Review on Toshiba DR430 DVD Recorder by Omar Card

I bought this unit to replace a 7 year old Sony RDR GX-300 DVD Recorder that broke down. After reading all the comments I have mixed feelings. After receiving and installing the device, I found this. The Toshiba DR430 DVD burner is a reliable DVD burner. It records and plays all formats you will ever need (+R, +RW, -R, -RW and others I've never come across). If you're in your forties your eyes may find it difficult to work with the remote control, but a little squinting will help you overcome this. This remote control is the same as all other black remote controls with gray buttons. As for the comments that this device loads and formats hard drives slowly, this is complete nonsense. All DVD recorders take a little time, period. They won't play a movie you bought in a store. You can record in SP, LP and EP format. Depending on the quality you want, you get different disc recording capacities. More time = lower quality, less time = better quality. Just like the old VHS VCRs. It is not easy. This is easily set up using the RECORD MODE button on the remote control. I never use the timer, I always use the ONE STEP RECORD button. Each press gives you 30 minutes of recording time, then recording stops. Want to record a 90 minute movie from your Tivo, just press the record button 3 times, it's that simple. I paid $113 with free shipping and received it in 4 days. In a good condition. There are no dents on the box. It is not packed in a bigger box but I received mine fine. Video and audio inputs and outputs are on the back panel. You can use an RCA or S cable, I use both and it doesn't matter. In front, behind a small door, there is an entrance for recording (downloading) from a video camera (or other device). The manual has it all, but to understand it you need to read it. The QUICK START sheet (4 pages) got me up and running in 15 minutes. It's important to remember one important thing: after you burn a disc, you must FINISH it in order for it to play on other DVD players. Be sure to read the manual about FINALIZE and you shouldn't have any problems. The menus are very simple, especially the TITLE EDIT button, but simplicity is good. It took me a while to get used to my previous Sony DVD recorder. This one is much easier. Buy recommendation.