Soyo R6530 DVD Recorder

Pros: Price, stylish case, DVD+RW discs don't need finalizing to be compatible with most DVD players.

Cons: Missing features, quirky user interface.

The Bottom Line: OK for the price, but bite the bullet and spend more for a unit with more features, or wait until DVD recorder prices drop further.

Review: I bought the Go Video/Sonic Blue R6530 DVD recorder as a replacement for my VCR. I wanted a unit that records on DVD+RW discs because I'd read that you can play DVD+RWs in most DVD players without formatting or finalizing, both ...

Pros: Use Philips brand DVD+R, and you have an inexpensive basic VCR replacement.

Cons: media inflexibility

Review: Most brands of blank DVD+R produce poor/unusable recordings (Sony, Memorex, KyberMedia). Quirky: line 1 is front panel; line 2 is in the rear (opposite of most electronics I've used). No standby mode when unit is idle (how about display the time). LED ...

Pros: Price, good feature set, jpeg-capable, tech support readily available

Cons: small remote with too-small buttons, tacky design, unreliable burning

The Bottom Line: Would not chance it. Two units did not work properly makes it too chancy. Stick to one (favorably) reviewed in a popular A/V Magazine at least.

Review: I just sent back my second GoVideo R6530. Consistant problems of unpredictable frequent repeated skipping, sometimes several chapters at a time. First one did it on two different brands of DVD+RW blanks, including the one that came with the unit. Thought ...

Pros: Sorry, all I can say is that it does record on limited media. Sometimes.

Cons: Only media recognized is one provided. Cheesy outfit,run them out of country

Review: Why does this company still produce this model of DVD recorder? Or is it that they produced so many and could not sell them? Hence the cheap price. Write your Better Business Bureau and maybe they can keep this company from doing business here in the ...

Pros: Price, price, price, price...let's face it that is what grabs your attention.

Cons: Small buttons on remote; complicated pattern of instructions; don't expect press and go recording.

Review: Great price so I gave a try. After set up it worked during first 4 hours recording on the RW disc included--then it began having "signal" noise issues. Replaced cables, tried to change media, ran input through camcorder as well as cable -- all to no ...

Pros: inexpensive

Cons: cheap, sluggish user interface, unintuitive operation, jittery playback, picky about media, next to no warranty.

The Bottom Line: Pay more for a better unit. A cheap unit that doesn't work to your satisfaction is worse than no unit.

Review: I bought this because of the low price, the rebate at ecost, and the fact that i recognized the brand from a few years ago. Big Mistake. If I could return it, I would. As it is, I think I've just paid 2x + average cost for a plain player. Just like my ...

Pros: Coax jacks on the back of the unit

Cons: Too many to list

Review: Not only did the product not meet my expectations, the service was just as bad. I had been working with a customer service rep from GoVideo. Well, I talked with him for about 2 weeks and thought we were all squared away. I never received any info on ...

Pros: Cheap price

Cons: Poor Quality

Review: I got the R6530 for Christmas 2004. It set up the same as any DVD or VCR. I then sat back with the remote, hit eject and ....the tray crunched to a halt, one inch out. That was it. I had to wait 4 days to get a return authorization from "White Glove" ...

Pros: I was able to record to blank R dvd discs with a short learning expericence.

Cons: It stopped being able to record in less than 2 months.

Review: I bought this machine to save my VCR videos to dvd. This worked, within reason, with a short leaning experience. However, this ability quickly became flaky and now, after less than 2 months I am not able to record. I have spent much money on various ...

Pros: None

Cons: Poor customer service

Review: If you care about customer service, don't buy the GoVideo brand. I've been waiting nearly a month for their customer service to respond to my request for help without ...