Cyberhome CH-DVR1600 DVD Recorder
Worst $85 I have spent - UPDATED
Junk    update - unit started oscillationg and BestBuy replaced it under servica agreement with a Liteon  1 Star  ----    UPDATE -  I was able to duplicate the problem others have reported with a warbling audio on this unit.  I applied the firmware 9/2005 and the problem is fixed.  I had to apply the Back-End firmware twice for some reason.    ---    This seems to be a fantastic product.  Check out the features at Cyberhome's website.      Almost too good to be true.  It records BOTH +/- R and RW DVD's, even though the box says + only.  It has the ability to become region-free.  It has 2 video source inputs AND has a built in tuner.  It has DV input for camcorders. It records in 6 speeds which is great.  The unit is very easy to use... press the SOURCE button on the remote until you see the source you want to record, press ENTER and then press the RECORD button.  How hard is that?  Takes 2-3 seconds.    Some people have reported problems on various forums with a warbling sound and some hum from the tuner.  I have the device sitting on TOP of a TIVO and have none of these problems.  Mine is a model 1600MU.  I am running the original firmware (100) but there is a firmware upgrade available.  The MU's have some additional features over the ZU's, I have heard.    Keep in mind, you have to FINALIZE a disk in order to play it on another DVD player, according to the online HELP.    There have been some criticisms of the remote control.  I find it very nice and replacements are only $12.00.    Please ignore M. Smith's timings on how long it takes to do things on this recorder.  You can format and/or finalize a disk in seconds... not minutes.  Programming a schedule is as easy as manual scheduling on a TIVO.  Unless I am missing something, this is a great machine.  I'll report back if long term usage proves otherwise.