DVD+RW discs are great for editing and re-recording on DVDs, and a DVD+R is the lower-cost alternative for preserving special occasions like your daughter's wedding; it won't allow someone to mistakenly record over those treasured moments. A digital i.Link data transfer connection (IEEE-1394) transfers MiniDV camcorder video to DVD, preserving the footage in high-quality digital picture and sound. It also includes a component-video input, which offers a high-quality analog connection to turn your collections of VHS tapes into higher-quality digital recordings.

To simplify recording so that anyone in the family can create a home movie, the recorders create an index picture screen automatically. Similar to a prerecorded DVD movie, the picture screen lets you see what has been recorded and how much disc space is available. With the push of a button on the remote control, you can start playing a recording--no winding or rewinding and no need for a visual search. Now family reunions, dance recitals, and little league baseball games can be captured in digital quality forever and enjoyed immediately.

Using the recorder to capture your favorite TV show or baseball game on DVD is as easy as pressing a button. Any time during the program, you can press the record button, and the DVD recorder will start to time-shift automatically. And Philips DVD recorders not only record, they also offer convenient editing features that allow you to do linear editing directly on the recorder, using the TV as a display.

In addition, the DVD+RW discs are interchangeable between PCs and TVs. You can record something with a camcorder, store or edit it onto a DVD+RW or DVD+R disc with a Philips DVD recorder, edit it through a Philips DVD+RW PC drive, and play it back on most existing DVD players or DVD-ROM drives. The next time you want to show someone at the office your improved golf stroke from your latest golf lesson, it may be as easy as popping the DVD into your computer.

To ensure compatibilty between discs recorded on Philips DVD recorders, and for enhanced picture quality, the recorders make use of the same Variable Bit-rate Recording (VBR) system used for pre-packaged DVD-Video movies. This lets you enjoy the same digital quality you enjoy with pre-recorded DVDs. With four time settings, VBR adjusts the data rate of the recordings based on the amount of motion in the recorded material. The DVR985 also features a built-in TV tuner and an AC-3 decoder/encoder for superior sound quality.

Philips DVD recorders also employ the Crystal Clear Pro Progressive-Scan system with a sophisticated Motion Adaptive System (DCDi chip by Faroudja), which corrects visual artifacts and optimizes the video image for superior pictures.

In addition to DVD+RW, DVD+R, and DVD-Video discs, the DVDR985 is compatible with CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, S-VCD, and VCD discs.