Help with some DVD-VHS recorder questions?

I've been researching this subject for days now till my brain has become scrambled A/V acronym eggs. You guys are all way over my head here. The long threads on specific models make my eyes glaze over with all the tech references--it's hard to detect an 'average person's overall consensus' on any given model.


My situation: I'm having a 50" Panasonic TH-PX600U installed today. I'm looking to replace my Samsung DVD-VHS player with a recorder. Main uses would be to save some programs recorded on my Comcast HD-DVR to DVD's and to transfer VHS tapes to DVD's. If I got one with a hard drive/recorder, I might use it as a secondary recorder to the Comcast DVR for some things. (I do know I can't record HD yet, but am aiming for the best recordings I can get with currently available technology--I'm not likely to rush out and buy the first HD recorder available later on.)


Whatever I get, I'll have someone else install it. Simplicity, ease of use (especially if it has a built-in tuner/recorder), and user-friendly instruction manual are high on my list of criteria. (I'm inclined to wait for Samsung's new ATSC combo unit coming next month, as all reviews seem to like their units for ease of use, wiring, and picture quality.)


Some techno-dweeb questions to help me make a choice:


1. If I have a 1080i plasma, what, if any, value to me is the Up convert to 1080p feature on the newer ATSC recorders?


2. A simple explanation of what 'Blu-ray' is?


3. I understand that some of the DVD Recorders with ATSC Tuners also include the ability to upscale standard definition to High Def, which will create higher quality playback on HDTV's. Which recorders now or soon available have this feature? And, what descriptive term to I look for on a given model to know it has this?


4. Though I know you guys tire of this question, recommendations, given my particulars, would be appreciated.


Sorry to babble.


Thanks so much,


Karen