Toshiba DR4 DVD Recorder

I have purchased Toshiba DR4 DVD Recorder about 3 months ago. My main purpose of this purchase is to create DVD from Hi-8 video tape, VHS tape and from TV programs.
I record DVD from TV programs for my mother who lives in the area where she does not get the Japanese TV programs that are being broadcasted in my area. I used to use VHS but it is too bulky to mail. DVD disks are much easier to handle and give you better quality video.

This is my first DVD and therefore I cannot compare with other DVD recorder. But I did quite a bit of research through Internet looking at specs and reviews of a number of brands and models.

I am very satisfied with the recorder. I am able to create DVD from TV programs as well as from Hi-8 camcorder without much difficulty. As other people mentioned, the manuals can be better organized but I did not have as much problems as other seemed to have reading and understanding it.

Here is how I connected DVD recorder with other devices:

Source: Cable TV coax cable; one to VCR and the other to DVD recorder using a two-way signal splitter. This way I can record two separate events at the same time or split recording if the show is too long or you are away from home for extended period. DVD out is connected to VCR in. Playstation2 is also connected to VCR AUX. I use Playstation 2 to make sure that the recorded DVD can play on other devices.
On DVD recorder, I have Hi-8 video camera connected to AUX port. This is to create DVD from Hi-8 tapes.

The manual recommend only certain brand DVD-R media (disk) and for DVD-R, they recommend Taiyo Yuden, Maxell and TDK.
I am using Maxell 8x DVD-R for most of the recording. I have not tested other brand. I have so far had 2 disks that I got an error out of about 50. One time, I found this after the scheduled recording failed. You must make sure that the DVD recognize the blank DVD after new DVD is loaded to the recorder. It will show on the screen if the disk has problem. When there is an error, it is either the disk was not properly placed in the tray or the disk does have problems and; therefore, it needs to be replaced.

As you will find out, you have 3 options for type of DVD disk you can use, I use DVD-R as it is the cheapest available. When you use DVD-RAM which can be about $10 per disk, you can create chapters after the recording is done. Using other type such as DVD-R or DVD-RW does not allow you to create chapters after recording is done. Chaptering can be helpful for the viewer especially if the recording has long hours or recording as well as having several program, so the viewer can skip to the program that one wants to watch.
On the last note, I bought my DVD recorder on Internet from B&H Photo. It had the lowest price (with shipping and handling) and seems to have good reviews from its customers.

Update (Mar. 2, 2006) on DVD-R Media:
In the beginning, I stayed with using only Maxell -R DVD's, but I have tried JVC and GQ (Great Quality) which is Fry's store brand. I have used 2-3 DVD's per week on the average and they all worked fine so far.
Of course, the unit has been working great as well.