DVD Recorders

Industry changes might affect your decision

The DVD recorder marketplace is emerging from a period of major upheaval. An FCC mandate requires all devices with a tuner -- and that includes DVD recorders -- to now have an ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) digital tuner in advance of the shutdown of analog broadcasting, which will happen in Feb. 2009. Despite the ruling, some of the DVD recorders on retailer's shelves still have an analog tuner, not a digital one, since stores are allowed to continue to sell the older models until they are all gone.

Note that the new mandate applies only to devices with a tuner. A few new DVD recorders are skirting the mandate by including no tuners at all. Such recorders could be a bad choice if you still receive any of your TV over-the-air from an antenna, but they can be a satisfactory solution if you exclusively use a cable box or satellite-TV receiver to get your programming.

Additionally, if you get all of your TV programming from cable or satellite, the change to all-digital broadcasting might not matter very much to you. Cable and satellite TV use different technologies than over-the-air (OTA) broadcasters and are not affected by the analog TV shutdown and the resulting switch to digital tuners in DVD recorders. So if you get your TV through a cable box or satellite receiver, older, analog DVD recorders -- or new tunerless DVD recorders -- could be a satisfactory solution.

Copyright protection is also becoming more of an issue. As always, you can't make copies of pre-recorded DVDs, but reports tell us that some of the latest generation DVD players have difficulty recording programming from some content providers. Those include premium services such as HBO and Starz, as well as basic services such as the Sci-Fi Channel.

The culprit here is something called CPRM (content protection for removable media). Programmers have long had the ability to insert "flags" that identify content that can either be recorded one time for the purpose of time shifting or archiving, or in rare cases not at all. Previously, the technology to recognize and process those flags was not included in most DVD recorders, however all current DVD recorders are now CPRM compliant. Note that this is not an issue for DVRs like TiVo or those provided by your cable or satellite provider.

In theory, CPRM-compliant DVD recorders do let you make recordings of flagged material -- at least that material which is record-once flagged. However, you are restricted as to the type of media that will work -- only CPRM compliant DVD-RAM or DVD-RW -- and even the recording mode used. Unfortunately, it seems neither DVD recorder manufacturers nor programming providers are doing a great job informing users of these limitations, and we've seen a number of user complaints. In addition, user reports say that some recorders are afflicted with over-aggressive copy protection, preventing the recording of much protected content altogether, regardless of media used.

Types of DVD recorders

DVD recorders come in several forms: basic DVD recorders, combination DVD recorder/VHS recorders and hard disk DVD recorders.

Basic DVD recorders simply record live TV to a blank DVD disc, much like a VCR. While reviews say these are simple to use, they aren't very flexible. Although a few DVD recorders let you do some editing if you use DVD-RAM discs, your editing options are very limited with other formats.

Combination units add the ability to view and record to VHS tapes. These are a popular choice because they give users access to both tapes and discs in one device. While people typically buy these machines to transfer VHS libraries to DVD discs, reports tell us that some make the job easier than others.

DVD recorders that have a hard disk drive (HDD) let you record video to that drive. From there you can simply watch the show and delete it, or you can edit out the commercials and burn it to a disc for archiving. These devices also give owners a second chance to burn a disc should something go wrong the first time. Hard drive DVD recorders typically have more features than basic DVD recorders, with niceties like IR blasters that let cable or satellite TV subscribers set up several timed recordings at once. Some also come with an electronic programming guide, which can download schedule information a few days in advance.

If your head is already spinning, you're not alone. DVD recorders are more complex and harder to use than most other home video equipment. If you just want to record programs for later viewing, a DVR is a better, easier to use choice. If you want hard copies for casual viewing, you might find a VCR still easier to use. DVD recorders are useful mainly where you absolutely need to record to a disc. DVD recorder/VCR units are useful for converting a collection of home movies on VHS to DVD.

Hard disk DVD recorders

Despite their relatively high cost, hard drive DVD recorders are a preferred choice of both users and reviewers. That's why it is so disappointing that many manufacturers have decided against introducing new models since the FCC tuner mandate went into effect. What's available now in this category still has great advantages over basic DVD recorders, but falls short of the best products once offered by Panasonic, Pioneer and others.

