Excellent recording format, too bad it isn't better supported
592954
I've used these discs for a while with my set-top box (and recently bought a drive for my computer that's also compatible with them).  The discs have been reliable, and it's possible to do so things with DVD-RAM that can't be done with the other major formats - My favorite feature when using DVD-RAM is being able to use the DVR-like "chasing playback" on my DVD recorder, because if I arrive home in the middle of a movie I can start from the beginning without waiting for the recording to finish.  Being able to put a file directly on the disc without needing to use DVD-burning software every time is nice.  The largest disadvantage with DVD-RAM is that it can't be used with most devices (for example, you might not be able to play your recording at a friend's home).
1631472
This recorder works great, picks up voice very well, has some great features, and easy to understand/use. The only problem with it, is that it you can not transfer the files to a computer. You must transcribe them if you want to keep your audio and use more than what it holds, or if you don't want to lose those recordings from dropping the device. AND MINE DID NOT COME WITH BATTERIES.
3269519
OK, I'm suitably impressed! We create hundreds of professional videos and recordings each year for my business and we need lightweight, portable "in the field" recording devices. I've tried a bunch of different recorders and I'm counting 5 different brands sitting in front of me on my desk right now.

I reluctantly settled on the Zoom H2, which has good sound quality for what we do, but the quality of the device hardware is pretty awful, it's bulky and I'm never quite sure I've captured the important recording.

Just for kicks, I bought this Sanyo recorder, basically because of its low price. I didn't have very high expectations, but I have to say, it's amazing and it is the equal of the Zoom H2 for the types of (mostly voice and interview) recordings we do. We also use it for voice-overs for the videos, recording a written script in a sound room.

It takes a while to go through the thick owner's manual to figure out all the options, and the screen is pretty small, but the red-on-black lighting makes for a crisp font -- you just have to be careful about what you're choosing if you are farsighted.

It has many more useful options than the Zoom H2 and the options are much easier to access, unlike the Zoom, which has both a very cryptic menu system and is very difficult to read.

The Sanyo is very small -- smaller than a cell phone -- which is great because I can keep it in my top shirt pocket. The small size and the slippery surface does make it a bit difficult to "one-hand" it while pressing buttons with the thumb.

Bonus: The thing even has a built-in FM radio and you can record from the radio!

It also has a nice equalizer with custom settings or pre-programmed settings. All things considered, this is an excellent sound recorder and well worth the money.

UPDATE: By the way, my comments about sound quality are only at the highest quality PCM setting, not the MP3 file setting, which is why I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5. The MP3 files out of the Sanyo can sound pretty weak. We only record at the highest quality settings for the interviews and voice-overs and process the sound files in Audacity.
3230918
I  think your item is good; the software for "VidBox" appears to need rebooting each time I attempt a recording (either the video won't show, or the audio won't show).  I got the S-video/RCA cables to work as intended and am happy with the convenience of this combined S-video/RCA configuration.  Thank you
4330842
This was a great recorded when I had a PC, but now I only use Apple computers and Olympus software does not support the Mac OS for this recorder.
2499793
I just got this yesterday so I haven't had a whole lot of time with it, but so far have not had any technical problems with the device, everything seems to record, play, and sound like advertised and consistent with the positive reviews here.

The only issue I have, and it's a big one, is that it doesn't support the Windows Media format. All of my home movies (Moviemaker, photostory, etc.) and CD-ripped songs are in wmv or wma format. That's what came with my computer, so that's what I use. In order to get them to work on the Archos I will have to encode them to avi or mp3, which is an extra step I'd rather not take.

In fairness, as of this writing, there is no other portable video *recorder* out there that supports the WM codec (I've searched everywhere), so this is as good as it gets until the flagship WMA video players (Creative, Yepp, RCA, iRiver, etc.) have video recording capability.
490557
Great hardware. Software leaves some things to be desired (minor bugs). Works as described EXCEPT being able to record via FTP. After several calls to tech support (that is semi-helpful but slightly dismissive at times - and all calls go to India, heads up) about the "permissions" error I kept receiving trying to record to my own GoDaddy server I was ultimately told that the problem was on my end. I'm technically savvy and thought this was odd, but verified with GoDaddy that the permissions for the folder I wanted to record to were in fact correct (read, write and execute enabled). Finally I got tired of the runaround and pursued the only other available option for recording footage, the Amcrest Cloud service. The service works well for the most part, especially the iPhone app. HOWEVER, a free account only records 24 hours worth of footage. Practically useless unless you upgrade for $6+ monthly, allowing 7 days and more worth of recordings. Did it, it works. Funny thing, the FTP option, which would save me/you money and allow you to bypass their cloud solution altogether is "broken". Your only option, for all intents and purposes, is to continue to pay them for their own method of recording (which allows them to continue to make money far beyond selling the physical product). Coincidence? I think not. Buyer beware. They've already got me, I already made the investment.
4092843
This is a really easy to use product, but there are some things people should know before purchasing.

