LG RHT497 DVD recorder reviews and price comparison

Here’s a list of the questions other shoppers have asked owners of the LG RHT497

1. Can you record from the hard disc to a dvd.
   If so how as I couldn't find it in the instructions.
   
   
   
   bob asked on 22 Jan 2011
   1. I have not yet tried to record from hard drive to dvd, but it seems to be explained under " copying and moving files, folders and titles". particularly on page 40. Most programs I have used seem to be fairly Ok.
      
      david bournemouth replied on 23 Jan 2011

       
   2. It is not something I have investigated as I am happy with the 2 recording options. As David, Bournemouth has obviously read the possibility of doing it I will also have a look.
      
      John replied on 24 Jan 2011

       
2. does this have an optical socket to connect to soround sound system
   
   Paul asked on 15 Feb 2011
   1. Yes it does indeed!
      
      Ronald replied on 15 Feb 2011

       
3. does it play dvd films
   
   dave asked on 15 Feb 2011
   1. yes, it plays dvd's well. Have 1 problem I can report on now. There is only 1 channel so it's not possible to watch and record at same time, so Tesco advised I buy a cheap Freeview desktop ( Just under £20.00 ) and now I can record and switch over to Freeview to watch other programme. There are recorders out there with 2 channels if it's a problem.
      
      Francis replied on 16 Feb 2011

       
   2. Yes, no problem, it records and plays without any fuss which is what I wanted and all for a reasonable price.
      
      David replied on 16 Feb 2011

       
4. Can it copy on to any blank disc? do i need to buy a HDMI, can you get rid of the subtitles people keep complaining about, easily?
   
   Angela asked on 23 Apr 2011
   1. never seen any subtitle problems, i have recorded about 8 movies onto the hard drive and all play perfectly, discs load perfectly without any adjustments needed (subtitles etc) and i have only ever used dvd+r discs so i cant comment on wether it will record onto -discs etc, regarding the hdmi lead you dont need it, although it would be better, but at present mine is hooked up via standard scart to daughters bedroom tv, and it records straight off the sky box via scart perfectly.
      
      Ronald replied on 25 Apr 2011

       
   2. as far as I am aware you can only record unto a disc the program you are watching, but don't take my word as I do not do much recording to disc only mostly to hard drive.
      
      roy replied on 26 Apr 2011

       
5. Does this DVD recorder have a dual tuner, or can you only record & watch the same channel?
   
   Vicki asked on 28 Apr 2011
   1. You can only record one channel at a time. You have to watch the channel your recording.
      
      Phil replied on 01 May 2011

       
   2. I agree with Phil, though Tesco gave good advice. If one buys a chead freeview box ( about £20.00 ) it is then possible to watch something else whilst recording. It is annoying that the sub titles keep showing though I programme it not to. I turn off my T.V. at the mains each night so have to remember to re-programme, or sub titles appear! Frank A.
      
      Francis replied on 02 May 2011

       
   3. @Francis
      You can fix the subtitle problem by setting the subtitles in "easy setup" then "A" to gaelic, that fixed the really annoying problem for me. I was pulling my hair out so called LG help center and this was thier advise. Hope it works for you.
      
      Phil replied on 05 May 2011

       
6. Can this machine record from my Sky box as well as through the Freeview tuner?
   
   Jean asked on 28 Apr 2011
   1. I have absolutely no idea as I'm afraid i'm still in the Dark Ages here only being able to receive analogue!! 2012 is the year for the switchover for me. I imagine there must be a way with another scart lead though.
      
      Patricia replied on 29 Apr 2011

       
   2. We live in Cyprus and constantly use the recorder for recording from the Sky box with no problems. Not sure of the UK technical requirements as we have to record via AV2 here. Just try it first then if no good you may have to ask your friendly TV man for guidance! You may need an additional lead.
      
      John replied on 29 Apr 2011

       
7. Can you copy digital TV programs already recorded on a Virgin Media V+ box to the HDD or DVD on the LG RHT497? I have tried but the formats do not seem to be compatable.
   
   Eric asked on 24 May 2011
   1. Sorry but that is something I have no knowledge of. I would have thought that, as you say, it would not be compatable. Good luck though.
      
      Francis replied on 26 May 2011

       
8. BRFORE WE PURCHASE ONE
   Can I presume we wont be able to record to a DVD unless we watch the program at the same time
   can I presume we wont be able to record from hard drive onto a dvd
   
   
   Carole asked on 26 Jun 2011
   1. We live in Cyprus so recording etc. is much more limited compared to UK.
      
      Recording to a DVD may be possible in UK whilst watching another programme, or whilst you are out, but you need to ask your friendly supplier!
      
      As far as we are aware you are unable to record from hard drive to DVD.
      
