Liteon DVD Recorder LVW-5007
Very good basic DVD+R recorder with easy upgradeability
This unit is out of production, but is still available new at Sears for $100 (some stores).<br /><br />The really big pluses it has are that it easy to upgrade to region free, 3h record mode (recording as good as 2h mode), and Macrovision-free using the firmware writing programs from Mr. Wizard on the internet, free. The last two let you convert the VHS tapes you own to DVD's...an excellent capability. The quality of the copies is identical to the source, even in 3h mode, and using the Liteon is far better and easier than doing this with a capture device and you PC.<br /><br />I have also done transfers of digital channel captures from a Tivo DVR with excellent results. Same for Firewire captures from a Digital 8 camcorder.<br /><br />The TV Guide Plus feature is OK, but nowhere near Tivo in ease of use.<br /><br />I have used Verbatim, TDK, Memorex, and OfficeMax DVD+R blanks with no trouble. The recorder is pickier about DVD+RW's.<br /><br />The remote is very simple, but adequate.<br /><br />For $100 plus $15 for a two year service contract, this thing is peerless. The up-scale brands like Panasonic or Sony have nicer remotes and (maybe) better reliability, but no TV Guide Plus, no macrovision-free, no region-free, no 3h mode. Too many negatives for very little benefit plus higher cost.