[verbalista]

Oh, I hope fervently that someone on here understands the hookups, etc. for recorders that will play DVDs and VHS tapes, record VHS onto DVD and, in a system that includes an HD TV with digital cable, not degrade the picture.
I thought I was good at online research until I tried to find out what to buy for this purpose. It's confusing.
My channel changes are made through the cable box. Many of the recorders offered say they feature tuners. I don't need one. I don't need complicated recording ability, I'm not making professional DVDs with titles, recuts, or anything but simple recording of the show on my screen (though it would be nice if I could record one show and watch another). I have DVR and also would like to be able to record on DVD the DVR show I've recorded on that system.
I think the coaxial cable should go first into my cable box, then there should be a connection to the recorder, then to the TV. But, I don't really know. Right now the cable box is connected to the HDTV with an HDMI cable that goes into the single HDMI slot on the HDTV. There is no second slot.
Please, please help me if you can. I may be a whiz on my computer, but with this stuff I'm a novice. So appreciatively, Shoshana

[Yankee Rose]

Hi verbalista:

What exact equipment are you working with at this point?

Do you have the combination VHS/DVD recorder? Or are you looking for a recommendation for a combination VHS/DVD recorder?

Who is your cable provider and what model is your cable receiver?

If you could provide a list with the make/model of each device that would be great.

[verbalista]

My TV is a LG HDTV, 37LC2D, not plasma. My HD cable box is from Cablevision (IO digital cable), the only option in my rural area. It's a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300 HD. I'm asking for a recommendation for a VHS/DVD recorder, even though I have one that has been completely unsatisfactory. I hope to buy one that works and doesn't degrade my picture. As of tonight, I have disconnected the worthless recorder and have the TV and cable box connected with an HDMI cable directly.
Thanks so much for helping with this!!!

[Yankee Rose]

Hello again:

CNET reviewed the Panasonic DMR-EZ47VK and currently lists it as their top Editor's Pick in that category. About.com also liked that model the best.

Check out CNET's review of the Panasonic DMR-EH75V, too. I think it is hard to find now, as it is an older model.

What make/model do you currently have (that you dislike)?

Hope that helps!