Toshiba RD-XS34 DVD Recorder with 160-GB Hard Drive
Amazon review, major error in 1 paragraph other HDD_DVD Thoughts
This following paragraph in not accurate. \\"The RD-XS34 also offers an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) with upconversion capability from standard 480i to high-definition 720p or 1080i--perfect for viewing your DVDs, camcorder footage, and television programs on a high-definition or HD-ready TV, now or in the future. HDMI provides a single-cable digital connection for the highest-quality interface between the DVD player and a compatible television, keeping audio and video signals digital until they reach the monitor.\\" <br /> <br />According to the Toshiba website and the downloadable owners manual from THIS page this machine doesn't upconvert to 720 or 1080 and DOES NOT HAVE an HDMI input! The RD-XS52 (160 gig) and the Best Buy in house model RD-KX50S (80 gig) have HDMI and upconversion. Neither of these have the TV Guide EPG. I have the RD-KX50S, works well. The Panasonic EH50 (100 gig) is a better quality machine with the TV Guide (which works very well for me on OTA) but after a month of using it I was so frustrated with the complex operation I exchanged it for the Toshiba, with upconversion and the blessed simplicity of HDMI. The HDD-DVD Toshiba remote, by the way does not intergrate at any level with a brand new Toshiba DLP TV - how's that for stupid? All the Toshiba DVD,VHS,HDD machines with HDMI come with HDMI cables in the box unlike most Sonys and others so don't pay extra. I see a difference with a $75 HDMI cable but no one has been able to show me that it is BETTER, certainly not $75 worth. I would give the RDXS52 four stars, Five stars for any one that ships a dream machine below. <br />  <br />RANT: Why can't we get a Dual layer (Pioneer, Sony) TV Guide (Panasonic, Sony) Upconversion+HDMI (Toshiba, RCA), that works on DVD -+RW,ram, (Sony), quiet fan, 120-200 gigs, 1 year parts & LABOR (90 days Sony, Toshiba) warrantee with composite inputs and outputs, decent remote, easy to use, and with a well written orderly owners manual with index (NOT Panasonic). Dual tuners (ideally digital ready) to record two shows at the same time (HDD,DVD) would really make it a contemporary product.   <br />