Experiance on the later JVC DVD/HD models.

For all discussions regarding JVC DVD recorders.

Moderator: andywilks

Post Reply
shadowfax
Posts: 12
Joined: Sat Jul 21, 2007 3:07 pm

Experiance on the later JVC DVD/HD models.

Post by shadowfax »

(admin. have got the log in link now, ignore the email!)

Firstly really handy info on this forum. I Wanted to know if I could put a quieter, larger HD in my newly aquired HM-HDS1, found this site and now I know, no!
When I found some more about the DVDRW/HD models I thought I'd post.


So I wondered if on balance it could be said that the last JVC HD models - DR-MH300, DR-MX10 - could be said to be more reliable than the earlier batches.
I'm after a JVC due to there supposed superior analogue cleaning via the LSI a/d chip for dvd conversions.
There seems to have been problems with the burners in the past but these later models play +RW and burn 16x -R, so I'm prosuming are different units.
It could still be too early to say for these 2006 models but I'd be interested to hear any comments.
I've seen some reduced repair/returns of the MH300/MX10 and wondered what the probable cause was and the likely hood of any problems returning.
JVC certainly have disappeared from the UK highstreet which isn't encouraging.
If reliability is an issue then I'd probably opt for a Toshiba.

This is possibly a question for the forum mods, but if any others have input, great.
Victory
Posts: 17
Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:29 pm

Post by Victory »

JVC was recently acquired by Texas Pacific Group, a U.S. private equity firm.
After JVC posted big losses this year, it`s not yet known if and what new products are in the pipeline.
With regard to the MX-10 and MH-300 models and their reliability, there are a couple of issues to be aware of.
Both these models recieved a new type DVD burner. They could not source the usual Hitachi/LG units which performed extremey well in the previous units. Nearly all the new burners manufactured after August `06 have a defect in the laser focusing system. These burners have to be replaced upon failure. A small ammount of them can be repaired with a firmware update.
The MH-300 can also experience a fault with the HDMI output. This requires an IC replacement.
The Hard Drives are as susceptible to power surges and lightening strikes as any other.
shadowfax
Posts: 12
Joined: Sat Jul 21, 2007 3:07 pm

Post by shadowfax »

victory That's very interesting. Sound ominous for JVC.
Unfortunatly earlier models don't have the RGB scart input for current digital rec. Do you know if the burner replacement is successful, are they using a different replacement brand?
As far as the HDMI fault do you know if this develops over time or is usually there from the get go. Cheers
Victory
Posts: 17
Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:29 pm

Post by Victory »

Perhaps I wrongly gave the immpression JVC are in big trouble. Whilst the future is a tad uncertain, I`m sure they will be back with first class consumer products. Although just an ex-subsiduary of Matsushita, they are a big company in their own right.
As for the MH-300. The early units had burners which had (a) a software fault (b) a Hardware fault -laser focusing or (c) both the above. Some of the burners with the software fault only, could be rectified with the firmware update. All others had to be fitted with a new burner (same type) but with rectified hardware and software. These new burners seem to be OK.
The HDMI fault occurs only if the DVD being played back has `mixed aspect ratio` video on it i.e. video with both 16:9 and 4:3 scenes and output via the HDMI.
shadowfax
Posts: 12
Joined: Sat Jul 21, 2007 3:07 pm

Post by shadowfax »

Thanks for that quick reply. You've cleared up the HDMI fault. As for the burner issue I think that may suggest that a MH300/MX10 re-furb unit is a better option. Presuming its had the burner issue righted and with a full warranty. I say this as if the burner is going to fail anyway its best to get it out the way and not have it happen after 13mths!

Surely the non Harddrive models like the M100 and M150 also used the same burner? If they all go within warranty that could potentially cost JVC more than it made. :shock:
Victory
Posts: 17
Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:29 pm

Post by Victory »

If you go for either an MH-300 or MX10, make sure the drive has been modified or preferabely replaced. Only burners from Aug 06 to Nov 06 can be rectified with the firmware update, and by no means all of them are successful. Fortunately, a new burner can be changed easily.
The M100 and M150 use a similar new type burner, but have not (yet) had any problems.
The switch to the new type burners seemed, to me at least, to be a cost cutting measure, and your right, it must have cost JVC a few Yen. The old type Hitachi/LG were very robust units, and are still going strong, even in the DR-M1`s today.
shadowfax
Posts: 12
Joined: Sat Jul 21, 2007 3:07 pm

Post by shadowfax »

Interesting I'll tread carefully,
Fortunately, a new burner can be changed easily.
would that be easily if you know how, or really easy? I take it only the specific drive could be used which could prove a costly part though.
Just a safety net!
Victory
Posts: 17
Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:29 pm

Post by Victory »

The original LG/Hitachi drives can still be sourced new.
Mechanically, the removal of the old drive and installation of the new is not much more than removing screws. Electrically, it`s just a ribbon cable and molex power connector.
Finally, the burner will need to be flashed wth the relevent JVC firmware.
shadowfax
Posts: 12
Joined: Sat Jul 21, 2007 3:07 pm

Post by shadowfax »

Cheers, yer sounds fine apart from the firmware update which I wouldn't be so keen on. Is that firmware easily available though?
Victory
Posts: 17
Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:29 pm

Post by Victory »

None of the JVC software/firmware is in the Public Domain.
That is not to say, it is not available, however.
It would be interesting to find out how much an approved JVC repair shop would charge for a burner/HDD replacement.
shadowfax
Posts: 12
Joined: Sat Jul 21, 2007 3:07 pm

Post by shadowfax »

It would be interesting to find out how much an approved JVC repair shop would charge for a burner/HDD replacement.
Not as much as I would I've just gone and bought a MH300 :!: :D
None of the JVC software/firmware is in the Public Domain.
It's annoying when companies like LiteOn are completely free in their firmware access, they incidently also use the LSI a/d chip but I think JVC use it's processing power better. Even big names like Philips supply firmware updates on their website, sadly I've killed an old DVD recorder with it - it really needed to be put out of its misery anyway.

Does anyone know of any links to a list of JVC approved repairers, I'm just planning ahead and would prefer to avoid excessive p&p.
UK N.West, Chester area would be easiest.
Post Reply