Magnavox MDV630R DVD Recorder/Player

Rating:
Summary: Great for time shifting tv shows
Review: This is basically a Phillips DVR-75, with slight differences. I have both. So far it has worked perfectly, as has my Phillips. I have used only DVD+RW(Memorex) blanks and have not had one bad disk. I bought the disks on sale for less than a dollar a piece. These are the only DVD+RW units I have, so I don't know about compatability with other brands of players (I suspect the blank disks have more to do with that than the recorder.), but they play each other's disks.
I kept the manual on the coffee table for a week as I learned to program the first unit, but now it's second nature. These units do take some time to finish writing when turned off and to read and begin recording when the timer comes on (about 24 seconds to record, but I think that's just a characteristic of DVD recorders). I record LOTS of TV, so I use the 6-hour recording mode and the video is better than the 6-hour speed of my VCR's. The recorder will slightly enhance the video quality of the source, so when dubbing VHS tape to DVD, it actually improves the original.
I considered the Sony, but I bought both of these for less than the cost of one Sony, and am very satisfied.

Rating:
Summary: Kinda disapointed
Review: Upon seeing the advertisment for this player that promised "Eternal Happiness awaits" I rushed out and bought it Because I could use me some of that. So, not only did I not get eternal happiness, but this thing couldn't even make yogurt (which if we all remember what the Dalai Lama said Yogurt=Eternal Happiness). So, I guess the recorder worked fine, but since I didn't have any yogurt what the heck was I supposed record myself eating? Well at least good ol' reliable cottage cheese will be there for me.