I have the DVDR05 made by ILO and it continually says there is "NO DISC" in the recorder and/or "Bad Disc" even when there is a good disc inside. I have tried various types of discs and the only one's that seem to work properly are the DVD+R/W. I also tried on numerous ocassions to contact the 800# provided for service in the manual and get no answer. Are there many other users that purchased this model and feel they have been ripped off or am I the only one. I have decided not to purchase anything else from this company name until i'm able to get answers about this DVD recorder. iLO Technologies is not answering their support phone # 1-800-939-0605 they also dont reply to their customer support email address either [email protected] My Question is how does one get support for an item that comes with a one year waranty but unable to get anyone on the line when you dial the number given their manuals. Is this a valid company or do they just sell items to take our money and not stand behind the iLO products they are selling.???
Be sure the disk is prepared for recording by using the remote control, and that you have a disk the ILO is compatible with. I am using Imation DVD+R 8x.
A Working ILO
Is There Life Left?
Frustrated ILO DVDR05 purchasers/owners, perhaps there is hope. It is my belief that the ILO DVD Recorder failed in the marketplace because of an incompletely developed instruction manual coupled with abandoned technical support. ILO was plagued because it made too many assumptions about the expertise level of the buyers of the units, a mistake when dealing in the consumer electronics market. This market is populated by people like me, who are attempting to stretch a dollar to its limit, while at the same time stretching technology to the highest level achievable. In doing so, all too often one finds they unwittingly have mixed "apples and oranges."
For months I daily passed by my ILO DVDR05 and watched the seconds on its LED clock display tick away. It would not work properly. I had purchased it with great anticipation of the things I could do with the unit. Instead, I spent most of my time with it, attempting to make it work. I even purchased a Magnavox VCR to DVD plus DVD to VCR unit with excited expectations that I could finally economically complete a loop between my DVD camcorder, my computer editing capability, and my accumulation of VCR footage. But, not to be. I could not complete the loop, and during the process, the DVDR05 stopped displaying video.
It sat there lifeless for 6 months, connected to the TV and the Magnavox unit, until recently, when I determined I would either make it work, or get rid of it. I separated the units and hooked the ILO to a small TV monitor. It sent the usual discouraging messages as I dug out some old disks to with it.
This DVD Recorder is definitely not intuitive. When I gave it the attention it requires when attempting to use it—lo and behold!—I was able to get it to work. This was not a quick process it took working with the unit, changing connections, thinking about it, working with the input devices, reading and interpreting the manual, and much guessing—and some luck.
If you want to make a "dead in the water" ILO work, you must read the manual and be sure you know what is being referred to. In the world that I work in, everyone wants to avoid reading the manual. Probably because many of them are not well written, and many of them do not get to the meat of operation, and many of them do not do a good job of defining their terms. The ILO manual does not do a good job of organizing and highlighting the most important information. There are several reasons for this, a subject for extensive discussion at a later time.
ILO does not include some steps and some "what ifs" that raise questions in the user’s mind and makes them wonder if they are on the right path. It leaves the DVD owners unsure about what is meant in several instances. I reviewed the DVDR04 manual, and it seems to be much more helpful, with some carryover to the DVDR05. The remotes for each unit are different.
One bad DVDR05 example—the manual shows the connections necessary to input digital video from a DV (digital video) camera. Three instructional steps are given for controlling a DV Camcorder. Nothing is mentioned about proper sequencing. In reality, there should be many steps shown to make the digital video display and to successfully record on a disk. The steps must be followed sequentially.
Following are the steps I used to get my digital video working:
My first stutterstep was to get the digital video to display on the TV monitor. I worked under the assumption that this required that I enter the setup menu and double check the settings that were previously set several months earlier. Do not risk ruining any DVD disks by loading them prior to knowing you can get video out.
Although tempted, I avoided selecting the restore to factory settings choice available under the general setup menu. I thought I would reserve that option as a final last ditch effort before dumping the DVD Recorder unit in the trash. The manual does not adequately explain what the restore settings revert to.
