Akai DVDRW120 Progressive-Scan DVD Player/Recorder
Update to 'Works but annoying' ...
An earlier reviewer indicates that the AIKA DVDRW120 'locks-up' if you reach the end of a DV tape before stopping the DVD recording. This in fact is true. It doesn't 'lock-up' if you are using the S-Video or component input - only the DV (firewire) input. Also, I tried the 'secret menu' and it works, making the unit region free and turning off Macrovision. Bravo!     I've changed my rating from 3* to 4* from my original review:    'Very basic and NO TECH/CUSTOMER SUPPORT'    I've had this unit for a little over a week and it does work, although it lacks many options found on slightly more expensive units.  It does a good job of archiving video tapes, but don't expect anything fancy.  <br />For example, the unit has very little editing capability and you cannot create even a basic menu. It creates a 'title' every time you record and stop but that's it.  You can create 'chapters' every 2-15 minutes but they are not thumb nailed; you can simply skip ahead or backwards.  The unit has no 'one touch record' (OTR) capability so you either have to use the awkward program timer or manually watch the record process. As another reviewer noted, if the DVD record session is not stopped before the end of the disk, you will get an error.<br />I spent two hours trying to get to tech support yesterday on the toll free number with no success.  The AKAIUSA.com web site has no technical information other than the data sheet shown here. Don't expect any firmware upgrades or any other technical support.  There is a new model DVDRW121 shown on the web site which looks like it may have some improvements (i.e. OTR and more recording speeds).  <br />In summary, this unit works and it's cheap, but it's very basic.  Check out the other brands available at COSTCO.com for $300 and compare the features before you buy.