Yamaha DRX-2 DVD Recorder
July 2004When you get down to the essence of a DVD recorder, though, this product performs the important functions of recording TV shows and camcorder content to DVD+RW and DVD+R discs very well.
The DRX-2's connections are typical for this category. On the front, behind a door, are camcorder connections: Inputs for S-video, composite A/V, and FireWire (no USB, however). On the back, for connections to a TV, a VCR, a receiver or other devices, there are RF in/out, coaxial and—unlike the Philips recorder—optical digital audio outs, and two sets of inputs and outputs for S-Video, composite and component.
Besides optical digital out, there's one other key difference between the DRX-2 and the Philips that also reflects Yamaha's fine audio heritage—a two-hour linear PCM audio recording mode for much better sound on recorded DVDs than other recorders can provide.
Other features include six recording modes and the ability to record up to six hours on one disc; fit to space recording, which automatically calculates the best recording bit rate to use given the amount of space left on the disc; index picture screen, which shows the first scenes of recorded segments for easy disc navigation; and the ability to add chapter markers.
While the DRX-2 is set up well for transferring camcorder tapes to DVD, it isn't inviting for TV recording. There's no program guide or scheduler beyond the rudimentary VCR Plus+, and there's no IR blaster to help those who must use a cable box to change channels.
The bottom line is that the DRX-2 is loaded with features, but comes up short in terms of ease of use.
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