Best standalone DVD recorder WITH HDD?

[EdgarFriendly]

I did some research and settled on either a Pioneer DVR-533 or 633. Unfortunately, I cannot find any shops that have them in stock and the 2 that do have either no consumer rating info or bad consumer rating info. When looking at the DVD Recorders section of this website, I find most have been discontinued. What is comparable or better and STILL available?

[dphirschler]

The big complaints I have seen on the 633 is the TV Guide and noise. Some have complained about the remote. I am leaning towards one of these too, so I would be real interested to hear more of what people have to say about this recorder.


Darryl

[TimBooth4Eva]

I'm in the UK.

Just before Christmas I bought the Toshiba XS RD-24 DVD Recorder.
It has a 160Gb HD

I've not yet really gone into the multitude of functions it has, but as a device for recording TV/Sat progs, it's so simple to use. I've burned movies from Sat TV also, making my own chapters and titles etc.

So far, I'd definitely recommend it!

[handyguy]

https://www.videohelp.com/dvdrecorders

[lacywest]

http://msn-cnet.com.com/Pioneer_DVR_533H_S/4505-9141_7-31473259.html?tag=lst

[lacywest]

with hard drives included ...

http://msn-cnet.com.com/4521-6531_7-5021437-4.html?tag=coco

B and H Photo ... >>> http://www.bhphotovideo.com

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=PIDVR533HS&is=REG&Q=&O=pr...ist&sku=378965

Pioneer DVR-533H-S DVD Recorder/Player, 80GB Hard Drive, DV Input - Records to DVD-R/W Discs

Mfr# DVR533HS • B&H# PIDVR533HS

Our Price: $ 399.00

Shipping Cost:
Availability: Back-ordered

Important Notice!
This item is on backorder. Estimated delivery to B&H 2-4 weeks.

[FulciLives]

I have the Pioneer DVR-531H-s and I am very happy with it especially for the price (I paid about $338 for it back in late August 2005). Please note this model is exclusive to WAL MART and finding it these days can be tricky but the bigger super sized WAL MART stores should still have it and last I saw it the price was down to a normal price (not sale price) of only $297

So I would say definately take a look at the Pioneer 531/533/633 models. They are all pretty much the same except the 531 has an 80GB HDD with no FireWire, the 533 has an 80GB HDD with FireWire and the 633 has a 160GB HDD with FireWire.

I would also take a look at the JVC DRMH30S (160GB HDD with FireWire) and the Toshiba RD-XS34 (160GB HDD with FireWire).

These seem to be the "top" models out right now.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

P.S.
Do not forget to use something like PRICEGRABBER.COM in order to find the lowest price.

[EdgarFriendly]

with hard drives included ...

http://msn-cnet.com.com/4521-6531_7-5021437-4.html?tag=coco

B and H Photo ... >>> http://www.bhphotovideo.com

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=PIDVR533HS&is=REG&Q=&O=pr...ist&sku=378965

Pioneer DVR-533H-S DVD Recorder/Player, 80GB Hard Drive, DV Input - Records to DVD-R/W Discs

Mfr# DVR533HS • B&H# PIDVR533HS

Our Price: $ 399.00

Shipping Cost:
Availability: Back-ordered

Important Notice!
This item is on backorder. Estimated delivery to B&H 2-4 weeks.

Follow the links: Out of stock and the last one is backordered. If you call them, they have no idea when it's coming in.

[BCdave]

The Pioneer DVR 533H-S is still available at Best Buy in Canada for $499 Can (about $430 US):
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10059243&catid=22494

Note that it's been on sale for about $50 - $100 cheaper at times in Jan/Dec.
The 531 model is still available at my local Costco (Nanaimo, BC) for $419 (about $360 US)

If you live in the States, and are really sold on this model, you may be able to arrange delivery to your nearest Best Buy, or you can order online from Canada, assuming that they'll ship to the US.

[JAB285]

I've got the JVC DR-MH30S and have had no problems with it. I think it's a great machine. I've also heard good things about the Toshiba RD-XS34 and of course the Pioneers you are looking at.

[trhouse]

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/archive/t279460.html

For a unit that is exclusive to Walmart, there are a remarkable number of them selling on eBay usually for around $250 and they are brand new.