The Best DVD Recorders

It's true that any DVD recorder you choose to buy would be much better than your old VCR. But the best DVD recorders go much beyond that. What you should look for:

Format-compatibility

Today, only computer DVD burners are totaly compatible with all DVD formats. The most popular format in DVD recorders world seems to be DVD-R/RW, probably due to support from DVD Forum Alliance members. But a thorough analysis into DVD formats reveals that the controversy upon compatibility differences is rather unrealistic. Plus, beyond the compatibility issue, they all have ups and downs in what other features are concerned: DVD-R/RW can't be played untill they're finalized, unlike DVD+R/RW. DVD-RAM will let you apply some editing functions to the recorded material and access to its content is easier.
You can choose a multi-format unit like the ones Sony makes (DVD±R/RW compatible). Among their top rated are RDRGX7 and RDRGX300. Units like Toshiba DR1 or most models from Panasonic (DMRE60, DMRE100-H, DMR-E55S, DMR-E50K, DMR-E50S, DMR-E30S, DMR-E20, DMR-HS2 and others) write DVD-R/RAM formats.
DVD recorders that burn DVD-RAM discs are nicer because they replicate some TiVo functions, but DVD-RAM discs won't work on any other players except newer models from Panasonic (since 2001).

Hard Drive Incorporated

Panasonic was the first to introduce this feature for DVD recorders, in July 2003; the first model (DMR-E100H) came up with 120 GB hard drive; but newer models from Panasonic (DMR-E500HS) or Sharp (DV-HRD200) have up to 400 GB HD capacity.

Time Slip Function

This feature allows you to simultaneously record and playback and chassing playback. It is similar to what TiVo can do (just like all DVRs), and only DVD recorders that burn in DVD-RAM format can replicate it. So expect to find time slip function on most Panasonic models, the DVR 310-S from Pioneer or Toshiba's D-R2.

Outputs

Progressive scan playback and other upscale outputs are just must-have for DVD recorders. At a rough estimation, more than half of the DVD recorders on the market today feature progressive scan output, and an even greater majority use component video output. FireWire/i.LINK port helps you transfer recorded material from your camcorder, and units that don't feature this output just aren't ready for demanding buyers.
Read more about this here: www.dvdrecorders.ws.