I am looking at buying a dvd writer. I want to record TV programs and transfer already recorded programs from vhs tape to dvd. The obvious choice would be a stand alone recorder but the pc drives are cheaper plus have the added benefit of data storage. I have a box that I bought a while back called USB Instant DVD ( I intended to make VCD but was not satisfied with the picture quality) which connects the TV to the computer. It also has the DVD authoring software. I assume that this would work. But would I be giving up any features by not getting the stand alone recorder?
RoyC, Sounds like you want a DVD recorder. I have USB instant DVD and it takes FOREVER to render the files to a DVD. Buying a DVD recorder will save you hours if not days of work to just back up TV shows - "P"