Panasonic DMR-ES10S DIGA Series DVD Recorder , Silver
One of the best electronic/computer purchase I made in the past year
What an awesome device.  I originally bought this device to record some cherished programs/memories on VHS tapes to DVD.  What I found after purchasing it was that it also records from the cable box including HBO and Showtime.  Depending on the recording mode, you can transfer programs from VHS tapes that would normally degrade after a few to several years of neglect to crisper quality images on dvd.<br /><br />Here's a breakdown of the Panasonic<br /><br />Picture Quality:<br /><br />- For the price (got it for about $180 at Circuit City), the sound and clarity are pretty good.  I've used Sony DVD-R/DVD-RW and TDK DVD+R with the panasonic.  I've heard rumors about problems with the Memorex dvd's but I've yet to confirm this for myself.  The picture is good with the 1 hour, 2 hour and 4 hour mode.  After that, it starts to get quite fuzzy and grainy with the 6 and 8 hour mode.  However, for the price, the picture quality of this unit is quite exceptional.  Also, being able to record from your cable box is quite awesome.  I hear that the Sony's are unable to do this due to copyright issues.<br /><br />- Widescreen recording<br /><br />You can have programs recorded in the 16:9 format but it's limited to DVD-Video discs.  There's also some modifications you can make according to uzun's comment:<br /><br />[...]<br /><br />- Ease of use:<br /><br />Some people have complained about how non intuitive the remote looks.  It's actually not that bad once you get thru the manual.  The menu's may not be as pretty as sony but get the job done.  You can set up this DVD Recorder for programming such like VCR Plus to record shows when you're not around.  Finalizing discs for playback and editting such as naming the title of the program and choosing the appropriate thumbnail are fine.  If you are also in a hurry and want to record a program without using the schedule recording option, you can just press the record button on either the device or the remote a number of times til you get the desired recording length (30 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, etc).<br /><br />- No DV camera connector<br /><br />The one thing you can'd do here is connecting a DV camera directly to this recorder.  The new Panasonic ES20 has this feature from what I've seen.<br /><br />- Slim design<br /><br />May not be the sturdiest design like the sony, but it is slim and can fit in tight spots if you're short on space esp. if your home entertainment system is qutie loaded with devices.<br /><br />All in all, this is a great product.  If you're unable to get this, go get the ES20S.  I purchased one for my sister and found out that at the very least the difference is that the newer ES20S has a DV connector.  It's also very cheap at places such as BestBuy ($170).  Hope this helps...get the desired recording length (30 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, etc).   <br /> <br />- No DV camera connector <br />The one thing you can'd do here is connecting a DV camera directly to this recorder.  The new Panasonic ES20 has this feature from what I've seen. <br /> <br />- Slim design <br />May not be the sturdiest design like the sony, but it is slim and can fit in tight spots if you're short on space esp. if your home entertainment system is qutie loaded with devices. <br /> <br />All in all, this is a great product.  If you're unable to get this, go get the ES20S.  I purchased one for my sister and found out that at the very least the difference is that the newer ES20S has a DV connector.  It's also very cheap at places such as BestBuy ($170).  Hope this helps...