Toshiba D-RW2 DVD Player/Recorder
Not bad for starters.
This is a very basic DVD Recorder.  It doesn't have a ton of bells and wistles which is what makes it perfect for beginners.  The lack of DVD-ram is upsetting, considering the DR-W4 is only thirty more for many more features, but sometimes less features are nice, the simplicity makes it easy for my entire family to use.  You cannot access menu items when discs are finalizing/formatting/or even when shows are recording, which is unfortunate.  Otherwise, it is a great starter by a company that makes reliable products.