Reports say that the Philips DVDR3575H/37 (*est. $290) is the best current hard drive DVD recorder. Its hard drive has a 160 GB capacity that can store up to 198 hours of programming at the lowest quality setting, but 33 hours at the highest quality setting. Unlike the better recorders of the past, the Philips DVDR3575H/37 lacks its own programming guide, but can use the one sent by over-the-air digital stations as part of the digital broadcasting standard. Unfortunately, the recorder can't use that guide for programming; users have to use the old-fashioned system of entering channels and recording times manually, much like a VCR. While it can't really replace a digital video recorder, it does include some DVR features such as the ability to pause and resume live TV.

Reports say the Philips is good, but perhaps not great. It is the only current hard disk DVD recorder to get any positive recognition from professional reviewers, but user reports are only so-so. One major issue that's been reported is a bug in the tuner's channel memory that causes it to "lose" cable QAM channels, forcing a rescan. Posts at AVSForum.com detail this problem at length -- as part of a 2,200+ post discussion about this DVD recorder -- and we've seen it discussed elsewhere as well. Philips has recognized the problems and is offering replacement DVD recorders to those affected. In addition, reports say that the problem has been fixed in recorders with later build dates (July 2007 and later).

There are only two other hard disk equipped DVD recorders currently for sale in the U.S. The newest is the Magnavox H2080MW8 (*est. $200), which reports say has just begun appearing at Wal-Mart stores. The Magnavox brand is owned by Philips in the U.S., and is used to market their "value priced" electronics. There is essentially no user or other feedback on the Magnavox DVD recorder since it is so new.

The Polaroid DRA-01601A (*est. $240) is the third currently available hard disk DVD recorder. Like the Philips, this DVD recorder lacks a programming guide, so you will need to enter times and channels manually. It does have several nice features. Most notably it includes YesDVD authoring software, which automatically inserts chapter marks, simplifying the task of authoring DVDs. It also has a one-button 30 second commercial skip. It has a 160 GB hard drive, with a maximum recording capacity of 204 hours (on the lowest quality setting).

But while the Polaroid DRA-01601A sounds interesting on paper, reports say several issues hold it back compared to the Philips DVD recorder. One is an unresponsive remote. In addition, while the tuner is fine for over-the-air broadcasts, it has trouble receiving QAM cable TV channels. Many users at AVSForum.com say they grew so frustrated with the DVD recorder that they returned theirs. Those who have compared the Philips and the Polaroid DVD recorders say that the Philips DVDR3575H/37, while still not perfect, is considerably better.

DVD/VHS combo decks

Experts agree that DVD recorders with hard disk drives are the most flexible. However, combination DVD recorder/VHS decks are also popular. Many buyers of DVD recorders have libraries of VHS that tapes they want to transfer to DVD. Keep in mind that if you want to transfer VHS tapes to DVDs, you could also hook up your existing VCR to any DVD recorder.

There are some drawbacks to DVD/VCR decks. For one, in most cases the DVD recorder functionality is more basic than that of hard disk equipped recorders. Editing functions are generally limited and depend on the format of the disc. Second, while housing two devices in one case certainly cuts down clutter, it also reduces flexibility. Finally, there's the issue of reliability. Housing two devices together increases the odds of failure -- one aspect or the other could fail, leaving you with a crippled or even useless machine.

Among DVD/VHS combo decks, the Panasonic DMR-EZ47VK (*est. $250) draws the most praise from critics. This model is among the most feature packed DVD recorders currently available. Highlights include a time slip function that lets you record one show while watching another prerecorded one (using DVD-RAM discs) and chase play, which lets you begin watching the beginning of the show while it is still recording. There's also an SD card slot for playing back still images.

Outstanding recording quality is also a highlight, especially in the LP mode -- reports say images look nearly as good as those recorded at lower quality settings. Past Panasonic DVD recorders have been spotty in regards to media compatibility, but CNet.com's Matthew Moskovciak doesn't raise any issues about that in his review.

This is an upconverting unit, so standard definition DVDs can be upscaled to 1080p and other HD resolutions and output via the recorder's HDMI connector. (Be aware that upconverting can only help the image a bit -- it cannot actually convert a regular DVD to high definition.) In CNet.com's test, upconverting performance with pre-recorded DVDs was surprisingly strong -- perhaps not as good as a high-end dedicated upscaling DVD player -- but "good enough for most people to not need a separate dedicated player," writes Moskovciak, whose biggest complaint is related to how the digital tuner is implemented. Still, Moskovciak says it works well for basic use.

