Toshiba RD-XS32SU DVD Recorder / HDD Recorder

We dove in and bought the RD-XS32 for the HDD/dubbing capabilities. As DVD burning newbies, it more than satisfies our needs and is a good value.

It's Day 2 and so far so good! No "black level bug" and we haven't experienced any difficulty with DVDs...it has read and written on every kind we've offered it so far.

In the manual it describes itself as a closer relative of the computer than DVD recorder; and it's very true---but don't let the manual scare you! Try things out as you read through it and you'll find it's much easier than you thought. We're newbies at DVD writing and haven't had any problems.

I'm sure recorder operation will make more sense as we become more familiar with the unit, but right now, I think they should have made basic functions more straightforward and left more complex, detailed options elsewhere. Again, it may just take us time to get used to it.

Toshiba should throw the remote away and start again. Granted, you don't want a foot-long remote, but the design, size and placement of some of the buttons should have been reevaluated while the idea was still on paper. The numbers to direct-dial channels is beneath a flip-up cover at the bottom of your remote. It's awkward and very flimsy. I'm sure we'll end up having to buy a new remote.

We have a Samsung DLP TV and the Toshiba remote will not operate our set correctly. Oh, it has the code...but the buttons don't match up so we get PNP instead of volume control...should work on more basic compatibility issues there.

All things considered, the recorder is a fantastic deal and prices are low enough now that getting a DVD recorder without HDD is like buying a car without power steering.

A++++, Toshiba! (Just go back to the drawing board and give us a different remote!)