It will work fine or ANY intel mac, but you need 2.2Ghz or higher to record in H.264 format. You can force the software to use H.264 even if you have a slower machine, but the result will not be good because it will skip frames or distort your recording.

Using the MP4 format, I can record with only 40% CPU utilization on my 2.0Ghz core duo macbook. (Original black plastic model.) Therefore, I suspect that it will record fine in MP4 format on the slower Mac Mini units as well. I can't get the H.264 to work properly, because my CPU utilization becomes pegged at 95% and it ends up skipping frames.

Some other observations.

1. The output is limited to MP4 or H.264. No other output types are possible since this proprietary device ONLY works with the included proprietary software.

2. There is absolutely NO way to tweak the MP4 and H.264 codec settings. There is no way to set bitrate, framerate, etc.

3. Thankfully, you can set the aspect ratio--but you can only select 4:3 or 16:9. No other options are available.

4. The 1.0.1 software update allows brightness/contrast control as well as a pre-set volume boost--a welcome update!
1284969
3 stars for easy recording and quality.

Menu, navigation, etc are kind of hard to figure out and unintuitive.

You can ONLY record in WMA format, which unfortunately is pretty gross to try to convert.  So hopefully you and anyone you're trying to send stuff to have Windows, or a bunch of blank CDs lying around that you can burn your tracks to and rip them back.  Apparently the VN-722PC version has MP3 format available, but this one doesn't.
4613080
For several years, I have been recording our church services for our shut in and vacationing members to hear at their leisure. I have been using a competing product to edit the audio files and burn the results to disk. When I bought a new computer with Windows 8. the trouble started. While it claimed to be Windows 8 compatible and it would ruin as many CD's as it successfully burned. I went to the competing software site and found that, because I had had the program for more than 90 days, I would have to pay a minimum service charge of $25 for on-line chat support.
I immediately ordered Nero 12. I had used Nero years ago and I don't remember why I switched, but Nero 12 is a full featured software suite. The only problem I have had with Nero is it has a steep learning curve and it took me a couple of sessions to get the hang of it, but I am not going back to the competing software.
4720125
This mic has excellent sound quality for recording and is easily recognized by Windows. The Cakewalk software that comes with it, however, is unbelievably complicated. I also have Acid Pro by Sony and it is easy to operate and gets excellent results. I use the mic every day, but I removed the Cakewalk software.
3933509
I initially thought that this had its own storage.

But it relies on a host Mac or PC to record the video it passes through it. That is a bit inconvenient.

But provided that you've got a nearby computer to record the video, the rest of the system works well.  The quality of the recorded video is excellent, with no stutter or tearing.
1097375
Wow
Great product support, functionality, and flexibility
Can perform any recording style you need
895498
It records great and works perfectly with its corresponding software. However, I have not had much luck combining this with my usual video editing/capturing software. Though as far as a capture card is concerned it works amazing!
4094100
I like the features and performance of the turntable, but I idscovered that the ION recording software was not compatible with my Windows "ME" edition operating system (about 2000 date).
4336813
Fantastic hardware and super easy to use.

However, I find it ridiculous that there is not an option to send recordings to local storage.  There is absolutely nothing backing the claim that their local storage can do something that my NAS can't.  My ISP provided pretty poor service and there is no other alternative to me, so cloud storage simply won't work for me.

Don't buy the excuses from Dropcam, they restrict you to Cloud storage because they want the extra cash in their pockets.  Its a shame that they have to lock up such great hardware.  Its like owning a Ferrari and just driving it around the block.  Take it to the track where it was meant to be.
2305168
SYSTEM INFORMATION

Model: At-163
SW Verion: Sep 3 2014-13:41:13
HW Version: ABL7802-R836-ATSC

My rating is fairly generous but I only purchased this to record OTA programs.  As a converter, this
unit seems to meet on/or exceed my expectations but I don't require a converter to watch OTA TV.  I
paid a total of $35 total for the unit so I consider it to be an excellent value in spite of its
many flaws as a recording device.

1. Quick format the drive (I use NTFS because I seem to get a lot more failures with FAT format).

Manually set timed recording(s) by either...

A. Recording a single program up to 2 hrs in length has been the most reliable in my experience.

OR

B. Less reliable, recording two 1-hour programs with at least a minute in between recordings.

LIKES:

1. Makes a beautiful recording when it works.
2. Aftering moving the recording file to my coomputer, I can use VLC to view it with
  subtitles on any of my TV's with Chromecast.
3. Love the EPG.
4. Love the signal strength indicator.

DISLIKES:

1. The unit needs to be power cycled after recording before the recording can be
  played full screen.
2. Fast forward speeds above 2X tend to fail requiring the unit be power cycled.
3. The USB connecter seems to have too much mechanical play leading to mis-insertions.
4. Too much uncertainty as to whether the recording is going to succeed.
5. Setting recordings from the EPG is a great idea but the recordings seem to fail
  with a much higher frequency when they were set from the EPG.
6. The 2-hour recording time limit.
.
.
.
I could go on but you get the point. You need to lower your expectations.