After reviewing and accepting or changing the many setup options, I did the following:
Turn the DVD Recorder off.
Connect the DV camera (use a firewire connection not supplied with the ILO) to the DVD Recorder and turn it on. Use ac power instead of batteries if the camera will operate under ac power. Input can also be done with a S-video cable and with RCA connectors. I have not had a chance to evaluate quality difference. Too busy attempting to get a basic setup to work and documenting what I have done.
Turn the DVD Recorder on.
A "no disk message" will display on the DVD Recorder if none is in the unit. An unreadable disk will display "bad disk". A recognizable disk will display a play menu.
If and when the DVD Recorder splash screen shows, use the arrows on the remote to select "source." You should review the functions of the remote, and know what you can expect when each key is activated.
Note there are 6 choices that can be made from the source menu—Select the apropriate source based on the video input.
1. DVD—Play from DVD (this is the default selection. When you are moving around in menus, your selection sometimes reverts to the default).
2. DV camera for digital video in. Recheck this selection if you are not displaying video.
3. Video 1, composite input rear panel.
4. S-video in.
5. Video 2, composite input front panel.
6. TV tuner, input for TV
Misunderstanding this menu is likely the reason for many of the problems associated with recording on a DVD disk. be sure you are making the correct selection. The default for the DVD Recorder is to select the DVD disk (when using the remote, the unit will sometimes revert to default, so check it if you are not achieving results). This choice is selected when you want to play from a DVD disk to some other source-TV, camcorder, DV camcorder, or another recorder.
Scroll to select DV camera unput or one of the other options.
Press Enter. Do this quickly because not much time is allowed to get coordinated to make the selection.
"Bypass" will show on the DVD Recorder LED display.
My Canon DV camcorder is not completely controlled by the remote. The stop and pause functions are controlled after I begin the playback with the camcorder controls
Turn on your DV camcorder and cue up the location on the DVD video cassette that you wish to record.
Press play on the DV camera. A video image should display on the monitor. If it does not display, experiment between the pause/stop functions on the remote, and the play button on the DV camera.
Once you have a video image display on your monitor, you should now be able to rewind or re-cue and produce a DVD disk from your DV camcorder.
Press record on the remote and press play on your DV camcorder.
If you can produce a disk from your DV camcorder, you should also be able to record from a TV set (my next project). Attempting this also requires a learning curve to get the right connections made, to select the correct source, and to sync with the TV tuner.
When you stop recording, a dialog will ask if you want to finish the disk (necessary for playing in a wide range of DVD players). If you are not ready to finish, there is an option for you to decline. If you decline, you can add other video chapters later. My time is more valuable to me than the cost of DVDs, so I usually finish them
I am using Imation DVD+R, 8X disks.
Posted on Nov 15, 2008
The problem lies in your power supply. The voltage that runs your dvd drive is probably low. It's the cause of cheap parts the manufacter used. I made a website showing you how to fix at: www.ilodvdr05.computed.net
Posted on Jan 18, 2007
I got my dvd recorder at wal mart. I have used it for a few months but never recorded with it. A friend hooked it up a second time as I got another tv. The manual got misplaced, and I can't find it anywhere. So I wanted to record this tv special, and couldn't get it to record. I contacted wal mart to try to get a phone # to contact the manufacturer to send me another manual. Talk about a run around. I was told that sansui made it, then orion, then cyberhome, then liteon, and also that it was a wal mart brand product. Everyone passed the buck. I contacted ilo tv, hoping they would get me in touch with the dvd recorder/player dept., they gave me ilo service, and ilo help. Nothing, I got nothing from either site. One site I talked to said the company was raided by the government and was now defunct. That is why you can not reach them. When I tried cyberhome, I got to their site, but nothing on my recorder, just sales on different machines. From all the negativity I have heard and read about concerning this product, it is no wonder you can't reach them. And it says alot about wal mart, they won't stand behind their products and they too are just out to make a buck, to heck with the customer, just give me your money, as if they don't have enough of a monoply and billions of dollars already. So I suggest you save your money and get a name brand recorder and throw your ilo products in the trash where they belong. If you haven't experienced problems yet, you will. We all learned a lesson in trying to save a buck, don't count on wal mart, think before you give them your money, and buy name brand products, you might think they are more expensive but at least you know they will be around to stand behind their products.
