Toshiba D-R4 Multi-Drive DVD Recorder
Awesome DVD Recorder!
Well, unlike the user below, I DID read the owners manual cover to cover, and it DOES tell you specifically which DVD blanks and RAM cartridges it was tested with (Maxell, JVC & TDK), and it recommends their use.  I bought those brands and have had not a single problem finalizing or recording.<br /><br />I've also found that Sony DVD-R blanks work great too.  It will tell you to format the blank first, but that takes all of about 2 minutes.<br /><br />As for the time it takes to spool up from the off position, that's because it has to load software to operate, like a computer...that delay is no problem if you just plan ahead by about a minute or so.<br /><br />It's so great I bought a second one a week after the 1st.  I run the 1st with component cables & the 2nd with S-Video. The quality is amazing!  All the problems mentioned in the reviews below can easily be avoided by just READING the instruction manual.  Duh..  I've had them both for about 4 months now, and could not be happier with the functionality & quality.  The Time-Slip is especially nice & works great.<br /><br />My ONLY complaint (and it's very minor), is that the commercial skip button settings go from 30 seconds right to 5 minutes, then up from there.  1 or 2 minutes would have been a nice option.  But, the skip is practically instant, which is nice. That's about the only thing I would change.<br /><br />Someone mentioned they can dim the blue light on the front, but I haven't found where you can do that.  It also is not a big deal & you get used to it quickly.  The other quality I really love is that the remote works from ANYWHERE in the room, at any angle....you'd almost have to behind the thing to not use it.  I've used the remote from almost a direct 90 degree angle, and from above it, in a split level room at a distance & it still works great!<br /><br />I'm actually just bought a 3rd one today on Amazon as a spare in case one of these eventually craps out...but, no problems yet.  I'd say BUY IT!ms yet.  I'd say BUY IT!