This is a set-top unit that works like a VCR. No computer required. The recordings can be edited with computer software that supports the DVD+VR format if you have a DVD+RW drive like the Sony 500A or HP DVD200. NeoDVD+ is the only software that supports DVD+VR that I'm aware of right now, but everyone is working on it.
This unit lets you do things like record a TV show, then go back afterwards and delete the commercials (they're still there, but this player and DVD players will skip them and renumber all subsequent chapters).
I've been eyeing this for a couple of months at the $599 price, though Amazon (they link to OfficeDepot). Amazon itself is asking about $640, which might be an ok deal if they don't charge sales tax. Either price is a lot better than BestBuy, which wants $750 (before rebate).
SPECS :
Product type DVD recorder
Form factor Tabletop
Media load type Tray
Media type CD-R, CD-RW, SVCD, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD, Video CD
Surround effects TruSurround 3D Sound
Progressive scan Yes
Recording mode SP, LP, EP, HQ
Audio Features
Audio D/A converter 24bit / 96kHz
Audio connectors 2 x audio line-in ( RCA phono x 2 ) - rear, 2 x composite video/audio output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - rear, 1 x composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - front
Digital audio format Dolby Digital output, DTS digital output
CD playback mode(s) A-B repeat, intro scan, all tracks repeat, one track repeat
Dynamic range 100 dB
Response bandwidth 4 - 44000 Hz
Signal-to-noise ratio 105 dB
Video Features
Video D/A converter 10bit / 27MHz
Video connectors 1 x S-Video input ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - front, 1 x composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - front, 2 x composite video/audio output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - rear, 1 x S-Video output ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - rear
DVD repeat modes A-B repeat, all, title, chapter
Picture zoom Yes
Picture zoom power 1.33x, 2x, 4x
Picture modes Pan and scan, widescreen, letterbox
Search speed 32x, 4x, 8x
Parental lock Yes
Slow motion speed 1/8, 1/4, 1/2
Multi-camera angle select Yes
Multi-language select Yes
Multi-subtitle select Yes
Physical Characteristics
Enclosure color Silver
Depth 13 in
Height 4.2 in
Width 17.1 in
Weight 12.1 lbs
Cable(s) included 1 x coaxial RF cable - external, 1 x S-Video cable - external, 2 x video cable - external, 2 x audio cable - external
Warranty
Service / Support 1 year warranty
