Set-Top DVD Recorders

Ready to take the DVD recording plunge? Our DW Choice is the Pioneer DVR-520H-S, a reasonably priced hard-drive model with a terrific blend of performance and features.

Melissa J. Perenson

Thursday, November 04, 2004, 01:00 PM PST

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	Name	PCW Rating
DVD recorder without hard drive
	GoVideo R6740 • Write formats: DVD+R/RW • VCR Plus+: No • Check latest prices Supremely easy to use and bargain-priced, this recorder offers subpar image quality and virtually no on-disc editing. The lack of VCR Plus+ scheduling is also a bit of a bummer. Test Report
	Philips DVD-R615 • Write formats: DVD+R/RW • VCR Plus+: Yes • Check latest prices A streamlined remote, a pretty interface, and good image quality highlight this inexpensive model. However, it also is the result of some questionable design decisions. For example, if you watch TV through the recorder, the image quality reflects the recording mode the unit is set for. Test Report
	Sony RDR-GX300 • Write formats:DVD±R/RW • VCR Plus+: Yes • Check latest prices I admired how this recorder doesn't force you to choose between + and - DVD media. I also liked its classy and intuitive on-screen display. But the lack of DV input makes it a poor choice for digital camcorder users. And it's expensive, considering hard drive models don't cost much more. Test Report

DVD recorder with hard drive
	JVC DR-MH30S • Write formats: DVD-R/RW/RAM • 160GB hard drive • VCR Plus+: Yes Check latest prices The remote on this model--the priciest I looked at--was one of my favorites, and if you surf like I do, you'll love the fast channel changing. But the interface needs reorganizing, and I expected better dubbing performance, features, and design, especially given the price. Test Report
	Panasonic DMR-E95HS • Write formats: DVD-R/RAM • 160GB hard drive • VCR Plus+: Yes Check latest prices Packed with features, the Panasonic stands tall among the competition. The roomy 160GB hard drive, media card slots, and programming guide are definite pluses. But I docked this model points for its clunky interface and poor dubbing performance with DVD-R. Test Report
	Pioneer DVR-520H-S • Write formats: DVD-R/RW • 80GB hard drive • VCR Plus+: Yes Check latest prices Its image quality is stellar, and its dubbing superfast. Overall, aside from its cramped remote, I found little to complain about with this unit. On the wish list: a larger hard drive, an EPG, and faster channel switching. Test Report

	Sharp DV-H300U • Write formats: DVD-R/RW • 80GB hard drive • VCR Plus+: Yes Check latest prices This model has a unique feature that I found handy--picture-in-picture playback of previously recorded content. But poor dubbing speed and incompatibility with some faster-rated media dampened my enthusiasm. Test Report

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Use the Check Boxes to see a Side-by-Side Comparison

For each model, we recorded one hour of video to write-once DVD at one-hour mode and six-hour mode, and then viewed the discs on a 30-inch widescreen CRT HDTV monitor from Philips (model 30pw8402/37). A jury evaluated the image quality for each recorder at the two modes, in a blind taste test comparing each unit's output against the others'.

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Set-Top DVD Recorders

Ready to take the DVD recording plunge? Our DW Choice is the Pioneer DVR-520H-S, a reasonably priced hard-drive model with a terrific blend of performance and features.

Melissa J. Perenson

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