Top 5 DVD Recorders that Upconvert to 1080p
A massive DVD collection and a state of the art HD television can be a disappointing combination. Depending on the viewing distance and size of the screen, standard DVD players deliver a picture that is anywhere from passable to horrendous.
Sure, Blu-ray discs offer the very best source quality and take full advantage of HDTV resolution; however, upgrading your existing DVD collection is too pricy and troublesome to be worth it for all but die-hard fanatics. Even if you have adopted Blu-ray, there are numerous movies and shows that aren’t available on the new format.
Thankfully manufacturers have discovered how to maximize the potential of the DVD format by offering upconverting players. Upconverting DVD recorders are here to bridge the gap between last-gen optical media technology with the latest crystal-clear LCD and plasma TVs.
During the era of VCRs, consumers recorded their favourite TV shows to
tape merely by pressing the record button. With the latest standalone
recorders, it is just as easy to burn video to DVD.
The dual
functions of both recording on DVD media and making source material
look better in high-def earns these devices a position in any home
theatre setup.
Let’s take a look at the top five DVD recorders that will breathe new life into your DVD movies.
Magnavox H2160MW9
This offering from Magnavox stands out due to its integrated 160GB hard drive and HDD capabilities. You have the option of burning your favourite programming to disc or doing away with the disc altogether and writing to hard drive in a variety of quality settings.
Those fed up with costly cable bills will like the built-in ATSC/NTSC tuner for quick access to HD programming. Together with the host of recording options, this is an unbeatable combination.
Toshiba DR420
Toshiba makes highly-coveted DVD recorders and the DR420 is at the top of the heap. It will record to any type of DVD media you throw at it including DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, and DVD+RW.
Another cool feature is the DV input on the front that allows you to easily connect your video camera and record to DVD.
Toshiba DR570
The DR570 is much like its sibling the DR420 with the addition of a versatile digital tuner (ATSC, QAM, NTSC ). Output choices include HDMI, component, S-Video, composite and coaxial digital output.
If your vision isn’t one of your stronger assets the remote may be problematic as the labels on the keys aren’t easy on the eyes.
Panasonic DMR-EZ28K
Panasonic sets its offerings apart with a propriety system that allows you to upconvert video to amazing 1080 x 1920 resolution. The SD card slot and USB input at the front are intended for use with digital cameras.
Users have noted that you cannot edit a chapter once you edit it unlike competing models. If you are choosy about how your videos are edited together, look elsewhere.
Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK
Are you not ready to get rid of the VHS tapes? Fans of the “everything and kitchen sink” approach will love this offering from Panasonic. Altogether you get upconverting DVD/VHS playback, an ATSC tuner, SD card slot and USB input capability.
If you plan to transfer your VHS tapes to DVD keep in mind that any break in the video will create a new video file. If you are particular about editing Panasonic tends to not be the best choice.
