A choice of three DVD Recorders...

[Trollheart]

Hi all.
I've read the posts here for the last month or so, and havegaine some really valuable insight, thanx to you all. You really know your stuff!
I'm in the final decision stages of getting my first DVD recorder (standalone), and would value any advice as to which way I should go.
Unf, I am limited to three, due to circumstances, and these are
PHILIPS DVDR70

JVC DRM-1

SONY RDR GX3

I've read up on them, and have seen negative reviews on the JVC (though admittedly it's quite new), and although the Sony has been lauded, it apparently can't play MP3s. which is admittedly not a big issue, but still..
I've also heard a lot of horror stories baout Philips, but again I've read some good reviews...
Some info, then. I'm based in Ireland, so we're talking Euro here, and the basic operations I'm looking to perform are
a) recording of TV progs and most importantly editing out of commercials/end titles etc (as these recordings will be kept)
b) Transfer of VHS (PAL) to DVD
c) Backup of DVD movies

Now I know I can use my PC and my Pioneer A-103 plus software to backup a DVD, and in fact I've already done this, so I guess that is not such a lrage consideration. The main thing is the reocrding of TV progs and crucially the editing out of ads and so forth.

Does anyone have any pros/cons with any of the above three machines with regard to these issues? I know I probably should get a Panasonic, as I've seen you all praising them, but unf that isn't yet an option.
Any ifo greatly appreciated.
Thanx fer yer time guys and gals!
Troll

[bagger]

Hi there,

Both myself and my syster have returned our Philips DVDR890's due to a degenerating ability to switch to the second layer. I don't know about the newer players but won't risk buying Philips again. I too looked at the Sony as a replacement (especially with the +/- R formats), but wanted time-slip features.

Anyway, ended-up buying the JVC DR-M1 record and am really please with it. It handles DVD-R,& RAM fully and will even playback my old +R disc (which is not advertised). It allows full editing with reasonable HMI & menus. In fact the only dissapointment I have is that I've not found a way to zoom the picture, which I used to make wide screen movies more watchable on my old telly.

Overall, very chuffed with the JVC.

p.s. My Dad changed from a Philips DVDR890 to the Panasonic E50 and slates it. The menus are hard to follow and the finalised disc aren't proving to be very compatible plus limited functions on the -R format.

Happy shopping...

[Trollheart]

Thanx for taking the time to reply. SOrry to hear you and your sister had such bad luck with Philips.
But now I'm really confused!
I read a review of the JVC DRM-1 and it slated it! Said it was a really bad effort and not worth the money (this was, I think , the magazine "What DVD?"...
The problem I had with DRM is that a) it doesn't play MP3s and b) the bad review, but hearing from someone with hands-on experience changes that. Perhaps the magazine got it wrong?
So basically, if I understand you right, you're saying that the JVC does DVD-RW and -R and also DVD-RAM? And no problems cutting out commercials from the discs?
You mention you wanted time-slip, and then went for the JVC. Does this mean it HAS time-slip (I didn't think it had)? That would mean (sorry, stupid I know but I need to be sure) that you can watch one proggy while still recording another? Or is that right?
Did you have any problem hooking it up to your Sat system (do you have one?): mine is the SKY Digital minidish and I just wonder how easy/hard it might be to connect?
Also, is the timer easy to use, for setting up recordings? How about region-free capability?
Ah, so many questions. Sorry, but I'm about two weeks away from purchase, and the last thing I want to do is get the wrong machine! Any help or further info would be very greatly appreciated.
Thx again
Troll

[donpedro]

You mention you wanted time-slip, and then went for the JVC. Does this mean it HAS time-slip (I didn't think it had)? That would mean (sorry, stupid I know but I need to be sure) that you can watch one proggy while still recording another? Or is that right?

Little post that might help...
Time Shift vs Time Slip vs Playing While Recording