Toshiba D-KR2 Progressive Scan DVD Recorder/Player
Don't Throw Away That VCR Just Yet
The rave reviews posted here are a bit startling, when you consider that there are three major defects in this unit. First, the input noise reduction is so mild it's ineffective, and the output noise filters are simple blur effects that do more harm than good. Second, you can't get a true black or white level from this machine, so recordings look washed-out when played elsewhere (a professional proc amp doesn't help, either. This machine filters all input to 15 IRE and won't allow a true black from any source, including cable). There are settings for \\"Darker\\", \\"Enhanced\\", etc. - they do nothing for black-white levels, they just dim or wash out the image. Third, DVD-RW is a fantasy with this machine, they just won't work. It's a shame, because even at long recording times there are very few artifacts. Too bad Toshiba designers prefer lackluster images. They seem OK when played on this machine, but look closer and you'll see they're just dark, not richly colored. Another glitch: Record a home-made (not retail) VHS tape into this machine, and when you try to copy it to another DVD recorder the Toshiba will not allow it until you use a pro-level TBC unit on the Toshiba's output. In fact, you can't even make copies of your own, home-made DVD's. Supposedly many of these problems were corrected on later units, but newer Toshibas for 2006 might improve to the point where they could replace your high-end VCR. But don't count on it. Home DVD machines have a long way to go before they can compete with the 30+ years of evolution behind a quality VHS machine. IF this will be your one and only DVD player/recorder, you could live with it. Just don't expect good performance from your recordings if you have to replace this unit or give your washed-out images to  friends.