There are a few good VCR / DVD recorders

Considering all the VCR / DVD recorders available today the Sony RDR-VX500 may be the best way to copy VHS to DVD on a recorder.

The Sony RDR-VX500 records four DVD formats, has a FireWire input (for flawless recordings from a digital camcorder), is easy to use and delivers a very good VHS transfer image quality. So if you're looking to transfer a VHS collection to DVD the Sony RDR-VX500 is a fine choice.

You can program up to 12 timed recordings and the Sony supports the VCR Plus feature. The editing options allow you to review recorded chapters and snip out commercials. You can add and remove chapter marks, or allow the Sony to automatically add chapter marks every 5 or 15 minutes.

Here are a listing of this DVD recorders connections:

• Audio outputs: 1 stereo analog (left/right), 2 digital (1 optical, 1 coaxial)
• Audio inputs: 2 stereo analog (left/right) RCA
• Video outputs: 3 (composite-, component-, and S-video)
• Video inputs: 1 i.Link (DV/D8), 2 composite-video, 1 RF
• Surround-sound output: Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel passthrough

The Sony records in four recordable DVD formats........

• DVD-R
• DVD-RW
• DVD+R
• DVD+RW

        .........and plays MP3 music, displays JPEG images and plays CD-R/CD-RW.

All DVD recorders have down sides so we'll name the notable problems. While Sony's easy-to-use VCR/DVD combo recorder does a fine job of transferring VHS tapes to DVD and boasts excellent video quality it costs more than most VCR / DVD recorders and has no S-Video input on rear panel.

Sony's remotes are usually excellent but the buttons on this one are terribly laid out and there's an annoying sliding plastic door that hides the recording controls. There's no IR blaster to change the channel on your cable or satellite box which means you'll have to manually change the channel before you record.

Overall the Sony is not a bad choice if you're looking to copy a VHS to DVD on a recorder.  Read the Sony RDR-VX500 user manual to get a deeper feel of its features. If you're interested in this Sony RDR-VX500  DVD recorder. Amazon is the best place to buy it it on line.