Panasonic DMR-E20S DVD Recorder and Player, Silver
You will not be sorry that you bought this product...
I purchased the DMR-E20s about 3 weeks ago. Let me start off by saying that you will not be sorry if you purchase this machine, it is amazing. You can record DVD-R which is playable in most current DVD players, (HOWEVER these discs can only be written to once) or you can record DVD-RAM, which is much more versatile and recorded programs can be edited without losing the time (any part of a recording that is erased is then RECOVERED in the total remaining time). Having the DVD-R option means this machine will never become obsolete even in the unlikely event that DVD-RAM does not become a popular format(one of my biggest concerns).<br />There are many many options, but expect to use the 2 or 4 hour speeds the most (6 hour speed is not a quality picture---to me at least!). If you are stockpiling your favorite sitcoms and want to keep them commercial free, then editing all of the commercials out of 4 half hour episodes will give you enough room for a fifth half hour episode on the disc in 2 hour mode. The setting of the timer is easy because VCRplus is included on the unit. You turn the unit off to \\"set\\" the timer to record, you dont have to put it in a \\"timer\\" mode.<br />The price of the discs has also dropped dramatically, but even a DVD-R at the current market price is still alot for a recording you weren't planning to keep. I hope to soon get a laptop with DVD-RAM capability so I can watch my discs on the road then ERASE and REUSE them.<br />As for picture quality, it is very good, however you have to have a clear sharp picture for the recorder to capture a clear sharp recording. If the broadcast is grainy, the recording will suffer and look even more grainy. But if your cable quality is good, this will be a non issue.<br />I bought this machine because my VCR was on its last legs (it really was a great VCR) and I just could not see myself buying outdated technology again when this amazing piece of equipment was available. It's alittle pricey, but if you are used to this kind of quality like I am, nothing less will do.<br />The Memorex 9.4 GB double sided DVD-RAM is an VERY VERY ECONOMICAL alternative to the other brands ... I have 4 of the Memorex 9.4 double sided discs.  The only problem I noticed was the little sliding door on the cartridge will sometimes stick when it is being loaded into the machine.  I could imagine that because of their fantastic price (usually being less than 15 bucks each), that maybe Memorex is still working out all the quality control bugs, but in my experience with all of the different discs I have used none has refused to format.  I seriously doubt this problem would be caused by the machine itself.<br />  Someone mentioned a PANASONIC DVD-RAM not formatting. That might be because there is an older generation of DVD-RAM out there---easily recognized by the size (2.6 GB single sided and 5.2 GB double sided) that are from an earlier version of DVD-RAM, and these are NOT compatible with this new unit, which only accepts 4.7 GB single sided and 9.4 GB double sided discs.d of quality like I am, nothing less will do. <br />The Memorex 9.4 GB double sided DVD-RAM is an VERY VERY ECONOMICAL alternative to the other brands ... I have 4 of the Memorex 9.4 double sided discs.  The only problem I noticed was the little sliding door on the cartridge will sometimes stick when it is being loaded into the machine.  I could imagine that because of their fantastic price (usually being less than 15 bucks each), that maybe Memorex is still working out all the quality control bugs, but in my experience with all of the different discs I have used none has refused to format.  I seriously doubt this problem would be caused by the machine itself.<BR>     Someone mentioned a PANASONIC DVD-RAM not formatting. That might be because there is an older generation of DVD-RAM out there---easily recognized by the size (2.6 GB single sided and 5.2 GB double sided) that are from an earlier version of DVD-RAM, and these are NOT compatible with this new unit, which only accepts 4.7 GB single sided and 9.4 GB double sided discs.