I am thinking of buying a dvd recorder. However I now nothing about them.
There are FIVE DVDR formats. Each have been implemented in such a way on set-top recorders that they have 'features' associated with them:
DVD-R
The closest their will ever be to a standard DVDR format. DVD-R recording is found on ALL DVD-RAM and DVD-RW machines. In short any machine not by Philips, Thompson or minor Chinese brands (such as Mico) have DVD-R recording. DVD-R will play in virtually all existing DVD players but once full cannot be re-used. There is no editting facilities available.
DVD-RAM
This format is supported by Panasonic, JVC, Toshiba, Samsung, LG and Hitachi. It has numerous features such as accurate editting, timeslip (watch a programme whilst it's still recording) and flexible record (the ability to maximise quality by altering the bitrate used so a recording fills the disk). The drawback is that DVD-RAM has very limited compatibility with existing DVD players.
DVD-RW
This format is supported by Pioneer, Sony, Sharp (and also JVC and Toshiba who put both RAM and -RW on their machines). It has two recording modes: Video and VR. The former is like DVD-R (i.e. high compatibility but no editting), the latter is like DVD-RAM (although not all machines offer Timeslip on DVD-RW).
DVD+RW/DVD+R
This format is supported by Philips, Thompson and numerous Chinese producers (such as Mico, Alba, Bush). Sony also has +RW support on their recorders but does not add the full features of the format. DVD+RW has only one mode of recording which will play in many existing DVD players but has little in the way of editting or features (it's top end model does come with an EPG though). DVD+R is the write-once format of DVD+RW.
If you want to make EDITTED recordings the best option, by far, is a HDD/DVDR combo. This makes the choice of re-writeable DVDR media abit irrelevant as you will primarily only use write-once media (DVD-R) which can be got very cheapily these days (from 50p). The only drawback is that HDD/DVDR combos are expensive (the cheapest being the Toshiba model).
All my gear is pioneer and I would like to stick with them if possible.
Pioneer have two very good DVDRs out - the Pioneer 3100 (without a HDD) and the Pioneer 5100 (with a HDD). The only potential issue with these is they lack RGB in which means to get the best quality from a Sky or Freeview Digibox you'll need a RGB-to-S-Video converter. There have been some reports of the internal TV tuner not being that good - although I can't vouch for that one way or the other.
If your looking at RGB equipped machines you'll need to look at Panasonic, Sony or <shudders> Philips.
Can I also copy my videos to disc using one of these.
Both DVD-RAM and DVD-RW machines have built in TBC (Time Base Correctors) which make them all ideal for connecting up a VCR and making copies. DVD+RW do not have this - not an issue unless your tapes are old - in which case you would need to purchase an external TBC.
Any recomendations for me for what I want to do
If you can help us to help you by:
- Deciding what your budget is!
- Do you have a PC burner?
- What equipment to you have now (Sky? TV? etc etc)