Sylvania DVD Recorder/VCR Combo Model SSR90V4 [Electronics]
Device is very picky about recordable DVD media formats
This item looks like a good deal. However, the fine print is that it will NOT work with these DVD media formats:<br /><br />- DVD-R General Ver 2.0 / 8x<br />- DVD-RW Ver 1.2 / 2-4x CPRM compatible<br /><br />The manual recommends \\"DVD-R R4.7\\" and DVD-RW. I have read other sources that say the recommended type of DVD-R discs are video only, not video/data.<br /><br />Read the Funai product manual pages to see what it says before you buy this unit. Search for SSR90V4 here: [...] .<br /><br />Since a major feature of this unit is the DVD record feature, I consider it a major limitation that it appears to not accept the most common DVD-R format on the market. Hence, 2 stars.<br /><br />--------<br /><br />Update (10-Jan)<br /><br />I was later able to locate the type the manual calls for and it does work. However, I also called the support line, and they have available a free 8x firmware upgrade which they sent me and I have updated my unit.<br /><br />Tech support will want you to tell them the software version of your unit. To make the unit display it, the procedure is to press this sequence of buttons on the remote control, rapidly: CMSKIP-1-2-3 (CMSKIP is a button). A screen should appear on your TV displaying the Model and two firmware versions. The last line of my firmware read, \\"FE R15_033MST040909F\\". The \\"R15\\" was the significant portion that they needed in my case. Probably best to copy down the entire screen if yours is different.<br /><br />Note, when you call tech support, you may be in the queue briefly (less than 2 minutes) and then be sent to a place to leave a voice message. Hang up and call back again. Eventually, you will be connected to a live person. Also, if you hear a person pick up the line briefly and then it goes back to waiting, this is a good sign, as they will eventually answer; a person may pick up briefly several times before you actually get someone, but at least it stops dumping you to voice mail. A poor system no doubt, but that is howto get through it.<br /><br />When you get the update disk, you have to call back again to get the install procedure that goes like this (at least for my R15 update). READ BEFORE STARTING:<br /><br />1. Remove any tape or disc in the unit<br />2. On the remote, press CMSKIP-6-5-4 rapidly. You should get a screen indicating firmware update.<br />3. Insert the CD into the unit. The timer display on the unit will show 2:00 and count down two minutes.<br />4. When it completes, the tray will eject the disc. Remove the disc, but LEAVE THE TRAY OUT.<br />5. Press the power button to turn the unit off. After about 15 seconds, the tray will go in, and the update is completed.<br /><br />The upgrade CD I received is not labeled with any copyright notice: I can email you a zip file and instructions to make your own update CD. Contact me via tntmnm \\"at\\" gmail. The reason is, I spent a lot of time in the queue of their tech support, and I am willing to let people avoid this. Note, if you do not have software version R15, then you have to get your own update disc.