DVD Recorders
With the widespread usage of DVDs nowadays, there is no doubt that DVD recorders have become necessary household items alongside TVs, computers, washing machines etc. With so much demand, it is no surprise that the leading Japanese brands have many models coming out every now and then.
Just like DVD players a couple of years back, DVD recorders are quite expensive nowadays because the technology has not caught on mainstream. Add to that, the 7 confusing DVD formats available today such as DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM makes choosing some of the best DVD recorders almost a nightmare.
DVD Recorder Buying Guide
1) Stand-Alone or Combo?
Stand-alone DVD recorders can only record and playback DVD movies and as such does not allow playback from VHS tapes that are still available from stores. With DVD recorder / VHS combo, the flexibility is greatly enhanced but the downside is that it costs more.
2) Hard Drives
There are 2 versions of DVD recorders on the market today - those that record on DVDs only and the other that record on DVD as well as in the hard drive. Built-in hard drive based recorders are more expensive as they offer simultaneous playback and recording unlike their normal counterpart. A 400GB capacity is more than enough for most people.
3) Standard or HD DVD Recorder?
Standard DVD recorders can record from many different sources such as analog TV, standard-definition digital television, analog & digital camcorder videos. HD DVD recorders, besides being able to do what standard DVD recorders do, can record from HDTV signals as well.
4) DVD Formats
There are 7 available formats on the market today as mentioned above. Most are able to be recorded/replayed on most DVD recorders. The odd seems to be the DVD-RAM media which can store double the 4.7GB available but at the same time cannot be read by most dvd players. Take note.
5) Connectivity: Inputs & Outputs
For the best options in DVD recording and playback, certain features and functions add flexibility so that you’ll have greater choice.
a) IEEE 1394 FireWire - Allows for seamless digital transfer of audio/video from digital camcorders that uses the MiniDV Format.
b) Component Video, S-Video & Composite Video - Allows for video transfer to HDTV for greater viewing pleasure.
c) Digital Audio Output - At least an optical or coaxial digital audio output for receiver for playback in 5.1 channel surround sound.
6) Additional Features
Certain types of features are nice to have so you’ll have greater playback options.
a) Progressive Scan 2:3 Pulldown - Works by converting the interlace scan signal found in DVD-Video to progressive scan as used in most HDTV thereby giving a rich, colorful and detailed images with hardly any noticeable scan lines and far less motion artifacts.
b) Simultaneous Record & Play - Lets you record a program while playback at the same time, either the same program or otherwise, saving valuable time in the process.
7) Tuner
A tuner is a must if you are still receiving TV broadcasts using an antenna. An NTSC analog TV tuner allows program recording on different channels.
Recording Hours
Lastly you need to know how long the recorders can record your particular media so that you can roughly estimate the capacity of the hard drive you need.
9) Ease Of Use
Keeping it simple seems to be the best policy. With a whole range of extra functions (sometimes not required) on the DVD recorders, more often than not the consumers can be confused. Choose DVD recorders that are easy to handle.
DVD Recorder Reviews & Ratings
We discovered the best DVD recorder reviews at CNET and Consumer Reports. Pro reviewers over there tested some of the best DVD recorder models from top makers such as JVC, LG, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba. DVD recorder ratings based on prerecorded DVDs at 480i/p, recording time, extended play recording, playback and ease of use determines the best DVD recorder in their class.
Best DVD Recorder / VHS Combo
DVD Recorder Reviews #1: Setting the standard with impressive DVD recorder reviews from professionals and consumers is the best rated Panasonic DMR-EZ47VK Up-Converting 1080p DVD Recorder / VCR Combo. For high-quality picture in both recording and playback, look to no other than this Panasonic DVD recorder fro the answer. With 1080p up-conversion technology, watch DVD movies and TV broadcasts in crisp, detailed images over HDTV. Includes Accutune analog & digital tuners for watching / recording all your TV broadcasts. With built-in Digital Tuner, have the flexibility of recording a program and simultaneous playback on another program.
Best DVD Recorder (Stand Alone)
DVD Recorder Reviews #2: Topping the list with rave DVD recorder reviews from pros and consumers is the best rated Panasonic DMR-EZ17K DVD Recorder. For great recording capabilities, turn to this Panasonic DVD recorder that makes all your recording a pleasure. This best DVD recorder from Panasonic features Accutune analog & digital tuners for recording / watching digital broadcasts without the need for a set top box. Includes Simultaneous Record & Play function to let you record a program while watching another. Records on DVD-R/RW and DVD-RAM.
DVD Recorder Reviews #3: Garnering rave DVD recorder reviews from experts and consumers is the top rated Samsung DVD-AR650 DVD Recorder. For all your recording needs and more, turn to this Samsung DVD recorder for satisfying result. This top rated DVD recorder from Samsung is able to record analog & digital TV sources on both DVD-R/RW & DVD-RAM for added functionality. Features progressive scan with 2: 3 pulldown, component video output as well as optical & coaxial digital video outputs for the best picture viewing and surround sound audio on HDTV (with HDMI connection).
Best DVD Recorder (HDD)
DVD Recorder Reviews #4: Receiving generous DVD recorder reviews from consumers and pros is the best rated Philips DVDR3575H/37 1080p Upscaling DVD Recorder. This best DVD recorder from Philips features 160GB hard disk to record all your favorite shows and programs with ease. Simple recording to DVD discs for safe keeping. With HDMI upscaling, record & view High-definition pictures over HDTV for great home theater entertainment. Records and plays in DVD±R/RW format. Includes ASTC built-in tuner.
Resources: DVD Recorder (Wikipedia)