http://http://us.liteonit.com/us/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=27&Itemid=103

Looks interesting. I don't know who is sellling these things yet?
It doesn't say whether it can record like the Lite-on DD-500GX can.

The recorder DD-500GX without the hard-drive claims to record
at 720p and 1020i. It sells for $90 at geeks.com. HDMI.
http://http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?InvtId=DD-A500GX&cm_mmc=geekmail-_-daily_html-_-18jun08_TSAG17jun08-_-TSAG17jun08main

Do other standalone recorders record at 720 and 1020i? I realize
1020i is not 1020. Also sold thru an Amazon store.

I see other recorders--Toshiba and JVC--they talk about playing
1020. Can they record that way?

I don't see where it claims to record HD.

It claims to upscale to HD, a big difference.

Discontinued 2006 model.

"Second Tier" brands such as Lite On have not had a good track record in the USA. They have made some decent computer DVD burners, but the standalone recorders have not been great.

All DVD recorders are limited to standard-definition recording, even if they have new Hi Def ATSC tuners. Any mention you see of fancy resolutions are for playback upscaling only. Further, recorders have proved to be much worse at upscaling than players, with the exception of a few Toshiba and Panasonic models. If you're looking for the best possible quality, buy a recorder that's reliable and is comfortable to operate, and pair it with a player that is known for excellent upscaling.

The Lite-0n site doesn't make a clear claim about the DD-500GX unlike
the geeks.com site.

"Get the most out of your HDTV or HD-ready TV with this DVD recorder! Designed with a built-in video upscaler, the DVD recorder can automatically enhance the source picture resolution to either 720p (Progressive mode) or 1080i (Interlaced), delivering improved, near high-definition image quality."

This really doesn't say it records in 720p or 1080i (although it might be read that way.) The specs on the site don't help either.

The spec for a standard DVD is only 480 so any machine that recorded "in" HD would be out of spec and not playable in any standard DVD player. Furthermore even thought they try to muddy the water with words like "built-in video upscaler" and "enhance the source picture" the real key word is NEAR high-definition.
Trust us, the unit only records in SD and since it's a Lite-on the PQ won't be that good anyway(just my personal experience with Lite-on(not this exact model))
The current DVDR with the best overall PQ(IMO) would have to be the Panasonic EZ-x8 series machines. They are a little quirky but make excellent recordings none the less. Oh ya their also only SD but you'd be amazed how good SD can be recording off a good HD source.