Help needed buying DVD Recorder

[kitty_ll]

Hi Everyone

As a regular reader of these forums I am after some expert advice as to which DVD Recorder I should buy. Please be patient as I am a newbie to all this sort of stuff.

Having searched the internet for a few weeks now looking for reviews and opinions I am even more confused.

I have a budget of approximately $700.
I want...
. to copy all my videos over to DVD.
. be able to edit the home videos and give titles, chapters etc...
. to be able to connect to and record from the TV and Foxtel (apparently Fox needs a Scart adapter on the unit).
. something that is dead easy to operate (I have a technophobic husband).
. something that has good picture quality when playing DVD's.

Have been looking at LG, Panasonic, Pioneer and Sony. Am getting confused with all the DVD jargon (DVD-R, DVD+R, progressive scan etc) and have no idea what I should go for to be able to do what I want. Not fussed as to whether it has hard drive or not, but if I can get something decent for that price with HDD will go for that.

So, in short, the main reason I am buy one is to copy all my videos to DVD and utilise it as a recorder to replace my dying VCR.

All your opinions and advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[jokiin]

Given your budget I would definately suggest you spend the few extra dollars and get yourself a recorder with HDD, they are much better suited to your described usage. I've used many different DVD recorders and the HDD type are a lot more versatile, I'm currently using a LiteOn LVW5045 (currently $788) and by far the easiest to use and the best value for money recorder I've had.

[termite]

Keep in mind that if your VCR is not in top condition as well as the video tapes,expect a lot of faults in playing them back.HDD allows you to edit out these faults before recording to one time record discs.I would recommend the Panasonic 80 gig unit now $800.