Panasonic  DMR-ES40VS VHS / DVD Recorder Silver
Confusing and poorly made
This is a very complex unit that for a couple of days worked fairly well. I was able to record video using the DVD-RAM. I dubbed one VHS tape with fair to poor results. After a few days though, the unit would no longer play pre-recorded DVDs. Purchased a new in the wrapper DVD, put it in and got ERR on the front display, and a cryptic \\"this feature not available in your region error\\" on the on-screen display. No mention of this error in the lengthy manual.  Thought it might just be a firmware issue, so I checked the Panasonic web site. Downloaded a new firmware version, but when I powered the unit on it was not even able to display its on-screen menus, only a distorted, twisted display. I'm taking this one back and buying something simpler and hopefully better made. <br /> <br />If you do decide to buy one of these, be prepared for an extremely complex, confusing user interface. The remote control alone is intimidating.