Toshiba D-R410 price and reviews

About 2 years ago I purchased a Panasonic model DMR-ES25 which I still have and works great! Approximately 1 month later I purchased an inexpensive Toshiba model D-R400 for our 32" bedroom TV and we still have that, also, and it still works great!
Fast forward to 10-24-08 when I purchased another Panasonic DVD Recorder, Model DMR-EZ27. This died on me last week after less than 2 months! It displayed that dreaded U99 code (froze up). The manual stated that you sgould power on/off to correct the problem. I tried this as well as resetting/unplugging and nothing worked. I didn't bother contacting Panasonic based on other poor reviews concerning poor customer service (as well as having to pay to ship it back to them for repair and hoping for a reliable repair). I simply threw it out with the trash. So, my faith in Panasonic has eroded to the point where I will wait quite awhile before I buy another of their DVD Recorders. This is based on many negative reviews that I have read on their latest models as well as my personal loss. What good is Flexible recording/great picture in LP mode if it is NOT RELIABLE??!
Oh, I am here to rate my new Toshiba D-R410 which I purchased to replace the Panasonic and is the next generation model of my R-400. The unit looks exactly the same as the R-400 with the only difference being that it has eliminated the Divix feature. I disagree with the findings of some rating websites that consider it mediocre. The picture is fantastic at XP and SP and the upconversion of recorded DVD's as well as rented/store bought DVD's is as good as my Panasonic Blu-ray player (BD35) in it's upconversion( so far no problems with the Panny Blu-ray player).
The Toshiba, admittedly, is not as good as the Panasonic in the LP mode but, unless your an audiophile, it is acceptable. The timer recording functions without error every time! My Panasonic would sometimes not record during timer programs for no apparent reason, as other users have noted. The only function MISSING from the Toshiba is a FLEX recording setting. This would make it equal (IMO) to the Panasonics. I do use and appreciate the choice in Finalizing AUTOMATICALLY when the disc is full/or at the end of a timer recording-your choice. Although the manual does not comment-it also plays DVD-RAM discs that are recorded on my Panasonic ES25. However, it will not record to DVD-RAM. All things considered (low Price, attractive design, functionality, reliability) I don't think you can go wrong in purchasing the Toshiba D-R410 or if you can still fing the earlier model R-400. I guess "beauty is in the eyes of the beholder".

Updated on Dec 11, 2008

Don't buy if you like to edit any home video or any other video because it won't work on other Video Player.

This is a very good unit and I would recommend to all. This system has really good picture quality and images. Sharp, crisp images with 16:9 and 3:2 pulldown. EZ to setup and begin recording, using flexible discs also a plus. There is excellent dubbing from VHS to DVD and visa-versa. A great system with whisper quiet built in fan (which many recorders now have eliminated) which will prolong the life of the unit. S-Video INput also a good feature (as some units now only offer RCA input) from your cable box and SAT. This is a winner.