The RDR-GX330 DVD recorder is an updated version of Sony's RDR-GX315, and it offers some improvements on the older model, in addition to a few disappointing changes. If you are on a budget or are simply looking for a beginner's DVD recorder, this might be for you. On the other hand, experienced users should keep shopping.

A big plus for the RDR-GX330 is its disc compatibility. This single-disc device records to DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW, as well as DVD+R DL (Dual Layer) that doubles the available space compared to normal recordable DVD. A convenient iLink (IEEE 1394) connection on the front panel enables one-touch dubbing of digital camcorder footage to DVD.

As a DVD player, the RDR-GX330 offers progressive scan output to a digital TV via its component video output, and it also has S-video and composite video outputs for connecting to just about any TV. An optical digital audio output lets you send Dolby Digital and DTS signals to a home theater system for multichannel sound. The RDR-GX330 can play DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW and DVD+R DL, as well as VCD, CD, CD-R/RW and discs containing MP3, WMA and JPEG files. The disc tray loads quickly and quietly, but it unfortunately feels flimsy and cheaply built.

While the RDR-GX315 had a simple-to-learn and relatively intuitive graphical menu system, the RDR-GX330 has replaced this with a user interface that is slow and unresponsive. This makes us wish Sony had heard the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." In addition, the included universal remote control has been redesigned, but the mass of buttons again falls short of user-friendliness.

The Sony RDR-GX330 has some useful features and excellent disc compatibility, but some significant drawbacks make this DVD recorder better suited to budget-conscious novices rather than advanced users.


Pros:  Broad disc compatibility including DVD+R DL, stylish design
Cons:  Slow user interface, flimsy disc tray, poorly designed remote control

Warranty
1 year