Lite-On AllWrite LVW-5005 DVD/CD Recorder
An eccellent first, or second dvd recorder
This is an excellent dvd recorde, and the discounts sometimes given on it make it an excellent value.  Obviously its most telling feature is versatility. it can record DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, or audio cds.  The on screen menues are generally easy to understand, and the owners manual is well written. it is a good buy to people who may be new to dvd recording.  i use it mainly to transfer vhs tape content to dvd, but it has other uses as well.  It has an on screen display that lets you know how much time you are using at each recording session, and how much time is left to record on the dvd when you started the session.  The dvds recorded on it are compatible with most dvd players.  and you can write in a title for each recording session with easy to understand built in on screen displays.  There are only two drawbacks to the unit.  first of all take good care of the remote, because most of the functions related to recording are in the remote.  But this is also true with most vcrs as well.  The other thing is to be sure to leave the dvd drawer closed when not in use.  i didn't do that, and banged my shin hard against the dvd drawer.  This affected the units performance.  But i was so pleasaed with the unit that i bought two more and make sure i don't leave the drawer open when not in use.  Finally the on screen menu, from which you can pick which session to watch transfers well to other dvd players after the disc is finalized.  Overall, this is an excellent product. <br /> <br />