:
1. There is PIXELIZATION problem with this unit unless you record in fine setting. So, you have 13 hours of recording, not 80. BTW, the worst recording setting is crap !!
Tivo SUCKS !! TIVO basic will not allow to
1. Record different programs at different modes UNLESS you change the setting after the first recording and before the second one starts.
2. No TIVO promotions are applicable for TIVO basic. TIVO has a $100 rebate for all models but only if you upgrade to TIVO plus (costs $300 lifetime)
3. TIVO online scheduling is not for TIVO basic.
Even if you upgrade, you still have
1. Unreadable channel guide - TIVO tries to show as many channels and hours of programming as possible. If you do not have a 40" TV or bigger, forget trying to read the channel guide
2. You cannot edit out commercials, you can only forward through them. So your DVDs will have commercials.
3. You have to fast forward through commercials - no minute skip button.
4. TIVO will not transfer subscription (unlike Replay TV) from one box to another (in the event this unit goes bad). So even if your unit covered by warranty, you get the unit replaced but pay TIVO another $300 for lifetime service
Recommendation: Add $300 to the cost while comparing with other units. Definitely not worth $820. If you do not want DVD burning feature, suggest you go with Replay TV. If you want DVD burning (with editing), stay away from anything that is TIVO. I got a Panasonic DMR E85H - no problems so far (~ 8 days)
4 Amazing Product !!!
They say once you go Tivo you can't go back and they're absolutely right. This system is amazing. Recording on the Extra Fine setting is superb especially if you have an LCD tv. The High Quality is also good but not as crisp. I haven't had any problems with the pixelation as someone else mentioned. The setup was easy if you have a recent tv model. It gets a little more complicated with an older model tv. I tried to hook it up to a 10yr old tv and it would only work using the RF setup which didn't provide the full benefits. For example, I couldn't change the channels with the Tivo remote and had problems with the recording function. HOWEVER- once I set it up on my Sharp Aquos tv it worked wonderfully. You can use composite, s-video, component, or RF hook-ups. I've been using blank Memorex DVD-R/RW cds to record without a problem. It comes with a free trial of Tivo Plus which I highly recommend. It finds programs for you and allows you to find a programs by favorite actor/actress or type or title. Overall- HIGHLY RECOMMENED PRODUCT !!!
5 GREAT!
I love this product, I have been a TiVo user since 2001 and I have to say this latest TiVo is great. I travel a lot, and being able to take all my TiVo programming with me is a wonderful thing. I also saw the pixilation issue but I bumped up my quality (you can record TiVo at different quality levels.) and now I do not have a problem. And the higher quality does not seem to take up much more disk space. There was also a bit of flicker on one of my "lower" non-digital cable channels, but I was getting real poor reception, that has been fixed, and now I don't see it anymore. I would say if you want to easily record TV and then make DVD recordings of those shows I would say get this recorder now!
6 Used this for a few months and like it
I have had this unit for a few monts in my bedroom. Medum quality records just fine and makes DVDs that dont have any pixelization (basic quality sucked). I have used el-cheapo DVD-Rs and it has worked well. The unit is no more noisy than my 80 hour seris 2 in the livingroom and the wife and I never hear the unit. On numerous occasions I have burned a DVD while recording a show and watching another and the unit performed like a champ. A note: The burned DVDs use the Tivo interface for the menu which is neat but confusing when watching the DVD - we keep thinking we are in Tivo and wonder why the 30sec skip doesnt work.
7 Pixelation Problems With Pioneer TIVO TVR
I have just returned my 2nd DVR-810H. This time I called Pioneer and, voila, learned from Pioneer Advanced Tech that there are intermittent pixelation problems on ALL the Pioneer Tivo DVR's. At the moment, there is no "fix" but Pioneer says that they are working on one. There is no pixelation if you record everthing on the "ultra fine" setting - but then you are down to a grand total of 16 hours recording time on the unit. Pioneer is not yet acknowledging this issue on its website. But they will tell you if you call "advanced tech" support. Other than the "ultra fine" recording quality, the recording cannot even compare to a regular TIVO Series 2. This is all very unfortunate - because the idea of being able to transfer programs straight to DVD-R is a great idea and you don't have to do it in "real time" -- as opposed to "saving to VCR" which does have to be done in "real time." Maybe Pioneer will straighten the record problems out one of these days, and if they ever do, this will be a fine unit. In the meantime, be ready to fall out of your seat everytime the picture pixelates on you (even watching "live" TV which, of course is recorded and therefore lags behind "live" be a few seconds...) and this happens about every 2-3 minutes. Very obtrusive, and certainly unacceptable in a unit with a high price tag like this one.
