Sony RDR-GX300 DVD Recorder
Great entry level DVDR
I purchased this model about 3 months ago and have quickly become a DVDR guru.  I could not be any happier with absolutely no problems and more than I expected from the recorder.  As a beginner here are my thoughts on the negative aspects that a newcomer should know.<br /><br />When recording your backup DVD originals to DVD+/-R you should invest in a digital video stabilizer (I believe the same is true for copying your old VHS tapes but I have not tried to record from this medium yet.  The recorder records from point A to point B - it will not \\"copy\\" a disk like a CD burner.  It records just like a VCR - you have to start and stop it where you want it.<br /><br />Other comments:<br /><br />1. You have options to record at different speeds/quality levels (similar to a VCR).<br /><br />2. There are three different input connecitions on this model which come in handy although the front connection seems to be a mono only connection.<br /><br />3. The \\"tools\\" menu is somewhat awkward and about the only thing I referred to the manual for was to set the clock - much more difficult than most other functions but isn't that standard on these \\"high-tech\\" machines?<br /><br />4. I have not lost a single disk to errors - I've recorded well over 50 disks.<br /><br />5. I looked for a machine that was capable of recording DVD to DVD, VHS to DVD, Hi-8 to DVD (camcorder), TV to DVD, and DVR to DVD.  This machine does all but you will have to purchase a digital video stabilizer for a couple of the recording options.<br /><br />6. I did not use I-link thing for the cable box channel changer thingamajig. Too technical for me but I have a DVR w/ its own remote.  Works fine without the doohicky.<br /><br />7. It Plays DVD's! we have an older DVD player with many flaws. As a stand alone player it has great functions for our upgrade.<br /><br />8. It plays CD's!  another great option as our shelf CD player no longer works (been through about 4 shelf systems and they all lost the CD players like clockwork) our DVD player is hooked up to a shelf system.<br /><br />9. all of the controls on the panel and around the DVDR are all relevant and I can operate the recording/playing w/o the remote control if I ever lose it. (I lose the remote about twice a week).<br /><br />10. It's a sexy looking machine.hooked up to a shelf system. <br />9. all of the controls on the panel and around the DVDR are all relevant and I can operate the recording/playing w/o the remote control if I ever lose it. (I lose the remote about twice a week). <br />10. It's a sexy looking machine.