Panasonic DMR-E55S Progressive Scan DVD Recorder / Player , Silver
Best of breed
Unlike some lesser brandnames, this Panasonic DVD recorder actually works.  I've heard that with some other brands, you can get failed burning sessions, which would waste your blank DVD media.  Also, since this Panasonic uses the DVD-R (&quot;dash&quot; or &quot;minus&quot; format) instead of DVD+R (&quot;plus&quot; format), the discs you burn are compatible with *more* DVD players.  For my money, I'd stick with DVD-R all the way.  Also, be sure to get high-quality blank discs for better recording quality and longer shelf lives.<br />(Ignore the DVD-RAM format.  No DVD player I know of except some Panasonic models can read DVD-RAM.)<br />I'm really happy with the great build quality and great price I got with this model.  I didn't need one of those Panasonic models with a built-in hard drive, so I saved money.  But if you want TiVo-like capabilities, check out those HD-equipped models.<br />The best virtue of this Panasonic is it does a great job at what it's supposed to do.  I'm sure better models are already in the channel, so I'd say if you can wait a bit longer, wait a bit longer.  Otherwise, the Panasonic is your best bet for value, quality, and durability.