It's a hard choice from these, knowledge needed please!

[visualmagic]

I have used search, and studied and studied and studied.....

Now at my local WOW Sight and Sound store in Australia we have the following available:
(excuse our out of date models, we are slow here).

Please help me pick the best model:
I won't bother including Panasonic as an option Lordsmurf


LG DR165 - $299
Toshiba DR1 - $299
JVC DRM10 - $299
Sony RDR-GX300 - $349
Sony RDR-GX700 - reduced to $349 (with 12bit DAC)

The storekeeper recommends the Sony RDR-GX700 even though it is a year or more old. He comments it used to be worth $900, and my argument is that if I discover it had poor performance I don't care if it used to be worth $10000. I just want the best of these models, so I can throughput a video signal from the computer to a monitor, and record VHS to DVD's well for clients that will play on their home players.

Your thoughts and opinions are valued!

[trhouse]

The list is mostly older models from 2004. Is there some reason two year old models are preferred? Some Panasonics like the DMR-ES20 and ES40V use the same LSI processing chip as the JVC's.

A difference between the machines on your list and current models by the same manufacturers is the new models support far more media types including dual/double layer and are compatible with the newer, higher speed media.

[visualmagic]

Hmmmmm...

I see what you mean.

I guess the local outlet is fairly out of date.

What about the 12bit DAC on the Sony? Any good? Does that model inhibit me from using certain speed media?

[kitty]

Hmm, the latest Toshiba is the DR-5. Your store is 4 models behind. If you listed a DR-4, most would say buy that.

If you're going to make an investment, look at 2005 or 2006 models. Dual layer support, firewire, SD card, and MP3/picture capabilities are pretty cool.