The JVC HMDH5U is essentially the same unit as the JVC HM-DH40000. It's more expensive (even though the MSRP is less), not nearly as pretty lacking the front cover of the HM-DH40000, and most importantly has a couple small upgrades. As such its a great VCR but still not a particularly great digital recording device. Whether this is a better buy depends on how you plan to use it.

If you're not familiar with DVHS and the JVC DVHS VCR pluses and minuses, please read my long review of the HM-DH40000. In short, the format has issues but the VCR you get with it is in my opinion well worth it, especially at the price.

The HMDH5U is a slight upgrade, with four things that the HM-DH40000 lacks. First, it supposedly runs a bit cooler than the HM-DH40000, although I haven't seen that on my model. Second, it can decode DTS (the alternative to Dolby Digital) encoded tapes, not a particularly important upgrade as there frankly isn't much recorded in that format available for playback. Third, it has an option to switch to 480i (standard definition) output by a single keystroke on the remote, which sounds minor but can be incredibly useful when you need to access the menu (only available in 480i) while you're watching video in 720p or 1080i. Finally, it has an HDMI output. For those unfamiliar with it, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the next-generation connection (like DVI or optical output) between digital devices. Besides being able to carry audio signals along with the uncompressed video (meaning less cords), its major advantage is that with a simple, cheap adapter it's backwards compatible with DVI interfaces, which your current HDTV or modern PC monitor probably already has.

In my experience, the signal quality using HDMI or DVI tends to run a bit better than component but isn't terribly noticable unless you're really looking for differences. Still, it does mean this is less likely to be obsolete as an output device going forward, although I doubt component video inputs are going the way of the dodo bird anytime soon.

Unfortunately, almost everything else remains the same. Digital input is by Firewire only, meaning you're limited to a handful of devices that output HD signals this can record. (The 169time solution described below is intriguing but pricey - basically they're a third party that uses a low end computer to add firewire output to a number of other HD receivers. Check them out, but be warned they cost as much as this VCR!) Also, keep in mind that if you're running one of those few tuners that is Firewire compatible with this, do remember Firewire is 2-way - meaning you can play back digital audio and video using it instead, meaning the addition of the HDMI output is rendered moot.

Since my recommendation is that you buy the HM-DH40000 more as a VCR than a digital recorder, whether the HMDH5U is a better choice depends on how you're planning on using it most of the time. If you can use the HDMI/DVI output and are planning on being dedicated to the DVHS and D-Theater formats, this might be worth the extra money. If you're planning on using it more as a VCR upgrade with occasionally archiving digital format, it lacks the sleek front panel of its predecessor and costs more. Just depends on how you use it.

I've been recording HDTV for over 3 years using the 169time HDVR upgrades with my HM-DH30000U JVC deck. I recently bought the new JVC HM-DH5U deck since it has the DVI outputs. Still the only way to record HDTV from satellite is with my 169time setup, as there is no way to record true HDTV except through firewire; just like the old 30000.

I'm happy to report that each tape I previously recorded with my 30000 deck plays just great through my new 5U deck. With my DLP, the signal from the 5U playback through DVI is a bit sharper than using the component outputs of the 30000. The only complaint is that I had to buy an HDMI to DVI cable since it wasn't included with the 5U.