Lite-On AllWrite LVW-5005 DVD/CD Recorder
No Closed Captioning support but good recorder
My beef is that this unit does not support Closed Captioning. Even when you view a TV, Satellite, or VCR signal through this unit, you will no longer see Closed Captioning. This may not be a problem for some. <br /> <br />Since I rely a great deal on Captioning, using this DVD Recorder to convert my 600+ VCR tapes (with captioning) to DVD is not as appealing as I first thought. <br /> <br />That aside, the recorder is easy to use. It has a \\"Quick Guide\\" button on the remote that will walk you through all parameters needed to Record, Play or Erase a DVD. <br /> <br />You may set DEFAULT settings for the recorder/player and when you press the RECORD button on the remote, the DVD begins to record almost instantly (maybe a 3 second delay at the most). <br /> <br />I have recorded from TV, Satellite and VCR to DVD +/-R, +/-RW formats. After recording, I was able to play them on my AOPEN DVD burner on my PC so at least these two brands are compatible. <br /> <br />The unit works like a VCR when using TIMER recording. You select the time on/off, DVD record speed (quality) from 1-6 hours. The unit begins on time and shuts off after recording. It does delay a minute or two if you are recording two shows (sources) back to back (off at 7pm and begin at 7pm). The recorder must prepare the first recording for viewing with menus so there is about a 1.5 to 2 minute delay before the second recording starts. <br /> <br />I have used this machine mostly for RW type re-recording and it does a great job. I would even say that the recording is often a better picture than the original when recording from VCR tapes too. <br /> <br />Except for very small buttons on the remote, with practice you should be able to operate this recorder/player with no trouble. <br /> <br />I am pretty sure that the TV tuner of this unit is mono. You could use the stereo signal from another component (like a VCR tuner) so if you desire a stereo recording, be sure to use a three wire video audio cable (L&R stereo channels and 1 video input) from another component vs. just a single 75 ohm cable connection or antenna input.