Finalize dvd on different dvd recorder
 

I want to know if i am able to finalize a dvd i recorded from a pioneer dvd recorder on another dvd recorder of a different make, i found a philips 3305 that ends in 1hr of this post and just want to know it would be ok or do i have to buy a pioneer to finalize the dvd?

2) also is that a current good dvd recorder to get or should i keep on looking?

Some discs can be finalized on multiple recorders, yes.

As to whether your exact Pioneer-made discs will finalize on that exact Philips, I don't know.

Takes Brands A, B, C and D:

• Brand A has 50 recorders. You can finalize any disc made with a Brand A recorder on any Brand A machine. It doesn't finalize discs from any other brand.
• Brand B has 50 recorders. Models 1-25 (series 1 machines) can finalize discs made on any series 1 unit. Models 26-50 (series 2 machines) can finalize discs from series 2 units. Series 1 machines cannot finalized series 2 discs, and vice versa. It can't finalize discs from any other brand.
• Brand C has 5 recorders. Brand C machines finalize each other's discs, plus Brand C machines can also finalize discs made with Brand D machines.
• Brand D has 10 recorders. It can finalize discs made on any Brand D machine, but not any other brand.

There is no guide on this -- it's all trial and error.
I know these:

• Panasonic ES models and JVC series 1 machines (LSI based models) can finalize each other's discs.
• LiteOn and Apex machines can finalize each other's discs.
• Polaroid can finalize LiteOn discs, but Polaroid does not work with Apex.

For advice on the best DVD recorders in 2010, see http://www.digitalfaq.com/reviews/dvd-recorders.htm

That specific Philips DVDR-3305 DVD recorder used the LSI Logic DiMeNsion chipset, but I really don't remember exactly how it performed. It was probably fine. It would work well for VHS-to-DVD, I'm sure. The LSI chipset removes chroma noise from encodes, and chroma noise is really bad on VHS tapes.

I got a pioneer dvr-230 and found on ebay a pioneer dvr-420hs, is that machine any good? i only need it to finalize my dvd's, watch them and maybe record from direct to dvd. i dont do vhs anymore, stop that years ago.

It should be fine.