i've looked at consumer reports,and reviewed consumer comments at bestbuy etc on panasonic dmr ez47v and other brands and i' m disappointed in their performance.the last dvd recorder locked up never worked appropiately! read here on av forum about panasonic models getting hot and failing.are there any models even professional grade that are reliable,and don't need an electronics degree to set up. i have alarge number of vcr tapes i need to transfer to dvd. appreciate your input.

Most people think the best way to go is with separate units, especially if you want to transfer some copy-protected tapes, because you will need to put a "video enhancer" between the two units.

I have been looking to see if anyone as had as much trouble with their EZ47v as I gave, like hang ups while watching, etc. But what caught attention was what you were saying about recording copy protecteted tapes. I would like to convert my own copy protected tapes to DVD's. You mention a video inhancer. What is it and where can I get one. I have thought about buying one of those tape to video recorders design for that purpose, hoping to solve the problem, but maybe just using a video enhancer will solve the problem. Any suggestions

I cant fully coment on the EZ47 as far as lock ups, but I have really had a lot of problems with my EZ17's and EZ27's w/o the VHS. I had even toyed with the idea of getting one of the EZ's w/VHS just to see if I had better luck, but acording to you guys, the VHS model may be just as problematic. The EZ machines have great recording, but as seems to be the case, you have to be lucky to get one that will work for any length of time.
On the copying issue, again I don't have a EZ47, but do have a ES30 w/vhs. On this model (and I would think? the EZ series)you can route the VHS signal via the composite(sorry no S-out for VHS)to a device like SIMA GO-dvd CT-2(I bought mine at BB, at the time CC also sold them for ~$100)then take the S(for better Q)output of the Sima and connect it to the S-in(front or back s-in ok). Set the dvd recorder to record from whatever S-in you chose, push play on the vhs and start recording on the DVDR.
Makes fine "backup" copy's of "your" vhs tapes. Note that said, I personally used a standalone VHS to play, and used my es-30 to record to DVD, again thru the Sima. I thought the remote control was a little combersome trying to do both play and record with the same remote/unit. Also note with the standalone option, you can also output from another dvd player, and go thru the Sima, and make a "backup" copy of "your" dvd's. I've got kids, and there always scratching the dvd's, so now I just make a backup copy (store the master)and only let them use the backup. Note on the dvd copy, it doesnt make a mirror copy(menu's, extra's etc.) but works for the kids watching the main movie. The PQ is also pretty good using the fastest record speed, the FR on the panny's, which fill up the disc to whatever time you enter.
Works for me!