dvd recorders

I haven't had any problems with my machine and have been pleased with the quality. The video is good all the way to the 8 hr mode. It is easy to hook up and navigate around with the remote. The onscreen menu is a bit awkward so you need to keep your user manual close by until you get the hang of things. Overall I am glad I chose this machine over the panasonic, as this machine is more compatable with most DVD players on the market. I was considering the panasonic model but the compatability issue was too much of a risk. So far the discs I have made with this machine have played in every other DVD player I've tried them in.

For some inexplicable reason, I just decided that I would buy this after multiple rounds of suffering with the 985. So I ordered this and then packed up my 985 and sent it back to the factory for a second time.

Meanwhile, when this was delivered, I had a bit of a hassle with it because I plugged it into my digital receiver and got 'no signal' when trying to monitor the recording. Also, I wanted to have an S connection. Well, finally got it working by moving to EXT2.

Anyway, to my amazement, I have not had a single recording fail, and I've done a ton of them since purchasing a couple months ago. Never once have I seen DISC ERROR or have I had to wipe the disc. So I was surprised to read the other accounts which sound like 985-like behavior. Lots of the online disc ordering places will send you sample packs now so you can try different brands. I got mine from rima.com. One last note: I make all my recordings to RW and then take them to my G5 and make copies onto -Rs, so I can't really speak to the long-standing problems with +Rs.

The DVDR615 was better left in the store I also tried the DVDR80/17, top dog of the Philips line. As stated by other reviewers "when" it would write a disk "maybe and just maybe" it could read it. This goes for both of the machines. I upgraded the firmware three times all together and still no good they offer this online service. If they got it right before the sale maybe they would not have to upgrade so often. I gave up after 5 bad recordings and one good one on the 615. On the 80 I only lost 7 out of 15 DVD recorded. At about $2 per item or more DVDs don't come cheap but the troubles do. I will give Philips an A+ on their customer service, they are really helpful and do a great job they get a lot of practice. I just wish I had not gotten to know them almost by voice. I go to order a different brand because the DVD recorder is in my house to stay just not a Philips.