Sony RDR-VX500

Pros: Copys/Plays all DVD types, Copying is easy, copy's great

Cons: Pricey, Poor remote design, irritating glitches when playing DVD's and CD-VCD's

Summary: I finally decided to spend the buck$ and get a VCR/DVD recorder a couple of weeks ago. After using and then taking back a Panasonic DMR-E75VS ($299)- Wouldn't play DVD+ or DVD-RW+ disks- and then a JVC ($349), - where do I start?- I wound up with a Sony RDRVX500. Let me say it does an OUTSTANDING job copying tapes. Simple to use, it can record/play any DVD-+ disk and so far no problem using Memorex or RiData disks.

There are a few gripes. For some stupid reason, Sony decided to put somewhat pointy edges on the corners of the remote instead of rounding them off. If you hold the remote in your hand for any length of time, one of the bottom edges tends to dig into your palm.<P>Also, when playing a DVD, if you play around with the FF, Pause, and Play buttons too much the DVD will "freeze" and the only way to break it loose is to shut the unit down.

Last thing: When playing a CD-VCD, if you use the FF button, and then hit play, the unit will go back to the start of the first video chapter all over again. I haven't contacted Sony about these problems yet.

I might just buy a cheap DVD player (I highly recommed the Panasonic DVD-S27UPS from Wal-Mart.) and use it to play disks and leave the Sony for recording.

Bottom Line- For copying, it's great. Super. Outstanding. For playing DVD's and VCD's, it's fine... as long as you don't play around with the pause, FF, and rewind buttons. I hate the idea of paying $500 for this unit, but as long as it will continue to copy fine, I guess I can live with it.