DVD recorder help/advice

[rubberman]

I wanna buy a dvd recorder for myself this Xmas and wonder what advice/tips you can give. I really dont need an expensive one, just one that will record shows from cable TV/Satellite and also i can transfer video from VHS to dvd. I would really like one that records to -R cause my Pioneer burner on my computer only reads -r/-rw. that way i only have to buy -r media. I like that Cyberhome model at ebay but burns on +r media

[Racer2x]

You sure your burner only reads -Rs? I have a Pioneer burner (an A04), and it reads my +R discs, just fine.

[redwudz]

They are a little pricey, but I've been happy with my Pioneer DVR. I have a 633S. There are other models without the hard drive, (Though I recommend the HD option) that are lower in price. It works fine with DVD -R media.

[lordsmurf]

Even the 103 could read DVD+R and DVD+RW media.

[Racer2x]

Thanks Lordsmurf. That's what I thought.

[Frobozz]

To rubberman,
It's pretty true with DVD recorders that you get what you pay for. The really cheap ones are unreliable and lack features. If you spend about $200 for one without a hard drive or $350+ for one with a hard drive you'll probably have an okay unit. There are user comments about individual models here by clicking the DVD Recorders link at the left.

[lordsmurf]

The JVC DR-M100S records to DVD-RW or DVD-R, and it's easily the best model/brand recorder right now.

The runner up would be a Pioneer recorder, also DVD-RW or DVD-R.

So you're all set, no real need for DVD+R or DVD+RW.

[Seeker47]

The JVC DR-M100S records to DVD-RW or DVD-R, and it's easily the best model/brand recorder right now.

Then you are not in agreement with the reliability problem reports on a number of their models ?

[rubberman]

i have the Pioneer 104 which is basically the same as the AO4. I swear i stuck in a +R disc and it couldnt recognize it. I'll try again. Does it matter what firmware i have on the drive?

[lordsmurf]

Then you are not in agreement with the reliability problem reports on a number of their models ?

Not in the slightest. That issue affected a small % of machines, the first models, and was solved long ago. Not on new ones, not an issue.

[rubberman]

i guess i could use a dvd+rw to record on the DVD recorder

[mats.hogberg]

For what it's worth, here what the Swedish Conumer organisation found out.

/Mats

[handyguy]

Reliability & media opinions:
http://www.videohelp.com/dvdrecorders

The tricky part is where you said you wanted to record from satellite.

[Racer2x]

Nothing tricky about that. I do it EVERY day, no prob.

[handyguy]

You do, but if you search the forum there are plenty of topics on people asking just how to do it.....

[Racer2x]

Wow. I find it amazing, then, that people don't understand how to hook up the equipment that they buy, especially since they show diagrams in almost every manual, included with the units. Why's it SO hard?: If you can hook up a vcr, you can hook up a set-top recorder. It's not rocket science, people.