Samsung DVD-R120 Progressive Scan DVD Recorder
time sync problem on DVD-V but not DVD-VR
I bought this unit because it was being sold refurbished for only $50.  For what it's worth, it does record fairly well in DVD-VR mode.  The menus it generates on the DVD are generic 3x3 box displays and look fairly dated. <br /> <br />The only reason I needed a unit like this was to record shows for a portable DVD player.  When I used it in DVD-Video mode (standard DVD), it would play back with good sync on the Samsung unit but would be about 1/4 of a second off on playback.  This can be overlooked a little, but after a while, it does become difficult to watch for me. <br /> <br />What I discovered was that the DVD-VR (editable) mode produces DVD compliant streams that ARE in sync and can be imported with Nero 7 with almost no re-encoding. <br /> <br />Using Nero 7, I just drag and drop in the VRO file from the disc and I can create a DVD with a better menu and stable sound sync.  Because the video is DVD compliant, it only remuxes the video and takes a fraction of the time.  This is an easier solution for me when dealing with TivoToGo, instead of downloading the file, re-encoding it with the horrible Sonic MyDVD software, and then waiting for it to burn. <br /> <br />I can just load Nero 7, put the videos in there, and be on my way in a few minutes. <br /> <br />So, basically, this unit becomes a glorified MPEG-2 encoder, which I guess is OK.  If I payed $150 for it, I'd be upset about the sound-sync issue on DVD-Video mode.  Considering that the timer feature can record my weekly shows and then I can just remux it on the PC, I actually saved some money vs. getting a Hauppauge PVR-2 USB. <br /> <br />