While browsing store shelves, I realized it's time to switch my VCR with a DVD recorder or some other similar product and it'll save operating costs (cost of a VHS tape vs DVD-R/ DVD RW; instead of using a Super VHS tape, a DVD-R will cost about one tenth and still get a better recording than a Super VHS) and will also be a better product.

Although I just looked at Sony hx750 (and hx330), Sony hx750 seem to have all that a VCR has plus more.

HX750:

160 GB Hard Drive for hundreds of hours of recording.
Transfer old VHS tapes to DVD-Rs and save on storage space
DVD quality recording instead of VHS quality recording.
SL DVD-R/ DVD+R and DL DVD-R/ DVD+R burning.
Editing, compiling etc
I think, higher resolution digital recording (like 1080P etc) is possible too ??
HDMI connection
List Price $ 500 (HX330 @ $ 300)

I wonder what else one has to look for so that it's not obsolete in a few yrs ??
There are some DVD recorders (not Sony) advertized for under $ 150. What's the catch ??

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I'm thinking of using (if I buy it) this recorder for transferring clips from my VHSs that somehow are missing in their DVD releases.

Rana,
What I would say is wait a bit longer..... for the Blue Ray DVD Recorders
because you will get better picture/sound quality on the blue ray format
and this way you will only have to upgrade once.

This Current DVD forment and its recorders are going to be a thing of the past come 2009/ 2010 I think VHS already has
JAT

Thanks jat1.

Sure, one can wait for BR Recorders. But, it might be 2-3 Yrs at least. I'm still debating if I should take this intermediate step or not. Firstly, it can reduce my VHS clutter as I review/ transfer them on to DVD-Rs. Moreover, VHS PQ keeps on degrading with time and VHS players won't be avail for long. So, it's a good idea to put collectable VHS/ home videos on DVD-Rs that (format) will last a bit longer than VHS. Moreover, I think HX750 is capable of storing High Def content (HD home videos or off air content) on Hard Drive and then transferred to PC or whatever means there are to record on HD format.

Basically, HX750 can be useful for time shifting (instead of VCR) and for transferring Home Videos to DVD-Rs. (BTW, HX750 can up-convert any content to 1080P. Don't know if it can be of any use though as copy can't be better than orig.)

Rana,
Let me tell you a cheaper way there is a lead with its own transfer software called VHS to DVD with that you can hook up your VHS to the PC via that lead and software you can transfer all of your VHS to the PC 1 by 1 then you NEED to have a PC DVD Burner to burn them on a blank DVD disc.

You should buy the Dual layer DVD R's + or - becase as you must know they will give you 4Hrs of recording time and the ones out in the market
will give you 120 mins which means you will have to use long play mode when recording the dvds and when you come to burning you will need to buy DVD Fab which is a Compration software that wil automatically increase the time of the disc and it will give you the time needed

I have always wanted blank Gold discs which most bollywood companys use, I have never ever been able to find any
(I have only found blue bottom ones)
JAT

If you are going to use Dual Layer DVD+R, use only the verbatim brand. Anything else and you will have problems!

First! I would not spend $500 on a DVD RECORDER !! to replace VHS! It might work to buy with VHS to dVD combo version!

DL, might be troublesome as prev said! there might be a lot $2 each coasters! except VERABITIM the right ones and img burn toool, software on PC!

I concur. Not worth to spend $500 on a DVD recorder. DLs are problematic, also not worth the trouble.

Keep in mind some VHS Original Tapes might have Macrovision protection therefore transferring them might not be possible. I have never owned an Bollywood movie on VHS so dont know for sure but when I tried to copy Hollywood VHS tapes macrovision was a problem and the solution was a $80 gadget .. big no for me. I use my Panasonic (no hdd) for converting my Mini DV Camcorder movies to DVDr and maybe the odd tv show from tv. Other than that its collecting dust right now.

Less than 1% Hindi VHSs, even original, had macrovision protection. I too did buy that macrovision beating gadget for $ 35 or so but needed to use it only once or twice.