Buy DVDR now or let standards/technology settle?


I need to replace my VCR and have been naturally attracted to DVD recorders. However, as I read reviews, the technology and standards seem to be in flux. We have HDTV coming, and I don't know if there will be shakeout among DVD formats (for reusable media we have -RW, +RW, RAM, doing one better than VHS-Beta duel) or new ones will be added.

SO, here is my question: If I have no pressing need for a *DVD* recorder right now, just *a* recorder to record TV shows I would miss, does it make sense to buy DVD recorder at present? Would it be better to manage with another VCR and check the DVDR scene in 1-2 years?
aktchi

Showing 2 responses by aktchi

Rwwear: Sorry, I forgot to mention that this is to record shows off-air (antenna). We don't have cable. Partly our limited interest in what is broadcast, partly lousy service in our area. So the choice is indeed between a VCR (which will do until DVD scene settles down) and a DVD recorder right now.
Thanks guys. Technical possibilities aside, there is real life and no way can I convince my family to watch their favorite shows on a computer. :) So, a traditional stand-alone recorder is what we are looking for.

Fortunately, we are not into keeping the shows. Just to have about 6 hours of space, convenient and reliable programmed recording.

One friend emailed his opinion that DVD-RAM and HDD are more convenient than +RW or -RW media. However, HDD can crash but RAM is crash-proof, so DVD-RAM is the single best choice, even better than HDD. Would everybody agree with that?