Presidian PDR-3222 Entry-Level DVD Recorder

The Presidian PDR-3222 is a DVD Recorder, sold primarily through Radio Shack, that offers multi-format (DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW) DVD recording at an extremely low price point. The PDR-3222 doesn't offer many of the more advanced features and conveniences of higher-end, name-brand, units, but it still offers some practical features. If you are skeptical about DVD Recorders and just want see if it is for you, the Presidian PDR-3222 might be a way to take the plunge without spending a lot of money.

Pros

Cons

The Presidian PDR-3222 is an interesting DVD Recorder.

The following are several key points of interest:

1. True to its claim, the 3222 can record in DVD-R/-RW/+R and +RW formats. The Record setup menus are easy to use.

2. The analog video inputs give better results that the iLink/DV/Firewire input. There seems to be a motion lag artifact with using the DV input. However, recording quality is just average, regardless.

3. Unlike most DVD recorders, the 3222 has no S-video inputs, only composite inputs are available.

4. Digital Coaxial audio output is provided, but no digital Optical output

5. Progressive Scan is adequate. According to the Silicon Optix Test disc, it passes the 480p resolution test, but does not do as well on factors, such as jaggie removal, moire elimination, and noise reduction.

6.The 3222 is not DTS compatible. It can play any DVDs with Dolby Digital, but If you try to access a DTS disc soundtrack, all you get is silence.

7. Music CDs sound OK. However, there is a slight noise in the background as the CD advances to the next track.

8. This unit appears to made by LiteON and looks very similar to their model 1105C, minus Divx playback capability.

Also, one other tip: This unit has a built-in NTSC/PAL converter, and with a region code hack, It is possible to access the Region Code menu and make it Region Code Free as well. As a result, PAL and NTSC DVDs from different DVD regions can play with no problem once the hack is activated.