Sony RDR-GX7 DVD Recorder
A Solid Performer
I decided to get a DVD recorder when my  video deck died - and I'm glad I did!! Picture and sound quality are improved at least ten times, and DVD has too many cool convinience features to count compared with VHS.  The Sony RDR-G7X is as easy to operate as your familiar video recorder; just select your channel and push the record button - that's it! Plus the unit gives you lots of versitility as it can handle DVD - R; - RW; and + RW. Basically, I use - R for programs I want to keep as you can't rewrite this format (and are the cheapest to buy). I use - RW Video Mode like I used to use VHS video tape as you can erase and rerecord on this disk. - RW VR mode will give you lots of editing features (and is also rewrittable), and  is compatible with newer DVD players. Unfortunately, + RW has been stripped of it's editing features, and seems identical to - RW Video mode with this Sony unit. However, I'm still learning the ins-and-outs of this recorder, but so far have been very impressed by its quality, good looks, features, and performance. I shopped around a lot, did a ton of research, and concluded it to be the best  consumer DVD recorder currently on the market.