Just received Pioneer DVR-310s - how to test it?
 

I have received a pioneer dvr-310s without remote and would like to test it. Ive found the manual(PDF) online. I don't know what the s in 310s signifies if anything. What I'm wondering right now is can this machine filter video and pass it through or improve the video in any way. I would welcome any advice from anyone who has used this unit successfully.

No.

The Pioneer decks were good for recording off TV in excellent quality, but that's it.
They has no pass-through abilities, and were not like LSI Logic chips when it came to filtering VHS in any way.

I don't remember the specifics on which recording modes were best on the 310. The models varied some. It's been too long.