Page 1 of DVD recording - the best way to go?

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I am entering the world of DVD recording. I want to record all my VHS tapes onto DVD, and record tv onto DVD. Would it be cheaper and better to do it by buying a DVD drive and do via my computer, or by buying a DVD player/recorder , which presumably is a lot quicker ?
I`ve read that DVD+RW is very simple and good for recording from VHS to DVD, (just connect the VHS to the recorder) or is DVD-RW better ?
thank you

My own preference is to use a dedicated DVD Recorder. I have a Panasonic and prices are dropping all of the time. Copying from VHS, DVD or TV is easy. There is a new machine (the DMR E60 I think) which is coming on the market very soon. This has an 80gb hard drive built in which means you can record to the hard drive and then decide if you want to make copies to DVD-R later on. Great for editing out ads etc or just watch and wipe.

Andy

thanks for the answer. If RW+ versus RW- turns into a VHS/Betamax type war, would it be better to wait ?
If I don`t want to play recorded disks on a different DVD player, does RW+ (eg a philips player) have any advantage over -RW ?

Yes the +RW has a bigger advantage because it is more backward compatible with other players, since the -RW isn`t really a DVD standard (Not to spec anyways.) I have the Philips DVDR880 recorder and is a great machine, and dispite all the problems everyone has been reporting with the philips recorders, I have not had a single bit of bother from mine, a great machine alround.

Hope this helps.

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Regards, John72.

Actually the DVD+ format is not an official standard. All the others are with DVD-Ram the first. The E-60 is the same as an E 50 but has a DV input.

I think DVD-R is the best format for you as its the most widely used standard. The Panasonic E-50 is only £335 now ( see my post in bargains )and I had a mate record me a disc in 4 hour mode from the TV and the quality was excellent.
If you can afford the HS2 ( £599) with a 40GB hard disc you edit your videos first before putting them on DVD-R`s!

DVD-R`s are cheaper than DVD+R`s and are under £1 each now ( If you buy in bulk )

Best cost effective way to go is stick with VHS tape until DVD recorders come down to a more realistic £120 or less.

At the moment its all sheer greed and profit!!!!!

I have got a Panasonic DMR-E50 & it`s an exellent DVD home recorder with time slip(watching a programme while recording another on the same DVD-RAM disc & Quick View( watching recordings at 1.3 times normal speed). It`s currently priced at £324.95 at http://www.prcdirect.co.uk (region 2 playback) & £339.99 at http://www.rgbdirect.co.uk (multi-region playback)
DVD-RAM discs can be used for 100,000 re-writes & have a 30 year shelf life, so in the long term considering the ease of use & flexibility of dvd-ram recording, editing & playback, it`s better value. Besides you would have to wait for about 7 years for the price to come down to £120 or less.

I would love the HS2 but will proberbly get a E50 when they drop under £300.

Are those prices including delivery?

GCXBoy - Any more info on E50? Any bad points? I had a friend record me a 4 hour DVD-R on the old E20 and it wont work in any of my DVD drives. Works in mates new laptop though. Any problems playing DVD-R`s made on the E50 in other drives? Whats 6 hour mode like?

DVD-Ram disc without caddy here for only £2.98 each! - http://www.blankdiscshop.co.uk/acatalog/FOR_DVD_RAM___CLICK_HERE.html
Whats the best price for them in caddys?

Hi to all panny e50 owners,
Plan to treat myself to an e50 very soon. But before I do, a couple of questions. I know it has a Videoplus facility but does it also have a Programme Delivery Control-PDC-facility like the Phillips 880? And is the £30 extra you pay for an MR recorder worth the money?

With the E50 below for £335 and Multi-Region there`s no need to pay any more than a Region 2 only model

http://www.digital-point.co.uk/dvd.asp