Panasonic DMR-E55K Progressive-Scan DVD Recorder/Player , Black
Best product on the market for the money
I've had this machine for only a few days now and it rocks. Set up was easy (it helped to be able to read the manual on line prior to receiving the unit)and I was recording within the first hour. No doubt the instructions are a bit complicated but if you know how to use a VCR and have just a bit of tech know-how, it's really a breeze. <br /> <br />The only drawback I can see is that you really can't use a DVD-RAM anywhere but in this machine. Plus the DVD-RAMs are expensive and you can't really share the recordings with friends. On the other hand, it's the DVD-RAM that opens up the possibility of watching the program you're currently recording, time-slip, and editing. It's perfect for recording (and then erasing) things you want to watch once or twice and then get rid of. <br /> <br />However, the DVD-R recording is just as easy (without the possibility of using the extended cool features like time-slip and chasing playback) and if you want you can easily do some further editing on your PC if you'd like. When using DVD-R, just be sure to \\"Finalize\\" the disc so it can be shared with other DVD players. <br /> <br />Another slight negative of the machine is that it won't playback DVD+Rs, so if you have those in your collection, you'll want to hook up antother DVD player to the system (which is very easy to do). I have my VCR and old DVD player hooked up through this unit and everything works flawlessly.  <br /> <br />I've already and easily started copying some of my old videotapes to DVD-R. I haven't yet hooked my Hi-8 video camera but I'm sure it will be just as easy. <br /> <br />This machine, for the money, is the best on the market. It not only matched my expectations, it far exceeded them. <br /> <br />I love this thing! <br />