Toshiba D-KR2 Progressive Scan DVD Recorder/Player

• Multi-drive Playback and Recording
• Compatibility: DVD-RAM/DVD-R/DVD-RW
• Digital Cinema Progressive Scan
• ColorStream Pro component video output
• 3-D Y/C Comb Filter/Video DNR for recording

The rave reviews posted here are a bit startling, when you consider that there are three major defects in this unit. First, the input noise reduction is so mild it's ineffective, and the output noise filters are simple blur effects that do more harm than good. Second, you can't get a true black or white level from this machine, so recordings look washed-out when played elsewhere (a professional proc amp doesn't help, either. This machine filters all input to 15 IRE and won't allow a true black from any source, including cable). There are settings for "Darker", "Enhanced", etc. they do nothing for black-white levels, they just dim or wash out the image. Third, DVD-RW is a fantasy with this machine, they just won't work. It's a shame, because even at long recording times there are very few artifacts. Too bad Toshiba designers prefer lackluster images. They seem OK when played on this machine, but look closer and you'll see they're just dark, not richly colored. Another glitch: Record a home-made (not retail) VHS tape into this machine, and when you try to copy it to another DVD recorder the Toshiba will not allow it until you use a pro-level TBC unit on the Toshiba's output. In fact, you can't even make copies of your own, home-made DVD's. Supposedly many of these problems were corrected on later units, but newer Toshibas for 2006 might improve to the point where they could replace your high-end VCR. But don't count on it. Home DVD machines have a long way to go before they can compete with the 30+ years of evolution behind a quality VHS machine. IF this will be your one and only DVD player/recorder, you could live with it. Just don't expect good performance from your recordings if you have to replace this unit or give your washed-out images to friends.

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It really is hard to beat the price of this product, and I have been using mine for over a year without too many problems, but there are some problems for which a good price cannot compensate. Reliability is very important to me in determining the value of any recording device, and this one is not very trustworthy. Recording stops if there is dust on the lens (you won't know until after recording starts, so if you're expecting to come home and watch the show you missed, guess what?), if it thinks the dvd-r is dirty, or if it's just not feeling up to snuff that day.

Picture quality is key. The D-KR2 is okay over a composite connection, but it is red and green and that's pretty much it over a component cable. At least that's how it looks on my lcd tv. Maybe it's okay on something else.

You can't just make extra copies of your home movies or edit them on your computer. This puppy copy-protects your memories. I'm not kidding. So don't toss those Hi-8's. You will need them again the next time you want to make a dvd from the content.

I've ordered another dvd-recorder with a hard disk drive. It may not be much better than this, but at least once I load my home movies, I can burn an extra copy for my Mom. It's her family, too, after all.

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I was looking for DVD recorder include IEEE port for Camcorder and DVD-RAM capacity.

Many brands offer, first one or second, but was so difficult to find latest format technology, IEEE input ports and good brand support in only one equipment, navigation menus are so easy to understand has many options to use as a common VCR, has a wide options for audio output. I'm happy with this selection and price was really good.

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I like this unit so much, I bought a refurb when my first one died.

The primary value of this unit is its ability to record RAM disk, which allows recording copy protected programming. It can only be played back on this unit, which has obvious drawbacks, but I love it.

The UI is clunky and I've never been able to master the editing features, but as I said I bought this for the RAM disk recording, not to create portable DVD's.

THE PICTURE IS EVEN BETTER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE. IT WAS A LITTLE HARD TO OPERATE AT FIRST. BUT, I AM HAPPY WITH IT..YOU CAN'T BEAT IT FOR THE PRICE.