The Bottom Line
Note: Since my original review, long term reliability issues on some production batches of the 985 have surfaced. The following reflects performance at the time of test.
Pros
- Recorded discs compatible with most DVD players.
- Easy setup/built-in TV tuner.
- Analog and Firewire video input capability.
Cons
- Unit is rather large
- Owner's manual somewhat confusing at times.
- Long term reliability issues with some production models.
Description
- DVD Recorder with variable bit recording technology in the DVD+R and DVD+RW format.
- Features two-channel Dolby Digital audio recording via analog audio inputs.
- Built-in NTSC cable-ready TV tuner.
- Extensive audio/video input options, including component video (non-progressive scan) input.
- Firewire input on front panel.
- Composite and S-video outputs.
- Progressive scan component video output with Faroudja DCDi processor.
- VCRPlus recording.
- Easy to use on-screen setup menu system.
- Firmware Upgradable.
Guide Review - Philips DVDR985 DVD+R/+RW Format DVD Recorder
First: The DVDR985 only DVD recorder on the market under $1,000 whose recordings can be played in almost any DVD player, whether recorded on a write-once (DVD+R) or re-writable (DVD+RW) disc. The test recordings I made played equally well on both the Pioneer DV-525 and Pioneer DV-341 DVD players and my Sony VAIO desktop computers' DVD-Rom drive.
Second: The DVDR985 generates a navigation menu on each disc, with a representative still frame and all other pertinent information. The user can either create chapter stops within each recording manually or automatically.
Third: Features both analog and DV (IEEE-1394) video input capability, you can capture video recordings made with a miniDV or digital8 camcorder in real time, as well as dubbing those old VHS and 8mm home movies through the standard composite or S-Video inputs.
Fourth: The DVDR985 built-in cable TV tuner can record TV shows with the ease of any VCR. This unit even has VCRplus built-in.
Fifth: This unit not only performs very well as a DVD recorder, but is outstanding in its capabilities as a standard DVD player. Dolby Digital and DTS pass through was excellent, as well as the standard and progressive scan component video outputs.
Sixth: The Philips DVDR985 also does great with CDs, CDR/CDRW discs as well.
Do to questions regarding long term reliability of the 985, I have reduced my original 5-star rating down to 2.5-stars.
