Lite-On AllWrite LVW-5005 DVD/CD Recorder
Better than I thought
When I received my LVW-5005 from the UPS guy I was a little concerned about it's condition. It seems the Office Depot who I purchased it from (Via Amazon)wasn't too concerned about throwing the normal box inside a box 2X it's size for shipment with no cushining... Long story short. From out of the box and hooking up to the TV was maybe 5 minutes. The initial setup was easier than I had read on other reviews about DVD recorders. It was just like operating a VCR.  <br /> <br />I've only made 3 recordings so far but I havn't had any problems from either...I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I won't have any of the problems some of the others writing reviews have had.  <br /> <br />I have noticed there is a noticable color difference (slightly darker) when the show is running through the recorder to the TV screen..BUT during playback from another machine the color was normal...maybe it's my cables,connection or TV?  <br /> <br />I've used GQ brand DVD-R discs not on the \\"list\\" and they work fine. I have a DVD player at my office that I've had since 99 and it plays just fine on it too.  <br /> <br />I was prepared to shell out the $$ for a Sony but I could not believe that thier own DVDR machines didn't have firewire (iLink)..the one feature I wanted was that and the ability to Record + and - R media, so the Lite On was my next choice.  <br /> <br />Since I only ever wanted to record TV Shows (history, Discover programs etc.)and back up old VHS. I never had a need for a TOP END machine. The LiteOn in my opinion is perfect for that.. as long as it's working I'll be a happy camper. <br /> <br />Hope my investment lasts a long time because right now I'll stand behind the product. I only wish I had picked it up for $149 instead of $179.  <br /> <br />After it was done, I ripped it with Disk Decrypter and Recoded with NERO to have a better looking Menu. <br /> <br />Pros: Cheap Cost even at $200 <br />      Super Easy to setup and Use <br />      Nice Picture quality (recorded to disc) <br />      Accepts Media not on the \\"approved list\\" <br />      Records/Plays +/- R/RW media <br />      2/4/6 hr record times <br /> <br />CONS: Image output to TV is slightly darker  <br />      A little noisy (just don't sit too close) <br />      Takes approx 30 Sec to load Disc so plan ahead <br />      Menu is very Plain <br /> <br />hope it helped...B. Bussey <br />