Toshiba RD-XS32 Progressive-Scan DVD Player/Recorder with 80 GB Hard Drive
One Sweet Machine
I was going to buy a more expensive unit, but when I got to my local electronics store, I found this one on the shelf. <br />The price was HALF what I wanted to spend for a DVD recorder with hard drive, and the guy told me it was a close out. <br />I thought I would give it a whirl, and was glad I did. <br />Once you familiarize yourself with the manual, and spend two to three weeks working with it, it will become second nature like your old VCR.  <br />The picture is awesome, and it lives up to its promises. <br />When adding titles to the programs or movies, you have to use a keyboard on the TV screen, and using the directional arrows, type out your title. It's kind of a hassle, so I use the thumbnail option and put the movie or show title in the little picture after recording is over. <br />The only major drawback I've come across so far is that HBO uses a copy-write protection signal that allows you to record to your hard drive, but not to the disc. Unless it is a DVD-ram and those are more expensive than the DVD-r, and DVD-rw. <br />You will not be allowed to finalize the DVD-ram when you do record on it, so it will be useless in other players UNLESS you have a player that is compatible with DVD-ram <br />I have a portable panasonic that plays the DVD-ram without being finalized so I would be at least be able to play the discs on that for trips and such. <br />I found a better option and that was to cancel HBO and get STARZ instead. Eventually, they may go with the rediculous concept of copywrite protection which hurts all of us that are only making copies for friends and family, or to use on the plane or (God forbid) an urgent care waiting room, but until then, I'll continue to give my business to them instead of HBO. <br />Sorry if I got off track a bit, but I think it's important information if you're using the machine for movies like I do. <br />I'm using Maxell DVD-r, and they seem to work fine. <br />Thanks, and I hope this helps. <br /> <br />John