I own a DVDR80, it has component inputs
I have not played much with the component in connectors. My first task from the boss (and recipient of the Christmas gift) was to copy everything from our analog camcorder tapes onto DVDs. But the quality of a regular composite input is quite good. I anticipate that copying from the component inputs will be excellent.
And it is progressive scan using the Faroudji (sp?) progressive scan chip set. 2 channel stereo input recording, DD 5.1 stereo out.
It records to DVD +R or +RW, so you can use it like a VCR with RW disks. That also seems to work ok.
I am having a couple of problems with it, so I cannot give it an unqualified thumbs up. It has locked up over 1/3 of the time when I go to finalize a disc (we have made 10 of them so far -- about half way through the VCR tapes). Each time except one, a reboot of the unit allowed me to go back and finalize the disk. Once, we ended up with a coaster.
I have tried to download the latest firmware without success. I have been given a 2nd-tier phone number to call, but want to get a few more tapes done first :?
Can be had for under $500 online. There is a Sony recorder for about $100 more that can write -R, -RW, or +RW. But no component in.
- martincva