The RDR-GX355 is another high-quality DVD recorder from Sony, but some users will find it limited by Sony's rigid copyright protections. While it can record to a wide variety of disc formats and offers near HD image quality when upconverting DVDs to 1080i resolution, the RDR-GX355 cannot record content that other DVD recorders--as well as most DVRs and even old VCRs--can. While we are against pirating of any kind, we understand that many users will be frustrated that they can't record content from one of the premium cable channels such as HBO, Cinemax and Showtime and watch it later at their convenience. The channels broadcast movies and shows such as The Sopranos with copy protection, and while you can often record them on other DVD recorders or DVRs, the RDR-GX355 simply delivers a copy protection message. While this may be understandable on the part of the copyright holders, we found the RDR-GX355 sometimes delivered the same message when trying to copy our own non-copyright home movies.

Aside from the over vigorous copyright protection, this single deck DVD recorder performs very well. The RDR-GX355 records to DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW and DVD+R format discs, including dual layer DVD+R discs which double the amount of recording time. Hook up a DV camcorder via the iLink connection and you can use the one-touch dubbing feature to transfer your footage to DVD for long term storage.

The user interface is easy to use (if a little basic), and the unit offers a quick set up guide so even novice users will have no trouble setting up and programming this DVD recorder. Recording is as straightforward to master as a VCR. The RDR-GX355 doubles as an excellent DVD player, and upscales standard DVDs to 720p or 1080i resolution when hooked up to a compatible HDTV via the unit's HDMI connection. The image quality from the up-conversion process is impressive, attaining near-HD performance. As well as the same recording formats, this unit also plays back DVD-RAM discs, standard audio CDs and home recorded CD-R and CD-RW format discs, including those loaded with MP3 digital audio files. It also displays JPEG images from a compatible picture disc.

The RDR-GX355 lacks the integrated HD tuner of the more expensive RDR-GXD455 but the unit's set top box pass through feature enables you to watch programming from your cable box or satellite receiver even when the RDR-GX355 is not switched on. While the rigid copyright protections don't make this DVD recorder as versatile as a VCR, the Sony RDR-GX355 delivers great picture quality.

Pros: Broad disc compatibility,1080i upconversion, user friendly interface
Cons: Basic interface, rigid copyright protection

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor