Toshiba RD-XS32

Pros: Easy to use, never got a "coaster"

Cons: flip panel on remote control

Summary: This is an excellent HDD/DVD recorder. It has all the features you can want and does exactly what it advertises.

Editing menus can get a bit complicated but once you figured it out you can easily edit anything you want. You can change the aspect ratio on the recordings, compression rates, combine recordings, edit chapters (great for removing commercials), create menus, dub from HDD to disc and vice-versa, capture from camcorders etc.

Never once has this recorder burned a "coaster" (bad disc that turns into a cup coaster). I use Maxell and memorex DVD-Rs and DVD-RWs almost exclusively. DVD-RAM discs are a bit more complicated to properly manage and since they're more expensive I only have the one that came with the unit and rarely use it.

HDD recording is pretty straightforward and with the program menu I record shows automatically, especially helpful when used with VCR plus codes. Who needs Tivo when you've got this baby.

My only complaint is the stupid flip panel on the remote control to access the VCR plus button and number keys (for changing TV channels).

This unit is highly sensitive to poor quality discs though. If you use the cheap brands it often refuses to read them or burn them. I didn't get coasters though, it just simply refuses to burn on poor quality discs. I have a 100% success rate with Maxell DVD-R 8X 4.7GB discs (300 discs burned so far)

There are firmware updates available but I've never installed them. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!