DVD Recorder? Who owns one? Which are best?

[johnmiic]

I actually bought one nearly 10 years ago. For some reason the disks cannot be read by regular computers. The format isn't compatible. I was thinking of a VHS/DVD combo because I want to transfer many old VHS's to DVD. Is a stand alone recorder better tho for just hooking it up to the TV and recording shows also? Is tracking on the old VHS's a problem? What can you recommend?

[mego73]

I use this and have no complaints

http://www.amazon.com/Magnavox-MDR533H-F7-HDD-Recorder/dp/B009WROL6G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393366595&sr=8-1&keywords=magnavox+hdd+and+dvd+recorder+with+digital+tuner

[mazinz]

the best dvd recorders were made during 2005/2006 the jvc drm10s and 100s as well as the Toshiba Ex series. Now the maganvox listed in the above post and like one other (pretty sure it was a phillips model) are pretty much the only ones you can get that are still somewhat decent enough

[Mego Magyar]

As far as not being able to view you recorded dvd's on your computer, are you sure that you finalized the disks? If not that's why you can't use them on the computer. I've never had an issue with playing a finalized recorded dvd on my computer and I've used a dvd recorder for over 10 years - Panasonic and the one I have now is a vcr/dvdr. Dvd recorders aren't that easy to come by any more.

[EMCE Hammer]

I just donated one a couple of months ago; you may be able to find one at a thrift. What little DVD work I do now is on a PC.

[megoapesnut]

What's a DVD?

[domino]

I hate dvd recorders. Maybe it's just bad luck, but I have had 3 in the last 12 years and none of them lasted more than 20 recordings. For whatever reason, the disc drive would just stop reading. I too was, and still want to transfer vhs to dvd and that was the reason I had them. I am thinking about setting up my computer to do it.

[toysrus]

Great thread- Keep the info coming! I could use one myself

[johnmiic]

Are there better ways to record other than a DVD recorder? Most computers don't have the video/audio input connections. Have they made a vid/aud input that goes into USB slots now? Is there software for computers that is better than the DVD recorder machine provides?

[megoapesnut]

Are there better ways to record other than a DVD recorder? Most computers don't have the video/audio input connections. Have they made a vid/aud input that goes into USB slots now? Is there software for computers that is better than the DVD recorder machine provides?

Yes, they make very inexpensive USB A/V input devices. That's the route I would go. Are you really going to watch those transferred home movies on your TV all that often. You'll probably watch them more and have more fun with them by sharing them digitally via email or YouTube. Plus you can customize the videos if you get them into the computer. If you share them on YouTube or have a decent backup plan, you won't lose them. While you could lose or damage a DVD. Just some thoughts

[Splitty]

I've been using an older Phillips model that I bought refurbished, and have had great luck with it (other than the glitch of the time occasionally jumping to the year 2024). My LG one I had before that went poops after only a couple of years.

I use Amazon and google searches for reviews before ever plunking my money down on technology.