RCA DRC8312n DVD Recorder/VCR COMBO
Reliable but with personality
I originally attempted to purchase this product (RCA's VHS/DVD Recorder DRC8312N) from Amazon but there was an extended delay so I canceled the order and bought the unit from Office Max instead.  The unit works remarkably well in all that it does.  Using component video cables, DVD playback is amazingly clear and vivid.  As a note, the unit's instruction manual says that VHS tapes cannot be played through the component video output but I've found this to be false-so there's no need to hook up a separate S-Video or composite video cable for playing VHS unless you have a progressive scan television.  I have used the DVD Recorder several times, all with positive end results.  Using blank RW+ disks, I was able to record several TV shows and hide commercials using the chapter editing system.  It's very easy to do this but I recommend taking your time, if you rush the system you may have to start over.  I've been able to play all of my recorded DVD+R and DVD+RW disks on standard household players.<br /><br />One thing that I suggest is buying blank DVD+R and DVD+RW disks from reputable manufacturers.  Other owners of this unit have remarked on various websites that it's hard to record but I've found that the quality of the DVD+ medium is the cause of most problems.  I highly recommend buying your DVD+R and DVD+RW disks from RCA because what disks would be more compatible than the ones made by the recorder's own manufacturer?<br /><br />I've found that this DVD player is very picky about what pre-recorded DVD's it will play.  If your DVD is scuffed up or smudged, the player has a tendency skip around or occasionally freeze up (requiring you to unplug the unit, like a computer).  If you notice the sound or picture becoming distorted or jumpy, I highly recommend immediately cleaning the disk or risk having the unit freeze up.  I believe that the DVD player is picky about disks because it has a RW lens; the other 3 RCA DVD players in my house play most disks without any problems.  Also, I've found that the unit has similar issues with some older DVDs and certain obscure DVD manufacturers.  But for the most part, if you clean your disks and keep your unit cool you will not experience problems.<br /><br />One thing I wanted to note was that the unit gets very warm when it's OFF.  There is a cooling fan in the rear of the unit which cools the player completely while it is in use but the fan turns off when the power is turned off.  If your unit is in the open, this is fine.  But if you place your unit in an enclosed entertainment center, it will get very, very warm.  Make sure that you have plenty of room on all sides of the unit, and I recommend only setting it in an entertainment center stand if the back of the stand is open to allow adequate air circulation.  I've found that playing a DVD in the unit while it is hot occasionally causes some playback problems normally associated with dirty disks.  So if you must place your unit in an enclosed space where it will get hot, remember to let the unit cool down (by turning the unit on and running the fan for a few minutes) before playing a movie.  This will ensure that you do not harm the unit or cause playback problems<br /><br />I definitely recommend this unit to anyone who likes watching DVDs and wants to store their memories and TV shows on the new format rather than VHS.  If you follow my instructions about keeping the unit cool and using high quality blank DVDs then you should never have any problems.roblems.  Also, I've found that the unit has similar issues with some older DVDs and certain obscure DVD manufacturers.  But for the most part, if you clean your disks and keep your unit cool you will not experience problems. <br /> <br />One thing I wanted to note was that the unit gets very warm when it's OFF.  There is a cooling fan in the rear of the unit which cools the player completely while it is in use but the fan turns off when the power is turned off.  If your unit is in the open, this is fine.  But if you place your unit in an enclosed entertainment center, it will get very, very warm.  Make sure that you have plenty of room on all sides of the unit, and I recommend only setting it in an entertainment center stand if the back of the stand is open to allow adequate air circulation.  I've found that playing a DVD in the unit while it is hot occasionally causes some playback problems normally associated with dirty disks.  So if you must place your unit in an enclosed space where it will get hot, remember to let the unit cool down (by turning the unit on and running the fan for a few minutes) before playing a movie.  This will ensure that you do not harm the unit or cause playback problems <br /> <br />I definitely recommend this unit to anyone who likes watching DVDs and wants to store their memories and TV shows on the new format rather than VHS.  If you follow my instructions about keeping the unit cool and using high quality blank DVDs then you should never have any problems.