Posted on Sep 20, 2006
.SUE ILO
Posted on Dec 12, 2007
I ahd to replace the laser eye in the unit it quit working i used one from another one I had that the motor was bad in it was a phillips.
Posted on Dec 08, 2007
These Ilos sold by Wal-Mart had a one year parts and labor warranty. My two died one week before the warranty expired, Wal-Mart replaced them with Magnavox recorders.
Posted on Oct 28, 2007
There are very few solutions to resolve the problems of the ILO DVR05. I had the same problems of ' disk error/bad disk '. Eventually, the disc tray would not even eject and a host of other problems ensued. Now, when I turn it on, the power goes off after a few minutes. Another thing; the clock gains about three minutes a day. Talk about cheap components - this is it!! I opened up the device and found that the layout was very neat and professionally made. It would be fixable with more durable components. Why didn't they do that in the first place?! It is well made but with cheap components. The power supply probably delivers unregulated voltages to the rest of the systems. I will use mine as a learning aid.
Posted on Jul 11, 2007
We have the same problem since a year ago. The memory of the machine is full and I can not record anything to a disc as it reads error all the time or the disc has no format ... I try calling the company but no response either. Anyone had a better experience? Thanks
Posted on Apr 18, 2007
Replace the 10V elect. capacitors in the power supply with 16V ones.(2200uF &1000uF) 2 each
Posted on May 13, 2009
I have bought a DVDR05 Recorder at Walmart and it has no remote control. Can you send me one or do I need to return it? Jeff
Posted on Jan 27, 2009
I also have a truetech dvd recorder and both are doing the same they say no disk or bad disc someone come up with a solution. One other thing i was told to try was to run a dvd cleaner through it but after continuously try to get it started it ended up not working.
Posted on Jun 20, 2007
I have the same problem with the player saying no disc or bad disc when you know you have a good disc. I will never buy electronics from Wal-mart again. My daughter had bought me an Apex dvd play from them and it lasted about 10 dvd plays.. The Ilo DVDR05 lasted about the same number of dvd plays. Stay away from WAL-MART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on Apr 14, 2007
Mine was 2 years old this month and stopped working about a year ago. Today I had to embrace the fact that I threw a $100 out the window when I purchased this piece of S$%# from Wal-mart.
Solution: This morning I went over the highest bridge in my town and out the window she went. Maybe the fish in the bottom of the lake can find some use for it.
Posted on Dec 30, 2007
This could be a fault with the spindle motor that spins the disc.
I think you might try inspecting the brushes on this motor for wear or misalignment.
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my recorder either say no disc or unknown disc it won't play any store baught disc i have tired to reach the 800 # and it say can't get to it from my calling area i have had this thing for over a year and thought i had hooked it up wrong this is not the right way to run a company so if your going to sell junk atleast have the balls to back it up
My head is about to blow off I am so mad. I have spent hours and hours setting up this dvd recorder only to have it tell that my DVD/RW and DVD/R discs won't format/won't record - I just can't get the thing to work-like you there is NO RESPONSE from this company in any form. (Phone/email). Every step the book gives you I did correctly. It doesn't answer the questions or give any way to resolve my issues. What a rip-off!!!!!!
no dis bad dis all dis are bad
When I try to play a DVD I get the no disc message. However, the machine plays CDs just fine. I was going to utilize a laser disc cleaner but the player will not recognize the disc.
