DVD Recorders
Keeping DVD alive
The one feature that has kept the VCR alive for so long is its ability to cheaply record programs and movies. It’s still an easy way to ensure you won’t miss tomorrow night’s episode of “Grey’s Anatomy”, even if programming the device does sometimes feel like performing brain surgery. With *the twilight of DVDs[Standard DVD Players]now upon us, the VCR is continually being pushed further and further into oblivion - potentially due to the growing popularity of the DVD recorder, which can record programming in a much more streamlined and menu-oriented format than the often frustrating fast-forward and rewind chores that come with the VCR.
A number of prominent manufacturers produce recorders for the home market, including Panasonic, Philips, Sony and Toshiba. Cheaper wares are available through less-known producers, such as Cyberhome. For those seeking the lower end of the DVD recorder feature and price list, these might be the best choice.
However, over the course of recent years, DVD recorders have dropped significantly in price. Once the playtoy of rich men and women, recorders are now available for as low as $130, with more expensive versions available featuring added options (such as a hard drive or dual DVD and VHS capabilities).
So, what’s the big deal?
Unlike VHS, the average DVD player is a playback-only device. Throughout its history, the VCR was able to play both movies you rented at the local Blockbuster and the television shows you recorded at home. For most of its existence, DVD has simply avoided capturing this feature, and even when it did the technology remained too expensive for the average user. As mentioned, that has changed, and it has completely revolutionized the way we watch television.
There are a variety of different technologies available in the DVD recorder market. Your choice of these largely depends on the features you desire, and the price range you find yourself looking into. In the following pages we’ll outline your options, which will include:
