Toshiba RD-XS32 Progressive-Scan DVD Player/Recorder with 80 GB Hard Drive
Great unit, but not for dummies!!!!!
This is a unit, that sells for much less than the Panasonic, or the Pioneer, and at the same time offers more than the competition, in terms of technology. <br />The picture on my 55 inch Toshiba, is quite acceptable even in SP mode. There is a CD (french and english), that explains, the basics of installation and operation of the unit. The booklet, and the cd, mentions, we can use the RD-XS32 to drive a CABLE BOX, such as the Scientific Atlanta explorer 2100, to change the channels to the ones selected in the record mode scheduled. Unfortunetely, I was not able, to achieve it. For this, you have to use the infrared module, that comes with the unit, to send a code such as when using a universal command gear. I used all the codes, that were listed in the leaflet, without any success!!!!!. If any of you, have been able to achieve this, let me know, how and what codes worked for you......The basic functions of the recorder, are quite simple, its the editing and playlist that requires, some reading.To stop a programmed recording, you can not stop it with the remote, this is a safety for not screwing that programmed recording, but you have to reach the machine and hit twice the STOP button!<br />Video quality problems, after connecting the unit : A picture deterioration, was very noticeable, after connecting the unit in the ''line1 input'' of the unit. The picture, even when, looking at it in ''direct view'', was showing a lot of softness, meaning a signal loss of information coming out of the Toshiba unit. To correct, this, I had to change all my video s-video cables, for high quality cables. My choice was, on the IXOS XHV403. They returned 90%, of the picture quality that I had, before connecting the Toshiba unit.<BR>This unit, is not for the brain dead people. You will have, many hours, to spend to understand and use all of the features of this unit. If you have difficulty, to program a VHS, stay away from this technology, its not for you....<br />The compatibility problems recorded  by the Toshiba DVD, that a few listed didn't show, when trying to play, the copies on my Pionner A05 (computer), or my Sony DVD player.<BR>So far (one day later), I am very please, with what I see, and I hope, someone, help me to control the record channels of my cable box by the Toshiba.<br />CORRECTIONS : I HAVE FINALLY SOLVED MY PROBLEM, TRYING TO CONTROL THE SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA CABLE BOX. THE ONLY THING, I HAD TO DO, WAS TO PLACE THE INFRA-RED ADAPTOR, ON TOP OF THE CABLE BOX, FACING DOWN TO THE EDGE OF THE BOX NEAR THE GLASS FACIA OF THE BOX. THAT GIVES IT A 5 STARS IN MY OPINION