While browsing through Sears yesterday I saw where they are clearing out all their analog-tuner recorders. I bought a Toshiba D-R5 for $48.99 (regularly $179) - it was too good to pass up. I don't need it (have a EH55) but I plan to give it to my brother for Christmas. Even adding $39.99 for a 5 year EW still prices it about half the original.

Those of you interested in one of these should check them out at Sears while they are still in stock. They also had the Panasonic ES-15 for $60.99, so look for that one, too.

Last time I looked, my local Sears had a remote-less, ES15 display model for only $31.00, but it looked a little too scratched and beat up. Maybe if it would've had a digital tuner, I'd have taken a chance.

I also have a couple of people I could've bought it for, but I'd rather give them digital-tunered models, so they could have the option of watching and recording the superior, downscaled, digital SD & HD channels (one of them currently only has a 480i TV, and the other, 480p).

But I'll still take a look there again and see if they have any of those Toshibas new-in-box for around the price you paid. That would just be too good of a deal to pass up, like you say.

Last time I looked, my local Sears had a remote-less, ES15 display model for only $31.00, but it looked a little too scratched and beat up. Maybe if it would've had a digital tuner, I'd have taken a chance.

I also have a couple of people I could've bought it for, but I'd rather give them digital-tunered models, so they could have the option of watching and recording the superior, downscaled, digital SD & HD channels (one of them currently only has a 480i TV, and the other, 480p).

But I'll still take a look there again and see if they have any of those Toshibas new-in-box for around the price you paid. That would just be too good of a deal to pass up, like you say.

You can still record downrez HD from a HD tuner or HD DVR using the S-video inputs, so a ATSC/QAM tuner is not mandatory from that standpoint. A couple years back I bought a clearance model Panasonic RP-56 at Sears for $25 with no remote, no pc, and no manual, all of which I was able to easily acquire for about $25 total. So for $50 I got a brand new RP-56 (msrp $250) with Faroudja processor that functions perfectly to this day. In fact I got it modded to remove Macrovision and even though it will probably soon be replaced by a HD-DVD player it will remain useful for years to come. So don't bee too quick to dismiss those Sears clearance itmes when they go dirt cheap, especially since you can usually get an extended warranty at a reduced price also (the EW price is based on the sales price).

I could only find a Sylvania DVD recorder with analog tuner at Sears for $50.00. Not what I would consider it the quality of the Toshiba.

The next choice with Analog tuner was a Panasonic for around $70.00.

I sware Sears had a few more choices a few weeks ago. probably not hard to sell them at those prices.

Almost bought the Sylvania to replace the Coby that died on me about a month ago.

Pretty easy call a DVD player for $30.00 or a DVD recorder with analog tuner for $50.00.

-DonB2

You can still record downrez HD from a HD tuner or HD DVR using the S-video inputs, so a ATSC/QAM tuner is not mandatory from that standpoint.I already have 3 analog-tunered DVD recorders which still work perfectly.

I was thinking more of my BIL and a friend, each of who either want or could use the digital tuners (and neither of which has a DVD recorder).

My buddy is OTA-only, and will need it after the OTA analog cutoff, and my BIL's ED Panny plasma's QAM tuner doesn't pick up all of the local digitals.

I bought three of these a couple months ago. I kept one and sold two to friends. The nice feature is that they use DVD -RAM and have HDMI up-conversion. Even though I don't see much difference in the up-conversion, the RAM capability allows me to play recordings on other RAM machines.

The downside is the editing, which is practically non- existant.


I would recommend it. or maybe the Panny for better editing.