Samsung DVD-VR320 DVD Recorder
Buyer be AWARE
This is a terrific machine, but familiarize yourself with your tech. I've got some information that is going to help you out sooooo much:<br /><br />1 - It is extremely important that you know exactly what type of DVD's that are used with this product (like any other product). It lists very, very specific DVD's that the unit accepts for recording (It takes Sony DVD-R, but it won't necessarily accept a Sony DVD-RW!) And... It only accepts 2x DVD-RW's! I made four trips back and forth to Staples just to find out they didn't have the specific brand name that I needed & I eventually found the Maxell DVD-RW 2x @ a not so local Sears Electronic store. Read your directions VERY closely (as I should have). To help facilitate, I shall give you a head start - 2x DVD-RW's that it accepts: TDK, Maxell, JVC, Mitsubishi, Optodisc, Verbatim & Radius. I didn't find these brand names at Staples OR Best Buy.<br /><br />2 - Be very aware of HOW you're formatting your DVD's and familiarize yourself with the difference between the modes. After hunting down the DVD-RW's that are required, I have found myself sticking with the DVD-R's. Formatting the RW's in \\"VR\\" mode as opposed to \\"V\\" mode, won't play on other DVD players. This isn't to say that newer model DVD Players won't play them, but older model DVD players probably won't. The whole reason I thought this DVD creating process was so cool, was the advanced editing features that were offered by formatting in \\"VR\\" mode.  If you intend on creating permanent DVD's too play back on other DVD players, you should stick with \\"DVD-R\\" (which automatically format in \\"V\\" mode); if you're making temporary DVD's and plan on recording over them, use \\"DVD-RW\\" in \\"V\\" mode -- but really, what's the point in using the \\"VR\\" mode, with advanced menu editing, if you're just going to record over it?<br /><br />3 - I've also discovered a manufacturer flaw in this particular model and after speaking with Samsung, found out it is related to in models manufactured before/after July 2005 (yeah, that's not at all helpful, but I honestly don't remember what he said about July 2005). Either way, the system error will appear on your screen like this: [EC:0507] - System error is found. Please try it again after turning off the power.\\" At Samsung.com, under the support tab, you can download a memory update for your DVD burner (which I just think is really cool) - it gives you directions on how to do this.<br /><br />(...)<br /><br />I hope this helps you to avoid the mistakes that I've made.2005 (yeah, that's not at all helpful, but I honestly don't remember what he said about July 2005). Either way, the system error will appear on your screen like this: [EC:0507] - System error is found. Please try it again after turning off the power.\\" At Samsung.com, under the support tab, you can download a memory update for your DVD burner (which I just think is really cool) - it gives you directions on how to do this.     (...)    I hope this helps you to avoid the mistakes that I've made.