Posted by Exp315 on 02/12/06 17:39

Ski wrote:
> Is there any website that compares the different features of DVD
> recorders so I can choose the one I want? I've tried Google searches
> but found nothing.

In addition to VideoHelp (already mentioned), you can check:

- CNET.com for feature comparisons, user reviews, and a few full
reviews
- Amazon.com for user reviews of the DVD recorders they carry
- epinions.com for user reviews on a lot of popular units
- AVSForum.com in the DVD Recorders forum for a lot of information and
discussion on popular models
- CDFreaks.com in the DVD Recorders forum, not as active as AVSForum,
but has some good technical information

You'll find a couple of trends reading these reviews:

1. The cheap recorders have just as many features as the expensive
ones, but users generally report very poor product reliability for the
cheap ones (overheating, jamming drives etc)

2. These are complex devices: there are a lot of problems with user
interface design and firmware bugs. The sketchy and poorly-written
manuals of the cheaper units are a particular weak point. Naturally
enough, users report the fewest difficulties with the simplest units
with the fewest features.

3. There are a lot of problems with media compatibility and
inter-device compatibility of recorded discs. These problems are common
to all units, cheap and expensive. Some patience and reading is
required to understand the inherent limitations - new users frequently
get frustrated and vent because they don't understand why it isn't
working, and the crappy manuals and technical support are no help.

4. Firmware updates are available for those units with good online
support to address the type of problems mentioned in 2 and 3. Avoid
units with no online support or firmware updates unless you can be sure
that you are completely happy with it during the return-to-store grace
period.

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