First termonology. Is there adifferent name for a recorder WITH A BUILT IN HARD DRIVE versus one that DOES NOT have a drive and thus records directly to disc? Are the HARD DRIVE types as easy to use as a VCR? I would like to find one NEW OR USED that records both internal and external sources, to the HARD DRIVE/DISC either each one independantly OR BOTH simultaneously. The process of copying content from the hard drive to the disc or the reverse should be simple and painless. I cannot seem to find any at the retail level. I would and need to look and study the owners manual of a particular model in order to see how easy or complicated they are for an old schooler like me. I am technology challenged and I need lots or useable info to see if this change from analog is EVEN worth it to me. HELP!!! Anything will be usefull. Even the major manufactuers web sites were not very helpful. SAMSUNG has NO DISC RECORDERS LISTED AT ALL. And I have seen them at retail! Does thatr make any sence to anyone reading this plea for guidence? audio2 [email protected].

so here i am buying a house and my realtor whips out her p.d.a, well not wanting to be upstaged, i reach in my pocket to reveal my p.a.d. and my p.e.n. lo and behold we both get all the info we need.

I'm a p.a.d and p.e.n. man myself, but I would think real one-upmanship would be s.l.a.t.e and c.h.a.l.k.

ok, how about m.a.r.b.l.e and c.h.i.s.e.l.

i must have more R.A.M than you guys as i just remember the details

Now you're being silly. That's far too cumbersome.

going back to the original question.

1) I don't know of any direct terminology. When you go to the store ask for HDD & DVD or a hard disk and DVD.

2) features can be different. For the most part most can only record from one source at a time. On the other hand many can play while recording or record from one source while you are watching an other one.

3) most tend to be relatively easy to use, like a VCR, with the added bonus that you are not talking 6h max

4) most tend to have a lot more settings (i.e. the one I bought the other day can do 32 timed events (if I remember correctly)

5) the ones I have seen tend to have a fast transfer (i.e. takes less time to save to disk then playback), and if you want you can edit before moving (i.e. eliminate the ads)

best ones in the UK are Panasonic and Sony ones..my preference is for the Panasonic ones as they play and record to all dvd media even DVD ram (which is ideal for re recording on but not so good for sharing to others) some models also have a SD card reader which suits me as thats what my camera uses.
I feel the Panasonic freeview and terrestrial tuners are better.
but wadda i know...

Aren't you forgetting which forum this is?

I think nit must use h.i.e.r.o.g.l.y.p.h.i.c.s.

I was rather thinking the same thing.

Probably r.u.n.e.s. However, I'm still using c.h.a.r.c.o.a.l. and c.a.v.e.w.a.l.l. - beats grunting anyway

An early P.D.A. ?

I thought this was to be an intelligent place for people to help each other? I DID NOT appresiate the so-called humor some of you were trying to post. I am sorry that my electronics knowledge will put me on the asking questions side of the spectrum, but that is no reason to make,jokes, bad ones,at my expence. Anthony and Mr. Griffiths were respectful of my ignorence. The other posters were NOT. How about we have some measure of cvility on this board? When I ask a question it is because I need an answer I can use. I am NOT fodder for any one*s stand up routine!

Try the DVD Forum on this site. This is the forum for sarcasm and all sorts of nonsense.

dont get up and go for a pee at the comedy club then! lol