DVD recorders, unlike VCRs, come with more features you have to choose from. First, you have to decide upon a convenient format. This is quite unpleasant, as you'd probably expect better compatibility among formats, and standalone DVD recorders just don't provide it yet. Afterwards, you need to learn about nice-to-have features like better connectivity with home theater components, editing capabilities, programmability and many others.
Similar VCR Features
The DVD recorders today tend to replace the traditional functions of your old VCR. This article explains how DVD support is better than video tape.
Creating Archives
Just like you used to do with the VCR, a DVD recorder will help you keep your video archive on DVD discs. The advantages are:
- better playback quality
- easier access to your favorite recordings with the menus editing feature
- less physical space you need for disc storage
- longer shelf life
Programmability
You can set your DVD drive to record programs from different channels while you're away, a feature that most VCR's have. But a DVD recorder offers a friendly user interface through the "on screen program guide". Only VCRs plus+ have this feature.
Combination Units
You were probably used with your VCR/TV combo. Its best benefit is the connectivity with a TiVo box. Today, DVD recorders with TiVo incorporated (or DVD drives' connectivity to TiVo) tend to become more popular, for the multiple pluses that DVD support brings.
There are some DVD drives that include a VCR, but usually this is not a must-have feature, as most DVD recorders can be connected to a VCR. In both cases you have the ability to transfer your favorite tape videos on DVD discs.
Internal TV Tuner
This feature allows you to watch a TV program on one channel, while at the same time recording a program from a different channel, using the DVD recorder's internal tuner.
Use Various Recording Modes
- HQ — High Quality recording mode requires more space on the disc. You'll find that a 4.37 GB disc can record only 1 hour of high quality video;
- SP — In Standard Play mode you can record two hours of video material on a similar capacity disc. The playback differences versus HQ mode are minimum;
- EP — Extended Play mode will record four hours of video material on a 4.37 GB disc, but you'll lose some fidelity of A/V playback;
- SLP — Standard Long Play mode, as most DVD drives feature it, will record six hours of video footage on a similar capacity disc. Most users say that the playback quality is even worse than the one provided by VCRs.
Upward DVD Recorder Features
As you would probably expect, a DVD recorder can do much more than your old VCR. All you have to do is choose among various convenient features without exceeding your budget.
Time-Shift Recording
There are DVD recorders that have an IR (infrared) blaster. In this case, the DVD recorder will automatically switch channels to record TV shows while you're away.
DVD Recorder Combos
We'll speak about DVD combos in a subsequent section. You can find combinations of DVD recorders and TiVo boxes, DVD/VCR combos, DVD/TV combos and sometimes all three together (super combo units that incorporate a DVD recorder, a VCR and TV set).
Editing Features
With most DVD drives, but especially with DVD-RAM format, you have the ability to set chapters, chapter names, perform copy/paste functions to switch chapters order, and even remove sections that you don't like (TV commercials among them).
Memory Capacity
A one-sided single-layer DVD disc can store 4,37 GB of data. This means you can record more video material in a lower quality mode (around six hours in SLP mode), or just as much as you could record on a video tape (around 1 hour of video action), but in high quality mode.
Some DVD recorders come with a built in hard drive. This means that you can store TV programs on the hard drive in the first place, and decide later which ones you want to burn on DVDs. This drive also offers enhanced editing options.
Audio Encoding
With this feature you can record your audio material as MPEG-1 or MP3. This is a feature to look for, as some DVD drives cannot read MP3.
Format Compatibility
While the newer DVD burners used on computers can record and play all DVD formats, standalone DVD recorders have compatibility problems, so you'll have to choose the format that suits you best. Read more about DVD formats.
Connectivity
Look for the DVD recorder that offers the inputs and outputs you want to use:
- Component Video — offers the best video quality
- S-Video output is the second best option and can be found on most DVD recorders.
- Composite Video — is quite good, but not as good as the previous two outputs.
- Analog Audio Output
- Optical/Digital Audio Output
- FireWire port — see bellow.
Some DVD recorders have a FireWire input for direct transfer of camcorder footage to DVD support. Also, look for a model that lets you edit the video before burning. A few models of DVD drives have a FireWire output, that allows you to transfer digital video on your computer.
Another function of the FireWire port is you can transfer recording from a digital cable box or satellite receiver.
If your DVD drive doesn't feature a FireWire port, you have no other option but feed the camcorder's composite or S-video output into the corresponding input of the DVD recorder. This means transforming digital signal into analog and back to digital, a process that degrades video quality.
Simultaneous Recording and Playback
Basically, this means you can watch TV while your DVD unit records from another channel, using the TV tuner. But there are some DVD recorders that borrow DVR features like "pause live TV", an option that lets you replay, for example, the last 30 seconds of a TV program while recording the live transmission.
Ease of Use
When buying a DVD recorder you'll probably want friendly user interface, a good user's hand-book, and a well designed remote control.