Akai DVDRW120 Progressive-Scan DVD Player/Recorder
Like burning CD's
First, this is a pretty good machine. Yes, it hangs up (3/20 disks) on +R media not only if you record to the end (rca inputs) but also if you accidentally push 2 buttons.  It acts like a PC peripheral rather than a consumer electronic machine.  But this is no VCR.  Optical drives do take more time to respond.  One has to adjust. I've recorded about 20 8mm tapes (on TDK +R, 4x)and was able to record on my first night and several TV shows.  Pretty straight forward with no bells or whistles but then again its only $200.  One point: if you have a lot of action on tape you will have to decide whether to use internal digitizer or use the DV input (Digital 8 camera).  I found the Akai internal A/D slightly better, but not perfect.  Some quantizing can be seen in my son's little leaque scenes. If you have a lot of action on analog tapes, I recommended you check the A/D characteristics of the available recorders.  I haven't found the spec of the Akai so I'm guessing it is buried with other brands also.  The only other way way to go is to buy a video capture card and do it on your PC.  At least everything is spec'ed out in PC land.  My 8mm tapes were getting old so it was time to go digital.  This machine is great for the novice and us cheapo's.  Don't get frustrated if you throw away a few disks, media is cheap now.  Just think of it like burning CD's.  Update: Does not record the date from my Canon Elura 70 via DV cable. Huge bummer, reduce rating to 4 stars!!!  Update2: Almost all recorders do not record date stamp from digital camcorders via Firewire.  This is a big issue that manufacturers have missed.  Rumor has it only Phillips 75 can do it.