Toshiba HDD dvd Recorder RD-XS35SU 160GB HD

[sonny crocket]

My question is: How do I tell the difference between a Funani brand and a real Toshiba XS recorder? I have found one that looks decent for $299. I have read a couple of posts that talk about "cheaply made Toshibas made by Funani."

I would not be hooking it up to my TV (already have DirectTV dvr). I only want the HDD recorder to transfer about 100 VHS tapes. I also want to do some editing, titles, etc. and I hear the Toshiba XS series has some nice editing features.


I appreciate any input.

Thanks

Sonny

[orsetto]

In the United States and Canada, this is very simple: once Toshiba decided to stop selling "genuine Toshiba" recorders with HDD in North America, that was the end of the line. All post-2006 Toshiba recorders made by Funai and sold in North America lack the HDD, there are no Funai DVD/HDD models sold in USA with the "Toshiba" brand name. As of today, the only Funai-made DVD/HDD recorder sold new here is the Magnavox H2160A (nice machine at a bargain price, but PQ on the old "real" Toshibas is better and they have way more features).

So any HDD-equipped recorder you look at that is branded Toshiba XS will be a genuine Toshiba. I would advise shopping carefully for these: they are beloved by many members here who bought them back when they were new, but they are a tricky second hand purchase if you have no clue what to look for. Owners generally don't put these up for sale unless the burner is shot to hell (very common). Repairs are a pain and expensive, so look for factory refurbished units or sellers who offer ironclad 100% refund policies. Don't buy a pig in a poke with no return policy.

[sonny crocket]

Thanks Orsetto for the great info. You answered all my questions and then some.

Appreciate you taking the time

Sonny