Which dvd recorder should I get for what I want to do? HELP!

[fvnesscafe]

I currently own an Compaq Presario computer w/ a Pentium III 600MHz processor and a pitiful 128 Megabytes RAM. I bought a dazzle digital video creator 100 to convert my old vhs tapes to vcd. My wedding video was my first project. And unfortunately I have had nothing but trouble because this computer can barely handle capturing video and when it comes to editing it freezes up no matter what software I try to use. So, I saved my pennies and now I have a decision to make. Do I get a new computer w/ a dvd recorder built in or a stand alone dvd recorder. I have just one home movie (my wedding video) the rest of my are movies and stuff taped off tv. I would like to be able to cut some boring stuff out of my wedding and commercials out of the others w/out there being a noticable cut in the video. I really don't care about menus I just want to be able to watch the stuff and edit the crap out smoothly. I lean more toward getting a standalone, because I don't want to spend forever doing the capturing. At the same time if I got a new computer my hubby would get to enjoy it too. If we get a computer it will be an Apple of some sort. I guess what I am asking is which is better for what I want a standalone or a computer w/ a dvd burner? And why would it be better based on what I need.

Thanks very much!
Annessa,

[Vejita-sama]

For what you are doing it sounds like a standalone might be a better choice. If all you want to do is transfer from VHS to DVD without any fuss this is clearly the way to go.

Capturing, editing, encoding, authoring, etc. isn't that hard but it does take a lot of time and 'knowledge.' You have more control over all the options and the final product, but if you don't want/need that level of control save yourself the PC upgrade and just get the standalone.

I perfer going the PC route for other reasons (this is more of a hobby/toy for me and others).

[Erwin]

"Do I get a new computer w/ a dvd recorder built in or a stand alone dvd recorder."

Get a DVD Recorder (stand alone). I was in the same situation you were for the last 3 months. Here is what you need to look at:
You have a Compaq Presario computer w/ a Pentium III 600MHz processor and a pitiful 128 Megabytes RAM and Dazzle. Guess what? You would have to get a completely new computer and Dazzle is completely useless. You won't find too many (or is there any?) good ratings on Dazzle. You will have to pay atleast $1100 or more on a computer. Dell has one without a monitor and a DVD burner for $978 w/out monitor +shipping. But, you will have to spend time capturing, encoding, and burning (almost twice as long as the video time itself). Then, you hope and pray that your DVD-R or DVD+R comes out OK.
Get a Panasonic DMR-E30! I have one (bought it 4 days ago). It can capture video and record just like a VCR..then, you just wait a measly 4 minutes or less for it finalize. They say you can't make chapters, but you can turn titles into your own set places and access the video location via remote. The Pansonic is it's own capturing device, computer, and DVD burner all in one for $499 which is half the price of what you will probably have to pay at a minimum for PC and accessories. If you want to make your own menus and be more creative with the DVD, than that would be the only reason for get a PC for VHS capturing (notice, I said VHS, not DVD 2 DVD...that is a different story). The Panasonice has No encoding....no extra burning time. Philips has one that just got marked down to $699, but it capturing does not compare to the Panasonic b/c it does not have a Time Base Corrector which will allow most distorted or slightly distorted videos to be captured perfectly.

[fvnesscafe]

"Do I get a new computer w/ a dvd recorder built in or a stand alone dvd recorder."

Get a DVD Recorder (stand alone). I was in the same situation you were for the last 3 months. Here is what you need to look at:
You have a Compaq Presario computer w/ a Pentium III 600MHz processor and a pitiful 128 Megabytes RAM and Dazzle. Guess what? You would have to get a completely new computer and Dazzle is completely useless. You won't find too many (or is there any?) good ratings on Dazzle. You will have to pay atleast $1100 or more on a computer. Dell has one without a monitor and a DVD burner for $978 w/out monitor +shipping. But, you will have to spend time capturing, encoding, and burning (almost twice as long as the video time itself). Then, you hope and pray that your DVD-R or DVD+R comes out OK.
Get a Panasonic DMR-E30! I have one (bought it 4 days ago). It can capture video and record just like a VCR..then, you just wait a measly 4 minutes or less for it finalize. They say you can't make chapters, but you can turn titles into your own set places and access the video location via remote. The Pansonic is it's own capturing device, computer, and DVD burner all in one for $499 which is half the price of what you will probably have to pay at a minimum for PC and accessories. If you want to make your own menus and be more creative with the DVD, than that would be the only reason for get a PC for VHS capturing (notice, I said VHS, not DVD 2 DVD...that is a different story). The Panasonice has No encoding....no extra burning time. Philips has one that just got marked down to $699, but it capturing does not compare to the Panasonic b/c it does not have a Time Base Corrector which will allow most distorted or slightly distorted videos to be captured perfectly.

Wow, you make a heck of a case! I have thought of the time thing mostly, but you make one heck of a case when it comes to money wise. I figure it being much more then $1000 for a newer computer. Cause I know my hubby wants a Mac. I just don't know what to expect from a dvd recorder and I'm afraid of being disappointed (like w/ this dazzle thing) and stuck w/ something I hate that I can't return.

[Erwin]

"I just don't know what to expect from a dvd recorder and I'm afraid of being disappointed (like w/ this dazzle thing) and stuck w/ something I hate that I can't return."

You may be stuck with the Dazzle, but atleast you didn't pay hundreds of dollars like some of us have. Here is something else to think about: if you don't like the Panasonic, you can easily take it back to Circuit City with no questions asked in thirty days. I really think you will like the Panasonic b/c it works like a VCR. Just read the manual and use Verbatim DVD-Rs and you should be OK. One thing you will like about the Panasonic is that it has the ability to make old tape recordings look better with it's video enhancer capabilies. My wife likes it b/c she can use the DVD-RAM to record her sitcoms and dramas.