Price Paid:  $200.00 from Walmart.com

Summary:
I am more of an audiophile than a videophile, so this review will not be an in-depth analysis of this recorder's video capabilities; just a brief review.

I chose the DVR-320S because it was cheap and seemed to be flexible, especially regarding record time. Also, very few users had reported operational quirks as with other economy brands of DVD recorders.

Although you must read the manual to get the most out of this machine, it is fairly easy to use. My biggest complaint is the arcane codes used for recording times. But I keep the manual handy to decifer these recording times. The timer functions work well. The cooling fan is a bit audible in a quiet room from about 3 feet away, but it's not really a problem.

The quality of the recordings made vary by recording mode. In 2 hour mode or less, the quality is roughly equal to the source, at least in standard def (my RPTV is std def, and is limited to S-Video inputs). In longer record speeds, the picture gets progressively softer and more VHS-like. However, the 6-hour speed is fine for time-shifting programs that you won't be archiving. Occasioanlly there is a flash of pixilation, especially with rapid image movement, but it does not bother me. It might bother a real videophile. Finalization time is ok, but I wish I could choose 5 minute automatic bookmark/chapter intervals rather than the 10 minute default. Also, I can't seem to choose anything other than the default settings for thumbnail selections. I wish this were more flexible.

Audio-wise, I am happy with both the PCM quality (in 1hr, 10min mode or less) as well as the Dolby 2.0 quality. Movies dubbed from DBS in DD 2.0 and played back using DPLIIx have excellent apparent surround fields. Stereo recordings seem to preserve the characteristics of the source fairly well. I use the optical digital audio output to feed my pre-pro (see equipment list in my profile).

No brands of DVD-R or RW that I've tried have failed to work perfectly in this machine. I have used Fuji, Taiyo Yuden and TDK blank media. It also plays DVD+/-Rs that were burned in my PC flawlessly.

Kudos to Pioneer for an extensive jack-pack that made connection to my rather complex HT system easy.

My biggest gripe is the copy-protection scheme. It seems arbitrary in its application; some VHS tapes I've tried to dub work fine (both commercial and home-made tapes), but some cause the dreaded "Can't Record" indication to flash on the screne. My Sima ColorCorrector which worked so well when dubbing VHS-to-VHS is useless with the Pioneer.

In about one year, I have not had any operational failures. It seems to be a reliable unit.

For value, I am giving it 5 stars. It loses one star overall due to some of the ergonomic issues and the less than perfect, but still quite good, video performance.

In sum, I would buy another DVD recorder from Pioneer.

Strengths:
Flexible recording time makes best use of disc space. Great compatibility with blank media. Plenty of inputs. Good picture and great sound. Good build and reliability (so far). Easy-to-set timer.

Weaknesses:
Copy-guard seems arbitrary in application. Hard to operate without referring to the manual. Less than perfect picture at longer record times. Fan is not completely silent.

Similar Products Used:
None.