JVC HMDH5U Digital VHS High-Definition Recorder
HD recording
I own the JVC HM-DH3000U and a Samsung 5688 1080p dlp projection TV with built in HD tuner.  I receive HD from my trusty rabbit ears and record it via the firewire cable. The picture on playback is perfect!  I also own a sizeable library of pre-recorded D-VHS movies.  They are also stunning! Once you go HD it's hard to go back.  I have read other reviews that state they can't record or playback via the firewire link.  I don't think newer model HD sets have this issue.  My Samsung certainly doesn't. When I record a HD broadcast I only need to press three buttons and it's recording a HDTV broadcast in full HD via the firewire. So....  Having said that.   I am seriously considering buying this or the other JVC D-VHS VCR that has a built in HD tuner!  the HDMI input/output is very attractive and I think extends the life of the unit.  Another major factor is the support for DTS.  I own two D-VHS movies that have DTS tracks (Alien Directors cut and I-Robot).  My 3000 only plays dolby tracks.  The Dolby tracks are 500+ k.  The DTS is 1500+k!!!!  the difference is not subtle.  D-VHS plays back video at 1080i with high FPS.  When HD-DVD and Blu-Ray come out shortly they will not offer the FPS speed of these units!  If you are serious about HD recording and don't mind spending the extra 10 seconds it takes to record, then this is the only way to go.  Unfortunately most people have grown used to the convenience of chapter searches that DVD's offer (why I don't know)and other useless frills.  When I watch a movie I do just that, I watch the movie.  Quality never wins out over convenience. <br /> <br />My 2 cents