Panasonic DMR-ES20K DVD Recorder
can't complain for the price
Overall I could say I am satisfied with the panasonic replacing my VHS recorder, however there are a few disappointments.  It has sufficient connections, and the tv tuner is handy.  Records and plays multiple formats, including dvd ram which i am not a big fan of.  To play the discs on other playes you do have to finalize them, a little time consuming, but only a minor criticism, and i really would not consider it a factor on whether i would buy this machine or not.    My main complaint is the frequency of which i get errors on the recorded dvds turning them into coasters, and at times it is unable to read original movies.  I have to power off the player and put the disc in again before it plays it normally.    The other problem is that the player is quite slow in reading discs, and if it has problems with one and goes into self check mode, you may have to wait 2-3 minutes before you can do anything with the dvd player.  So I have to warn that there will be a few frustrating moments with this dvd recorder.    Edit:  After owning the machine for a about 16 months, it has completely and suddenly died on me, can't power it on at all.  I checked online and found quite a few similar complaints and most happening a little after one year.  I don't have much to say about Panasonic customer service.  I'm off to buy another dvd recorder, and it will not be a panasonic.  Fortunately my friend has a Panasonic dvd-r, and I will finalize my remaining discs.