Eurotech DVR-D4001 DVD recorder

Don't buy it!

I can't be more clear than that, can I? I wanted a new DVD recorder to replace my flaky Philips DVDR890, which is another story in its own right. DVD recorders are mostly very expensive, and you have to wonder why since a basic DVD drive is now so cheap. So I thought I would be clever and buy the cheapest DVD recorder I could find. After all, it would have to work, and if it works then it would suffice for my basic requirements.

So I bought a Eurotech DVR-D4001 from Ebuyer. Ebuyer is great by the way so no problems there. It cost me the grand sum of £123.78 ($222.48) + UK sales tax and it was delivered next day.

I knew there was something wrong the moment I opened the package. There was a UK standard 3-pin IEC mains lead, but the recorder took a 2-pin connector. Delving further into the box I found a 2-pin lead, but this had a 2-pin mains connector. This is not at all what I expect from living room equipment although it might be OK for an electric razor or toothbrush charger.

Still, I managed to connect it to the mains. Then WHOOSH! The fan started. Yes, this DVD recorder has an internal fan. I hope other equipment isn't going the same way - imagine four or five pieces stacked up, all with fans.

And this fan was pretty noisy - the typical wind noise of a poorly designed fan, plus an intermittent rattle. This alone was enough for me to seek a return authorization from Ebuyer, which they agreed to promptly.

Later that day I decided that to be fair, I should give the Eurotech a try. So I connected it up and started copying a VHS tape to DVD. It was a TV program that I wanted to keep, and also I wanted to watch it through as it recorded. Guess what, the Eurotech DVR-D4001 puts a brightly colored animated logo in the top left of the screen to show it is recording. I know it's recording! I pressed the record button and I can see a flashing 'REC' in the recorder's display. I do not need the logo!

Still, all seemed to be going fairly smoothly otherwise. But only for half an hour. After that the picture started stuttering and soon froze completely. Well that was it. Unplugged, back in the packaging and off to Ebuyer.

In summary, the Eurotech DVR-D4001 does not work. Don't buy it.