Sony RDR-GX7 DVD Recorder
Works Great for S-VHS to DVD Copies
I've had very good luck using a Sony GX7 DVD Recorder.  I suggest using Philips DVD-R blanks - which have worked flawlessly so far (x20).  I used only one no-name off-brand DVD-R and it would record 99% but 'freeze' for a second or two 4x and hour then continue, so I've stayed away from the junky disks and used the flawless Philips -R disks.  A friend swears by the TDK -R DVD's for his Sony GX7.  I've used only the 1 hour and 2 hours speeds on the Sony DVD-R which provide precise duplicates of live broadcasts or SVHS video.  I have made copies of edited S-VHS video on DVD, and with the built-in Sony noise reduction, it is possible to make it look even better than the original (or worse if you over do it).  You can also add titles, even to DVD-R's before you finalize them, but I could not read these titles back on a machine other than a Sony, athough all of the track and chapters sequenced properly and had no problems playing them.  I've recorded TV shows - but don't forget, after you've set the timer you LEAVE the DVD Recorder Power ON! - different from a VCR in that respect.  Fairly easy to setup using their menu - you just need to tell it if you want to use the composite video or S-Video input jack on the multiple inputs available.  It's neat that there's two sets of inputs and two sets of output jacks, in addition to a single digital coax and optical digital SPDIF jack on the back of the unit; plus another set on the front of composite/SVideo and a Digital port.  I have not used the front digital port yet, so I can't comment on it.  It seems as well constructed as one of their $500 1990 editing VCR's which lasted me 10 years, so maybe this will last 5?  Only one month of use thus far, and aside of waiting 20 seconds to read a disk after you turn it on, I have no complaints yet.