Expert: Cleggsan - 7/20/2009

Question
Hello,
I want to purchase a dvd recorder, but there are so many types that I am confused. I want a dvd/vcr recorder combo. I want to convert my old vhs home movies to DVD and be able to record television programs onto dvds. Can you tell me what I should be looking for in a rcorder so that I get the one that does everything I want. Thanks a bunch, Lisa

Answer
QUESTION: Can I copy vhs or other dvd movies to a dvd recorder?
ANSWER:  
http://hometheater.about.com/od/dvdrecorderfaqs/f/dvdrecgfaq2.htm

QUESTION2: Can I record TV programs onto a dvd recorder?
ANSWER:
http://hometheater.about.com/od/dvdrecorderfaqs/f/dvdrecgfaq3.htm

QUESTION3: Can I make a copy of a DVD, DVR, or VHS recording that I made from HBO?
ANSWER:
http://hometheater.about.com/od/dvdrecorderfaqs/f/dvdrecgfaq4.htm

QUESTION4: Are there other questions that I should be asking?  
ANSWER: Yes, see all of them at
http://hometheater.about.com/od/dvdrecorderfaqs/a/dvdrecfaqintro.htm

QUESTION5:  Should I be thinking about a DVR rather than a DVD/R?
ANSWER:
http://dvr.about.com/od/dvrs/f/ddvrdvdr.htm

QUESTION:  What are the capture alternatives?
ANSWER:
http://dvr.about.com/od/dvrs/a/capturemethod2_2.htm

QUESTION: What about using a PC for video recording?
ANSWER:
http://www.cnet.com/1990-7384_1-6311115-1.html

And so on.   You have no idea how complex the answers are to your question - which is a good one and will help many people who are reading this column.

As you read down through the about.com replies (I used About because it is the owner of Allexperts but there are other online information sources that will give you similar results) above, you will learn there are many ways of doing the recording that you want to do.  But there are some serious restrictions when recording programs that are encoded with copy inhibit restrictions.  If you are doing a lot of tv program recording, such as time shifting, you might want to consider a dvr such s TIVO which has program guide and automatic setting procedures for easy recording of your favorite time slot.  Also, a PC can do much of what you want to accomplish with the addition of a tv board or video cards that can accomplish the same purpose as a dvr or dvd.

So, the best solution is one which meets your requirements in the best way. If you want your library on a disc catalog so they can be loaded into a multi-disc changer or for loaning or giving away, then you want a disc based system.  But if you want the smallest space and total flexibility in storing, retrieving and playback tricks, then hard disk is the way to go.

Sorry for the long answer.  Hope it helps you decide which way to go. Let me know if you need more or if there is more to your story.

C