1. Introduction
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
Introduction
Standalone
recorders are currently getting more and more popular and the market is already
full of such devices. We can safely assume that further development in this
sector of the consumer market will continue in similar
fashion and interest from consumers will be even greater as prices begin to
drop. The following review will feature the LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD
recorder, which boasts a 160GB hard drive. Hopefully, you'll be able to judge
for yourselves how convenient the recorder
is and be able to evaluate
its performance.
Specifications
On the following pages you can read about the reading/writing capabilities
of the device, the level of recording quality it can achieve and the results
from our error correction tests.
2. Packaging & Interior Look
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
Packaging & Interior Look
The retail package that arrived in our labs contained the unit, a remote control with two AAA batteries,
a power cable, an AV cable and and RF patch cable. Also included in the packaging is the operating instructions manual.
On the unit's front panel, from left to right one can see the
power button and the optical drive's tray. Towards the right, there are
six buttons: the eject, play and stop buttons, the HDD/DVD button that selects
playback and recording from either the internal hard drive
or the built-in DVD-RW drive, and the last two buttons are the record and source.
Right below these there is a small panel that houses three AV RCA
connectors. A little to the left, we can see a DV connector that can
be used for connecting a DV camcorder for transferring videos
to the LVW-5045.
The pictures below are from the interior of the LVW-5045, after removing
the cover. This action is not recommended, since it voids
the
manufacturer's warranty. (Click on the images for high resolution size views).
Although it cannot be seen from the pictures, the LVW-5045 features the
LiteOn SOHW-832S DVD
burner drive. The SOHW-832S supports up to 8x DVD
recording.
From the picture above, we can see the internal hard drive located inside
the LVW-5045. It is a Seagate U Series 9 160 GB IDE hard drive.
On the back there are the LVW-5045's audio/video connectors.We can find a multitude of connections there.
Starting from left to right we can see: VHF/UHF in/out (for the TV signal),
digital optical output, coaxial digital output, 1 Scart output, 1 Scart input.
There are also the composite AV outputs, and the component AV outputs. There is no on/off switch on the back, so if you want to cut the power to the LVW-5045, you will have to unplug it.
The average sized remote control, offers complete control over the LVW-5045.
The included manual manages to explain in detail and with relative simplicity
all the LVW-5045's operations.
3. Control Menu
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
Control Menu
Turning on the unit, we see the welcome screen while the LVW-5045 waits
for a command from the remote control.
The Setup menu can be activated by pressing the "Setup" button on the remote control.
The System menu
We continue with the Language menu.
4. The Language Menu
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
The Language Menu
We continue with the Playback menu.
5. The Playback menu
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
The Playback menu
Next, the Record menu.
6. The Record Menu
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
The Record Menu
And on to the Audio menu.
7. The Audio Menu
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
The Audio Menu
Next up is the TV Tuner menu.
8. The TV Tuner Menu
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
The TV Tuner Menu
Last, but not least is the exit option. While this seems may seem self explanatory,
later in this review we will see how by using this option, we can make the
LVW-5045 a region free DVD player!!
9. Reading tests
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
Reading tests
Although the LVW-5045's main function is recording to DVD/HDD, many people
may consider buying this as a solution for playback/recording without requiring
a separate DVD player. The performance of a DVD player can be described in
terms related to reading speed, reading accuracy, compatibility with various
CD/DVD recordable/rewritable formats as well as data/audio playback support,
stored on any common medium.
DVD support
The LiteOn LVW-5045 we received for testing is a Region-2 drive, meaning that
the unit is able to decode (play) only the pressed DVD-Video discs coming from
the European region. However, the player can be made region free by entering
a certain key combination through the remote control, making it possible to
use with any disc regardless of the regional restrictions applied on it.
The LVW-5045 supports both PAL and NTSC TV signal transmission formats. By default,
the player will recognize only the region 2 or region free NTSC DVD-Video discs.
This feature is adjustable through the setup menu (look for the System menu,
NTSC/PAL )
We connected the LVW-5045 from the Scart interface using the corresponding
cable, which was included in the unit's package. Of course, the LVW-5045 supports
the DVD-Video format.
