I've used several different makes and models of DVD recorders, and this is one of the best!

First off, the person who said you can't play DVDs made with these on other players is VERY mistaken. The DVD+R and erasable DVD+RW formats will play on the vast majority of DVD players with no problems. Players older than 3 years may not be compatible, but this is minor. 99% of players on the market today will play DVD+R and DVD+RW so compatibility is not an issue.

The machine records in DVD+R and DVD+RW formats but can also play back DVD-R and DVD-RW, as well as VCD and SVCD and of course CDs.

Recordings look quite good, especially at the 1 or 2 hour speeds. The 8 hour picture isn't much good for anything except maybe timeshifting daytime soaps, but since discs are dropping in price so quickly most people will use the better quality modes for keepsake material anyway.

The menu system could use some improvement/streamlining but it isn't hard to use once you figure it out.

For the... Read more

I have owned the DRC800N now for 4 days. I have used the timer record successfully 3 times. Any familiarity you have with
VCRs and/or DVD players will be helpful in the operation of this unit, but having said that.........it's not rocket science.
The improvement of video quality alone when recording broadcast TV is nice, but like most people my main reason for this purchase was to put treasured family videos onto DVD. I'll
be starting that project soon.
In the course of researching this unit, you may come across a
dissenting opinion about the unit being noisy due to a small cooling fan on the back. Yes it is on constantly, and yes you can hear it. My furnace makes noise too.

I bought this as a refurb for $130 and cant believe I didnt buy one sooner. I have had it about a month with no problem and make a recording probably everyday. The guideplus did not work with digital cable but it has its own guide so not a big deal and the small buttons on the remote could bother some. It records off the premium channels just great. It has a input door on the front which i can hook my computer into. Great for making dvd slideshows of family pictures. I have not had any clock trouble like another reviewer. I have 3 other dvd's players in the house, all play the recordings and quality is great.