DVD Recorders

[Caged Panther]

Alright so my vcr just went up in a puff so smoke and it would seem with the vcr going the way of the dinosaurs that a dvd recorder might be a better long option as a replacement long term.

Anyone have any experience/knowledge of them? If so help me out re what I should be looking for, keeping in mind I only want a pretty basic model.

 

[Booyah]

Alright so my vcr just went up in a puff so smoke and it would seem with the vcr going the way of the dinosaurs that a dvd recorder might be a better long option as a replacement long term.

Anyone have any experience/knowledge of them? If so help me out re what I should be looking for, keeping in mind I only want a pretty basic model.

I don't know a whole lot about them, but I know a little.

Basically, it's my understanding they work exactly the same as a VCR in terms of recording. Blank re-writeable discs instead of tapes and so forth.

How much are you willing to spend? I think even the most basic one will still set you back a minimum of $350

The quality and longevity of the player will depend on how much you spend. You might find a few bargain 2 in 1's actually, a DVD player and Recorder in the one set, but again, the price is a big factor.

Put it simply though, if I had the spare cash, I'd get one.

 

[Simo]

Right, here is what I know.

When recording there are a few differnt type of discs.

DVD-R (the minus is actually a minus not a hyphon and it means something!) (compatible with most players, cant be deleted.

DVD+R (see above

DVD - RW (is re writable)

DVD + RW (is rewritable)

DVD RAM (Is rewritable and somehow a little fancy but dont remember the specifics)

So when you buy your player it will have the capabilities to read/write to the certain formats above. Obviously one that can do all the above will be able to read/write any disc. If you select one that does DVD-R for example only you have to use DVD-R discs only so when buying blanks be sure to know what type your player can use.

If you can find one that does all within your price you should have no trouble with different types of discs. Just know that you must buy what your player can use, ask your dealer about it when you buy.

Also a GREAT feature I suggest is to get one that can do time-slip. This is basically the ability to watch and record at the same time. So on a friday night you get back from dinner at 9:30 and you taped the footy. You dont have to wait until 10:30 to watch you can watch the start whilst it still tapes the end at the same time!!! Cool feature.

Hard discs. Some players have hard discs built into them so you can store a fair bit on there without having to use a disc for everything. You can then put what you want onto discs and delete or keep the rest on your inbuilt hard disc. They are more expensive but obviously have benefits.

Make sure you look for the above info and just see the price difference. If you know they exist you may be able to get one that has thise features if the price doesnt blow out.

I have seen basic recorders with no hard disc and no time slip for a couple of hundred, they are no name brands but will do the basic function of recording.

The hard disc and Time slip models go from about $5-700 upwards last time I looked but may have gone down.

Hope it helps and the more you know when you shop the better you will be when you buy!