We recorded a 4.35GB DVD-Video file on various DVD-R/-RW and DVD+R/+RW
media. As seen from the specifications, this
recorder can record on any type of disc conforming to the DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW standards.
We also tried some DVD+R9 media (Dual layer recordable discs) from various
brand manufacturers.
We recorded DVD-Video discs with DVD-ROM booktype and with DVD+R9 booktype
and the DVR-720H-s could recognize them, apart from some minor glitches. So
bear
this in mind if DVD+R9 reading support is important to you.
The dual-format burners we used for the reading tests are some of the latest
available on the PC market, as well as some 1st generation recorders.
Pressed
single / dual layer DVD-Video discs were also included in the test.
All the test discs were created with the same PC /software in the DVD-Video
mode.
| Recorder |
Media |
Speed |
Recognition |
Playback |
| Sony DRU-530A v2.0h |
Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 4x |
4x |
OK |
| Pioneer DVR-107D v1.05 |
CMC DVD-R 4x |
4x |
| NEC ND-2500A v1.06 |
Ritek DVD-R 4x |
4x |
| JVC DVD-RW 4x |
4x |
| TDK DVD+R 4x |
4x |
| Taiyo Yuden DVD+R 4x |
4x |
| Mitsubishi Chemicals DVD+R 4x |
4x |
| Optorite DD0401 v1.30E |
Hi-Space DVD-R 4x |
4x |
| Verbatim DVD-R 4x |
4x |
| BTC DRW1008IM v0.55 |
Pioneer DVD-R 4x |
4x |
| LiteOn LDW-811S vHS0K |
FujiFilm DVD-R 4x |
4x |
As was expected, all the burned DVD discs were recognized and played successfully
without problems.
The LVW-5045 as expected, supports reading of the DVD-ROM format.
Both formats are supported.
The LVW-5045 supports the Baseline JPEG file format and EXIF 2.2 (used by
digital cameras). Also, the DVR-720H-s
will recognize a CDR/CD-RW/DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD+R/DVD+RW data disc containing
image files. The display of images is accomplished in the same manner as
used to view video or playback music files. There, we can navigate through
the disc's
directory structure, and view thumbnails of the image files before selecting
one to view
full screen.
The LVW-5045 works well with AudioCD, CD-R/-RW, VideoCD and Super-VideoCD
playback. The tracks are recognized correctly regardless of whether the disc
is factory- pressed or a CD-R/RW. Please note, that when talking about data
CDs (CD-R/-RW),
we refer to either compressed audio files (MP3, WMA, Ogg Vorbis.), pure wav
files, or to VideoCD and Super VideoCD.
In the case of pressed/recordable/rewritable AudioCDs, the player recognizes
and plays all the tracks. The device played audio files from CD-R, 10x
HS-RW, 24x US-RW and 32x US-RW discs we inserted in the disc tray.
The
LiteOn LVW-5045 will not let anyone who has purchased any protected audio
discs
in a music store down. The tested discs were "Natalie Imbruglia - White
Lilies island" protected with Macrovision' Key2Audio system, and "Celine
Dion - A New Day Has Come" protected with Cactus Data Shield 2000. Both
titles were recognized and played without any problems, which is good news
as this kind of media is practically not playable on PCs due to the protection
schemes designed to discourage PC users from copying them.
The LiteOn LVW-5045 does not support the Super AudioCD format.
Read on to the next page to see how the LVW-5045 performs with compressed
audio.
10. Compressed Audio (data CD/DVD)
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
Compressed Audio (data CD/DVD)
Let's now see how the player reacts to various compressed audio files stored on data CDR/RW/DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD+R/DVD+RW. The specifications for the LVW-5045 indicate MP3/WMA/WAV support.
