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DVD Recorder Buying Guide
DVD recorders have officially replaced video cassette recorders as the permanent-storage media for home entertainment. If you’re still clinging to VHS, it’s time to let go and upgrade to a DVD recorder. Most of us are familiar with digital versatile discs thanks to movie rentals, but when it comes to DVD recorders, there are a lot of features to consider before you make a choice.
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the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
Goodbye VHS
Videotape is a thing of the past, so you’ll need to upgrade to a DVD recorder to save favorite programs.
DVR and DVD-R
A DVR is a hard-drive that attaches to your TV and records programming. A DVD-R is a recorder that allows you to burn a copy of a program onto a DVD that you can save or share with friends.
Combo Players
If you have a lot of home movies on VHS, consider a DVD recorder with a built-in VHS so you can transfer them to DVD. DVD recorders with built-in DVRs offer both recording and temporary storage, along with some advanced functions, such as pausing and rewinding live programming.
Choose compatible DVDs
Blank DVDs come in different formats. Make sure the discs you choose will work with your DVD recorder. A list of supported discs can typically be found in the owner’s manual, tech specs, or manufacturers Web site.
Wait for high definition
While high-definition DVD recorders are available, there are two formats to choose from, and nobody knows which will become dominant. Given the tendency of home electronics prices to drop, you’ll save money in the long run by purchasing a standard DVD recorder now and waiting out the format war.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
Pioneer DVR-640HS DVD Recorder
Like a lot of options? The Pioneer DVR-640HS DVD recorder with 160GB hard drive gives you the best of the DVD recorder and DVR worlds. The spacious hard drive will keep your favorite weekly shows or sporting events, while the DVD recorder supports dual-layer recording for up to 10 hours of programming on a single disc. Pause, stop, or rewind a show while you’re recording it with the Chase Play feature. At less than $400, this DVD recorder is ready to take you into the digital recording era.
experts say
About - “The Panasonic DMR-EZ17 DVD Recorder is a great entry-level new generation DVD recorder that includes an ATSC Tuner… When comparing the LP mode playback on Panasonic DVD recorders and most other brands, you can tell the difference.” Source: About.com
CNET - “Despite some problems with disc compatibility and DVD playback quality, the eminently affordable, well-featured Panasonic DMR-ES25S DVD Recorder is the basic DVD recorder to beat.” Source: CNET
Home Theater - “The LiteON HD DVD Recorder has much to recommend it, from the welcoming interface, to the high-capacity hard drive and the plethora of inputs. Audio/video mavens used to more masterful control might balk, but the attractive price puts multimedia within reach for the average Joe.” Source: Home Theater Magazine
CNET - “Pioneer gets just about everything right with the DVR-533H-S DVD Recorder. Despite being no larger than most DVD players, this sleek hard drive/DVD recorder has a feature set longer than the marquee at a 24-screen megaplex.” Source: CNET
About - “If you are really into recording TV programs and making copies of family videos, then the Panasonic DMR-EH55S DVD Recorder is a great DVD recorder choice.” Source: About.com
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all DVD Recorders) |
| $ | For around $150, you can find a stand-alone DVD recorder with an ATSC tuner. Don’t expect a lot of features or connection options. These are basic recorders to take the place of your current VCR; however, with the new requirement for ATSC tuners in DVD recorders, you may be able to find one with an analog NTSC tuner and additional features at a closeout price. Good Pick: Toshiba D-RW2 |
Compare prices at 7 stores $98 - $157 |
| $$ | Between $200 and $300, you’ll find a great selection of DVD recorders supporting dual-layer recording, on-screen program guides, upconversion, and built-in VHS players to make transferring your existing tapes a snap. Any model in this price range should include an ATSC tuner, and finding one with an HDMI port will keep it useful for years to come. Good Pick: Panasonic DMR-ES25 |
Buy now at Laplasma.com $199.00 |
| $$$ | If you’ve got $300 or more to spend, you can get a DVD recorder with a built-in DVR, giving you multiple ways to record programs. Upconversion, HDMI inputs, and dual-layer recording are standard. Higher-priced models offer larger hard drives so you can store more programming, and you’ll also find some features that improve picture quality, such as contrast enhancement. Good Pick: Toshiba RD-XS35 | |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
ATSC
A built-in tuner that allows a DVD recorder to receive digital television channels. Required in all DVD recorders sold in the United States after March 2007.
Blu-Ray
One of two competing high-definition DVD formats, Blu-Ray gets its name from the blue laser it uses to read the discs.
Combo Player
A DVD recorder that includes a built-in videocassette player or DVR.
Component Video
A video cable based on the RCA standard that can transmit a high-definition signal from a DVD recorder to an HDTV by splitting the video image into red, blue, and green components.
Dual-Layer
A DVD recorder that can create discs with two readable surfaces, one on top of the other. Dual-layer DVD recorders can store more information per disc.
DVD
Digital Versatile Disc is a silicon-based storage device encoded with digital information that is read by a laser. Blank DVDs for DVD recorders are available as DVD-R, which can be written once, DVD-RW, which can be erased and rerecorded, dual-layer DVD-R and DVD-RW, or DVD-RAM, a rewritable format that is only compatible with DVD recorders that support this feature
DVR
A Digital Video Recorder transforms television programming into digital content that is stored on a built-in hard drive
Hard Drive Capacity
The amount of space available for a DVR to store content, measured in gigabytes (GB). The higher the hard drive capacity, the more hours of programming the DVR can store.
HD-DVD
One of two competing high-definition DVD formats. These discs can store more information than standard DVDs and are capable of recording HDTV programming.
HDMI
High Definition Multimedia Input is a new standard for home electronics connections. The single, bundled cable is capable of carrying more data than other cable types.
Progressive Scan
A DVD recorder that can turn the interlaced 480-line signal from a DVD into a 480p image that displays every frame, resulting in slightly higher picture quality on HDTVs.
Upconverting
A DVD recorder that can translate the 480i content on a DVD to an HDTV standard, such as 780p or 1080i.
VHS
Video Home System is the name for the 1/2”video cassette tapes that were common for home recording and movie distribution. This format has been abandoned in favor of DVD recorders and DVRs.
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