DVD Recorders

Prices for machines and media will probably continue to drop

While DVD players are playback-only devices, DVD recorders can record onto removable discs as well as playing them. Prices have dropped considerably in the past few years, with entry-level models now selling for less than $150. At the highest-quality setting, the quality of most DVD video recordings is better than that of a VCR. DVD recorders also offer more ways to navigate recordings than a VCR, with no need to rewind or fast-forward. With certain disc types, some DVD recorders can perform functions that no VCR can match, such as letting you start watching a program from the beginning while you’re still recording the end. They also offer a way to copy camcorder tapes or homemade VCR recordings to a DVD.

DVD recorders are still relatively new, so there will probably be more changes involving disc types, and prices for machines and for blank storage media may drop further. At press time, there were no DVD recorders capable of recording high-definition (HD) content. High-def disc recorders are in development and could be on the market in 2007. There are some digital-video recorders capable of recording HDTV programs, available from satellite and cable companies and TiVo. They use hard discs, not removable DVDs.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



DVD recorders are available from many of the same manufacturers that make DVD players. Cyberhome, Panasonic, Philips, Sony, and Toshiba are among the biggest brands. Some DVD recorders store content only on DVDs. Others can also use VHS tapes, hard drives, or both. Price: DVD-only recording, about $120 and up.


HOW TO CHOOSE

Decide whether you want to record on removable media. DVD recording is the best option for those who want to share video recordings with other users or those who want unlimited storage, allowing recordings to be saved indefinitely. They’re also space efficient, since they can replace a separate DVD player. But if none of these attributes is important to you, consider a hard-drive-based DVR instead. If you’ve decided on DVD recording, here’s what you should consider in selecting a unit:



Choose between a DVD-only recorder or a combo unit. DVD-only models can cost about half the price of units with a second recording platform such as a hard drive or VCR. The combos are pricier and bulkier but more versatile.

Look for “time slip” capability. It allows you to pause your viewing of a TV program you’re recording while the unit continues to record. You can resume viewing where you left off. Most time-slip models also let you view a previously recorded program while recording another. A feature of all hard-drive-equipped recorders, time slip is also available on most stand-alone DVD recorders that record to DVD-RAM discs, one of five disc types recorders use. (All models use at least one write-once and one rewriteable disc type; DVD-RAM discs are rewriteable.) However, DVD-RAM discs can be played on fewer recorders or players than discs using formats that are more widely compatible. Some models that record to DVD-RW discs in VR mode also have time-slip capability.

Decide what kind of TV-programming capabilities you want. When it comes to programmed recording, a typical DVD recorder can do everything a VCR can. And as with VCRs, some DVD recorders can control a cable or satellite box, allowing you to program the unit to record from various channels without setting the box to the correct channel before each recording. DVD/hard-drive recorders designed to work with TiVo, the subscription programming service, also offer automatic recording of your favorite shows (or performers) whenever or wherever they’re on. But that added functionality has a cost: a monthly fee of about $13 (longer terms may be available). TV Guide On-Screen is a free interactive program guide available on some models that works with broadcast TV and many cable services. While not as versatile as the TiVo programming guide, it does offer point-and-click recording ability.

Weigh the importance of video editing. A DVD-only model that records to DVD-RAM discs or to DVD-RW discs in VR mode allows scenes to be subdivided and rearranged onscreen. But the discs aren’t compatible with all players, and even if they do play, edits you make on those discs might not show up. DVD/hard-drive models, except for tested models allied with the TiVo service, give you the ability to edit video on the hard drive. You can then burn images to a range of disc types for maximum compatibility with other players.