As my wife can attest, I spend probably too much time researching things before I make my purchase as I've been DVD recorder shopping for about 2 months and haven't found one with exactly everything I want. I wanted to know if anyone can make recommendations based on what I'm looking for. I've looked through many pages of threads trying to find out more info and that has helped me alot, but still a little more help. What I'm looking for would include:

dvd recorder with vcr combo.

strongly desire dvd recorder to play wma files, along with + and - formats.

vcr should be 4 head with tracking.

I have a camcorder that has iLink and would like to have a connection on the recorder.

price range is preferably around 300-400 but can go a little higher if needed.

Thanks to everyone for any help you can provide.

p.s. This site is amazing. I feel like I've learned more in the last couple of hours from here than I have researching other sites.

On Panasonic's web site, they list Model Number PV-D4745S with a retail of $119.95. Here is what they say about it:

Overview:
Progressive Scan Output for Clear DVD Picture Quality
A high-density progressive DVD video signal is outputted rather than the traditional interlaced signal. When connected to a digital television with 480p display capability or better, the result is a clearer DVD picture without bothersome, jagged-edge motion artifacts.

Multi-Format Playback for a Variety of Entertainment Options
Our DVD/VCR combos support many of the most popular digital formats available today. They are compatible with DVD-Video, DVD-RAM, DVD-R(1), CD, CD-R/RW(2), Video CD, MP3(3), and JPEG formats--plus VHS playback.

Enjoy Great Sound and Picture Quality
Our 4-Head Hi-Fi Stereo VCR offers high fidelity stereo sound and outstanding picture quality in both SP and SLP modes.

Fits Right in your Home Theater System
Our DVD/VCR combination decks are the same width as standard audio components to help you create an attractive-looking home theater system.

1. Ability to play back may depend on recording conditions.
2. Playability may vary depending on contents, discs and quality of the recording.
3. For contents recorded on CD-R/RW media from CDs for personal use. Playability may vary depending on contents and discs.

suplex,

I think he is looking for a combo with a DVD recorder, not just player.

For your consideration..
The Panasonic DMR-ES35VS (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Panasonic-DVD-Recorder-VCR-Combo-DMR-ES35VS-/sem/rpsm/oid/146236/catOid/-12876/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) , though it has no iLink.

And the Panasonic DMR-EH75 (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Panasonic-DVD-Recorder-VCR-combo-with-DVR-DMR-EH75VS-/sem/rpsm/oid/148194/catOid/-12876/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) , a bit more than what you asked for-and still no Ilink, shame on Panny for making high end units without them.

Next, there's the Sony RDR-VX530 (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-DVD-Recorder-VCR-Combo-RDR-VX530-/sem/rpsm/oid/150506/catOid/-12876/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) which does have iLink. I have no experience with Sony recorders, but the name is obviously a good one though.

Good luck. Come back with any questions that you may have, there are some wonderful people here who are willing to help out with just about anything...

suplex,

I think he is looking for a combo with a DVD recorder, not just player.

You're right, I overlooked that. Then go with the Panasonic DMR-ES35VS (which has already been mentioned).

Sorry about the mistake.

Thanks everyone for all the info, I really appreciate it. I'm leaning towards the Panasonic that was mentioned. One that someone I know mentioned to me but couldn't find much info on it is the Samsung VR345. Does anyone know much about this machine?

Thanks again.

For your consideration..
The Panasonic DMR-ES35VS (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Panasonic-DVD-Recorder-VCR-Combo-DMR-ES35VS-/sem/rpsm/oid/146236/catOid/-12876/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) , though it has no iLink.The DMR-E35VS does have a DV link. I have one.

I think it's exactloy what you're looking for. I got mine for $229 from Best Buy on-line.

Just curious but why buy a combo unit unless you're going to watch quite a few video tapes? You can use any old VCR for transfer purposes. The main reasons given to me by clients are, so I can transfer video tape movies to DVD, (you can't), so I can watch my VHS movies when I want to, (they won't, and could still use they're old VCR if needed). If you only had to pay $30 or $40 more for a combo I guess I could see it but the price difference is generally much higher than warranted.

True. But with a combo, it would save you the hassle of set up and configuration you would experience with two separate units. I own the Sony combo referenced above, and it works fairly well in the dubbing department. It's like the old saying goes... one touch does it all. LOL

As of late, the RDR-VX530 has reduced its price to $249, according to Sony Style. If you're looking to get a combo with the works, that's your next best choice.

If rlv2001 is planning to copy from or thru his camcorder, might he want to consider a recorder with hard disk drive (hdd)? Hdd's are generally recommended here, unless specifically rejected. Just don't want it to be an oversight. Hdd's are very handy for less restrictive recording and for minor to major editting.

He has recommendations for what he asked for. Judging from the price, I doubt if those have hdd.

Just curious but why buy a combo unit unless you're going to watch quite a few video tapes? You can use any old VCR for transfer purposes. The main reasons given to me by clients are, so I can transfer video tape movies to DVD, (you can't), so I can watch my VHS movies when I want to, (they won't, and could still use they're old VCR if needed). If you only had to pay $30 or $40 more for a combo I guess I could see it but the price difference is generally much higher than warranted.

I was wondering why they wanted a combo unit, too. As you state, one can not copy *commercial* VHS tapes to DVDs on a combo unit. As is discussed in a number of threads here, to copy VHS tapes to DVDs, one has to use a separate VCR and a filter between it and the DVD recorder (to strip the macrovision). So, if this is one of the intended purposes, it will probably be returned shortly after being received and a DVD recorder only unit purchased (to use with an existing VCR and video filter).

You could get a HDD model in your price range, which, as RichardT writes, is recommended for use with a camcorder.