Pioneer DVR-633H-S DVD Recorder With 160 GB Hard Drive
So much potential, but one overwhelming problem
On paper, this recorder seemed to be perfect for my needs - primarily scheduled recordings of TV programs.  In addition to the normal specs for these devices, I particularly liked the commercial skip, its low standby power level, and its 5-year battery backup. <br /> <br />But the TV Guide is truly a deal-breaker.  In the week I had my unit, it literally chattered continuously as it tried (with only partial success) to download the guide.  It was very irritating in an otherwise quiet room, and quiet passages in music or TV programs are a thing of the past with this in the same room. <br /> <br />I emailed Pioneer; they said it is normal for the unit \\"to make some sound\\" when it is on, and the TV Guide cannot be disabled. <br /> <br />If it worked well, the TV guide would be nice, but it isn't worth the racket.  If I could have disabled the TV Guide, I would have kept the unit and programmed it manually. <br /> <br />I reluctantly returned the recorder.