      John replied on 27 Jun 2011

       
   2. I believe you will be able to do both the things you wish, and you will not have to watch the recording to DVD. David
      
      david bournemouth replied on 04 Jul 2011

       
9. can i combine and devide a recording.
   
   Ken asked on 18 Jul 2011
   1. Hi Ken..It's dead easy. To divide a recording first record the two or more items onto the hard disc, then making sure you are still working on the hard disc, and NOT DVD, press Menu/list on the remote and highlight the file that you want to divide..Go to "edit" then "divide".. Fast forward to where you want to divide the file into two seperate ones then "divide"again. Job done. If you want to do another division of the file Highlight and "divide" as before..
      
      To combine two files Highlight the FIRST file and again "edit" but this time "combine". Highlight the file that you want to combine with the first one then "combine". the two files will now become one, with the FIRST file being the first of the two.
      All this may sound difficult but it is really easy.. Practice on a couple of unwanted files first, so if you go wrong nothing important has been lost.. Good luck.
      
      
      Denis replied on 19 Jul 2011
      
      Denis replied on 22 Jul 2011

       
10. I have a freeveiw + box which has some recordings on it's hard drive can I transfer them to the hard drive on this recorder then subsequently to a DVD?
    
    David asked on 20 Jul 2011
    1. Yes David you can. First make sure that your television is receiving the picture from your RHT 497H box and the RHT 497 box is receiving pictures from the Freeview box. In other words play the Freeview box THROUGH the RHT box into the Television. You MAY have to alter the inputs on the Television and the RHT box to do this. I find that the simplest way is to connect the OUTPUT of the Freeview box to the INPUT of the RHT box and the OUTPUT of the RHT box to the INPUT of the Television using two SCART leads.
       
       When you are seeing the picture from the Freeview box on your Tele just set the RHT box to RECORD and play the "recording" on the FREEVIEW Box . Record to the end of the program then stop the recording. Any unwanted parts of the recording can be EDITED out then DUBBED onto a DVD Disc using the DUBBING feature on the RHT box.
       
       Have fun.. Denis
       
       Denis replied on 23 Aug 2011

        
11. I have read that it is not possible to view one channel whilst recording another. Does this just apply when recording to a dvd or does it also apply when recording to the hard drive?
    
    Tony asked on 20 Jul 2011
    1. No, you can't view another channel through the recorder when recording on hard drive or DVD, I'm afraid, but you can watch something that you have recorded previously while recording. You can, of course, still view another channel through your TV without going through the recorder. Hope this helps.
       
       Patricia replied on 22 Jul 2011

        
12. Just a quickie.....what colour is it? Black (I hope)...silver, or both?
    
    leigh asked on 23 Aug 2011
    1. All black
       
       David replied on 26 Aug 2011

        
    2. Black with a very narrow silver horizontal band at the base. Quite swish actually!
       
       John replied on 27 Aug 2011

        
13. I would seriously question whether the enclosed handbook even relates to the machine. When trying to copy a title/file to another folder on the hard disc (page 39) I can get as far as the edit sub options where I am asked to select move from Combine, Divide or Delete Part!
    
    Copying from a DVD is even worse as it is quite impossible to mark a "file" on the DVD following the instructions!
    
    I guess that as with my preivosu DVD recorder I will have to work out how to use it for myself - in spite of the handbook.
    
    The best one can say about the hand-book is that it is totally, completely and utterly useless.
    
    
    
    Nigel asked on 02 Oct 2011
    1. Quite honestly, I have never used this function so cannot comment. However, I have found with other machine that I have to resort to my own initiative to work things out - I wonder if it all gets lost in translation/
       
       Patricia replied on 06 Oct 2011

        
14. Hi. Has anyone had any problems with a) not being able to download updates and b) not being able to select either video output format or change the aspect ratio? Anyone know why? Thanks.
    
    Jess asked on 08 Oct 2011
    1. No Problems as far as i am aware
       
       roy replied on 10 Oct 2011

        
    2. Sometimes it will indicate that updates are being received but nothing further seems to happen.load.. I just ignore it..
       Sorry but I have never had any problems with the Video or Aspect ratio..
       
       Denis replied on 12 Oct 2011

        
15. I am considering purchasing the LG RHT 497 but before I do just a few things I want to know. Firstly, am I right in assuming that with a hard drive you do not necessarily record onto DVD's. And I believe another of your correspondents answered my second question that I can record one programme on the hard drive while watching a different programme on my TV. We live in an area that is not able to have a conventional TV aerial and our channels come through a Freesat dish. Will this make any difference?
    
