Just like the other user, I too had this issue with the recording problem with Philips brand 4x+RW discs. Having had some prior experience with PCdrives, I logged onto the Philips website (search for 'P4C' ) and burned the firmware update for this recorder onto a CDRW. After updating the set, it was able to record onto the philips discs!
It also seems to be able to record on most minus format discs and a few +RDL discs. Video and audio quality is OK. Build quality is OK. Remote is uncluttered but the multifunction buttons (FFWD is long-press of chp fwd) needs getting used to.
The main gripe I have is the long start up time but it seems that all recorders have this issue. HDD-based recorders, it seems, can have even longer startup times depending on the number of titles in the HDD! Why can't DVD recorders be like their VCR predecessors which they are supposed to replace?
All in all, this recorder is good for its price and is much better than some other brands I've tried out.
And oh yes, to eject the tray, just press and hold the STOP button for 2 seconds. Got that from one of the forums.
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Very useful advice about the recording problem with ReWrite discs and your solution to it!! Opinions like these wiith solutions to manufacturers problems are so useful, so thanks, (Just thought it may be an idea to mention which User also reported that problem in their review by either adding the name of the User Id or title of review or link, you can edit reviews here if you wish to add that) Useful review and great opinion! -CH
This Multi Region Philips DVP3380/05 (only offered by Avtastic) plays all your movies and ... more
music: DivX Ultra Certified for enhanced playback of DivX videos, Plays CD, (S)VCD, DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, Plays WMV, DivX, WMA, MP3 and HD JPEG photos, Windows...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Easy set-up, simple to use, DivX playback, multiregion capable. Disadvantages: DivX navigation, remote is fiddly, only 9 characters to name recording.
LawrenceP 02.11.2006 (21.06.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Philips DVDR 3380