Other Source Component Reviews

Features
Compatible Recording Formats: DVD-R/-RW/-RAM
Compatible Playback Formats: DVD, DVD-R/-RW/-RAM, CD, CD-R/-RW, MP3/WMA, JPEG, VideoCD
Possible Recording Resolutions: 480i
Possible Playback Resolutions: 480i/480p
Video D/A Converter: 10-bit/54-megahertz
Audio D/A Converter: 24-bit/192-kilohertz
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 3.1 x 17 x 12.7
Weight (pounds): 11
Price: $600

Connections

Inputs:
Video: S-video (3), composite (3)
Audio: stereo analog (3)

Outputs:
Video: component (1), S-video (2), composite (2)
Audio: coaxial digital (1), optical digital (1), stereo analog (2)

Additional:
IEEE 1394 in, RF in/out, IR out

Ratings

Toshiba RD-XS32 DVR/DVD Recorder

Build Quality: 90
The remote lacks backlighting
The unit has surprisingly substantial heft
Fan and hard-drive noise levels are very low

Value: 85
This rating would be higher if dubbing were better and it had an EPG
Still, you get a great DVD player and hard-drive and DVD recording in a well-priced box

Features: 93
User-definable recording bit rate
User-definable instant skip/repeat time
Live TV signal through the component output

Performance: 92
DVD playback is superb
The quality of recordings is excellent, as long as you set the bit rate high enough

Ergonomics: 87
No EPG to simplify the recording process
The dubbing procedure is convoluted
The onscreen menu system is excellent

Overall Rating: 90
I love the concept of a combination DVR and DVD recorder, and the RD-XS32 embodies that concept quite well. The only things I don't like about it are the cumbersome dubbing procedure and lack of an EPG. Otherwise, it's a fine machine.

General information
RD-XS32 DVR/DVD Recorder,
$600
Toshiba America Consumer Products
(800) 631-3811
www.tacp.toshiba.com
Dealer Locator Code TOS