DVDR recorder vs VHS deck quality

[Nolonemo]

I now use my VHS deck to tape OTA broadcasts to view later, usually use the SP setting. If I record to a combo player/DVDR/RW recorder such as the SHARP DV-SR45U currently selling at outpost.com for $100, will I get better quality playback? I'm mainly interested in timeshifting.

Thanks

[TBoneit]

Well I'd suspect so, not having used that exact unit. To a extent it will depend on how clean you OTA signal is. If there is snow /noise then probably the VCR will be better.

If you go that route get some RW type of disks so they can be re-used.
OTOH why not get one with a HDD. The Pioneer 531H is $337 at walmart. It has a 80 Gb HDD, now that the guide has populated with data it is very easy to set recordings and recording quality. I did a 2 hr setting for quality and recorded a PBS Mystery 2 parter Alleyn and then burned a DVD with it to watch later. But I guess what I'm saying is that I'm getting PVR functionality (Not full tivo of course) with no per month or lifetime fee.

Cheers

[TBoneit]

One other thought if you are payi9ng for TV guide the savings might pay for a better unit.

[piano632]

DVD recorders in general give much better quality than VHS on 1 or 2 hour setting. DVD playback is virtually indistinguishable from a live broadcast, and you certainly can't say that about VHS.

Sharp recorders used to have much Pioneer technology incorportated into them, but not sure if that's still true with the newer models.

[edDV]

Analog tv is approx 330x480 resolution best case.
"Digital Cable" is approx 440-528x480 MPeg2 @6-15 Mbps..

VHS is 240-300x480 at it's best.
DVDR records at 352x480 or 720x480 at various bit rates good better and best (~2/4/8 Mbps).

SDTV is 704x480 @~3-6Mbps

[Nolonemo]

Just to follow up on my own post, I got a Toshiba DVR3, which records on DVD-R/RW

On the 1-hour per disc setting, I can't see a loss of quality from the broadcast signal, but on the 2-hour setting, the quality is about the same as tape.

Bottom line: spend the extra $$ for an HD recorder.