Philips DVDR3575H

Pros: Video Connection options, upconverting DVD player, simple manual options/features

Cons: Recording quality is dark, You only want to record in High Quality so that is about 30 hrs of program, can't watch another channel while recording, recording on HQ is better than VCR but not even standard tv quality, DVD player slow, etc

Summary: I purchased this unit in march of 2008 and have had no major complaints. As long as it has power, it records what you program. You can set times, weekdays, weekends or any combination. As long as there is space, it will record. Most review have covered the naming of shows prior to recording, black in shows is basically a shadow, the remote is not pretty, etc. If you run out of space and have a blank DVD, the remainder will go to the DVD if you choose. Speaking of DVD, you can fit about 1 hr of HQ recording on a standard DVD-r. Its not worth trying to transfer a movie unless its to see something. Pausing is blurry and the picture is not near HD. The remote, and it says it in the manual, works great directly on, but needs more specific pointing at angles greater than 45 degrees. Let's see...
Well, I tend to be a negative person, but I would recommend this unit if you don't want to pay a monthly service or just need to record shows on a regular basis. The live TV recording option is tricky but if you know what you want to watch ahead of time, this unit is your memory. Upconversion works well if you use and HDMI cable, but if you only have component video or s-video options left you can along with standard composite video. Each does not seem of affect recording quality much. It works, but I really don't recommend using this unit with a converter box. If you notice detail, the picture is a step down from standard and the box may give you a guide and more channels, the unit depends on you leaving the box on the channel you intend to record. any question, e-mail me EGIRXBass@yahoo.com