what is the best stand alone dvd recorder to buy 4 cheap?

Question

the one that hooks up to the tv

Answer 1

The best stand alone dvd recorder is not cheap but you can get a cheap one that can do the job. Try the LiteOn DD-A100GX. You can find it at Best Buy or elsewhere for about $80.

Answer 2

I purchased a panasonic DVD recorder and it has done the job well. Basically, you'll just need to figure out what items you want:

(1) firewire input - to record your camcorder (mini-DV) to DVD
(2) time-slip - to allow you to watch a show before you finish recording it.
(3) multiple formats - DVD+/-R,RW,RAM, etc.

Just keep in the mind the DVD recorder works just like a VHS recorder (in that you need to turn it off after you schedule a recording). Also, if you have A/B cable you will need to choose A or B.. since most DVD recorders do not have dual co-axial inputs.

Other than that, be careful buying the no-name brand of DVD recorder. The process of DVD recording is a bit touchy and you could end up with a bunch of wasted DVDs if your recorder locks up or can't finish the writing. I have had good luck with my Panasonic but every once in awhile it will actually lock up on me.

Answer 3

Tivo! I have used it for over a year. It is incredibly easy to use and is not expensive. The only problem I had with it was when I bought a HD TV and had to hook it up to my Comcast cable box. The TV geeks came and hooked it up but it is not smooth. The tivo somethimes would act like it was recording programs, but the screen was black. So, I took it off that TV and moved it to my bedroom. It hums a little so if that bothers you don't put it in your bedroom as it's enough to bug you while you're trying to sleep. I wouldn't trade it for a thing!