Page 1 of Newbie needs advice on first recorder

I am impressed by the amount of talent here and would like to consult the collective wisdom. My needs are fairly precise and pretty simple. The main objective is to replace my VCR and get at least the functionality that a VCR offers. I list my requirements in order of importance.

I want to buy a recorder that is :-

1. Silent. Fan noise of any sort is a no-no.

1= Allows for time slip viewing.

2. Allows for some element of basic editing (i.e. deleting / hiding adverts, deleting viewed programmes) Nothing too sophisticated is required.

3. Good picture quality

4. Will allow basic copying from a camcorder. Again this is a secondary use and nothing too great is required.

5. Multi region would be a bonus but not a necessity.

6. Ability to view disks with photos would also be a bonus.

7. Viewing on my laptop of DVDs recorded on the machine would also be a bonus but is not too critical.

8. Compatibility of DVDs recorded on the machine with other DVD players is NOT important.

Price is not a critical consideration, although I obviously do not want to pay for a lot of bells and whistles that I will never use.

All thoughts gratefully received. Perhaps you could indicate which of the requirements set out above, your recommendation(s) match.

Thanks !

This item was edited on Monday, 9th February 2004, 11:55

A bit new to all this myself also. The big guns like `JIMBO` and `PHELINGS` will no doubt give you the excellant tips as always. I purchased a Panasonic HS2 only a week ago and the only word I can think of is AWSOME!! :D
Has 40GB Hard Disk (easy to use), DVD RAM and records to DVD-R.
DV`firewire` connection for camcorder and has PC Card slot view a selection of memory cards from digital cameras. Bought mine off E-bay as an Ex-display model with a full 12 mnths warranty and it is in new condition. Saved myself over £165 on the cheapest internet price. Love it!!!!

Hope this helps.

Quote:

The big guns like `JIMBO` and `PHELINGS` will no doubt give you the excellant tips as always

Big guns??? BIG GUNS?

I aint a big gun <grin> I`s just a wee guy that works inna shop ;)

Anyways, sounds like any machine would do what you want, but personally I`d say the Panny range depending how much you wanna pay.

E50: No digital camcorder suport, Ram and -R discs so compatibility should be ok with your LT drive, and external drive for it can be purchased

E60: As above, but with firewire/dv/ieee1394/iLink input for digi camcorders (all one plug <grin> cos it`s the same damned thing branded different by four manufacturers!!)

HS2: More expensive, as above but with hard drive for editing the camcorder too.

If ya aint worrying about editing, then the 50 or the 60, if you wanna edit, the HS2.

if ya wanna make an offer, I got a nice 8 month old E50 sitting here thats burned about 5 discs and played maybe another 6 originals....otherwise it`s me bedroom clock! Lol

Jimbo : oÞ

If price is not critical(or an RGB input)then I would go for Pioneer over Panasonic at the moment.Pioneer`s new -RW recorders offer Timeslip as well as viewing of photos on disc(the 5100 does,not sure about the 3100)and with -RW in Video mode you can watch your recordings on any other player,not an option with RAM.
I still have an HS2(5 months old-£425 anyone?)but the Pioneer ,for me at least,offers the killer application of high speed HDD-DVD dubbing,and a disc backup function that replicates any DVD-R in 26 minutes.