If you want to transfer a large number of VHS tapes to DVD you can save money in the long run when you buy a DVD Recorder. Yes the DVD Recorders run about $250 or so. However, after you have transferred between 7 to 8 tapes you have made your money back when you compare it to having someone else do it for you. You also have the added benefit of being able to record TV shows when your not transferring tapes.

One word of caution if you are transferring family videos or other important events, record only about an hour per DVD. This will ensure the best quality for you.

How do you choose a DVD Recorder you ask? Good question. If you are mainly interested in transferring tapes to DVD as we are in this article you will find the best value in a DVD Recorder that also has a four-head VCR built into it. You simply slip the VHS tape in one side and a blank DVD on the other then press one button and you’re done. Now these types of DVD Recorders record in real time so they go as long as the VHS tape is. Patience is in order.

If this type of approach sounds appealing to you then you have a number of different choices in equipment.

For example you have the Philips DVDR600VR , the RCA DRC-8300N, the Sony RDR-VX500 , and the Go Video VR2940 DVD Recorder / VCR Combo.

A word to the wise: Not all DVD recorders will work with all the media types so make sure that whatever media you are going to buy that it will work with your device.

For example, DVD-R and DVD+R are both 4.7GB write-once discs. However, move DVD recorders designed to work with DVD+R won’t be able to record a video to a DVD-R. Check your equipment before you buy.

Now let’s talk about menus. Most recorders have standard type no frills type menu choices. Some models like the Panasonic DMR-E95H-S have choices for you in backgrounds and menu templates.

To navigate within the main menu, all recorders create a program title every time you stop recording. Also, most recorders display titles as a thumbnail picture taken from each title’s video so you can identify the title in a visual way.

Every recorder mentioned in this article also inserts chapter marks, or bookmarks within a program title from within the Options menu.