8 WOW!!! BEST PURCHASE I HAVE EVER MADE!!!!
I just bought this thing from Amazon and all I can say is WOW!!!!
This is probably the best purchase I have ever made. This thing is everything I ever expected and more!! It's easy to use as well - even my wife can operate it!
I have to say, everyone out there who is thinking of buying this, stop thinking. I bought it and I am extremely happy with it the moment I powered this thing on. YOU ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY CANNOT GO WRONG WITH THIS PURCHASE! I GUARANTEE IT!!!
9 Great service, Great device!
I've had a Tivo Series 2 since they got released a couple years ago. When my 60 Hour died out (probably a power surge, not any known fault of the unit itself), I decided to go all out and trade it for the unit with the DVD-R.
Yes, there are the general shortcomings mentioned here: the unit is a little loud, you can't edit the DVD-Rs (you record the fully recorded program, ads and all), better picture gives you less recording time, etc.
That being said, it's a huge step up from a regular Tivo. The simple ability to download and store your favorite programs/films for future viewing is fantastic! The DVD quality is better than VHS, not quite what you'd get from a store-bought DVD, but that's more than reasonable. The unit also has built in componant output for higher picture quality than the Series 2's normally have, and it even looks better with composite than what mine used to. And, which I'm currently not taking advantage of it, it has optical sound output as well.
As far as the noise level, we use the unit in our bedroom, and it's not anything that keeps us up at night. Yes, it's audible, but not aggravating.
I highly recommend this unit if you're just starting out buying these componants. You'll be much happier with it than separate units, and the ability to burn at higher speed makes a real difference from real time.
10 Problematic
I purchased this product in early February and have yet to be able to use it (it's now the beginning of April) for longer than around 10 minutes; this despite two returns to Pioneer for repair. In use the picture either freezes after a few minutes, or the unit resets itself. In addition, the picture shows high frequency flicker (I am using component video). The current thinking from Pioneer is that I need to plug the unit directly into the wall rather than into a surge protection power strip. I'll try that out.
I own a Replay TV unit and only tried this unit because it reduced the overall number of boxes in my living room (replacing the PVR, DVD and MP3 player with a single box). I hoped that Tivo would have better software than Replay TV (I had some issues with their unit as well) but it appears not. One requires a real telephone line to perform the initial setup (unlike ReplayTV) and apparently my Vonage line just won't do. I finally discovered that it is possible to use the broadband connection for the initial set up but the information was not easy to find. One Tivo tech. actually denied that it was possible and I only found the information after searching the internet.
On the plus side Pioneer support has been reasonable but I still don't have a working unit.
I regret having purchased this unit and would suggest that Pioneer should not have released something which clearly has problems operating in the real world.
11 LOVE IT!!!!!
I received my TIVO recorder last week and love it. It was simple to hook up and the picture and sound are terrific even when recording at basic quality.
12 Not as good as other products
Having had a TIVO for over four years I was disappointed in this product. First, it is very loud! It hums and grinds all night and all day. The playback quality is much worse than my old unit. I have yet to find a DVD disc that it will copy shows onto, even the recommended ones do not work. Tivo will not transfer my lifetime membership over to the new machine, they want another $299 for another membership. If I had to do it over again, I would not buy this product.
13 Buy 510H-S for Editing Out Commercials
I bought 510H-S (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4139_37530022,00.html) and I am very happy with it.
