Sony RDR-GX7 DVD Recorder / Player (Sony-RDRGX7)

Reviewed by: dargentini

Strengths: Easy to use on screen menu system. Smooth bug free software operation. Great control over video input quality to improve recorded results. Good playback video control adjustments to match output to TV.

Weaknesses: Confusing small button remote.

Overall: This is a fine DVD recorder and the 3rd one I've tried in two years. I have made the best looking recordings I ever have using this machine. All of it's input and playback control settings can be viewed in real time to verify the results before you record to DVD. When copying old VHS tapes or recording TV broadcasts you can control noise reduction, color, contrast, hue, and brightness before burning. This is especially useful when archiving old material that needs some correction to look its best. You can also make similar adjustments to the playback output to match your TV monitor for best picture. Another great feature is that all video sources can be directed to the component video outputs and can be switched between progressive or interlaced formats. My DVD copies now look better than the original source tapes. I didn't think this was possible until using the Sony. One last bit of info is to correct some confusion over disk recording formats and finalizing. On the Sony, like most other recorders, +RW disks finalize as part of the recording process. -RW and -R need to be finalized before they can be read on other players. There is a finalize disk option in the disk info menu to do this. Finally, use +RW -RW (video mode)and -R disks for general TV recording and tape copying and reserve -RW(VR mode) for more edit heavy jobs such as DV dubing. Windows XP should have a patch this year that allows for VR disk compatibility. Overall a fine bargain now that it's come down in price to $300.

Reviewed by: rtdavis999

Strengths: reliable, predictable menus, flawless recording if media is good.

Weaknesses: battery backup after power outage

Overall: I bought this machine when it was selling at $995 for $565 at 6AVE. It has been almost bullet-proof. I buy DVD-R from shop4tech.com and they are about $30 for 100. I have converted my entire VHS collection and love it!

Reviewed by: posterman

Overall: it records onto extended dvd the first time but does not finish finalising dvds on subsequent recording. got a replacement and the same problem occurs. getting cash back tomorrow.whats the point of shedding out loads if you cant record your videos onto dvd?

Reviewed by: kellyray1

Strengths: Very easy to use once you get the hang of it, simple to set up.

Weaknesses: Editing!

Overall: I gave this recorder three stars based solely on its editing features. What little editing you can do in viedo mode, who cares about VR mode when it can only be played back in one of these players! So for backing up stuff to dvd its great and it does a wonderful job (a great TIVO companion) but once you backup things to DVD it would be nice to be able to do something with it. I really don't think any of the other set top recorders have anything different in the way of editing and labling so this multi-format recorder is a Satisfactory buy. however it does not burn all formats so make sure you know what it burns to and what it doesn't.

Reviewed by: tadeeb

Strengths: Versatile. Can use DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW media. Quality with Analog is good. DV recording and one-step recording is a great feature. Auto chapters and auto-timed recording is good.

Weaknesses: DVD-RW in VR mode cannot be played back on many DVD players and connot be used on any PCs. Playlists and editing is sort of painful. Editing only in VR mode using DVD-RW media.

Overall: Overall it is a good product and Sony had to take away several features in order to accomodate different types of media. If one uses DVD-R media( once and done recording) it is great product. DVD+RW media recording has its own limitations. DVD-RW in VR mode is great, but unfortunately all editing needs to be done on the recorder( Cannot use it on PC for further editing). Editing with a remote control is painful. Setup is very easy and manual is very confusing. So far have converted 3 analog tapes and 10 DV tapes into DVDs in DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW. Quality is very good compared to any PC capturing and recording.