JVC DR-MX1S DVD Player/Recorder, Hi-Fi VCR, and Hard Disk Recorder
I like it, but it's a challange for DVD-recording beginners
I came from a simple VCR.  This is a whole new world!  I did extensive on-line research before determining this would do what I needed: Record movies to watch anytime; make temporary recordings for viewing later; transfer some taped material to DVD.  It does it all, but it's like getting a new computer.  There are so many functions and options, that I read much of the 100-page manual, then just started experimenting with various things.  I'm still learning as I go what works best for me.  Example: \\"Chapter Marks\\" are put in every 5 minutes or so on a DVD disk, but not on the hard disk ... but you can put them in yourself wherever you want.  Then, if I play a disk on my computer, I can choose a scene from the pictures selected as Chapter Marks, but I can't seem to do it when playing on the JVC -- maybe it's one of numerous functions I haven't figured out yet!   <br /> <br />On the other hand, I can start hard-disk recording with the push of a couple of buttons ... let's say the phone rings while I'm watching The West Wing. <br /> <br />Then there are the disks to buy:  DVD-R are the lowest price, but you can't do most editing.  DVD-RW can be re-used, but cost more.  DVD-RAM are even more costly, but will allow \\"Live Memory Playback\\" (as will the hard disk), i.e., watching an earlier part of a program as it's still being recorded (or a different program). <br /> <br />One function necessary from the beginning: learning to change an \\"Index\\", i.e., a small picture which identifies a \\"title\\" (one recording, such as a movie).  Otherwise, it's easy to have several titles on the hard disk that all show the MGM lion! <br /> <br />\\"Dubbing\\" (copying) can go in all 6 directions: tape to DVD, DVD to hard disk, etc. <br /> <br />If I didn't need the VCR, I'd probably get a recorder with the biggest hard disk I could find.   <br /> <br />A caution:  My unit has started to act up about 3 times in 6 weeks.  I shut down my computer regularly, and seem to need to do the same with theJVC.  However, \\"off\\" isn't enough; it has to be unplugged briefly.  So far, it's worked!