The table below shows a list of MP3 and WMA files with a variety of compression
settings along with the behavior from the device.
| Compression Type |
Compression Settings |
Recognize/Play |
| MP3 |
CBR 20kBit 11025Hz Mono |
Yes |
| CBR 20kBit 11025Hz Stereo |
| CBR 32kBit 11025Hz Stereo |
| CBR 32kBit 22050Hz Mono |
| CBR 40kBit 22050Hz Stereo |
| CBR 48kBit 22050Hz Stereo |
| CBR 48kBit 44100Hz Mono |
| CBR 56kBit 22050Hz Mono |
| CBR 56kBit 44100Hz Mono |
| CBR 64kBit 22050Hz Stereo |
| CBR 96kBit 44100Hz Mono |
| CBR 96kBit 44100Hz Stereo |
| CBR 112kBit 44100Hz Stereo |
| CBR 128kBit 44100Hz Mono |
| CBR 128kBit 44100Hz Stereo |
| CBR 160kBit 44100Hz Stereo |
| CBR 192kBit 44100Hz Stereo |
| CBR 224kBit 44100Hz Stereo |
| CBR 256kBit 44100Hz Stereo |
| CBR 320kBit 44100Hz Stereo |
| VBR - High compression |
| VBR - Highest compression |
| VBR - Low compression |
| VBR - Lowest compression |
| VBR - Medium compression |
| WMA |
CBR 48kbps |
Yes |
| CBR 64kbps |
| CBR 96kbps |
| CBR 128kbps |
| CBR 160kbps |
| CBR 192kbps |
| VBR any bitrate |
| WAV |
WAV |
Yes |
| OGG Vorbis |
OGG Vorbis |
Not supported |
One feature that we think is quite handy and adds value to the LVW-5045,
is the ability to playback compressed audio files from a DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD+R/DVD+RW.
Not only that, but the LVW-5045 offers the option to copy the digital music
stored on the inserted media to the hard disk. With this feature, one can maintain
a personal collection of music stored in the LVW-5045 that can be instantly
accessed from the 160GB hard drive, without the need to insert any discs.
Also, the LVW-5045 is capable of recognizing mixed discs, i.e.
discs that contain both compressed audio and/or image files.
11. The Easy Guider Menu
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
The Easy Guider Menu
The above menu appears after pressing the "Guider" button on the remote
control. Through this menu, we can perform most of the tasks the LVW-5045 can
do. Let's
select the playback option.
We first have to select the source (hard drive or DVD) of the files we want to playback.
We then have to select the kind of files we want to playback. The available
options are video, music, pictures, pictures with music. The LVW-5045 isolates
and displays only files of the selected format.
After selecting "Video", we are presented with a thumbnail view of the videos recorded on the DVD/HDD.
We can change the view by selecting "Text view", where more information
about the recorded videos are displayed.
12. Easy Guider - Recording Menu
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
Easy Guider - Recording Menu
Using the Recording menu, we can make recordings either on DVD or the
internal hard disk.
First of all, we need to choose the video source. We can record video from
the TV, the front AV inputs, the SCART input on the back, or the DV input
on the front.
We selected to record video from the TV tuner, so the next selection is the TV channel.
Next option is where to store (record) the video. We can either choose the
hard disk, or a DVD disc. The obvious advantage of the hard disk is that we
can
record
way more hours of video than a normal DVD disc. So if we are unsure about the
amount of time we want to record, select the hard drive and then the recorded
video can be transferred to a DVD disc.
We then have to select the recording quality. There are 6 presets, SLP/EP/LP/SP/HQ with SLP having the lowest and HQ the highest quality. Please consult the table below for a more detailed explanation.
This menu has to do with the quality of the recorded audio.
After all selections have been made, we can begin recording by selecting the "Go" button.
13. Easy Guider - Timer Record Menu
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
Easy Guider - Timer Record Menu
By using the timer record option, we can program the LVW-5045 to record video
of a given duration at a predetermined time in the future.
First option is to enter manually the date/time of the recording or use the
Showview system.
Then we have to select the video source.
We selected TV from the previous menu so now we have to select the channel.
We can select here, how often the recording will take place (once, daily,
weekly). For example, you can select here the weekly option if you want to
record
your favorite TV series each week.
Set the date and time the recording will start.
Set the duration of the recording.
Select where the video will be recorded (hard disk or DVD).
After we've successfully programmed a timer recording, we can see a summary
of all our choices in order to verify everything is setup as desired.