    Rita asked on 24 Oct 2011
    1. No difference at all, in fact i recorded many sky screenings directly onto the hard drive myself, (freesat is same principal) so that answers both your questions in one, but remember you can also after storing many programmes onto the hard drive record them onto a dvd disc at any time in the future, thus freeing up the storage space on the hard drive. Just for the record i have had no problems with this machine at all, and it is played on a daily basis, cant fault it at all.
       
       Ronald replied on 25 Oct 2011

        
    2. I totally agree with Ronalds reply, and Rita i dont think you will have any problems, so good luck
       
       John replied on 27 Oct 2011

        
16. My last Recorder was a Sony on which I could dub a recorded tv programme onto the Hard Drive from a disc and also dub a programme from the Hard Drive onto a disc, can I do this with this machine please,
    
    John asked on 01 Dec 2011
    1. Sorry but are unable to give accurate answer. I suspect not.
       
       John replied on 02 Dec 2011

        
17. hard drive to me is some where i park my car.will some one like me be able to work it, age 61.
    
    clifford asked on 02 Dec 2011
    1. I went on a basic computer course before buying a computer, it was well worth it, I suggest you consider doing so. Mind I am nearly 20 years older thaa you.
       
       david bournemouth replied on 06 Dec 2011

        
    2. Good grief, of course you can - I'm 65, but have been using computers for some while so probably ahead of the game. Just following the quick start and you can't go wrong. If you have any problems email again. However, I can assure you that the hard drive does carry some 40 hours of recording and very easy to program. A hard drive is a storage space (memory) and is a very good medium for storing your recordings. And the best thing is you can start recording and then start watching moments later so that you don't miss the start of a programme. You can also watch another recording whilst recording - another useful option. Hope I haven't bored you both. Never, ever use your age as an excuse for not being able to do anything - we can't let the youngsters beat us!!!
       
       Patricia replied on 06 Dec 2011

        
18. Hi there i'm about to buy the LG RHT 497 can i play my VHS tapes and record on
    dvd help please thank you.
    
    stephen asked on 06 Dec 2011
    1. i still use vhs tapes now and again,while watching the tape we are recording on the dvd lg rht 497 without any problems
       
       John replied on 06 Dec 2011

        
    2. Easy done.. You need to connect the output of the VHS recorder to the input of the 497. This is easiest done by using a SCART cable..You will need to tell the 497 to take its input through it's Scart socket. Do this by, after connecting the two machines, play a know tape and press AV/INPUT on the 497 untill you see the picture on the Television.. Make sure that the Tevevision is in the correct mode to receive the signal from the 497.. When you press RECORD on the 497 you will be recording.. To record on the 497's hard drive press HDD on the 497's remote before starting the recording.. To record direct to DVD press DVD on the remote.. You are better recording onto the Hard Drive (HDD) as the recording can be edited then easily Dubbed on to a DVD disc. Hope you understand this but it sounds a lot harder than it really is. Denis
       
       Denis replied on 06 Dec 2011

        
19. I have a sagem top box which allows me to edit recording ie cut from beginning to a point in the recording or cut from a point to the end or divid into two halves. wil the rht497h do the same brian age 77
    
    brian asked on 10 Dec 2011
    1. in all honesty brian i have never tried editing my recordings, how ever there is an "edit recording" menu for each individual recording so i am almost certain that you can edit out parts of your recordings you dont want. sorry i cant be more specific. i might give it a try and get back to you. but for now i will say it is well worth the money. cheers ronnie
       
       Ronald replied on 11 Dec 2011

        
20. Does it pause live tv please.
    
    dave asked on 17 Jan 2012
    1. Yes
       
       Richard replied on 17 Jan 2012

        
21. DOes this device pay 3d blu rays??
    
    Sam asked on 04 Feb 2012
    1. no
       
       John replied on 04 Feb 2012

        
22. ok this is a bit random. you know how when you stopped playing a video, turned off the player, then turned it back on youd start from the same place? well not all dvd players do this. and its an absolute pet hate of mine when you watch up to a certain point of a dvd, have to stop it then come back press play and you have to fast forward to find it again.
    so what i want to know...if you turn this player off midway through a movie, will it take you back to the same place when you turn the player on again? or do you have to find the place again?
    thanks!
    
    Nicola asked on 11 Feb 2012
    1. I'm sorry to say that you have to find the place again. It's very annoying to say the least!
       
       Carol replied on 03 Mar 2012

        
    2. erm i have to disagree with carol, my daughter is constantly changing discs (you are refering to dvds arent you?) and it always goes back to where it left off in other words it remembers the point at which you stopped and returns there instead. Its funny because i find that annoying and you find the other way annoying, ha ha we are all different arent we?
       
