Pick a recorder from this list...

[mojo]

This is what I can find locally. I will be transfering VHS and then ripping the discs into my PC for editing/authoring:

SAMSUNG DVDR135
SAMSUNG DVDR155
PHILIPS 3400
LG DR787G ("super multi")
TOSHIBA DRW2

Most important feature would be a wide variety of record times so I don;t have to waste bitrate using 2 hour mode when my tape is 70 mins!

Thanks!

[Dubber]

You can always edit out the extra minutes on the recorder before burning too...

[mojo]

Edit out the extra minutes? Either I don't know what you mean or I wasn't explaining myself well... on my old Philips, because you could only choose between 1 hour and 2 hour speeds, if I had a VHS tape that was 70 minutes, I was forced to use the 2 hour speed and thus use a much lower bitrate.

If the player let me select my own record time, or at least had a 90 minute mode, it would help a lot.

[vhelp]

This is what I can find locally. I will be transfering VHS and then ripping the discs into my PC for editing/authoring:

If you'll be editing, etc., then you could forget the 2 hour mode
and just use the 1 hour mode, and just record in two parts. This
has the advantage of a high (hopeful, high enough) bitrate for
re-encoding project (should that occur anytime soon) or, the other
advantage is for dual layer projects.

IMHO, vhs needs a lot more bitrate than usual video sources such as
cable tv or satellite, for instance. So, its probably not always
a wise move to use a setting that is convenient for the time frame,
if quality is your main objective from this source medium.

Also, if one has an extensive vhs collection and they want to transfer
it to DVD format, then I suggest that *care* should be considered into
the equation of things. In other words.. don't just dump all your vhs
videos over to DVD just because you can do it, and then throw all the
tapes out -- it would be in vain.

-vhelp 4261

[lordsmurf]

Why are those your only options?

[mojo]

Because those are the recorders I can find locally.

[pinetop]

You're in LA and can only find these machines locally
SAMSUNG DVDR135
SAMSUNG DVDR155
PHILIPS 3400
LG DR787G ("super multi")
TOSHIBA DRW2
??????

If you're looking for flex time recordings, than a Panny recorder would be a good option, available at CC,BB, and Target. All of these stores are in LA. Also theres a Frys right in Manhattan Beach, with other locations thru out Cali.
BTW, Target is carrying the new Panny with a atsc tuner.
Really most recorders 2hr mode is fine for VHS transfers.

If you're ripping to your hard drive for what not. Heres a good way to transfer VHS to DVD:

http://www.hauppauge.com/pages/products/data_pvrusb2.html

And its available at Frys, CC, Micro Center, Compusa, and BB.

[StuR]

Hi mojo, from what I've seen none of them.
Definatly rule out Philips, and it looks like you want +/- recording, but don't be limited by that. It's best if they play both but if you record in -R you'll just stick to that.
I like the look of Pioneer (TBC, rec. pict. controls)
Toshiba (TBC, PQ), JVC (TBC, prefered PQ for many)
Sony (TBC, easy use).
I've a Sony its not the best but it's user friendly and has't given me problems.