Why a standalone? A computer DVD recorder is MUCH more flexible and lots cheaper. You can get an 8X that will record DVD+r, DVD+RW, DVD-R,DVD-RW for around $140 and even less. There are tons of software programs that allow you to "backup" your DVD collection in a method called DVD 9 to 5. Most DVD movies are 2 layers (9) however blank DVD's are only 1 layer (5). Programs such as DVDshrink, CloneDVD, DVDXCOPY etc allow you to strip items such as special features, foreign language tracks, etc to get a movie to fit on one blank. You can also use the video in of your graphics card to transfer VHS to DVD, or if you have a digital camcorder you can use firewire (IEEE1394) to put the video on the computer and edit it (add music,titles,fades,etc) With a standalone all you can do is record, they have very little editing capabilty.
