Lite-On AllWrite LVW-5005 DVD/CD Recorder
More than I hoped...
I had been holding off on purchasing DVD recorders because of either high prices or poor reviews. I took a chance on this model, because of good reviews on the internet, it being at the right price point, and the fact that I filled up my PVR. It has exceeded my expectations. The recording quality at SP (two hours) is virtually indistinguishable from the PVR recordings from my dish. Four hour LP mode still exceeds a mid quality VCR, with no annoying flicker or color bleeding. The burner worked first time, every time. The controls, even timed record, are intuitive and simple, with an excellent system menu that makes all the features easily accessible. Pop in a disc - it is immediately recognized and formatted if necessary. You can easily set the time for chapter marks and append new material.<BR>Amazingly, the burner accepts every type of media - DVD + or - R and RW, as well as CD-R and CD-RW, although I have not tried making a CD-V or audio CD. The instruction manual is well done and easily readable. <BR>This is one of the best engineered pieces of hardware I have come across in years. Works better than any VCR I have ever owned. Basically, you just hit the record button and get a great recording. I have not used it yet for transferring and editing home videos, but if you just want to record from your cable or dish, this unit can't be beat. One weird glitch: Doesn't display closed captioning - at least on my Mitsubishi TV.