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Best DVD Recorder for under $200

1997 Views 11 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  IveyLeaguer, 
I
Hello Everyone,


I am making my first venture into digital video and need a DVD Recorder for under $200. After several hours of research, I am considering the following:


1. Lite-On LVW 5000 (no letter is given)

2. Lite-On LVW 5000X

3. Lite-On LVW 5000XS (though I haven't yet found one)

4. Panasonic DMR-ES15S


For the first machine, I want one that is flexible and "has legs", as it were, one that will still be useful in the future. From what I can tell, these models offer:


1. Disc Compatibility

2. Inouts & Outputs that will be useful later with other Recorders, i.e., disc to disc recording, etc.

3. Pretty good quality all-around.

4. User-friendliness


I would appreciate advice on whether these are good choices or not, the differences in these models, and would be most interested if you have different recommendations for the best machine under $200.


Thanks in advance.
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I don't have any experience with the LiteOn's so I can't comment on those.


But I do have the ES20 and from what I have been reading here the follow-up model (ES15) is a better value for money with more features, so the ES15 would be a very good candidate.


The Magnavox at Sam's club is getting some positive reviews as well in its respective thread.
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Quote:
1. Lite-On LVW 5000 (no letter is given)

2. Lite-On LVW 5000X

3. Lite-On LVW 5000XS (though I haven't yet found one)

4. Panasonic DMR-ES15S
I don't know much about the higher end Lite-On DVD Recorders which those you have listed probably are since I don't recognize the model numbers. I have used a cheaper Lite-On DVD Recorder which was not bad, but my copies made on it were not like by any dvd player in my home. I have a Lite-On DVD Burner that I love very much. Being a DVD Recorder user, I ended up choosing a Panasonic DMR-ES15 though as it has most everything I want for under $150.

Quote:
1. Disc Compatibility
It's compatable with all my DVD players in my home (Philips, Maganavox, Pioneer, ProScan, Curtis Mathes, Panasonic- obviously, Sony Playstation 2, and my DVD-ROM Drives).
Quote:
2. Inouts & Outputs that will be useful later with other Recorders, i.e., disc to disc recording, etc.
I don't know why you would want to do disc to disc since it's easier (less time consuming) to rip and burn. That's like having a CD recorder manually record another CD through an input when you could just burn the tracks.
Quote:
4. User-friendliness
Some think Panasonic is...some, not-so-much.
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Thanks for the help, fellas. I'm strongly leaning towards the Panasonic DMR-ES15 unless I hear something to the contrary or someone has a better idea.
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After seeing how much trouble the noname brands tend to cause people here, I'd recommend staying away from them. That includes Lite-On. My Panasonic (E85H) works fine. People are generally happy with the ES15 here. Good choice I would have to say.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobkart
After seeing how much trouble the noname brands tend to cause people here, I'd recommend staying away from them. That includes Lite-On. My Panasonic (E85H) works fine. People are generally happy with the ES15 here. Good choice I would have to say.
Thanks very much, guess I'll go with the ES15 unless somebody warns me off. Appreciate everyone's input.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IveyLeaguer
Thanks very much, guess I'll go with the ES15 unless somebody warns me off. Appreciate everyone's input.



dude go with es15 i got one last thursday , i love it. i have 2 previous ilo04 and a lite on 5006 after 6 to 7 months they all crapped out. i had the ilos because you could (modifiy them ) but its not worth it. go with the panny you will be happy.


fun thing about ilo and liteon they still play a dvd but will not prepare or record or finalize. stay far away.
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I picked up the ES15 today at Circuit City for $154.99. Best deal I could find.


I want to thank you guys for your guidance, it made a real difference. I'll report back on the ES15 several months down the road, God willing.


Thanks again!
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What a great machine the ES-15 is! I had never seen a DVD recorder operate and I still have not opened the plastic bag with the manual and other stuff in it. That's how easy it is.


Thanks again.
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....and don't forget

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/FrameWor...icFREEDVDS.pdf



Also note Amazon has it for $170 shipped...no tx ....which is good for Canadians with Amerifriends.

NY purchases ie JR nip you 8% tx.......and others.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by webscout
... Also note Amazon has it for $170 shipped...no tx ....which is good for Canadians with Amerifriends.

NY purchases ie JR nip you 8% tx.......and others.
Sure is. The $154.99 was the CC website price, on sale from $169.99. With tax I paid $165.xx.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by webscout
... Also note Amazon has it for $170 shipped...no tx ....which is good for Canadians with Amerifriends.

NY purchases ie JR nip you 8% tx.......and others.
Sure is. The $154.99 was the CC website price with in-store pickup, on sale from $169.99. With tax I paid $165.xx.
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