I'm in the market for a dvd recorder. Yes i know i'm late to the game.
I've been researching a few. I am weary of the combo vcr/dvd recorders.
The salesman at WalMart told me the Magnovox brand they carry in store,he's
had no problems with. After reading reviews online the few people that
did have problems with it said the VCR actually ate up their tapes.
They have a great price on a Sony dvd recorder but are actually out of
stock until perhaps Tuesday. I generally stand behind Sony's products.
Any suggestions?

i have a sony dvd recorder and i love it. i have home movies on camcorder tape that are now on dvd. you can make a dvd of your favorite music that's waaay longer than a cd. of course u can't burn copywritten movies, or anything off of pay per view or premium satellite/cable channels (that's all blocked), but i've recorded some amazing stuff from tv (like NFL in high def, lost, american idol).

there are some recorders that have a HDD that let's you record to the HDD before you burn to disc (those run about $100 more, but may be worth it for you)

use DVD-RW discs, so you can erase them and use them again if you're recording a lot

Thanks. Do you have a combo player or just a single dvd recorder?

phunkdaddy said:

I'd go with the single deal. Combo units ALWAYS cut corners.

phunkdaddy said:

single--stay away from combo-anything. (tv/dvd, dvd/vcr, ) one part always breaks down before the other and then you'll be without both. and they told you that you can only copy home movies from vhs? no studio stuff

Thanks fellows. I actually remember buying my mother a regular combo
player from KMart a few years ago for Mother's day. I think
it was only 4 weeks before the VCR started eating up tapes.
It was a Sylvania brand so i've definitely stayed away from
that brand and combo players ever since.

One hint: Get one with an S-Video input. Laws prohibit an HDMI, or Composite input, but they do allow S-Video. S-Video input from your DVR or VCR (should it have it) will give you a much higher definition picture, rather than just the standard yellow RCA cable. I say this in regards mainly to pulling something off your DVR, esp if it's in HD. I wouldn't spend over $150 for a recorder, give or take a few bucks.

ernestsewell said:

What if i don't have a DVR but just a regular satellite box from DirecTV,should
i still get one with an S-Video input? I have a Hi Def tv but i don't pay
direct for the service.

phunkdaddy said:

S-Video is a better picture than an RCA jack, whether it's feeding in HD or otherwise. RCA jacks are just the bottom of the barrel when transferring video. I have DirecTV too, btw.