Rated 4.7 out of 5 by 68reviewers.
Rated 5 out of 5 by NightGunner A quality, functional HDD/DVD recorder I've only had this unit for a couple of months, so something could still go wrong with it, but so far, I'm quite happy with it. I'm actually a little giddy, and I'm an old computer tech!The pros:You can watch something you've recorded on the HD while recording something else. If an automatic recording starts while you are watching something you've previously recorded, you won't notice a thing. A little red dot will notify you that it's recording, but it won't affect the show you are watching. You can also edit any recording you have on the HD to remove scenes you don't want to keep, such as commercials. And I don't notice any glitches at all, where I've edited something. It's all digital and a pretty slick operation.You don't need to have the unit in any certain mode to have your automatic recordings start. If you're already recording something when an automatic record time comes up, you will see a notice on the screen telling you it's about to change to start another recording. You'll have time to stop it, if you want. If not, it will just stop what you're recording, change channels and start recording the program you set to record automatically.You can also watch a program that is recording from the start without affecting the recording of the rest of the show. So, if you get home a little late, you don't have to wait until the recording is finished before you can watch the beginning. While it's still recording the rest of the program, you can watch the beginning part that you missed. There's a time display you can bring up that shows you how far ahead the actual recording is, while you're watching the early parts.I don't even use the DVD unless I want to copy something to it from the HD. This saves on DVDs. And recording on the HD, you aren't limited to space like you would be using just a DVD. Just that alone saves money on DVDs, if you do a lot of recording. I no longer need to purchase RW-DVDs if I don't want to.The Cons (not many that I can see):While the unit is recording, you can't watch another input. It does have a couple of inputs, but whatever it's recording is the only thing you can watch at the time (except for the previously recorded things I spoke of earlier). So, it's not good to make it your main controlling unit. I have an older DVD recorder that also has a tuner and I was using the Magnavox as my main unit, plugging the older DVD recorder into input 2. It worked, but if I wanted to record something on the older DVD recorder, I had to set it for automatic, or start the recording before a recording was started on the Magnavox.I got smart and started using my TV as the main controlling unit, because it has two inputs. Now, I can watch a program on one unit while recording on the other. I can also record two different programs on the units at the same time, if I want. My TV isn't digital, so I have to use the tuners to receive the digital channels. But, I plan on getting a digital converter so I will be able to watch a channel on TV while recording two others, one on the older DVD and one on the Magnavox. This is great for me, because I work nights. Now I'm able to record any show I want and watch it later.I was a little concerned about the smaller HD in this unit, but it has been no problem at all, and I record everything in High Depth mode. You can get a unit that has a larger drive, but I don't see the need unless you record everything under the sun and never delete anything. This 320 gig drive is more than sufficient for my needs.Most DVD recorders I've purchased in the past (and I've purchased more than a few) had limitations that I had to deal with. But this HDD/DVD recorder is the first unit I've purchased in a long time that is quick, efficient and of good quality. Personally, I think this was a great purchase. I'm very picky and I'm quite satisfied. 10/21/2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Vaxman Exactly what I needed and it was easy to set up and operate 10/17/2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Bokeda Instructions were very easy to follow. The setup was easy, and the unit works as advertised. Great product, price was right, very satisfied with this product. 10/17/2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by merrick10 Great so far. So far I really love this DVR. The hard drive is wonderful, no messing with DVDs. This was one, if not the only DVR, with a built-in tuner, which a lot of people still require. If you don't have satellite or cable and only use an antenna, you need a built in tuner. Yes, there are still some of us who do. It replaced a refurbished Poloroid, which never worked very good, and quit completely after the 90 day warranty expired.It's not cheap, but it seems to be well built and I've never had any problem with it yet. It's also pretty simple to understand unlike some I've had. You can watch one channel while recording another or can watch a DVD while recording to the hard drive. You can also watch something on the hard drive while recording to a DVD. 10/16/2012