I am having trouble with  ILO DVDRO5 RECORDER I tried calling   1-800 939  0605 for assistance  and get no answer.  I am willing to pay for repairs.                                                                  My email address is  [email protected]
My resolution to this issue was I contacted the BBB the better business bureau advised me to take the unit back to the store I purchased it from and demand a refund. They provided me with a 3 page document to prove the company ILO technologies was a fraud and CYBER HOMES had purchased numerous truckloads of stolen goods and sold it to various store WALMART being one of the largest. I took my letter to from the BBB to Walmart and presented it to the manager and paid the difference for an upgraded product. Walmart would not refund me cash however did honor a in-store credit since the item was purchased at their establishment. I did purchase a new DVDR from Walmart. I invested in Polaroid brand and have been using my DVDR with the Built in HDD ever since. I recommend you do the same. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANY ILO PRODUCTS EVER AGAIN.. AND RECOMMEND YOU THINK TWICE IN ANYTHING THAT CARRIES THE "ILO TECHNOLOGIES NAME AS WELL! GOOD LUCK
My resolution to this issue was I contacted the BBB (better business bureau) who advised me to take the unit back to the store I purchased it from and demand a refund. They provided me with a 3 page document to prove the company ILO technologies was a fraud and CYBER HOMES had purchased numerous truckloads of stolen goods and sold it to various store WALMART being one of the largest. I took my letter to from the BBB to Walmart and presented it to the manager and paid the difference for an upgraded product. Walmart would not refund me cash however did honor a in-store credit since the item was purchased at their establishment. I did purchase a new DVDR from Walmart. I invested in Polaroid brand and have been using my DVDR with the Built in HDD ever since. I recommend you do the same. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANY ILO PRODUCTS EVER AGAIN.. AND RECOMMEND YOU THINK TWICE IN ANYTHING THAT CARRIES THE "ILO TECHNOLOGIES NAME AS WELL! GOOD LUCK
samo-samo. "no disc: display.
I have all the same problems with my ILO unit. I purchased it a little over a year ago from Walmart. I've since disconnected it & put it in the closet. How can I get a copy of that 3 page letter from BBB. I've tried contacting BBB here & all I get is a recording.
I have all the same problems with my ILO. I bought it over a year ago from Walmart. Won't play store bought dvd's. Says "No Disk". I'mn done with it. How can I get a copy of that 3 page letter from the BBB so I can take mine back?
I brought the DVDR05 Recorder & Player about 4 yrs ago and it stop working about 6 months ago. It will not read any disc. I tried to contact the company but they are in bankrupcy now. I can't find any company that will service this product. I call several phone #s that was given but no help. I am very upset now. Even Walmart will not take it back since it been over 90 day from purchase date. Please send me any papers from BBB so Walmart will take this recorder back. I agree with the other customerss that brought this product -- IT IS THE WORST PRODUCT EVER -. I also tried to use a disc head cleaner but it is not being read either. I will never purchase another product from ILO technologies.
all the same problems and one more it whistles
I absolutely detest this machine! I've been working all morning to burn a copy of a home dvd for my mom. It's a very special recording of my Grandpa who passed last year, and of course, this machine REFUSES TO RECORD! Everything is hooked up properly, but the ilo won't format the disc for recording. These are brand new Magnavox DVD+RW discs, but I keep getting "Disk Error" messages.
Like someone else said, $100 down the drain. I suppose you get what you pay for, but at least warn me that you're selling me $100 worth of garbage. Heck, I'd pay a little more for dependabililty. I guess they made their money and ran...
It will not read most of my dvd's, not including blank dvds. And the remote does not work at all. It was a gift, but still, i'm upset. I would love a copy of those BBB letters so I can get something from walmart.
I'm having the same problem with my dvd recorder, I know these posting are old, but was wondering if i could also get a copy of the BBB letter.
[email protected]
The piece of **** says "no disc" no matter what disc I put in it.Sometimes when you turn it on the power goes out for a minute also. Walmart are ******** for selling this ****!
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