New to DVD Recorders -- which one?

I've decided I need a DVD recorder. My primary purpose is to make a
DVD copy of programs recorded on a Dish Network DVR. Secondarily, I
want to make DVD copies of VHS and SVHS tapes. I prefer using S-Video
inputs and output. So I think I need two S-Video inputs and one
output, plus stereo audio signals. I'd also like a tunable RF input in
case I decide to use it from the DVR remote location, which requires
using channel 60. However, RF input is not mandatory.

I would like the video and audio quality to be as good as the original
signal.

I also would like to use the unit as a normal DVD player. Do all DVD
recorders also work as players?

I'd like to keep the price below $250.

Are there any recorders that seem to be a very good fit to my desires?

Where can I find reliable, comparative reviews?

Thanks!

Guy

Guy Scharf

On Sun, 13 Aug 2006 20:02:29 -0500, Guy Scharf <>
wrote:

>I've decided I need a DVD recorder.

I recommend you go cheap at first. You can always use the cheap unit
as a second VCR when its time to get a good unit. Watch this Christmas
season for hard disk DVRs and for networked units. I am not talking
about oddball stuff. You should consider Pioneer equipment because it
has been the best over the years. The others, including Panasonic,
Philips, Sony, LiteOn, et al, have all had serious problems that come
from trying to keep costs low. That does not mean Pioneer is perfect -
it just means on average it has the fewest major problems.

I am using the ILO DVDR05MU1 with 6.10 firmware from WalMart for $99.
It works satisfactorily. If it were more expensive I would not buy it,
but for a hundred bucks and the prospect that it will serve as a
backup unit one day, I am satisfied. It will play AVI (XviD only)
which means you do not have to convert.

Before I buy an upgrade I want to see a unit with Ethernet and dual TV
tuners at a minimum. I do not need a local DVDR hard disk, although a
small one may be needed to run the operating system.

With such a system I can store, edit and play content on my main
computer. Dual TV tuners would allow recording two shows at once,
thereby avoiding the hassle of two units. I would use the ILO backup
for those rare occasions when there are three shows on at the same
time or when I wanted to record a show to DVD disc and need a separate
player.


--

"One must realize that the world is a network of real and virtual
combat zones where the stakes are high, struggle is the primary
mode of being and only total victory is acceptable.
-- Sun Tzu, "The Art Of War"

Bob

"Bob" <> wrote in message
news:...
> On Sun, 13 Aug 2006 20:02:29 -0500, Guy Scharf <>
> wrote:
>
>>I've decided I need a DVD recorder.
>
> I recommend you go cheap at first. You can always use the cheap unit
> as a second VCR when its time to get a good unit. Watch this Christmas
> season for hard disk DVRs and for networked units. I am not talking
> about oddball stuff. You should consider Pioneer equipment because it
> has been the best over the years. The others, including Panasonic,
> Philips, Sony, LiteOn, et al, have all had serious problems that come
> from trying to keep costs low. That does not mean Pioneer is perfect -
> it just means on average it has the fewest major problems.
>
> I am using the ILO DVDR05MU1 with 6.10 firmware from WalMart for $99.
> It works satisfactorily. If it were more expensive I would not buy it,
> but for a hundred bucks and the prospect that it will serve as a
> backup unit one day, I am satisfied. It will play AVI (XviD only)
> which means you do not have to convert.

A good recommendation. If it weren't for the S-Video requirement, I would
probably suggest the Lite-On 5115, selling for $110 at Costco.

I don't know of any recorders that have 2 S-Video inputs. If this is a
requirement, be prepared to spend about $25 for a passive 4 to 1 switching
unit.

In article <>, <> wrote:
>
>"Bob" <> wrote in message
>news:...
>> On Sun, 13 Aug 2006 20:02:29 -0500, Guy Scharf <>
>> wrote:
>>
>>>I've decided I need a DVD recorder.
>>
>> I recommend you go cheap at first. You can always use the cheap unit
>> as a second VCR when its time to get a good unit. Watch this Christmas
>> season for hard disk DVRs and for networked units. I am not talking
>> about oddball stuff. You should consider Pioneer equipment because it
>> has been the best over the years. The others, including Panasonic,
>> Philips, Sony, LiteOn, et al, have all had serious problems that come
>> from trying to keep costs low. That does not mean Pioneer is perfect -
>> it just means on average it has the fewest major problems.
>>
>> I am using the ILO DVDR05MU1 with 6.10 firmware from WalMart for $99.
>> It works satisfactorily. If it were more expensive I would not buy it,
>> but for a hundred bucks and the prospect that it will serve as a
>> backup unit one day, I am satisfied. It will play AVI (XviD only)
>> which means you do not have to convert.
>
>A good recommendation. If it weren't for the S-Video requirement, I would
>probably suggest the Lite-On 5115, selling for $110 at Costco.
>
>I don't know of any recorders that have 2 S-Video inputs. If this is a
>requirement, be prepared to spend about $25 for a passive 4 to 1 switching
>unit.
>
>
My 2 year old Sony has 3 S-Video inputs

GMAN

(Bob) wrote:

> On Sun, 13 Aug 2006 20:02:29 -0500, Guy Scharf <>
> wrote:
>
>>I've decided I need a DVD recorder.
>
> I recommend you go cheap at first. You can always use the cheap
> unit as a second VCR when its time to get a good unit.
>
> I am using the ILO DVDR05MU1 with 6.10 firmware from WalMart for
> $99. It works satisfactorily. If it were more expensive I would
> not buy it, but for a hundred bucks and the prospect that it will
> serve as a backup unit one day, I am satisfied. It will play AVI
> (XviD only) which means you do not have to convert.

I tried to get an ILO at WalMart today and was told they no longer
carried them. In cheap DVDRs, the choices were between Magnavox and
Philips. I got the Philips DVDR 3390 and will install it soon and see
how well it works.

Guy

Guy Scharf