Panasonic DMR-ES20K DVD Recorder
Works great.. in some cases..
Let me just say that this is the first DVD recorder that I have ever purchased (and I am using it like I would a VHS recorder).  It has worked well but has had a couple of hick-ups. <br /> <br />So, let me start by saying that I have tested all of the functions and everything seems to work currently.  As previously mentioned, there is a problem with scheduling that requires a firmware update (seems like a bit of a hassle but it has fixed the problems).   <br /> <br />If you are not a technical person, don't even think of buying this recorder.  It is not user-friendly and certainly doesn't explain itself very well (such as time-slip only working on DVD-RAM, etc.) <br /> <br />I had a situation where the recorder started freaking out with scheduling and so I upgraded the Firmware.  After upgrading the firmware, my settings were all screwed up and I lost all of my saved channels.  Then I tried to play a DVD and found out that my saved ratings were LOCKED and set to 0.  Luckily I found instructions in the manual to RESET the password (because it defaulted to some password that I didn't set).   <br /> <br />Anyhow, enough of the bad.. I actually have used this recorder for a few TV shows and my home video and all has worked well.  The quality seems good (much better than VHS.. but that's a given).  Knowing that DVD-RW's are cheaper than VHS tapes, I have enjoyed re-recording without losing quality (like you would with a VHS tape).  The technology is great.. now they just need to get the machine to work. <br /> <br />To wrap it up, keep in mind that this machine has many features (such as Time slip and creating chapters) that are only available when recording to a DVD-RAM.  The problem with this is.. DVD-RAM only works on this machine.. I can't use it with my DVD recorder on my computer!  So, it's nice but not completely useful to me.   <br /> <br />If you can get a good deal on this machine and have a technical background.. I'd say it might be worth a shot. <br /> <br /><br />Nick