Pioneer DVR-550H-S Multi-System DVD Recorder with Built-in Hard Drive

• Plays DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-R dual layer, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD+R double layer, DVD-RAM, CD, SVCD, VCD, CD-R
• Records DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-R dual-layer, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD+R double layer, DVD-RAM, MP3, and WMA (copy to HDD)
• Recording Modes - XP, SP, LP, EP, SLP, SEP and Manual
• Analogue Electronic Programme Guide
• Terminals - 1x Composite in/out, 1x S-Video in/out, 1x Coaxial out, 1x Component out, 1x HDMI out, 1x DV in

The previous review on this item, where it is stated that this unit does not work in the U.S. is completely inaccurate. The unit will play and record in both Pal and NTSC (US market). It has innitial settings that allow the user to select either of these formats and also to play on a television for either. The user just needs to set those settings to NTSC for both record and play. The unit does come with PAL as the default setting but there is simple code you input into the remote that changes it to NTSC. At that point, it is fully functional for the US market. All controls work in the US as well as the timer record. The only difference is that in inputting the date and time, you must rememeber that it uses military time, thus 11 PM is 23:00 hours and the date is recorded in terms of day / month / year. All the menus are in english and it is far better than units previous sold in the US. It has a DV input, and also can be used as a music jukebox. It still offers and manual mode that allows the user to adjust the bitrate to fit your project perfect on a disc. It is superior in editing than any other machine, you can cut cut clips from any part of a title. It works with all discs including both dual layer formats and automatically moves to the second layer when dubbing from the HDD to the media. It is the only unit to do this. It has 12 bit video, thus the image is better. It is superior with menu creation on discs. It also includes the former remote control that users loved. It is the best DVD/HDD machine on the market and works perfect in the U.S.

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It worked perfectly. The transfers and copying went smoothly I am glad I found this recorder. My family and friends are enjoying seeing the past again.

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This unit is really outstanding, and has become my favorite DVD recorder of all time (I own several different brands with hard drives). If you're not familiar with different voltages, as I wasn't when I first bought this, the seller can make a difference. The first seller I purchased from simply stated "not for use in the US" when I asked whether I needed an adapter or voltage converter, and wouldn't provide any additional advice or assistance. I returned that unit for fear of damaging it. The second seller I approached not only answered my questions, they provided the adapter, and I was off and recording within moments of receiving the unit. No digital tuner that I've been able to identify, so come June 2009, you'd need to use a set-top box for recording live or DVRed programming. I use this for recording from a satellite DVR and VHS and Beta tapes, so this isn't an issue for me. The quality is excellent, the editing features are a dream, and honestly, I could not be happier with this unit. So much so, I'm considering getting another, or possibly the next step up.

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Unfortunately, it is not made for use in the USA. Why on earth Amazon's website neglects to point this out is beyond me, but as a result, I had to return it for a refund and ended up losing $$$ on the shipping and handling charges. Which rather sucks, don't you think?

Help! I bought a Pioneer DVR-550H HDMI 1080p Pal/NTSC DVD Recorder. My old DVR finally died, so I just now attempted to set this one up. I think it defaults to PAL system, and I need to use NTSC, but the menu just rolls on my tv screen so I can't read anything to set anything. The language I think is Italian. Anyway, I see in the operating instruction booklet you can change country code by accessing the Parental lock, and I see a country code number, but since the screen rolls I can't read anything on the menu screen! What do I do? Thanks, John