ASPIRE AD-8000 - DVD Recorder and Player
Written: Oct 25 '03
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Sound: |
 |
|
| Ease of Use: |
 |
|
| Picture Quality: |
|
|
| Durability: |
|
|
|
Pros: Double DVD Player
Cons: Double DVD Player
The Bottom Line: Decent machine, dual trays are nice.
|
|
|
| spongebob_man1's Full Review: Aspire Digital AD-8000 DVD Recorder |
DVD recorders have to be one of the coolest pieces of electronics equipment a person can buy. You can store so much information on one. Once the price comes down a bit more, I'll probably buy a DVD burner for my PC. But anway...if you want to be able to create non-copyrighted movies the ASPIRE AD-8000 is a good choice. Unlike other DVD recorders though you won't really be able to replicate Blockbuster or Hollywood in your own front room. But it can still be handy for those not willing to take a little risk.
The AD-8000 records DVDs and video feeds from VHS players, digital video cameras, and digital cameras to CD-Rs or CD-RWs. This is a great way to transport a large amount of pictures, however, this is easily done from a computer as well.
If you want to quickly make copies of home videos, the AD-8000 is a good choice. Since there are two trays available, you can record in real time. Also, making multiple copies of a particular DVD or VCD is simple.
It does more than just movies though, the AD-8000 player is compatible with DVD, VCD, CD, MP3 and CD-R formats. Becuase of it's dual-trays, it can potentially replace your VCR or DVD player and your stereo unit, simply connect speakers to it and you're good to go. Dolby 5.1 and DTS digital audio output are both available with the AD-8000.
For those with children or devious teens you have the option of locking them out with the parental lock settings. This can be handy...example - who wants their teens making mass quantities of porn movies, downloaded from the internet, from home? Not many, I'm sure. Believe that it happens, I read a newspaper article about a few high schoolers that were doing just such a thing! (and making good money too...)
Your AV and S-video inputs are conveniently located on both the front and rear panels, making it easy to connect other sources. The AD-8000 can also record both NTSC and PAL formats for worldwide compatibility though I have never personally used these settings or known anyone that has. The DVD player itself has progressive scan so you'll get great picture and quality.
I'm sure you've seen those $80+ DVDs with TV show series on them, right? Well, save the dough 'cause with the AD-8000 you can record your shows directly to a CD-R or DVD-R! Remember though, CDs only have about a 74 minute limit in VCD format, and about 34 minutes in SVCD format. I would recommend recording in SVCD because VCD is weak in the audio department however, some shows may not fit on one disc with the SVCD format. You can record from pretty much anything that has an output jack such as a CD player, cell phone, satellite dish, etc. If you have DISH Network, you can complement your Digital Video Recorder (DVR) with this! By the way, new DISH customers get a free DVR ($299 value!) when they sign up, plus they have great promotions. That'll save you money over Direct TV or TiVo. But anyway...
Specs:
Dimensions: (W x D x H) 17 in x 12.8 in x 3.7 in
Weight: 11.9 lbs
Audio: Surround sound
Digital Audio: DTS digital, Dolby 5.1 Digital
Usability:
The AD-8000 does so much yet it's so simple to operate! And don't be fooled by the dozens of buttons on the remote, most operations are very simple and straight forward. For example, you can copy a disc without even touching the remote. Setup is simple and straightforward and everything is clearly labeled. This is a major plus for those who are shall we say - technologically impaired.
Probably, the two biggest downsides are the noisy fan (to cool the electronics) and the fact that you can't copy movie DVDs.
Aspire:
This was one of their first DVD products. It's a pretty decent company. They make a variety of electronics devices.
Check It: www.aspiredigital.com
Final Say:
The AD-8000 is best for those who aren't great with computers or who don't plan on editing or manipulating video or audio. For simple straightforward operation and recording capabilities though, the AD-8000 is a great choice. I would recommend it to friends and family.
Related Products:
PHILIPS DVDR80 - Record and Play?
AUDIOVOX D1705 - Portable DVD Player
APEX PD-650 PORTABLE DVD PLAYER - Movies On The Go With The PD-650!
Thanks Everyone!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 599.99
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
spongebob_man1
|
 - Top 50 |
|
Location: Vancouver, WA
Reviews written: 264
Trusted by: 179 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.