Review of DVD recordable players.

Being able to record on DVD discs, and do away with the outdated VHS recording format, will advance home theater electronics immeasurably. DVD players which allow for recording of your favorite TV show and transferring home videos, are the next standard in home audio and video electronics. They also spell the end for the VHS format and VCRs.

Some fairly standard features for DVD recordable players are the ability to program future recording sessions, and most have VCR Plus+ which lets you enter codes from TV listings. Onscreen menus and universal remotes that will allow you to control your TV are common.

One function to note for any DVD recordable player you are considering is the video-disc formats it is compatible with. DVD recorders use these formats when recording DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM. DVD-R and DVD+R allow for one single recording session, while DVD-RW, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM can be reused, erased and rerecorded on without limit.

One complication depending on the recording format a particular DVD recorder employs is its ability to be played back on other machines. One must be careful that the DVD they recorded in a certain format can be played back on another machine. Discs created with DVD recordable players that record on DVD-R, +R usually can be played back on most machines. Recorders which use DVD-RW and +RW formats are a bit more limitied with respect to which players can play them back. DVD-RAM discs are able to be played back on even fewer machines.

Each disc recording format has its limits and pros and cons. One positive of the -RAM recording format is the ability to watch a program while simultaneously recording a different program. Some recorders also incoporate a hard drive which can store up to 50 or more hours of video, which can later be recorded on to DVD-media.

The recorder you consider should have progressive scan playback. This allows increased quality of playback of any disc that is being played. Don't waver on this option.

One common characteristic of all recorders is that the more video you pack onto a disc, the more the video quality declines. Typically 1-2 hours of video on a disc will provide acceptable video quality. Beyond that, up to 6 hours of recording time, will decrease video quality to that of a top model VHS VCR machine.

Important Tip: - If you are planning on playing self-made CDs with MP3s, ensure the DVD recordable player you purchase is able to play MP3s.

Click to see all DVD recorders.

My top DVD recordable player pick - The Panasonic DMR-E50K DVD Player/Recorder digitally records MPEG2 video on DVD-RAM or DVD-R media. The DMR-E50K has good storage capacity, good speed, progressive scan playback, exceptional image/sound quality, and write/erase/rewrite capability. DVD-RAM provides a single format for computer and video applications while DVD-R discs play back on most conventional DVD players. Time Slip Playback allows you to display a program you're recording from any point already recorded, while continuing to record the program in progress. Selectable recording modes are EP-LP-SP-XP. The E50K supports DVD-Video, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, Video CD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW and MP3 media formats. The unit includes easy video editing, as well as rapid random access recording and playback. Recording time is as high as 12 hours of video on a 2-sided, 9.4GB DVD-RAM disc. Connectivity is excellent with full input and output options provided.

A more advanced choice large hard drive capacity for storage is the Panasonic DMR-E80K Progressive-Scan DVD Player/Recorder.

In all, I recommend DVD recordable players highly. They are the next standard. They have the same video and audio inputs and outputs as play-only machines. Prices have come down considerably in the past few months and are only expected to drop further month by month as the technology evolves. Many more models and functions are introduced on a monthly basis.

Now is the time to buy!