Toshiba D-R4 Multi-Drive DVD Recorder
dvd-ram that does everything - think tivo, no subscription needed
I purchased a samsung R-120 previously.   Since it lacked time-slip functionality and has a year 2006 date bug, my next unit to try was this R4 from Toshiba.  I couldn't be more happy.  The Toshiba unit has a nice menu system just as the Samsung did, with many more options.  I only had to read the manual to find out how to format a dvd-ram I had already recorded on with the samsung which, by the way, played fine on this unit. <br /> <br />In addition to more functions, the Toshiba seems snappier.  If you want to play or record from the dvd, the response is within a couple of seconds. The time-slip button is used when you want to back up on a program currently recording and doubles as a quick-record button for immediate use or \\"pause live tv\\".  While recording, the menus allow you to set end-time, so you can immediately \\"pause\\" a program and if you know when it ends, set the stop time without going to the timer record function.  Very handy if you are watching a program and need to leave but don't have time to go through too many menus and don't want to record after the show is done wasting disc space. <br /> <br />The quality of low-bitrate recordings on this unit is also more adequate than the samsung.  I record in lp mode, but the Toshiba has a mp mode that is between sp and lp and is pretty good as well.  I find that xp and sp modes on any dvd recorder to offer near broadcast quality. <br /> <br />I can't comment on dvd-rw recording since my sole purpose of buying this was to use dvd-ram and all the extra functionality that comes with that.  The panasonic dvd-ram discs work fine. <br /> <br />My only gripe with this and other new dvd/televisions is that they are all coming in silver, while my component stereo and cabinets are black.  This though does not warrant it not receiving my full thumbs up and 5 stars.