Philips DVDR75 Progressive-Scan DVD Player/Recorder
Mine had a good run, then fizzled out (too quickly considering the price!)
I received the DVDR75 as my first DVD recorder for Christmas 2003. I was cajoled by the company's slick TV ads (\\"got to believe it's getting better ... better all the time\\"?) and also because Philips employs a considerable amount of people in my local area. Support US products, I always say.<br /><br />Well the reason I'm writing this long-delayed review is that I ignored the warnings about their reliability and dismissed criticisms about this specific machine as \\"online naysayers\\" ... I was wrong.<br /><br />It was somewhat difficult to set up, very difficult to master, but worked reliably and with few \\"coasters\\" (disc errors making DVD+Rs useless) for awhile ...<br /><br />About 18 months after purchase, it simply burnt out. I use it almost exclusively for recording TV shows (I'm not into Tivo). Currently it will record for about 5-10 seconds and then shuts down. I have no idea why nor do I have the inclination to fix it. I'm buying a new Panasonic recorder (currently $100 cheaper, plus it boasts 4.5/5 stars after 23 Amazon reviews).<br /><br />Look, you're going to read this and either choose to believe me & pass over this, or you'll choose to ignore me. But I implore you --- think about the experience of other buyers like me before making your decision.