Toshiba RD-XS32 Progressive-Scan DVD Player/Recorder with 80 GB Hard Drive
Versatile but not easiest to use recorder
I bought this DVR about two months ago. <br /> <br />Wiring up the recorder was straightforward. I ran my cable feed to its antenna/cable input and used a set of A/V ins/outs for my Comcast digital cable box. The component-video and optical digital audio outputs went to my Pioneer receiver. I basically agree with people complaining about manual. It has everything that you need to know how to operate DVR but you need to study it before you can do anything not looking in it. I thing RDX-S32 is excellent DVD player and recorder. I did considered several models before chouse this one. Two options affect my choice. It you can use DVD-RAM for recording and editing. That makes you work much easy if you going to edit camcorder tape. I agree that editing on DVR is not the same as on computer but still nice to have more flexibility. DVD-RAM recording allow you to watch and record TV program without using a hard drive. The second option is that RDX-S32 has both coaxial and optical outputs unlike Panasonic DVR (only optical). I have two coaxial and only one optical inputs on my receiver and optical was occupied. That makes a clear winner. I did try several DVD-R disks including KHypermedia, Fuji, Memorex and one with no label on it so I have no idea from what company. All of them work just fine and quality of recording was the same whether you are watching them on Toshiba or different DVD player. What I also like is flexibility of chousing recorded modes. Unlike some models that provide you with preset three or for recording modes RDX-S32 provide a manual recording mode that lets you fine-tune the recording-time/picture-quality tradeoff in individual levels. <br /> <br />Remote design may be better, but overall it's a great versatile recorder requires some time to learn how to use it. I just wich it has DVD+R playback ability.  <br />