Best standalone DVD Recorder to record from VCR

[Tim_in_NC]

I have lots of VHS tapes that I would like to copy onto DVD's. So I'm wondering what would be the best standalone DVD recorder for me to do this with? I would like it to do a good quality job, easy to use and be able to record on a media that can be played in most players. So does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks everyone,

Tim

[Alfer]

You're gonna get TONS of opinions (mine included) but I just wanted to mention that I chose the Philips DVDR75 after some research and hands on w/ my second choice, the Panasonic E80.

Since I have a multi format NEC 1300A DVD PC burner and have the luxary of burning +R AND -R (whatever version of blanks is cheapest at any given time) I needed a recorder that can PLAY both formats...The Panaasonics didn't play ANY of my burned +R's when I took them into the A/V store with me to check.

The Philips however states in the manual and online that it can play BOTH, and it does, so for me, the choice was simple. Oh and it has DVI input as well, the mainstream Panny's don't.

It's been a great recorder, and VHS home movies look great as does the recording from Directv and analog TV.

Do some research and maybe try some out in person from a place that offers a good return policy and decide for yourself which one suits your needs.

Good luck!

Alfer

[Bob W]

I have the Panasonic E50 recorder and love it. Along with this device http://www.facetvideo.com/ to get rid of any macrovision my VHS backups to DVD-R actually look better than the original tape.

[Tim_in_NC]

Thanks Alfer and Bob for your replies. Alfer you mentioned about the DVD burner you have in your computer, just for info if it will help mine is a NEC ND-1100A http://www.necsam.com/oem/specs/ND-1100a.pdf.

Sorry Bob, I should have made myself more clear. When I said that I want to copy my VHS tapes to a standalone DVD recorder all the VHS tapes that I want to copy are all home movies that I shot using a VHS camcorder and a Hi 8mm camcorder so there is no concern about copy protection.

Thanks again,

Tim

[handyguy]

The panasonics have special vhs/video filters that make them look very nice. Capturing vhs isn't very high resolution.

Panasonic has e30, e50, etc. I read 6thave.com has the 80gigHD one for $502 6 cents shipping

[mopar7]

I have the DVDR75 by Philips, the vhs-dvd copy appears equal to me at the 2 and 2.5 hr modes on the 25" tv, but the dvd appears better on my 55" Pioneer.

[tdhg566]

I'm in the middle of the same project for my extended family. I selected the panny E80H. Very pleased with it. Because we too are doing home movies, quality is clearly sufficient. It does have this annoying habit of rebooting itself about 30% of the time when switching from burning DVD-RAM to burning DVD-R. But that only costs you time; no coasters. I've had good success with RITEK03 media bought for approx $1.50 at SAMs Wholesale. Did over 75 DVDs in one week recently. The E80H doesn't have 1394 input, which was OK with me because no family member has upgraded their camcorder yet.