No time-slip play back

This machine seems to work quite well. However there are some"expert" reviews stating that this machine can use DVD RAM discs to achieve time-slip, playing a recording whist recording. This is not so. After some time trying to do this and reading the manual I called Samsung and was told quite categorically that this machine cannot do this. If, as I did, you wanted the DVD RAM recording functionality in order to do time-slip, this machine is not for you.

Adequate basic recorder

I was looking for a second entry-level -R/RW recorder, having already got a Funai 2737 (which does the job fine). Decided to try the Toshiba as it had the benefit of Chase Play. In actual fact, this Toshiba seems to be the same underlying chassis as the Funai, with a different (somewhat more attractive) fascia. All rear ports and the user interface are all identical. The only difference is the addition of chase play. If you are drawn to this machine because of this feature then beware. Chase play can only be used when recording in quality setting of long play, or lower. This is tolerable on a small screen TV, but the quality when viewed on a large screen is barely acceptable, more or less making chase play a feature you will never use anyway.

Apart from that, the unit looks and works fine, however, it might be worth considering the Funai and saving yourself £25.

Fantastic Machine, Buy One!

I've owned the 160Gb version of this machine (EX77), and sold it to upgrade to the 250GB EX87. It's fantastic. It has great functionality, is very easy to use, plenty of hard disc space and great picture quality in all but the lowest quality mode.

I don't see how a previous reviewer can criticise it for not being multi-region. NO, i repeat, NO DVD players or recorders are multi-region from the factory, so it's unfair to point it out as a negative for this one. Those bought ready-modified have been made so by the retailer, and in the process has voided the 1 year Manufacturer's Guarantee, so keep that in mind when buying one. If it stops working or completely dies as a result of being modified, you can't complain to the manufacturer, but it is the responsibility of the retailer to repair or replace it for you.

As long as you have a good aerial and live in a good area regarding digital broadcasting, the freeview reception is superb, with a very easy to use EPG (it has none of the glitches present in the equivalent Sony models or the absolutely shocking Samsung 853/855 recorders).

Please be aware, this machine has a Time Slip function, but this IS NOT the same as a Pause Live TV function. Time Slip is just a name Panasonic have given for the ability to skip through a recording in 10-minute increments (or however many you want), instead of sitting there fast-forwarding through it to find where you want to watch it from. It is NOT like Sky+ which automatically records whatever channel you are watching.

You can simulate Sky+ by recording the programme yourself, then you can pause or rewind it while it continues to record so you don't miss the programme (useful for sporting events so you can go back and watch something again immediately). This is called Chase Playback.

If you know these things before buying, you won't be upset when you find out it doesn't have"true" Pause Live TV, so a little research before buying can be very useful.

And before anyone complains that it doesn't have twin digital tuners (which would allow you to record one freeview channel while watching another), don't. No DVD recorders outside Japan have more than 1 digital tuner, so again, don't criticise the Panasonic, none of its competitors have them either.

And if they are advertised as having"twin tuners", only 1 of them is digital, the other is analogue, which will become redundant when the analogue signal is switched off over the next couple of years anyway, so is not necessarily worth having. If you want twin digital tuners, then buy a PVR instead, or buy this type of machine, and also buy a separate £20 Set-Top Box, so you can record one channel from the recorder's own freeview tuner, and watch something else on the STB.

Overall I can't fault it and would recommend it to anyone (as long as you don't need to play divx material (avi files), as the UK-spec machines have had this feature removed due to licensing issues. European machines can be imported because they do play divx, but the digital tuner might not work properly in the UK, so it's a risk you have to weigh up).

Lite- On 1150HC

For the price I supose this is a good buy.

Early days yet but quality of recording seems ok on the higher settings.

ONE BIG PROBLEM : This is a dual +/- machine and mine will only record on DVD RW- formats and wont record on DVD RW +

Im sure this should not happen and have emailed Lite-On but sadly have had no reply

DVDR both types is fine.

Have transfered lots of video on to disc using this machine and I must say it is fantastic.

Very compact machine and other than the DVDRW+ problem seems fine.

Funai DVD Recorder

Very good value. I bought this item on the strength of the reviews listed below. No problems yet at any rate. It came in very sound packaging and was compatible with TV, Freeview box, and VCR and even I found it easy to operate. One plus point is that it records DVD-RW as well as DVD-R

This is a DVD recorder! - there is no HDD

I wish people reviewing this item would check that they are referring to the stated product. I want to purchase one of these but 2 reviews are talking about the hard drive which this machine does not have.

DVD laser

Had this recorder for 6 mths. I have had to have the DVD laser replaced twice, now its gone back to be repaired again!!!