DVD Recorders

DVD Recorders are available in huge variety in terms of functionality and price at the moment. Having the ability to record video is something we’ve enjoyed for many years, but the possibilities are different when it comes to digital formats when you compare them with the old VHS recorders. Digital formats are so convenient, adaptable and easy to use that it’s no surprise we’ve become attached to them. Choosing a DVD recorder to suit you can be a bit of a minefield, but if you bear a few key points in mind you shouldn’t go wrong.

Where does it record to?
The ability to record and save TV programs, films and any other video you want is great, but where do you keep it all. With DVD recorders, you have broadly two options: storing on DVD discs or on a Hard Drive.

Some of the devices on the market have both options available, and which suits you best will depend on your own needs. In many ways storing onto a hard drive is more convenient and generally less hassle, since you don’t need to worry about buying and keeping blank DVDs to hand. However, this of course means that you can only watch the DVDs on a TV or monitor to which your recorder is currently attached. Recording on DVDs can be a little more hassle at times, but does give you the advantage of being able to watch the recorded video on any DVD player wherever you happen to be.

Editing
Some DVD recorders have the advanced option of allowing you to store your video recordings on the Hard Drive, edit them and then burn the edited versions to DVD if you like. These devices are essentially no different to a computer, and most of them are extremely easy to use.

Formats
As with any device that can both play and record DVD, you should check the formats that can be handled, as these often vary. Many modern DVD recorders can handle anything from recorded TV programs to videos downloaded from the Web. It’s also worth checking out what disc formats a DVD recorder requires, as these also vary, and include DVD+R and DVD-RW among others.

Compatibility with your Television
You’d be forgiven for thinking DVD recorders would automatically be compatible with most standard TV sets the way that VHS machines used to be, however this is not always the case. If your TV uses a separate digital box you should pay particular attention to the inputs that a DVD recorder can take, as this is a common source for problems.

Additional tools
Some DVD recorders come fitted with additional features such as slots for connecting other media devices for viewing through your TV, which can be a fun way to enjoy photographs or videos instead of doing so on your computer.

Future
The next generation of DVD recorders to look out for are going to be those that can handle such demanding formats as Blu-ray and HD video.