Philips DVDR77 DVD Recorder
Not Ready for Prime Time
I purchased the Philips DVDR77 DVD Recorder three months ago, after reviewing the features/benefits of this and other DVD recorders on the market.  I selected the Philips unit because it had component input jacks and an iLink port.  My intent was to be able to record off air HDTV broadcasts when it was inconvenient to watch them.  Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, this unit is not up to the task... <br /> <br />If you are looking for an expensive replacement for a VHS deck, with picture quality only slightly better than VHS, then this is the deck for you.  The reasons I say this are the only inputs available for recording, even through the component video jacks, is 480i (standard definition Television I/O) and the only sound input available is 2 channel stereo through RCA connectors.  My HDTV has ieee1394 firewire I/O and I had hoped the iLink inputs on the DVDR77 would accept audio/video output from my HDTV.  I was wrong, the DVDR77 iLink input accepts only camcorder inputs, and ONLY (again) 480i signal inputs.  This means, if you have a mini DV camcorder, capable of higher resolution recording, you will not be able to upconvert your mini DV camcorder tapes at full resolution. <br /> <br />I have been quite disappointed by the price/performance relationship of the DVDR77.  It is really nothing more than a VHS tape recorder with a DVD in place of the tapehead.  Do not purchase this unit with an expectation that you can use the recorder to record HDTV quality DVD's from your cable/satellite receiver/OTA feeds.  480i (standard TV input) in two channel stereo sound is the best you can expect.