Replace VCR - need family-friendly DVD recorder/combo unit

[tluxon]

I'm not big on combo units, but a bedroom VCR has to be replaced and there's not really room for two units. I'd like to get something that can do time-shifting on RW discs and the kids still get a lot of VHS videos from the library, so it seems to make some sense to get a combo recorder.

I'm looking at the JVC DRMV5S and the Toshiba DVR4X, and I wouldn't rule out the
Panasonic MRES40VS, because these all seem to have remotes that will control the basic functions of the TV.

Do any of these stand out from the others or are there any other suggestions you might have for a combo recorder?

Thanks!

Tim

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[tluxon]

I'm becoming sold on the Sony RDR-VX515. I'd lose the DVD-RAM capability, but I like that it records on +R(W), -R(W), and DL+R media. What's not to like about it?

Thanks,

Tim

[tluxon]

I picked up the Panny ES40V at the Kirkland Costco on the way home and set it up last night. Maybe by the weekend I'll have a chance to try out some different discs.

Too bad these things don't have some kind of guide to record by like a DVR. The Panny has VCR Plus+, but I don't even know where to find the numbers. I don't see them on Zap2it, which is where I get all my programming information.

Are there any combo DVD/VCR recorders that use an EPG of sorts? I was hoping anyone using this unit could timeshift what they're watching almost as easily as they do through our other 5 DVRs. Is that unrealistic? Maybe I'd have to stick one of the ReplayTVs in that room even though I didn't want to and don't really have the space for it?

I'm not fond of the idea of having to finalize a disc in order to get 5 minute chapters, like seems to be required with the Panny. If I'm willing to trade PQ for timeshifting ease-of-use, is there a unit that might serve me better?

Say - I just found out about the JVC DR-MX1. It even has a TBC. Anybody have experience with this new guy? Does it use a EPG? Should I be leary?

Thank you!

Tim

[trhouse]

EPG seems to be mixed blessing. The one on my Pioneer seems to have stirred up quite a bit of controversy with many wishing they could turn it off since it does not work with all sources.

It does sound like the MX1 is what you want. All the other units you mention can time shift from dvd-ram or dvd-rw but they do not have hard drives like a DVR. All the dvd recorders I have used add the chapter marks during finalizing not just the Panasonics. The Sony can record to dvd+rw which does not require finalizing so it might be able to do that.

[tluxon]

Yeah, I know if the EPG isn't accurate it can be a lot more of a pain than a help.

I found a number of reviews on the JVC DR-MX1 regarding the loading error -> permanent hang -> service return. Even though the most recent negative review was several months ago, I have no idea how widespread it was or if it's been resolved. Do you know of any other manufacturers that offer a similar unit?

[trhouse]

I cannot think of another unit that has all three.

[tluxon]

I've "found" more space in the cabinet and am pretty convinced that I don't want a combo unit. I was unhappy with the Panny's tuner and the user interface isn't as intuitive or streamlined as I'd like for the whole family to easily use. I'm afraid the Panny's going back to Costco and now I'm on the hunt for a HDD DVD recorder with a family-friendly user interface.

I have a LiteOn LVW-5005 that has the extremely easy to use Easy-Guider menu system. Surely there are HDD DVD recorders with interfaces nearly as simple to use.

Which HDD DVD recorders have the easiest to use interface?

Thanks!

Tim

[trhouse]

You might want to check the DVD Recorders tab to your left and then enter Lite-On. They make several hdd models.

[tluxon]

Yes, I was looking into the 5045 a couple days ago and noticed that very few resellers have them in stock. Based on user reviews it's hard to say how intuitive the menu system is.

Anybody really like the unit they have? Or is it pretty much the nature of the beast that these things are not always so simple that anyone can use them without help? I'm trying to find something that will keep me free of "help" requests, if you know what I mean.