However, I've been noticing a DVD-RAM-based recorder from Panasonic in recent times that could looks as if it could handily do the job of both a DVD-R and hard drive video recorder without resorting to either (it will record either to DVD-RW or DVD-RAM).
I like its ability to be able to record for surprisingly long times with low quality loss AND have the advantage of removable media AND that DVD-RAM media is not that expensive when bought in 10-packs AND that the recorder can be had for under US$250.
Have any of you played around with one of these or own one?

http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webap...surfModel=DMR-E55S&surfCategory=DVD Recorders