14. Easy Guider - Copy Menu
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
Easy Guider - Copy Menu
The copy menu can be used to transfer files from and to the LVW-5045. There
is a large amount of freedom here for the user. The LVW-5045 can store in
its internal hard disk, not only video, but also music and images.
We first have to select the source and the destination of the data we wish to copy.
Then we select a video previously recorded to the hard disk to transfer to a DVD disc.
After that, we wait for the transfer to complete. The LVW-5045's internal
DVD burner can reach a maximum recording speed of 8x, depending on the recordable
media inserted. Later on in this review, we present the recommended media list,
as given by LiteOn.
The LVW-5045 can also backup an unencrypted (i.e. without CSS encryption)
DVD-Video disc in its entirety onto the hard drive. The movie after that will
be fully playable, as if the disc was inserted in the unit's DVD drive.
Imagine this scenario: you are recording a multi-hour event on TV using the
HQ quality mode. In HQ quality mode, the space required is one DVD disc per
hour of recorded video. As long as the recording stays on the hard drive, everything
is ok. But what happens if we decide to store the recording on DVDs?
Some DVD recorders (like the Pioneer DVR-720H-S) offer a feature that automatically
transcodes the recording, effectively lowering its quality in order to
fit on the DVD disc. Unfortunately, the LVW-5045 does not offer this feature
and
the only solution left is to split the recording into smaller parts using the
menus. This could confuse the inexperienced user in our opinion and in the
long run,
force them to use lower quality modes (like LP) instead of taking advantage
of the extra quality that could be used.
15. Photo management
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
Photo management
By pressing the "Browser" button on the remote and then selecting "Pictures"
from the onscreen tabs (located at top), we can see the available pictures on
the specified media (hard disc, DVD disc)
We select the folder named default that contains some photos and press "Enter" on
the remote.
We are presented with a thumbnail preview of the images contained in the selected folder.
To view one of the images in full screen, we just select it and hit the "Enter" button on the remote
While in the thumbnail view screen, we can press the "Edit" button on the
remote where we can rename, move files to another folder, and erase files
16. Writing Quality Tests - Page 1
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
Writing Quality Tests - Page 1
In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media, we
used two readers with two software applications:
- The LiteON SOHD-167T with patched firmware
being able to read DVD5 up to 16X CAV and DVD9 up to 10X CAV. For the
transfer rate tests we used the latest Nero CDSpeed version.
- The Plextor PX-712A with the latest available firmware. For scanning the disc, we used the latest PlexTools version at 2X CLV reading speed, BURST mode, with middle accuracy.
In general, a "perfect" disc should have a smooth reading curve,
very low PIE/POE and zero (0) POF error rates. Most times however, even
though a disc has very low PIE/POE error rates, the reading curve may
not be smooth containing dropoffs. Due to the fact that we oversped the
reading capabilities of the LiteON SOHD-167T, such drops are expected,
especially near the outer area of the disc.
The measurements below should be taken not as the absolute criteria of the burning quality, but as an indication level.
DVD-R & DVD-RW
Datawrite 8x DVD-R
Traxdata 8x DVD-R
Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-R
Mitsubishi Chemicals 4x DVD-RW
Traxdata 4x DVD-RW
17. Writing Quality Tests - Page 2
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
Writing Quality Tests - Page 2
In order to test the writing quality and readability of the burned media, we
used two readers with two software applications:
- The LiteON SOHD-167T with patched firmware
being able to read DVD5 up to 16X CAV and DVD9 up to 10X CAV. For the
transfer rate tests we used the latest Nero CDSpeed version.
- The Plextor PX-712A with the latest available firmware. For scanning the disc, we used the latest PlexTools version at 2X CLV reading speed, BURST mode, with middle accuracy.
In general, a "perfect" disc should have a smooth reading curve,
very low PIE/POE and zero (0) POF error rates. Most times however, even
though a disc has very low PIE/POE error rates, the reading curve may
not be smooth containing dropoffs. Due to the fact that we oversped the
reading capabilities of the LiteON SOHD-167T, such drops are expected,
especially near the outer area of the disc.
The measurements below should be taken not as the absolute criteria of the burning quality, but as an indication level.
