Sony RDR-VX555
Digitize from VCR to DVD or vice versa.
Recommended Media: -R (see below for details)
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is NOT legal to make a copy of a VCR tape to a DVD without expressed permission from the owner of the content. If you are the owner (interviews, ethnographic work, research) you can make a copy. If the content of the tape is under copyright you must make contact the publisher and get permission, even if the content is not available in digital format. Fair Use only allows for you to USE the content, it does NOT allow for you to make a copy.
Enhance your TV and movie watching with the high quality RDR-VX555 DVD recorder and VHS combo player. Intuitive graphical interface makes programming your recording easy. Seven VHS recording speeds let you record up to 8 hours per tape. Plus, enjoy the convenience of one-touch recording from disc to tape or the reverse. The DVD deck lets you experience high picture-quality playback from a wide variety of formats, including DVD, VCD, VCR, VHS, SVHS, music CD and more. Progressive scan playback, HDMI output and 720p/1080i upscaling from DVD/VCR deliver optimal picture quality. You can even control your DV and Digital8 camcorder for editing via the i.LINK interface. Line Input Recording — Refers to utilizing Audio/Video inputs to record desired programming from a set-top box or other video sources that use A/V outputs. Set Top Box Pass Through — Allows for viewing of programming from Cable Set Top Box or Satellite Receiver even when the recorder is powered off through the line input. You can see TV programs of the connected Cable Set Top Box or Satellite Receiver, regardless if the recorder is powered on or not. 2-Way One Touch Dubbing — Allows for dubbing from VHS to DVD or reverse.
There are so many DVD types, its almost like a mathematical alphabet soup. One is a + the other is a -, one is a R the other is a RW, one is called “video”, the other is a VR. With each of these types comes certain types of “challenges”. For instance, some automatically finalize the burn, others do not (which accounts for why some of you have had different experiences). Some allow a finalized disk to play on all equipment, some will only allow on DVD players and not in computers. It was recently suggested to me (thanks Michael) that the best, and least problematic, type is a -R. Apparently, -R DVD have the fewest problems, such as the ones illustrated above – and they also have the added benefit of having the fewest letters to remember. 
Other formats CAN be used, and I’d suggest you consult page 88 in the Sony manual, which is located in the brochure rack on the wall by the door, before completing the burn.