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How to Choose and Buy a DVD Recorder

This guide will give you some pointers on what to look for when buying a DVD recorder:

The Essentials for a DVD Recorder

When looking for a DVD recorder there are three minimum requirements:

• PAL Analogue Tuner: This works in exactly the same way as a video recorder, allowing you to programme recordings on different channels. It receives analogue signals through either an antennae or cable. In the case of satellite, the DVD recorder will also behave in the same way as a video recorder.
• Electronic Programme Guide: An attractive graphical interface displays which TV programmes are being shown on various channels up to eight days in advance. When you find the programme you want, simply press one button and the DVD recorder will be programmed to record it for you.
• Playback of Pre-recorded Discs: The DVD recorder must be able to play DVDs that you buy from shops.

DVD Playback Features

The following playback features are considered essential in a good quality DVD recorder:

• Component Video Output: Provides superb colour by separating the video signal into colour and brightness portions.
• Progressive Scan: Enables top line picture quality when used with a digital or HDTV.
• Digital or Optical Audio Outputs: You use this to connect up your Home Cinema Surround Sound System.

Connectivity of a DVD Recorder

The types of connections on a DVD recorder can vary by model and it’s important to know which ones you will require:

• Digital Audio Outputs: For DVD-Audio playback in 5.1 Surround Sound, you will require either an optical or coaxial digital audio output to connect your home cinema receiver.
• Analogue Audio Outputs: If you don’t have a receiver, then simply connect to your television using these outputs.
• DV Input: Otherwise know as the Firewire connection, this allows you to transfer home videos onto DVD. This connection should ideally be located on the front panel. This is also the recommended connection for digital television. The connection will come with either a 4-pin or 6-pin jack, so make sure you have a Firewire cable with the right jacks at both ends.
• Component Video Inputs and Outputs: Use this for the best analogue video transfer.
• S-Video and Composite Video Inputs and Outputs: Use this connection when transferring footage to DVD using an analogue video camcorder (such as VHS, 8mm, VHS-C, Hi-8).

High End Features

As with any type of product, the more you pay, the more advanced features you will get. However, make sure that these are features that you would like or require from a DVD recorder. So, as well as the above features you should also look at the following features available from a DVD recorder:

• Hard Disc Drive: Record your favourite programmes and store them on the DVD recorder as opposed to recording them onto disc. You can also get the Hard Disc to carry on recording when a DVD disc runs out of space.
• Advanced Progressive Scan: Some top line DVD Recorders will have a Faroudja Deinterlacer for the best Progressive Scan performance.
• MPEG-2 Recording: Otherwise known as variable bit-rate recording. Variable bit-rate is used to reduce the amount of data used in the compressed video stream. This gives a slightly longer recording time, but a better overall picture.
• Simultaneous Record and Play: This feature is included on high end machines and allows you to watch a programme you started recording, 30 minutes ago, for example, whilst it is still recording the rest of the programme.
• Video Pre-Processing Circuitry: Designed to improve the incoming picture quality from the source. For example, some models use a noise reduction filter to equalise the picture.
• Linear Editing: The traditional method of editing is a feature on some models and is ideal when working with video tape, which is a linear format. It’s done by recording a segment from the source material, recording it to the new medium (a blank DVD), locate the next segment you want, record to DVD and so on.
• Basic Non-Linear Editing: The cut and paste approach to editing which is quick and easy, saving you time over traditional linear methods.
• Menu Creation: Allows you to create your own menu for your newly recorded disc.
• Titling Function: Lets you add basic titles to transferred home video footage.

Compression Settings

When comparing image quality, most DVD recorders perform comparably at their best settings, however differences between DVD recorder models are more clearly highlighted at 2, 6 and 8 hour modes.

Compatibility Issues

Be aware that most commercial DVDs and video tapes are copy-protected to stop duplication so you won’t be able to copy them on to another DVD.

Guarantee

Most DVD recorders come with a manufacturer’s guarantee. Check to see that you are happy with the length of the guarantee. If you aren’t, make sure that you can extend it before you buy the product.

Further Information

You can find out about some of the most popular brands and models of DVD recorder on the market in our Brands and Top Models sections.

For details of some of the top online suppliers, including details of their delivery times and postage and packaging costs, visit our Where to Buy section.

You can learn more about other types of DVD player available in our Types section.

To find out about some of the different accessories that you can buy to go with your new DVD player, visit our Accessories section.