       Ronald replied on 03 Mar 2012

        
    3. With a DVD, providing you have not used it in the meantime, it will continue playing from where you stopped/removed it. However this does not work with anything recorded on the hard drive, you do have to fast forward to where it stopped.
       
       John replied on 03 Mar 2012

        
    4. I don't find this aproblem, if you make a note of the No (time elapsed) it is easy to go back to this point
       
       david bournemouth replied on 03 Mar 2012

        
    5. Not had this problem as I always play to the end of a film etc, sorry
       
       roy replied on 05 Mar 2012

        
    6. if you stop the dvd it will restart where you left, it if not its nothing to fast forward and carry on as before
       
       John replied on 06 Mar 2012

        
23. ok this is a bit random. you know how when you stopped playing a video, turned off the player, then turned it back on youd start from the same place? well not all dvd players do this. and its an absolute pet hate of mine when you watch up to a certain point of a dvd, have to stop it then come back press play and you have to fast forward to find it again.
    so what i want to know...if you turn this player off midway through a movie, will it take you back to the same place when you turn the player on again? or do you have to find the place again?
    thanks!
    
    Nicola asked on 11 Feb 2012
    1. When I have done this it seems to carry on from where you leave off which is a good thing. Good luck. Only thing I dislike is that the sub titles come if you turn machine off so one has to select "turn off sub-titles" ( both types ) then turn off machine and switch on again which will remove subs 9 until next time! )
       
       Francis replied on 14 Feb 2012

        
24. does your machine constantly refuse to switch itself on when not used for a few days?.even has problems on timer recording any advise on sorting these isuses as guide book is a bit vage
    
    martin asked on 16 Feb 2012
    1. Hello Martin. I have never had problems switching on the machine nor recording programs and my machine is around 2 years old. One thing you can check is that the machine is set to the correct (record on it's own disc or on to DVD". The worst possibility is that the machine is faulty or dying. You can always leave the machine on "stand-by". This does use power but not a great deal.
       Best Denis
       
       
       Denis replied on 17 Apr 2012

        
25. Regarding watch-one-programme-and-record-another, and having read the £20/ish box advice, is it possible to w-o-p-a-r-a if the tv has built-in freeview obviating the need to buy that box, thus recording via this LG RHT 497-er while watching the built-in tv freeview?
    
    Sandra asked on 25 Feb 2012
    1. High Sandra.. The LG RHT has it's own tuner so you set it to the channel you want to record and either use the timer to record your program, or simply press record. You then watch the other channel on the television.. Hope this helps you out.. Denis
       
       Denis replied on 02 Mar 2012

        
26. can the 497 play blu-ray disks
    
    des asked on 29 Feb 2012
    1. Mine is an older model and I believe that it will not do. A new model may be able to do so. I really don't know.
       Sorry I can't be more helpful.. Denis
       
       Denis replied on 17 Apr 2012

        
27. can i record from the my virgin+ hard drive onto the DVD recorder? Is it via a scart cable?
    
    david asked on 14 Mar 2012
    1. Not really sure as I don't have cable and have never tried it. If you go onto the LG website, they have a fantastic helpdesk and reply the same day. I had a problem with mine during the switchover to digital and they answered my question very efficiently.
       
       Patricia replied on 14 Mar 2012

        
28. I was told by the guy in Curry's that any recorder that has Freeview+ means you are able to watch one programme whilst recording another. Can anyone confirm this (I have visited Curry's 3 times and been given 3 different answers)! The TV I want to connect it to is not HD neither does it have built in Freeview. Many thanks.
    
    Maggie asked on 25 Mar 2012
    1. You cannot unless the tele has freeview, sorry David
       
       david bournemouth replied on 27 Mar 2012

        
29. I have a LG LCD TV and I watch SKY programmes on it. If I want to record the SKY programmes to watch later, can I do it? Is it better to buy LG RHT 497 with 160GB hard drive or LG RHT 498 with 250 GB hard drive. I do not know if these have facility to record one channel and watch another at the same time. Are Samsung or Panasonic brands compatible with LG LCD TV's.
    
    Pathe asked on 14 Apr 2012
    1. Yes you can. "Play" sky through the recorder and record the program you are viewing.
       Regarding the size of hard disc on the recorder. If you intend to keep the recordings on the recorders hard drive I would suggest that if you do a LOT of recording then the higher capacity disc drive may be your best bet. If you do as I do, and you want to keep recordings (films etc), I transfer them to DVD Discs then delete them from the recorder. I own the 160GB version and have never anywhere near filled the recorders hard drive.
       To watch one channel and record another just record from Sky and watch Free View on the Television.
       I think that all brands are compatible with each other. Some very old equipment may lack some "sockets".
       I hope that this was helpful... Best Denis
       
       Denis replied on 17 Apr 2012

        

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