DVD+R & DVD+RW
Datawrite 8x DVD+R
Traxdata 8x DVD+R
Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+R
Traxdata 4x DVD+RW
Verbatim 4x DVD+RW
Generally, the drive offers good writing quality. While there were
instances of increased PI/PO levels, the device managed to correct the
errors with
the exception of Traxdata DVD-RW media. Bear in mind though, that most
of the recordings were not performed at full speed (as measured by using
a timer for each recording). Apparently, the internal DVD burner's
built-in media
list that exists in the firmware is not large enough to allow high recording
speeds like 8x to be available.
18. Recommended Media List
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
Recommended Media List
| |
|
DVD+R |
DVD+RW |
DVD-R |
DVD-RW |
CD-R |
CD-RW |
For
the best compatibility, LITE-ON recommends you to use
the verified
DVD-R/RW,
DVD+R/RW & CD-R/RW discs listed below.
|
DVD+R |
| Brand |
Media |
Manufacturer
ID |
Media
Speed |
| Philips |
DVD+R |
CMC
MAG E01 |
2.4x |
| CMC |
DVD+R |
CMC
MAG E01 |
2.4x |
| Imation |
DVD+R |
RICOHJPNR00 |
2.4x |
| RICOH |
DVD+R |
RICOHJPNR00 |
2.4x |
| TDK |
DVD+R |
RICOHJPNR00 |
2.4x
|
| RITEK(4x)
|
DVD+R |
RITEK
M02 |
2.4x |
| maxell |
DVD+R |
RICOHJPNR01 |
4.0x |
| RICOH |
DVD+R |
RICOHJPNR01 |
4.0x |
| SONY |
DVD+R |
RICOHJPNR01 |
4.0x |
| TAIYO
YUDEN |
DVD+R |
TY(T01) |
4.0x |
| TDK |
DVD+R |
TDK
(001) |
4.0x |
| RITEK(4X) |
DVD+R |
RITEK
R02 |
4.0x |
| PRODISC |
DVD+R |
PRODISC(R02) |
4.0x |
| TAIYO
YUDEN |
DVD+R |
TY(T02) |
8.0x |
| Mitsubishi
8x |
DVD+R |
MCC(003) |
8.0x |
| maxell |
DVD+R |
MAXWELL(002) |
8.0x |
| PHILIPS |
DVD+R |
CMC
MAG E01 |
8.0x |
| CMC |
DVD+R |
CMC
MAG E01 |
8.0x |
| PRODISC |
DVD+R |
PRODISC(R03) |
8.0x |
| Back
To Top |
| DVD+RW |
| Brand |
Media |
Manufacturer
ID |
Media
Speed |
Imation |
DVD+RW |
CMC
MAG W01 |
2.4x
|
PHILIPS |
DVD+RW |
CMC
MAG W01 |
2.4x |
MEMOREX |
DVD+RW |
CMC
MAG W01 |
2.4x
|
Memorex |
DVD+RW |
CMC
MAG W01 |
2.4x |
CMC |
DVD+RW |
CMC
MAG W01 |
2.4x
|
RITEK |
DVD+RW |
RICOHJPNW01 |
2.4x
|
Imation |
DVD+RW |
RICOHJPNW01 |
2.4x
|
Maxell |
DVD+RW |
RICOHJPNW01 |
2.4x
|
RICOH |
DVD+RW |
RICOHJPNW11 |
4.0x |
RITEK |
DVD+RW |
RICOHJPNW11 |
4.0x |
SONY |
DVD+RW |
RICOHJPNW11 |
4.0x |
PHILIPS |
DVD+RW |
PHILIPS041 |
4.0x |
Genuine |
DVD+RW |
PHILIPS041 |
4.0x |
SONY |
DVD+RW |
SONY(S11) |
4.0x |
PRODISC |
DVD+RW |
PRODISC(W02) |
4.0x |
CMC |
DVD+RW |
CMC
MAG W02 |
4.0x |
MCC |
DVD+RW |
MKM
A02 |
4.0x |
Mitsubishi
4x |
DVD+RW |
MKM
A02 |
4.0x |
RITEK |
DVD+RW |
RITEK
004 |
4.0x |
| Back
To Top |
DVD-R |
| Brand |
Media |
Manufacturer
ID |
Media
Speed |
| PHILIPS |
DVD-R |
CMC
MAG. AE1 |
1.0x |
| RITEK(2x) |
DVD-R |
RITEKG03 |
1.0x |
| CMC |
DVD-R |
CMC(MAG
AF1) |
