JVC HM-DH30000L D-VHS HDTV Digital Recorder, Silver
HD Tape vs. DVD
I have one of these units (I've had a D-VHS since 1998, although not capable of recording HD). I have to say that the amazing quality of the D-VHS format is wonderful. The argument that HD-DVDs are coming soon is a powerful one: despite what one review here says, D-VHS tapes *DO* degrade over time, like any other tape format. The bad thing with digital is that once the oxides flake off the tape, the picture is unwatchable, not just fuzzy like analog. That said, it will be a long time before HD-DVD can record off air like this VCR does; it's unlikely that today's HD programming will be available soon on DVD, so recording off the air is the only option for preserving these first HD programs. And the fact that you can tape dozens of hours of programming on one tape is wonderful for those of us who travel - a great alternative to the PVR with no extra monthly fees.