If you are an old fart like me who was still clinging to the VCR to record TV shows during the week so you can watch them later, and you want to want to move into the 21st century, the dr420 is perfect (assuming you have a tuner, like a DirecTV box).

This machine works perfectly, and the DVD upconversion is very good. I liked it so much I bought two more and replaced all of the VCRs in my home. I am using DVD-RW to record daily shows. After I watch them each day I format the disk. 1000 formats per disk! I have been using the dr420 like this for a couple of weeks only, but so far I could not be happier.

One "warning" though. Unlike what your old VCR might do, the dr420 will not pass through the audio/video when turned off. This was not a problem for me, as my DirecTV box has multiple outputs. So my TV has a direct connection to my DirecTV box and my dr420 has another, separate, connection to my DirecTV box. I use S-video from DirecTV to the dr420 and then again to my SDTV (two channel audio as well). Then I have a direct coax connection from the DirecTV box to my TV, which is used when the dr420 is powered off.

It took longer than expected for me to figure out how to install it. The instructions were not clear to me for my set up - but after a few tries, it is working fine. I think the picture quality is good and it has recorded just as I hoped. Good value for what I wanted.

I added a great Tuner with a Gov sponsored TV Converter box ( Insignia from Best Buy that I have). I then purchased a Dayton SVC1 S-Video Jack to RCA Plug Converter, and a S-Video Cable here. Connect the Plug end to the Video Out of the TV Converter box, and the other end of the S-video cable to the rear "L1" S-video of the Recorder. Total cost for cable and plug was about $15 with shipping.
This recorder can edit a recording with +R DVDs (not -R) via chapter markers. I was able to hide the commercials. Once finalized it would be permanent.

This DVD is perfect for what I wanted. It was able to burn straight from my video camera and everyone has been able to view it with no problems. I am also able to burn off my DVR for my own personal use, which is great, too. It was easy to use and I have no idea what all the cords are doing in the back of the TV/DVD/camera, but it's always easy to figure out - red/white/yellow... and having an extra set of plug holes in the front is great! So far so good.

Arrived a couple of days before I expected it. I began working it as soon as I got it. Was real easy to use. Manual was good, could have been better. Setup was a snap! Have beem working it pretty much non-stop for a couple of months now, with no complaints. Seems to be an excellent machine, so far! We'll see how long it will last! But I will definitely recommend this product!

P.S. Remember to fanalize your recordings when you're finnished, or they won't be playable on other machines!!! A lot of people seem to make that mistake.