The old vhs are now outdated, this hdd - dvd recorder bring you all the features you have always wanted on such a device , it's very easy to use it even without reading the manual, the osd is pretty clear, has a low power consumption and is probably one of the more evolute of this kind.

Let's Start with the facts:

This device can only record on Hdd and then you can choose to burn the content you recorded on a dvd-r/rw/ram.
The recording time possible on such a device is:

XP(maximum quality): 43 hours / 132
SP(normal quality): 84 / 165
LP: 164 / 215
EP: 233 / 275
MLP: 477 / 429

the first is intended for mpeg2, the second for mpeg4, in mpeg4 you will not be able to use timeshifting and to watch what you are recording.

the dvd recording time for a normal dvd is:

XP: 1
SP: 2
LP: 4
EP: 6
MLP: 11

it can of course use 8,5 GB dvd too
the quality of the recordings in (mpeg4) xp,sp,lp is 640x480, in ep 480x352, in mlp 352x256

The Recorder has 2 scart, s-video, hdmi exits, optical and coaxial for digital audio, in the front you find a dv input , and a usb interface for usb cards.

The nice part of this dvd is that allow you basically to do almost everything you do with a normal pc but even easier with the osd and you'll learn how to use it quickly seen the interface is very well done, the difference with a vcr is probably the fact you won't have to search for hours to find the right time of the recordings or loose time to use advance/back functions with a hdd you can do it fast enough just choose the recordings you have made from the interactive menu and it start in a second, want to see the movie after and hour of play ? just choose the time and you start seeing from there.

It can Record up to 16 programs/month and can record for the day/Monday to Friday or the whole week just by changing a line when you program it.

This device is able of course to use dvd/divx/video-super video cd/music cd/mp3/windows media(wma) and photographs(jpeg).

The Power consumption is of only 30 watts in use and 1 watt max in standby and even has a function for power saving that will take away the time on the front side when it is in standby or if you use it in a bedroom and you don't want anything that make even a tiny light.