Sony RDR-GX7 DVD Recorder

Sony's RDR-GX7 cost $699.95 at Crutchfield, a major mail order vendor, when introduced in 2004. It is solidly built. It is not, however, on of the newer generation, all-format recorders that Sony and other major manufacturers are selling for around $200.00. I bought this recorder without a remote -- but one is not needed: all essential programming functions can be handled on the front of the unit. I do own a 2005 vintage Sony RDR-GX315 recorder -- you need the remot incidentally to program it -- and its remote works fine with the RDR-GX7. So, there's no need (if you insist on using one) to pay the $85 Sony parts charges for a replacement remote for the GX7. Here's another, final, plus: the clincher: The 2005 Sony 315 shuts down while recording HBO and other new movies - tells you the material is copyrighted. The RDR-GX7 and other earlier Sony's don't shut down this way. I found this out in a CNET review of the 315 -- many angry people brought their 2005 vintage 315s back to dealers because of this deliberate crippling of the 315's record function by Sony. One CNET reviewer even said he bought a 2004 model Sony to replace it -- and it works fine recording cable and satellite movies. (He wrote, incidentally, that he bought his "new," used, 2004-vintage Sony DVD recorder on eBay!)