MAGNAVOX H2160MW9 HDD and DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, Black

• DVD Recorder with 160 GB Hard Drive
• Single-Disc Player
• It Plays DVDs
• ATSC/NTSC/clear QAM
• Dolby Digital via digital audio out or HDMI

TIP: read the "original review", then SEE the update history at bottom

** 05/05/2010 UPDATE newly released firmware update to correct the E19 error

** 11/10/2009 UPDATE: "workaround" for the known "Finalize disc bug fix")

** 9/25/2009 UPDATE regarding my defective unit)

--------------------------MY ORIGINAL REVIEW ---------------------------

The Magnavox H2160MW9 is is a mixed bag of fantastic abilities and a few disappointing failures rolled into one product. My 4-star rating is very generous, considering the negatives.

If you've invested time doing research on HDD recorders, then you know how limited the choices are. With further research, you'll find that the problems I'm having are not isolated incidents. Google the model number and you'll see.

FAILURES:

*** DVD player does not will not play DVD discs: --> see the UPDATE 9/25/2009 SEE the UPDATE 11/10/2009: an easy workaround fix