Customer Reviews
Good product 
2007-06-25
I have had this DVD recorder for more than 3 years now, its an excellent product. I makde dvd's from my Hi-8 Camcorder.
I am pleased with this product.
I like it but.......... 
2006-05-21
This is the first dvd recorder I ever purchased. I checked around for the machine requirement I woul like to have (region free, play and record dvd+r and easy to install and operate) this was the one I was recommended. I following the directions and got it to work and play fine the next day. I recorded tv programs with a dvd+rw, no problem, also I finalized the dvd+R. I transferred vhs to dvd+R , very easy. But when I tried to play the dvd+R and the dvd+rw, it would not play on my other two dvd players ( keep saying, check disk), I call the company and they told me that if I finalized the disk, it should not be a problem. The solution was to copy the movie or program on Akai, go to my computer PC (all my other dvd+r were burned on this pc) burned it again as region 1. This way I could see the movie using all my dvd players. The dvd-rw I copy with AKAI only played on the AKAI. Too much work. I sent it back. I recommended for the easy set-up, the picture quality was great and if you only going to play the dvd+R and DVD+RW recorded on this machine. Otherwise, think about it.
all that I hope for 
2006-02-27
My recorder was delivered three days ago. I was very nervous, anticipated the worst based on the reviews. However I have been completely delighted with the machine. For starters, the system navigation is pretty straight forward. I was doing a test recording literally 10 minutes after taking the recorder out of the box. It worked no problem (Memorex 4x DVD+RW). Over the weekend I have tried every feature and I have experimented with various hook up configurations. Every thing works great! Regarding image quality: on EP (4 hour recording time) the image is still considerably better than VHS. With prerecorded discs using the component video cables, the color is vibrant and full and the overall effect is very much like watching film (I have a tube HD TV).
My only complaints include that response time (eg time from when you put the disk in and execute some command) is a little slow, and it does't allow the cable signal to 'pass through' when the unit is off.
So for the price ($145 - unit, shipping and a 3 year warranty) I am happy.
Good Picture. 2005-11-04
I have had mine for a little less then a year. The recorded picture quality is very good both on EP and SP. Like the previous reviewer, I also am having problems with the drive not opening and closing. When I do manage to get it open, it will not read the DVD unless I open and shut it a few times. This must be a defect in this model. Buyer beware.
Need a replacement drive 2005-09-18
Hi, bought mine a year ago.... now, the tray won't come out. Grrr.... anyone know what LiteOn DVD+-R/W model would work as a replacement? (I could work with the front bezel off... he he he, but that's not good) The PC dvd recorders here are just cheap anyway.
The unit itself is solid... I even can record blindly (without a TV) he he he... a larger than normal oversample space though. Big, like 10-15% I think.
4 Stars but be careful why you buy the unit. 2005-06-01
Akai is a company with a long history of innovation and leadership in the fields of audio and video consumer electronics. For the past decades, Akai has been a major factor in the electronics industry. From its early days of dominant marketshare in the reel-to-reel recording industry, to modern day state of the art home entertainment systems, Akai continues to be a leader in the consumer electronics industry.PRODUCT FEATURES:Records in DVD+RW Format;Programmable Timer Recording;Programmable Recording Mode (HQ / SP / LP / EP);Easy Track Navigator;DV Link (IEEE1394 mini) to Link DV Camcorder;DVI+HDCP Output (option);Progressive Scan 480p;Multi Language OSD;NTSC or PAL/SECAM TV System Compatible;1 x DV (IEEE 1394) Input (Front);Slim Profile.
tempramental 
2005-04-02
lets start with the positives.Price, easy to use on screen menu, good quality recordings.
pal and ntsc playback is a feature that i use but have not found on any other dvd at this price. The bad news was that it stopped working 4 weeks after i bought it. the disc would keep spinning while the machine kept displaying "load disc". sent it in for repair. I paid for the shipping. (only has a 90 day warranty, not 1 year). works fine now (most of the time) but also will not finalize some discs after spending 2 hours recording which is very fustrating because if you cannot finalise you cannot play the disc on any dvd player.
Such A Deal 2005-01-16
I have this Akai DVDRW120. I bought it because of the Secret Menu. I have used it for about a month and it has worked flawlessly. The copies it makes are like the origonals. I searched for another on the entire Internet. I bought the last one from Amazon. I am hopeful that it will work as well as the one I have.
The menus are easy, the formatting easier. It looks good and works great. I may have the last "new" unit in existance because I searched high and low including ebay, where I got my first unit.
I will write more when I receive my 2nd unit from Amazon.
Pretty Easy to Use But... 2004-11-20
I bought the Gateway AR230 so I could archive a closetful of old Beta (yes, Beta!) and VHS tapes I recorded over the years. I basically record using the 6-hour option which means I can copy 3 VHS tapes onto a singel DVD. Works pretty well and is a piece of cake to use except occasionally the AR230 gets confused and refuses to copy a tape - it thinks a tape is copy protected when it isn't. I called Gateway and they weren't able to help. Maybe there's a hack out there that'll let me do that (I did find out that you can bypass the region code via a secret menu). For the price it's an OK bit of kit.
Akai DVDRW120 
2004-10-20
This unit records great until it finalizes the disk, at this point you can get really bad artificks and blocking with dvd stopping and hard to read.
I find from the menu it is a Liteon clone for parts, so don't waste your money on this unit.
