Page 1 of Buy HDD or DVD recorder?

I`d like to buy a DVD recorder to archive some precious videos and to record TV programmes on. Can I record onto a DVD disc more than one time eg record a 2 hour programme then wipe and re-record, or do you have to keep buying DVD discs everytime you fill one up. Would a HDD recorder be the best route? The trouble is they cost twice as much!

I do what you want to do now. I have the Panny E50. I record onto DVD-RAM at the highest quality, then I uses TMPGEnc DVD Author to cut out any adverts or bits I don`t want. This adds menus & also turns the DVD-RAM into a Video TS (ready to burn to a normal DVD). I then re record over the DVD-RAM. It would be better to buy a Panny DVD recorder with hard drive but the results won`t be any different. I think it`s best to buy the latest Panny DVD-RAM recorder, you will be more than happy with it then when the Panny DVD recorders with Hard drive become cheaper that`s the time to buy one. I don`t see them being much cheaper for quite a while yet.

A DVD/HDD combo is far simpler than messing about with PC editing,but as you know its more expensive.If you plan to do lots of archiving,aswell a recording off tv,then go for a Panny E85 or Pioneer 5100,both hovering around £500,but there are new improved models from most manufacturers on the way in the next few mnths.

I have an E85 with 80 gig HD and DVR RAM and DVD-R - I`m archiving my old VHS on it at the mo`. A total doddle to edit out all the ads and rubbish at the beginning and end of your recordings - and THEN put it on a DVD-R to keep. If you have the dosh, go for one with a HD...! :D

http://www.electromancer.com/artists/flip_martian

This item was edited on Monday, 31st May 2004, 22:59