4.0x |
| RITEK |
DVD-R |
RITEK(G04) |
4.0x |
| RITEK |
DVD-R |
RITEK(M02) |
4.0x |
| TDK |
DVD-R |
TDK(TTG01) |
4.0x |
| Maxell |
DVD-R |
MAXWELL(RG02) |
4.0x |
| TAIYO
YUDEN |
DVD-R |
TY(TYG02) |
8.0x |
| Maxell |
DVD-R |
MAXWELL(RG03) |
8.0x |
| PRODISC |
DVD-R |
PRODISC(S04) |
8.0x |
| Back
To Top |
| DVD-RW |
| Brand |
Media |
Manufacturer
ID |
Media
Speed |
| SONY |
DVD-RW |
SONY000000U9 |
1.0x |
| TDK |
DVD-RW |
TDK501 |
1.0x |
| RITEK |
DVD-RW |
RITEKW01 |
2.0x |
| TDK |
DVD-RW |
TDK(TDK502SAKUM3) |
2.0x |
| RITEK |
DVD-RW |
RITEKW04 |
4.0x |
| Victor |
DVD-RW |
JVC(MAXWELL)(CTORD7) |
4.0x |
| MITSUBISHI |
DVD-RW |
MCC(RW4X) |
4.0x |
| Back
To Top |
CD-R |
| Brand |
Media |
Manufacturer
ID |
| CDRNET
32x 80min |
CD-R |
CMC
Magnetics Corporation |
| CDRNET
II 52x |
CD-R |
CMC
Magnetics Corporation |
| CDRNET
40x |
CD-R |
Gigastorage
Corporation |
| CM
48x |
CD-R |
Gigastorage
Corporation |
| LEAD
DATA(Gold) |
CD-R |
Lead
Data Inc. |
| Mitsubishi |
CD-R |
Mitsubishi
Chemical Corporation |
| ACER
32x 80min(Blue) |
CD-R |
NAYA
Plastics Corp. |
| ACER
32x 80min(Green) |
CD-R |
NAYA
Plastics Corp. |
| LiteON
52x 80min |
CD-R |
NAYA
Plastics Corp. |
| BenQ
80min |
CD-R |
Ricoh |
| ARITA |
CD-R |
Ritek
Co. |
| ProDisc
4x |
CD-R |
ProdiscS03 |
| ARITA |
CD-R |
RITEKG03 |
| CDF
80min |
CD-R |
SONY
Corporation |
| LeadData
80min |
CD-R |
SONY
Corporation |
| Back
To Top |
| CD-RW |
| Brand |
Media |
Manufacturer
ID |
| Dysan |
CD-RW |
CMC
Magnetics Corporation |
| Imation
(4x-10x) |
CD-RW |
CMC
Magnetics Corporation |
| LiteON
(4x-10x) |
CD-RW |
CMC
Magnetics Corporation |
| Melody
10x |
CD-RW |
CMC
Magnetics Corporation |
| Melody
2x-4x |
CD-RW |
CMC
Magnetics Corporation |
| Philips
4x-12x high speed |
CD-RW |
CMC
Magnetics Corporation |
| Philips
CDRW80 4x-12x |
CD-RW |
CMC
Magnetics Corporation |
| YAMAHA
KHS (4x-12x) |
CD-RW |
CMC
Magnetics Corporation |
| WTC
4x |
CD-RW |
Hitachi
Maxell, Ltd. |
| Mitsubishi
(24x) |
CD-RW |
Mitsubishi
Chemical Corporation |
| Mitsubishi
(4x-12x) |
CD-RW |
Mitsubishi
Chemical Corporation |
| TDK |
CD-RW |
Mitsubishi
Chemical Corporation |
| Verbatim
16-24 |
CD-RW |
Mitsubishi
Chemical Corporation |
| YAMAHA
24x |
CD-RW |
Mitsubishi
Chemical Corporation |
| Philips
1x-4x |
CD-RW |
Plasmon
Data System Ltd. |
| Philips
4x-10x (White) |
CD-RW |
Plasmon
Data System Ltd. |
| RiTEK
24x |
CD-RW |
Plasmon
Data System Ltd. |
| Smartbuy(4x-10x) |
CD-RW |
Prodisc
Technology Inc. |
| Smartbuy(4x-12x) |
CD-RW |
Prodisc
Technology Inc. |
| Back
To Top |
|
| |
19. Making the LV-5045 Region Free
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
Making the LV-5045 Region Free
As mentioned previously, the LVW-5045 that we got to test was a region 2 unit.
