Basic DVD Recorders

Basic DVD recorders

Basic DVD recorders are the least expensive -- and the least versatile -- DVD recorders you can buy. These recorders are thin on features, often lacking features like an IR blaster, which is helpful for timed satellite or cable TV recording. Editing is limited and often difficult, with capabilities largely dictated by the DVD format used (more on that below).

The Panasonic DMR-EA18K (*Est. $180) seems to be the best choice in this category, according to reports. This DVD recorder features upconversion to 1080p, chase playback, time slip and an SD media card slot for viewing photos. Another nice feature is Panasonic's FR (flexible recording) mode, which optimizes recording speed to match the length of the program.

As with other Panasonic DVD recorders, the biggest positive is image quality. CNet's Matthew Moskovciak says the DMR-EA18K easily bests the Toshiba D-R410 on measures of image quality, and is outstanding at LP (four-hour) recording. In addition, Moskovciak notes that the difference in quality between the four-hour LP and one-hour XP modes is so slight as to be almost imperceptible to the average viewer, meaning it's possible to get several times the recording time from this DVD recorder's LP mode.

Moskovciak does have a few issues. First and foremost is the absence of a built-in digital tuner, which makes this DVD recorder a poor choice for buyers who receive over-the-air broadcasts. The Panasonic DMR-EA18K's inability to playback DivX files is another disappointment.

Unfortunately, user reports for the Panasonic DMR-EA18K are few and far between. The reviews available at BestBuy.com and Amazon.com are generally positive, but very few in number. That said, we could find no other basic DVD recorder that looked like a better performer.

The Panasonic DMR-EZ28K (*Est. $250) is a step up from the EA18K. It offers most of the features of the Panasonic DMR-EZ27K, but only upscales to 1080i rather than 1080p. This model does feature an integrated ATSC tuner, however, and has the DivX capability that the EA18K lacks. But at roughly $80 more than the DMR-EA18K, it's priced somewhat closer to hard drive- based DVD recorders like the Philips DVDR3576H/37. Buyers who still receive their programming over the air may find the Panasonic EZ28K worth the extra investment, but experts say most cable and satellite subscribers will probably find the tunerless EA18K both sufficient to suit their needs and significantly more affordable.

Another basic DVD recorder, the Toshiba D-R410 (*Est. $120) , gets some recognition from experts and owners alike. About.com's Robert Silva chooses this model as one of his current picks among DVD recorders, citing its feature content for the price as its number-one strength. Silva notes this upconverting recorder's ability to record to multiple disc formats and DivX playback as other highlights, though he also points out that it doesn't come with a built-in digital tuner. User reviews are similarly complimentary of the D-R410; most owners rate this Toshiba DVD recorder highly, applauding it for its overall value and ease of use. However, while CNet has yet to do a full review of the D-R410, it does compare its recording quality to that of the Panasonic DMR-EA18K in its review of the latter machine. The conclusion is that the Panasonic has a clear edge in that regard.

Some reviewers also give a nod to the Samsung DVD-AR650 for ease of use. Most current DVD recorders require you to set up recordings manually, entering time and channel as you would on a VCR. The Samsung DVD-AR650 includes a rudimentary electronic programming guide, and is one of the only DVD recorders that lets you set up recordings using that guide. This simplifies programming, but it only works with over-the-air digital channels. Image quality is generally very good, but features beyond the guide such as chase playback are not very generous. This is an upconverting recorder, but only to 1080i. Unlike many other DVD recorders, the Samsung DVD-AR650 can only record to DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM discs.