[phillyphil]

Hello all,


just found out about this forum, and it looks like I can find the info i need here, so here goes. I'm looking for a DVD/HDD recorder that has the following features:


1. is RELIABLE. (Just bought an iLo DVDRHD004 which is getting returned to Wally World because of skips in the audio recorded on HDD at 30 and 60 second intervals.)


2. Records in DVD-R and (hopefully)-RW. I'm new to this, but what I understand is that DVD-R is the most compatible with almost every DVD player. That said, I'd like to have the -RW for erase purposes if need be.


3. A reliable hard drive. I'm assuming most units have a defragment feature in case there's problems with files, but maybe that's not needed with some units.


4. A good-looking picture from either cable or DirecTV (DTV through S-Video). Hopefully, the cable tuner in the machine won't degrade the incoming signal very much. (NOTE: I don't want to mess around with DirecTV with Tivo because of the monthly costs and other issues, etc.)


5. A cost of anywhere from $300-$500 (or less, but I doubt if I can do that, or I'll be sacrificing quality).




So there's my laundry list. And recommendations on where to buy (via online or actual storefronts) would be appreciated.



I think this will be an interesting post of opinions. Thanks again.

 

[Jay Davis]

I have the Sharp DV HR300R. Very happy with it so far. Paid $379.00 at Amazon 3 months ago. Sold out in a week. Amazon then had a third party supply them at a price of $500.00. It records -R/-RW. Has an 80 Gig HDD. I'm transferring home VHS movies. Occasionally TV programs that look the same at Fine or SP mode.


We had a thread on the unit. The only known problem was with programming a cable channel. Compared to problems noted with other units such as Toshiba's black level problem, Pioneer's blackout problem, Lite-On's burn out problems it compares well.


The Panasonic's get a lot of threads. Not because of problems. They sell a lot of units. It has it's own quirks (freezing up neccesitating formating and defragging the HDD. However, the Pansonic only records to RAM or R discs. Not RW.


A lot of people are anxiously awaiting the Sony with HDD. Estimated cost is $800.00.


Suggest you read the various threads. No brand is without problems, quirks or glitches. And, it's not because people expect too much from the units. Best Buy guy says we're early adopters. I say they are beta units and we're paying the manufacturers for the privelege of testing and reporting problems. Frustrating but fun. What's the alternative? Continue to record on VHS.