That means, that the DVD-Video discs that it could play were region 2 encoded
discs or unencoded ones. So what happens if someone has, let's say, a few region
1 discs that they would like to play with the LVW-5045? Fortunately there is
a workaround where the LVW-5045
can be made region free, so that it will play all DVD-Video discs, regardless
their region encoding.
The procedure is rather simple and it is persistent. This means, that the
setting remains active even if the unit is powered off and can be changed
as often as desired. We would like to state here that this
feature is unofficial and not supported by LiteOn. While it exists in
the current firmware, there is no guarantee that this function will be available
in future firmware upgrades.
The machine can be made region free by accessing the setup menu, moving the highlight
box over exit, typing 2960 after which an extra menu pops up with all
of
the
regions
as well as region free on the list.
20. Conclusion
LiteOn LVW-5045 HDD&DVD Recorder
Conclusion
The LiteOn LVW-5045 is a very impressive device as far as its
appearance is concerned. It undoubtedly stands out
from other, usually black, stand-alone devices. We connected
the LiteOn using all provided connections in order to test them. For
audio, we recommend the digital outputs for advanced sound reproduction,
DD5.1CH and DTS 5.1CH. The included remote control is ergonomic and easy
to use. Owing to the simplicity of the menu, you
can do almost anything you wish in a few, simple
steps.
The LVW-5045 has a built- in tuner for TV signal reception. This is very
good as a feature, although it seemed to us that it should be a lot
easier to locate a channel, although the control interface is very helpful.
The great pro that makes these devices special is the recording capability
with both DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW formats along with AudioCD, VCD and
SVCD. There are several connections enabling recording
from
other sources. It is worth noting that except
for the usual AV and Scart inputs, it is also equipped with
a
DV connection for digital recordings. Meeting our expectations,
the device can also record from TV channel with the built-in tuner.
The provided writing qualities are also a desirable feature as you can
record up to 6 hours in SLP quality. However we recommend the highest
quality-
HQ and SP. Also, the builtin hard drive gives a much larger degree of freedom
as to the amount of video we can record and keep in storage before we
decide to commit it on DVD.
The writing quality is good with almost all the DVD media we used. Although
there were some cases with increased PI/PO levels, CDSpeed didn't
report any problems.
The error correction of the LiteON LVW-5045 is rather good. It managed
to read over 1.8mm defects, but off course this depends on the
type of scratch.
However, with the CD-Check Audio test disc, we have observed
better behavior.
The LiteOn LVW-5045 is already on the market at various prices,
ranging between €450-€550, which will certainly make it
quite popular, considering the features it packs at that price.
However, since the market for
this kind of devices
is growing rapidly, prices should be significantly lower
in the not so distant
future.
The Good
- Firmware upgradable
- Easy to setup/use.
- DV IN.
- Advanced features like timeshift recording
- Good error correction/writing quality.
- Supports DVD disc burning up to 8x
- Explanatory manual.
- Good price
- Reads DVD+R DL discs
- Hard drive can be used to store video, music, photos
- Can be made region free
The Bad
- No "transcoding" function to fit higher quality video on a DVD disc
- No S-Video output
- does not always achieve full writing speed when copying content from the hard drive to DVD discs (media list needs to be improved)
| Design & Body |
 |
| Reading |
|
| Writing |
 |
| Media Compatibility |
|
| Ease of use |
|
| Features |
|
| Connectivity |
|
| Value for money |
|