DVD Recorders/Burners

I'm interested in purchasing a DVD recorder in order to transfer the hundreds of VHS tapes I have over to DVD. I've read a little on these and it seems some record compatible DVD's, some do not. By compatible I mean able to be played on most other DVD players, pc and full size. I've also read that some only accept certain types of DVD discs. Most record in DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM. I also have a ADS Pyro AV/Link on my PC going through Firewire.

Basically I have a headache from all this and am really no further along in what to buy now than I was. I would like to get either an exteral recorder or maybe even just go with an internal one. I'd like to get the best possible unit that records with the most different types and which would play on most other DVD players.

Now, a friend just bought a new full size DVD Recorder to replace his VCR. He bought a Toshiba D-R2. It supposedly is one of the better full size models and can handle most anything mentioned above.

Should I consider a full sized recorder or a pc version? Being I have the ADS Pyro AV/Link, should that be more helpful as far as transferring through the PC? Which brand of pc DVD recorder is considered the best and most compatible?

ANY info anyone has on all this ****, please fill me in here so I don't go ahead and buy something that is going to be a waste of cabbage.

Thanks in advance, folks!

 

Thank you, Steve. That clears things up somewhat. I'm still debating on whether or not to buy the PC DVD Recorder or order a regular unit to use instead of my VCR.

I have several VHS tapes that i'd like to transfer over to DVD. I have some that have 8-10 hours worth of coverage on them. How would all that record to DVD? Can I fit 10 hours worth of coverage on one DVD?

Thanks again...

 

go to www.videohelp.com

you are getting into a very difficult project! i would suggest you buy a stand alone dvd recorder for your uses. this is because there are literally thousands of different types on blank dvd's (i mean manufacures like ritech, viking etc not dvd+/-R) and only certain ones will play on certain stand alone dvd players. But if you use a stand alone recorder, it should play anything it records.

as for 10hrs on one dvd, yeah sure that is possible, but involves making non-standrd mpeg 2 video files, a whole host of fun turning them into an actual dvd and then finding one of the very limited variety of DVD players that will play it (provided you have burned it onto a blank DVD the player likes!!).

basicly unless you have a top spec pc (2nd hd of at least 80gig, just to keep mpegs on, 2600 + processor and 128mb graphics), and a good sense of humor (to stop you throwing your tower out the window when it hangs after 6hrs of mpeg2 converting or drops frames at the fast parts) then i would really suggest the stand alone option

i admit i am slightly jaded in this particular mater, but good luck whatever method you choose!!