A Good, All-Around Unit

Yes, it's slightly more expensive than some other units, and the DVD-R130 probably does just as good a job.

I wanted a unit that would basically replace my VCR. After reading reviews and comments, I chose this unit when it was on sale locally. I don't have a DVD camera...I don't have any external portable s-video sources...and I don't have an HDTV.

But I DO have a very nice 32" standard TV and this looks great on it.

One of the reasons I chose this unit was because most reviewers stated that it finalizes DVD-Rs without problems. I've found this to be the case. It takes quite some time to finalize a DVD-R after you finish recording, but the automatic menu/chapter creation works consistently and the finished DVDs play in every player I can find.

I tried a DVD-R/W and some other media, but I just went back to using standard (cheap) DVD-Rs. Pop a disc in and you're ready to go on a moment's notice. I most often use it for time-shifting and then just toss the DVD after viewing. I tried a couple DVRs in the past, but found them to be needlessly complex and to have all sorts of irritating copy protection features. Copy protection isn't a problem with this unit. (Note: I am NOT saying that you can use this unit to copy protected media or sources...but I do have my ways and it's much simpler to use this type of unit.)

The menus are very straightforward and you can get it up and running in less than five minutes...really. The only thing I can't seem to get it to do is select the EP or XP mode when using instant recording. I must be missing something. Both modes work fine when I schedule a recording.

If you can find this unit for $150, I think you'll be pleased. For the usual $180 price, it probably has some competitors that do as good, or better.

UPDATE: OK, I just realized that I was expecting the remote control to work the same as the buttons on the unit itself. There's a button on the remote for "Record Mode" that changes the recording time. EP mode is really pretty decent quality for 6 hours of recording time (an entire NASCAR race).