Panasonic also offers a step-down DVD recorder/VCR combo, the Panasonic DMR-EZ37VK (*est. $245) . It should offer roughly the same performance as the DMR-EZ47V but lacks a few features -- most notably the ability to upscale images. There's also no SD memory card slot. We saw no professional reviews and user reviews are still too limited to draw many conclusions. Like the DMR-EZ47K, this recorder comes in black, but unlike the step-up model, a silver version -- the Panasonic DMR-EZ37VS (*est. $280) -- is also available

Unfortunately, few other DVD recorder/VCR combo decks get much in the way of positive recommendations. We did see a professional recommendation for the Samsung DVD-VR357 (*est. $160) . Owner reviews, however, are the very definition of mixed; some are generally pleased with the recorder while others are not. This is a tunerless DVD recorder, which is the source of some of the unhappiness. However, we did also see reports of operational issues including the inability to dub from tapes to the DVD, system lockups and failure to play DVDs on occasion.

The Sony RDR-VX555 (*est. $210) tunerless DVD recorder/VCR combo is another deck that doesn't fare particularly well in user reviews. Again, the lack of tuners is an issue that only exacerbates problems with a recorder that owners say is particularly difficult to use. Adding to these issues is the fact that reports say that this Sony combo recorder seems to suffer from overaggressive copyright protection, often preventing recording from premium and even basic cable/satellite TV channels.

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).

While reviews are mixed, the Panasonic DMR-EZ27K (*est. $205) 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. Writing at Big Picture Big Sound, Chris Boylan says image quality is as good or better than earlier Panasonic DVD recorders, and noticeably better at LP (four hour) recording. In fact, while Boylan says digital artifacts can be seen more often than at slower one-hour or two-hour speeds, LP-recorded video is "eminently watchable, even on a large screen 50-inch HDTV set." Playback is also a big plus for this DVD recorder, as it did well in both viewing trials and in formal testing.

Boylan does have a few issues. He is pleased to see that the Panasonic DMR-EZ27K can record widescreen programs in the 16:9 anamorphic mode, which captures all of the vertical resolution instead of resorting to letterbox bars. However, he is disappointed that this feature only seemed to work when DVD-RAM disks are used. He also misses having an integral hard drive.

Unfortunately, user reports for the Panasonic DMR-EZ27K are mixed. Those at CircuitCity.com and BestBuy.com are generally positive, but some users at Amazon.com are not as pleased. The biggest issue seems to be occasional lockups. That said, we could find no other basic DVD recorder that looked like a better performer.

The Panasonic DMR-EZ17K (*est. $175) is a step down model. It offers most of the features of the Panasonic DMR-EZ27K, except upconversion and the SD memory card slot. It is also available in silver as the Panasonic DMR-EZ17S (*est. $175) . Inexplicably, user reviews are more positive for the silver version than the black. Regardless of which model, the biggest complaint again seems to be occasional lockups.

For ease of use, some give a nod to the Samsung DVD-AR650 (*est. $200) . Most current DVD recorders require you to set up recordings manually, entering time and channel as you would on a VCR. The Sony 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.

Recordable DVD formats

A format war between manufacturing groups has not done much to help ease the confusion and frustration that some users encounter when using DVD recorders. Panasonic, Pioneer and Toshiba are behind the DVD Forum, which backs the DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-R DL (dual layer) and DVD-RAM formats. The hyphen is far from insignificant -- experts refer to these as "DVD minus R" and so on. The DVD+RW Alliance, which includes Sony and Philips, backs the DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD+R DL ("DVD plus R," etc.) formats.

While current DVD recorders can read and write most (and occasionally all) formats, compatibility with older DVD players is much more variable. DVD-RAM is not compatible with most older players, aside from some Panasonic models.

Recordable DVDs have different functions, and confusion about what each type can and can't do is another source of user frustration. DVD-R and DVD+R are the two most widely compatible disc formats. Both types of discs need to be "finalized" after recording and before you can play them in other DVD players. These are "write-once" formats, meaning you can't reuse the disc.

DVD-RW and DVD+RW are re-recordable disc formats. That means you can erase and reuse discs over and over. DVD-RW discs have two recording modes, Video and VR. The VR mode has more editing options and CPRM compatibility, but discs recorded in VR mode aren't usually compatible in other DVD players. DVD-RAM discs have the most recording flexibility. While recording on DVD-RAM, you can pause, instant replay or fast-forward on data being recorded live. You can also watch one program while recording another. The discs are CPRM compatible, but not all DVD players support DVD-RAM.

Important Features: DVD Recorders

Experts say you should consider the following when choosing a DVD recorder.

• If you're into time-shift recording, look for a DVD recorder with an IR blaster. An IR (infrared) blaster, either integrated or as a separate small box, controls your cable box so you'll be able to record on different channels while you’re away. Without an IR blaster, you'll have to manually set the channel to be recorded while you're out, and you won't be able to record multiple shows on separate channels unattended.

• In that same vein, chase playback (or chasing playback) is the usual term for being able to begin watching a recording from the beginning, while the source is still being recorded. You can begin recording a two-hour movie on one channel while catching a sitcom on another, then start watching the movie while the broadcast is well under way. Both DVD recorders with built-in hard drives and those that record to DVD-RAM discs allow this.

• Look for a FireWire input if you have a digital camcorder. This enables you to upload video from your camcorder directly to your DVD recorder for burning onto a DVD disc. "This is the only way to get your footage onto disc without going through a cycle of digital-to-analog-to-digital signal conversion, which will degrade the quality," says Sound and Vision Magazine's David Ranada. Most models will let you edit video before burning.

• Check for MP3 or JPEG compatibility if that's important to you. Most DVD recorders can read MP3 files or JPEG photo files stored on CDs (or in some cases on removable media cards), but not all can.

• Peruse manuals of DVD recorders that interest you. It sounds tedious, but several reviews say it's not a bad idea -- especially since experts and users often complain about confusing and poorly written product manuals.

• Avoid a tunerless DVD recorder if you get TV over the air. While tunerless DVD recorders are less expensive than DVD recorders with built in ATSC tuners, they can't tune in broadcast TV. If you get all of your programming through satellite or cable, however, a tunerless DVD recorder -- or even an older analog DVD recorder -- will work just fine.

Keep in mind that you will not be able to duplicate copyright-protected VHS tapes or DVDs, and to copy your own homemade DVDs, you'll need a separate DVD player to hook up to the recorder. In addition, content protection included in the latest generation of DVD recorders can make recording programs from certain cable TV stations -- especially premium services such as HBO -- more restrictive.

DVD recorders give you several recording quality settings, and much like a VCR, the best quality takes up the most space. The highest quality setting on a DVD recorder will result in one hour of material on a 4.7 GB DVD. The second-best setting will give you two hours and so on. Reviews say the top two quality modes are generally best, and anything more than that exhibits a precipitous drop in image quality. However, reviewers say that Panasonic's four-hour mode (the third best quality setting) is head and shoulders above that available on recorders from other manufacturers. Some reviewers say that recording at the lowest quality setting, which nets about six hours of recorded programming, is worse than the EP setting on a VCR.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
3	Panasonic DMR-EZ27K (*est. $205)	details
3	Panasonic DMR-EZ47VK (*est. $250)	details
2	Philips DVDR3575H/37 (*est. $290)	details
1 each	Philips DVDR3475/37 , Panasonic DMR-EZ17K , Samsung DVD-AR650, LG DR787T , Samsung DVD-R157 , Sony RDR-GX355, Panasonic DMR-EZ37V , Sony RDR-VX555 , Samsung DVD-VR357 , LG RC700N

Users find many problems with DVD recorders, and the most recent generation of products are no better. Confusion generated by tunerless products and frustration due to new copying restrictions on some cable and satellite TV programming has created lots of angry consumers. That said, there are a few DVD recorders that fare better than others. The Philips DVDR3575H/37 is one of the few DVR recorders equipped with a hard disk drive. Though it is not as user friendly as some earlier models, performance is generally good. Among DVD recorder/VCR combo machines, the Panasonic DMR-EZ47VK rates well. The Panasonic DMR-EZ27K is a basic DVD recorder without the VCR deck.

Sponsored links