Digital recorders bump old VCRs off the shelf

By The Editors of Consumer Reports

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If you're replacing an aging VCR, a recorder that uses digital technology now deserves first consideration. The reasons include picture quality that can exceed that of a VCR, and some conveniences and capabilities that no tape recorder can provide, such as locating specific segments of recorded programming with button-click ease.

Much more expensive than VCRs just a few years ago, digital recorders now cost as little as $200 or so — although you can still spend up to $1,800 for the most sophisticated models.

Digital recorders use two types of recording media, alone or in combination: recordable DVD and computer-style hard drive. Three main types of recorders are available:

DVD recorder. These cost $200 and up, and perform simple recording onto a DVD. (A DVD recorder also plays DVDs, so it can replace a DVD player.) There are five formats: DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM. While not all formats play in all drives, DVD-R and DVD+R are compatible with most players. The main limitation of these two formats is that you can record them only once. A blank disc costs about $3, but — as with a videocassette — you can easily archive recordings.

Hard-drive recorder. Recorders allied with the TiVo or ReplayTV services also cost $200 and up. With these services, you can pause and rewind "live" television, as well as record more than 40 hours of programming. Hard-drive recorders require a phone connection (unless you rent the recorder from your cable provider), and can archive only if connected to a VCR or a DVD recorder. Some hard-drive recorders can play music or show photos from a PC on a home network.

Combination DVD/hard-drive recorder. This combines the advantages of both DVD and hard-drive recording, in that it lets you record programs to the hard drive, and then selectively archive your favorites to DVD. With the TiVo service, expect to pay $600 to $1,800. You can get non-TiVo models that use free on-screen program guides like TV Guide On Screen or Gemstar Guide Plus. Though they lack TiVo's search capability, they offer the capability to edit shows before archiving them to DVD. Like stand-alone hard-drive recorders, you need a phone connection to operate combo units, but not a separate line.

You can expect fine performance from virtually any digital recorder. If you're seeking only the familiar functionality of a VCR, a plain DVD recorder will fill the bill. It's also the choice for someone who wants hassle-free archiving of, say, a cherished TV show.

If you'll be converting a VHS-tape library to DVD, look for a DVD recorder model with a built-in VCR: It's easier than connecting an external VCR.

If you want a recorder to store camcorder videos, any type will do. Yet only one kind provides the features and functionality you'll want if you often make such transfers: a combo model that records both to DVD and to a hard drive, but is not allied with either TiVo or ReplayTV.
 
You shouldn't buy a digital recorder solely to work on editing home videos; it's easier to do that on a computer. Neither should you expect high-definition (HD) DVD recording from today's discs and recorders. High-definition DVD formats, such as Blu-ray and HD-DVD, are at least a year away in the U.S. When they do arrive, moreover, they'll probably be accompanied by high prices and renewed format wars.

Meanwhile, HD-ready hard-drive recorders are already available from RCA for $450 — and should be soon from Sony and Toshiba — and from some local cable companies for about $10 monthly.

Copyright 2004, Consumers Union, Inc.