The RDR-GX315 is an entry-level model in Sony's line of DVD recorders. The excellent disc compatibility and ease of navigation match the quality of the images produced by this recorder.

The RDR-GX315 is a single-disc unit and is able to record to DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW, including DVD+R DL (dual layer). This kind of recording compatibility is relatively rare for a $300 DVD recorder.

As a player, the RDR-GX315 can handle VCD, CD, CD-R/RW, and MP3- and JPEG-encoded CD, as well as just about every DVD video format. The straightforward graphical interface is simple to navigate and makes recording TV shows from cable, satellite, or regular broadcast sources as straightforward as using a VCR. Unlike a regular VCR, however, the RDR-GX315 also allows you to simultaneously record and play back material. You can watch the beginning of a program while the end is still being recorded, or you can watch one show previously recorded to disc while the RDR-GX315 is recording another show to the same disc.

The RDR-GX315's progressive scan output delivers clean, detailed pictures to a digital television, with minimal jagged edges or artifact distortion. The front panel iLink (FireWire) input makes it easy to connect a camcorder for transferring home movies to DVD.

Sony's RDR-GX315 is a capable and competent DVD recorder, and it comes at a very competitive price.

Warranty
1 year parts and labor