Hi guys & gals, I'm thinking about buying a DVD recorder with harddrive - any suggestions on what I should look at / for or avoid ??

We've had one of the earlier toshiba models (RD-XS30) for over a year without a single problem - does everything we need (add chapter marks, remove sections [ads], burn to DVD if necessary, stores hrs of stuff).

If you have no need to burn stuff to DVD, but want a VCR replacement, have you thought about the latest Sky+ boxes?

[mod note: am moving this out of photography forum]

I've thought about Sky+, but discounted it, I don't watch enough TV to warrant the monthly subscription, and I want to archive some stuff to DVD. - I had thought of Toshiba or Philips as potential manufactures

I've been using a Pioneer DVR420 with an 80GB disk in it for a few months now and am very impressed with it, much more flexible than just a DVD recorder which I had previously as you can just hit record at any time without having to mess around finding a blank DVD. It also has good editing features, the ability to chase-play (equivalent effect to pausing live TV) and a nice high-speed record to DVD option and hasnt miss-writen a disc yet... theres a lot of manufacturers with their own take on the same so its a case of digging through the reviews and see what suits you.

I use a toshiba rdx32. Very capable machine with 80g hdd dvd-r/rw/ram.

Not the easiest to use but has every feature possible and all the usual "never used "functions.

There appears to be alot of bad press about the philips range, so might be worth avoiding them?

Basically all the big names are there, toshiba, panasonic and sony appear to be the top 3 at the moment but its down to personal choice.

this review is a good place to start and get the basic info you need.

http://www.btinternet.com/~james_lancaster/index.HTML

Also check out www.avforums.co.uk

lots and lots (to much) info and discussion on everything.

Mike

If cost is a factor then take a look at the Lite-On ones. I think Ebuyer.co.uk do them for rather reasonable money if you're willing to risk the rather poor after sales service...

My manager at work has a Panasonic DMR-HS2 which is an old model now but he has had no problem with his. I have a Panasonic DMR-E30 recorder without HD and have had no problems in the 3 years I have owned it.

I like panasonic gear, later models can write to multiple media types and have large HD's.

If you're near a branch of Richer Sounds - www.richersounds.co.uk -they've got a cracking deal on the Panasonic DMRE85 at less than 300 notes with multi region hack applied. Not available mail order, though.

Phil

Avoid the Philips range like the plague! I speak from bad personal experience!

I had 3 seperate machines from them - all duff :eek:

Ended up buying Panasonic from my local Richer Sounds branch - no problems since and staff have been excellent, nothing too much trouble

Brother in law also has new Panasonic machine, he's pleased with it too

Be carefull about all the different formats:

DVD+R, -R, +RW, -RW and DVD-RAM

If you already have a DVD player check what formats it can handle, so if you record on one you can watch it on the other.

I don't have one yet, still looking.

The Sony range is worth alook, think it can handle all except DVD-RAM which is the Panasonic format. Not sure if they have HDD though ?

Not sure if the Panasonic can record onto +RW or -RW

Hope this helps

John

I believe the new Panasonic recorders can record onto +R and -R media, they can also play DVD-A discs and some have progressive scan component outputs.

Moved here from the Hotel.