Suggestions Please - stand alone DVD Recorder/VCR around $250

[DAVE440]

NEWB to DVD standalone machines....lookin for some suggestions. Has to be ez for
folks to use...but needs some features too. Not concerned about analog tuner as long as its cable ready since cable companies will convert HD signals for non HD devices anyway.

I've looked at a few in the stores and online but every time I research one online...If I'm lucky enough to find a review I get things like "difficult to create chapters" or "slow or confusing menu or chapter creation interface" "doesn't play back all dvd movies" "unable to edit recordings on the PC" etc... so I figured I'd turn to ppl who have already purchased units for advice. As stated in subject line... price range around $250

Fathers day gift so prefer suggestions for machines available in local stores (also easier to return if defective or don't like it).

Thanks in advance for all suggestions.

Features desired:

Region 1 ok - won't be playing import titles anyway

Record Formats DVD R/RW -/+ (ram optional)

Variable bitrates - (high quality mpeg2 and normal/low quality extended recording)

Playback All Formats (including VCD/Mpeg1) MP3 would be nice but not mandatory

Commercial Skip feature (optional but desired)

Editing - Prefer a machine that allows recordings to be edited later on the PC. Ive seen
that some don't allow this. (Optional...but desired)

RCA video analog input/outputs
RCA audio input/outputs
DV input (optional)
S Video input

Chapter creating features (that dont require a rocket science degree)

VCR Player/Recorder built in (4 head stereo) to xfer old Vhs tapes

Media card reader (optional)


Thanks again for any suggestions
Dave

[trhouse]

The Panasonic DMR-ES35V is about that price. I have a borrowed one for use with a big family project. It does automatic chapters about every five minutes. You can put your own chapters in but I think it only works with dvd-ram. It is available at a many brick and mortar stores like BestBuy.

[zoobie]

mistake post