Buying A DVD Recorder
DVD Recorders are fast replacing Video Recorders (VCRs) as the way to record and play your favourite TV programmes and movies. Buying a DVD recorder and being able to record digital TV and Movies onto a disc offers some advantages over a VCR.
Unlike Video Cassettes there is no deterioration of picture or sound quality over a period of time. Recorded DVDs offer a track listing or 'scene' option meaning there's no need to fast forward or rewind to reach a particular part of a movie you're looking for. Most DVD recorders are slimline and aren't as bulky as VCRs and don't take up as much space. They are also capable of playing audio CDs and many support other audio formats like WAV and MP3.
There are three main types of DVD Recorder and although they all do the same sort of job they are all different, so make sure you buy the type that does everything you want it to.
DVD-R/RW
This type of recorder allows you to record onto use-once DVDs or rewriteable discs. Rewriteable discs can be recorded over as many times as you like. These discs are quite cheap and several hours of programmes can fit on a single disc and the DVD will automatically record on any free space which is available on the disc. There is one drawback with this type of recorder that the disc can only be used on players that are DVD-R/RW compatible.
DVD+R/RW
These are very similar to the type of player above and also work with single use DVDs and rewriteable discs. They are however compatible with more types of DVD player and come with some extra features. The on screen menu shows a thumbnail picture of each of your recordings making it easier to switch form programme to programme, or to find the programme you want to watch.
DVD-RAM
This type of recorder is different from the other two we've previously mentioned and works more like a computer hard drive. With a DVD-RAM you are able to pause live TV, watch another programme or movie on disc while still recording and it even allows you to start watching your programme while it is still being recorded. It also lets you edit your DVDs removing any unwanted footage. This is the most flexible of the three options available, but they are normally less compatible with other DVD players compared to the DVD+R/RW.
Like DVD players the features available are reflected in the cost, but a few basic models are now available at under £60 and provide decent value for money.
