Samsung DVD-VR320 DVD Recorder
Better than I expected!
I purchased this dvd/vcr combination recorder because it was reasonably priced and had a fire wire port (I paid around $250).  It's definitely a little tougher to use than an ordinary vcr but the quality of the output is infinitely better.  I recommend this player for anyone who wants to transfer family videos to a dvd format or to anyone who's not quite sure but afraid to shell out the big bucks.