Toshiba RD-X2 DVD-RAM/DVD-R Recorder
The Future is Finally Here !!
I have been waiting for this model since the first DVD player was released years ago. How many times have you said: \\"I just love my DVD player, but I only wish I could record with it!\\".....well be careful what you wish for....because it may just come true. <br />This model is about to be released across the country. I tested one at one of the major Home Theater shows and was quite impressed with it's all around performance. <br />This is what I would call the third generation for this device. The first two Panasonic models and now this Toshiba. Each incarnation improves over the last....with the the first models including no hard drives....and the second generation including a 40 GB hard drive....now Toshiba enters the field with a full size 80 GB hard drive...which gives you the flexibility to record your favorite programming or dub and edit vacation movies on the hard disc drive....without this feature....a recordable DVD player is only doing half it's job. <br />This drive, similar to what is used in a personal computer, can store recorded broadcast programming and dubbed content. The RD-X2 will allow high speed dubbing (2x, 4x, 8x) from the HDD to a DVD-RAM and back without any deterioration of the digital MPEG2 signal and provides instant access to recorded programs so there's no more searching for blank locations on the disc. Once the program is recorded you can create playlist titles with chapter thumbnails and names. <br />It also records on DVD-R discs....DVD-R are record only once discs that are playable in all the newer DVD units. And at prices near to the $99 range....get the Grandparents a new model DVD player...so that they can view all the DVD home movies you will now send them. DVD-R discs are falling in price....much like the road of the CD-R discs....might also be a way to decrease the overall  in-law yearly visiting time....which may make this unit priceless! <br />The Disc Budget feature directs the player to read the space available on a DVD-RAMdisc and automatically assign the optimum data rate for video recording based upon the length or programming and the audio mode selected. The RD-X2 offers several preset and manual recording modes:<br />* The consumer can choose the LP picture mode (2.2mbs video data rate) and record as much as 75 hours on the HDD and 4 hours 22 minutes on the DVD.<br />* The SP picture mode offers near-DVD picture quality, with a video bit rate of 4.6mbs. In this mode, the consumer can record approximately 36 hours on the HDD and 2 hours on the DVD.<br />* The manual recording mode lets you preset the bit rate.<br />There are 37 individual choices from 2.0mbs all the way up to the highest quality 9.2mbs.<br />Amazon customers need to keep on Papa Amazon to stock these babies in bulk and post them at a competive price level. The only thing more you would want on this model would be to add TiVo capabilities....but I guess you have to save something for the next generation.