The Cyberhome DVD recorder

If you are looking for a entry-level price product, try a Cyberhome DVD recorder. It will not impress you, but will work better than your old VCR, at least for the first six months.
cyberhome dvr 1500

The most popular Cyberhome DVD recorder is CH-DVR 1500. You can find it at a really bargain price (less than $100 on Amazon.com). The other DVD recorder model from Cyberhome, CH-DVR 250 is about the same price and features.

What to expect from the Cyberhome DVD recorders:

  • They both record in DVD+R/RW format that allows you to apply more editing functions (add, delete or hide chapters);
  • They playback DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-audio and CD-R/RW;
  • The built-in TV tuner permits live recording or up to 8 timer-recordings;
  • Outputs: progressive scan video, component video, S-video and composite;
  • Inputs: S-Video and composite;
  • They read MP3 and JPEG files

There are many warnings from Cyberhome DVD recorders buyers, either at Amazon.com or other retailers. Often highlighted problems: the disc tray doesn't open, sometimes with the disc captured in; the system freezes; though you insert a compatible disc, the unit displays “no disc”, or is unable to finalize the recording. Usually problems were reported to appear after a 6-8 month period of use.

Luckily, Cyberhome products are easier to return to the seller. In middle 2004 Cyberhome announced to replace all units that had one of the mentioned problems, but the customers still had to support the shipping-tax to the repair center.

However, you may want to spend some extra money for a real brand name.