A few years back, I purchased a Pioneer DVD recorder for my home PC. I enjoyed burning a handful of videos onto disc (home movies), but I haven't really gotten much use from the unit. Incompatibility problems, buggy drivers and other obstacles have made it a bit less attractive then when I first purchased it.
I've had my eyes on a DVD recorder for my home theater ever since that time, pining for the day that I would be able to burn all my home video tapes from their antiquated format to the glorious 4.7GB DVD disc.
What I typically do when seeking to make a major purchase is to do my homework first. That's one thing I LOVE about the Internet. I rarely make an impulse buy for electronic gear. I want to make sure I am getting the right item at the right price.
So began the search for a DVD recorder. Over the past couple months I had browser the web for the latest gizmos. I educated myself on the difference between DVD-R, DVD-RAM and DVD+R formats. I read reviews, compared prices and even went to several stores to see them up close and personal. After all that, I still didn't know what to buy. It wasn't that I didn't see some very attractive product. Rather, the best product seemed to be a bit pricey for what I wanted it to do. So, I refused to buy until I knew what I wanted without a doubt.
Since I already have a TIVO, I did not require a unit with a hard drive built in. I knew that I would be transferring dozens of videos from VHS, so it would need to have RCA inputs. I also have a digital video camera, so a firewire port was also a must. Other bells and whistles including editing features and mp3 and video CD capability, among other things.
It was my visit to Ultimate Electronics last week that sealed my fate. As I looked at the units they had in stock , the $700 Sony DVD-RW unit seemed very appealing. But I just couldn't bring myself to spend that much for a unit that would be selling for $200 in a two years. At that time I decided that I was going to look for a unit that I would not regret paying for in two years time. And during that two years, it would allow me to burn DVDs to my heart's content, and allow me to purchase a unit with all the bells and whistles once they were more reasonably priced.
It was there I finally saw the Pioneer DVR-310 up close and personal. This unit matched my criteria and was priced at $499. I asked the Ultimate Electronics rep if I could use his computer to look up reviews on Amazon. He said sure, and I found the item sold online for $349! I asked if they price-matched and I was told no. Guess who didn't buy from Ultimate Electronics? (Incidentally, I have NEVER liked that store. Best Buy has always had greater appeal to me.)
Home I went with no unit, knowing I could buy it cheaper from Amazon. But the search did not end there. I found the unit for $299 at eCost.com. With immediate shipping available for $6.95, I bought it without hesitating.
I've had the Pioneer 310 for almost a week now and have been VERY pleased with its performance. There is a bit of a learning curve, but I crossed it after burning my first disc. In fact, I have burned four discs now, each one of them burning flawlessly on the first try. I have yet to use some of the more advanced editing functions, but even if I did nothing more with it than I am now, my money was well-spent.
And they lived happily ever after...
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November 28, 2004 04:08 PM
I'm thinking about getting my husband the pioneer 310 for christmas. I been searching for months now for the right recorder and keep on coming back to the pioneer. Can you please tell me what you think of the pioneer now after having it for a few months.
Thanks Joanne
November 28, 2004 10:41 PM
Joanne, I am quite pleased with the Pioneer DVD player and can recommend it without reservation. I'm sure your husband would enjoy owning one!