810H-S has TiVo, which is why you cannot edit out commercials. 510H doesn't have TiVo, and you can edit out commercials. But since I already have a TiVo, it's OK to me. I set up the recording using Tivo's Season Ticket and wish list, and check ToDo list. If there are programs worth recording in ToDo list, then I program 510H using Timer. 510H's timer is not bad. Actually, as a simple timer its user interface is quite good. But it's no TiVo. You can also program using VCR Plus, which I don't use. Comparing video quality, I think that Pioneer is slightly better than TiVo Series 2. Since 510H-S has complete editing functionality, it is more difficult to use at first time. It was one of the electronic products that forced me to read the manual and take time to get used to it. It was frustrating for a few days. But now, it's OK. I know what is going on. While I can hear hard disk noise from TiVo, I cannot hear 510H's disk noise at all. I highly recommend 510H-S. But be prepared to read the manual and to have some practice time for a few days. And it will take a week or two to get used to it.
An ideal DVR would be TiVo's user friendliness and convinience plus 510H's full editing functionality. But unless TiVo relaxes restrictions on the rules of recording to DVD, it is unlikely to come. So it is your choice: Tivo feature or full editing ?
14 Very satisfied
We have had our DVR-810HS for about three months now, and love it! Picture quality is indistinguishable from live TV, so I don't know why other reviewers have had problems. Interface is simple and intuitive, and we were very happy to find that the remote that comes with the unit could recognize our ancient (18-year-old) RCA TV, something that virtually no "universal" remote has been able to do.
My only complaint is that the thing has glitched a couple of times. Once, it got stuck in the "scroll down" mode. Another time, it spontaneously went into and got stuck on the "powering up" screen. But shutting the power off and turning it back on solved the problem in both cases.
Overall, we are very happy with the purchase.
15 Solid performance--so far
I was longing after this machine for a long time and finally bought it two days ago. It was very easy to set up (although when I had a question, Pioneer customer service took forever on hold and then the person answering the phone was unhelpful), with a good Install manual (and an even easier quick-reference pamphlet), and a good User's guide. The picture is great--I'm not sure why the two people above me had troubles. I am recording in Extreme Fine and I have no complaints. I generally go by the rule that Medium quality is only for animated programs, and I use Best/Extreme Fine for everything else. DVD picture is excellent. I recorded an old videotape to the DVR hard drive and then burned it to DVD, with superb results. I set up my old TiVo in the bedroom and used wireless network adapters to link them, and now I can transfer programs from one set to the other. The DVR is able to record a new program onto the hard drive even while transferring another program from the other TiVo! And while burning a DVD, all other TiVo capabilities are available--you can watch, record a new program, etc. The burner is fairly quick (in extreme fine, it is a little faster than real time), and the interface is very easy to use. The only glitches/inconveniences I have experienced so far are: (1) programs transfer from TiVo to TiVo in slower-than-real time (ie, they take a while)--but you can watch while they transfer, if you give them a head start. (2) The Amazon description which states that you can edit a program once it is on your DVR hard drive is inaccurate--THERE IS NO EDITING FEATURE. (3) It seems impossible to transfer a program from one Tivo to the other and then burn it to DVD (the DVR says "this program is taped in an incompatible format"). (4) There is only one set of video-2 inputs on the back of the set, permitting only ONE of the following {VCR, videocamera or DVD player} to be hooked up. Another set of inputs would have been nice. (5) The 80 gig hard drive holds only about 14 hours of extreme-fine quality video--but with the capability to burn to DVD-RW that shouldn't be too confining and (6) The video inputs are composite, not component, although that is a very minor annoyance. In all, however, I am very happy with my new "toy."
16 Terrible picture quality
I don't understand. I thought all of these Tivo products used the same software. But as the other reviewer said, the pixelation is AWFUL! My recordings are High Quality are worse than the Medium Quality recordings on my old Sony Tivo box. I'm returning it! TERRIBLE MACHINE!
17 Not up to TIVO standards
I was excited to buy this DVD recorder, but after I got it home I discovered that you cannot edit out commercials and the picture quality is HORRIBLE (lots of pixelization) I returned it and got the cheaper sony RDR-GX7 (awesome picture quality and features (can edit with CD-RW).
