Home > Consumer Reviews > Pioneer DVR-3100 DVD Recorder

I purchased this dvd recorder after trawling the net looking for the one that would be most suitable for me. I opted for the Pioneer for 2 reasons: 1) I wanted a recorder that used the -R/-RW format as opposed to the +R/+RW, and 2) I have a Pioneer re-writer in my computer and wanted compatability. I have to say that I do not regret my decision at all. This recorder has lived up to all expectations for me. The recordings from satellite are almost as good as the original broadcast. I say 'almost' because the Pioneer (like JVC, Toshiba and Sony) does not have an RGB input scart, the input is in composite (the poorest picture) or s-video (pretty good). Now I do not have an s-video out on my digibox so my picture is of the composite variety. To try and improve the picture quality I purchased good quality scart leads, and I have to say I can barely notice the difference between the two. So if you purchase this recorder, you really need good quality leads.

The internal tuner, for the terrestrial channels, actually pulls in a better picture than my telly does so no complaints there at all.

A very handy feature that can be used on -RW discs (these are discs that can be used again and again)is a function called Chase Play. This gives you the facility to begin watching a programme from the start, that is already recording. The recorder keeps on recording while you are watching. Very handy, have used this a few times. I must point out, however, that you have to use -RW discs that are 2x speed. 1x will not work with this function.

Speaking of discs, I would recommend good quality brand names for -RW. I personally use TDK and Verbatim and have had no problems with these whatsoever. I did have some cheap -RW discs that I bought online but found these tended to return errors (like picture freezing and skipping)and sometimes didn't work at all. For -R discs (once only recordings), I use ones that I bought online and have had superb results every time. I have transferred some of my old vhs tapes to disc and have been very pleased with the results.

Overall, I would say that this recorder is a superb purchase and I have no hesitation in giving it 5 stars

Pioneer. What can one say? The quality is just incredible. I guess most of you reading this review are already trolling Web Search Engines trying to figure out what will complement your 16:9 baby (mine a Toshiba 32") in terms of digital video recording. Hands up, I already own an Amazon procured Pioneer DVD104S player. In terms of playback quality, it blew away the Sony / Toshiba / JVC / Panasonic price-bracket equivalents. I checked them all out at (cough cough) a local AV specialist before buying.

The Pioneer 3100(s) is a home DVD recording solution. It can connect to an analogue/digital aerial socket or NTL/ SKY/ Telewest decoder using SCART or composite video. Direct DV camcorder connection is provided via the DV/inout (iLink) connection. Duplication of existing VCR material is achievable via SCART or composite video connectivity. In essence, the complete video recording portfolio.

Pioneer errr... pioneered the DVD-r/rw format & have been subsequently backed by Samsung, JVC & a host of other industry heavyweights. Sony & (primarily) Philips have backed DVD+r/rw with a latter endorsements from (notably) Microsoft and HP. According to my reading it's basically VHS (DVD-r/rw) versus BETAMAX (DVD+r/rw) all over again. DVD-r/rw offers the best compatibility with the majority of existing players, whilst DVR+r/rw seems to offer superior home editing features via dedicated DVR hardware (ie. to individuals with no access to a PC). I'm sure many will disagree with this broad comparison however (at the time of writing) DVD-r/rw seems to be winning a 70% share of the global DVR format war. Interesting aside - the UK High Street (Argos, Dixons etc) seem to be getting bullied and/or influenced by the DVR+ hardware manufacturers, well done Amazon for stocking the full format perspective.

All my Pioneer DVR- hardware plays DVR+ recorded disks without complaint, however the Web seems fraught with complaints of DVR+ players struggling to cope with DVR- media (go figure!).

There are too many cool features on the 3100(s) to comment on. The main ones for me are:

Blistering Pioneer video playback complemented by DTS sound as standard. Insert a 2x DVD-r/rw disk and you'll enjoy 'chase playback' - watching a delayed transmission whilst the Pioneer 3100(s) records/streams the rest. Direct DV camcorder link and editing direct to DVD. Digital still camera JPEG's displayed using a slide-show facility.

Bottom line - it's less than £400 for stunning DVR quality. DVR-r/rw looks like the DVR format of the future. In the unlikely event that it isn't, your data will almost certainly be read by the next generation of DVR players anyway (original DVR+ promoters Sony are now releasing combo DVR+ / DVR- hardware, with others following suit!!!).

I've decided to simply enjoy my Pioneer 3100(s) & chill out! It has significant 'wow' factor already.