I am a techno-idiot.  

Are there now DVD burners which can record from a TV/cable/satellite
just like a VCR?

Is this the latest in DVD technology, or is there something even
newer?

Money is not really an issue---just interested in knowing what is "the
latest" in the gadget world.

A great answer would be 2-3 sentences, and 1-2 web links where I can
compare/buy the newest technology.

I am a novice---all comments greatly appreciated!

The very short answer is that some version of digital recorder is
poised to replace VCRs. There's been a lot of fighting about what the
new 'standard' will be, but as is always the case only time will tell.
You may be wise to wait a bit before making a purchase.

DVD recorders come in multiple varieties. Some record on disks (like a
CD burner) and some record using similar but incompatible technology
(some must be played back on a special machine). Also, there are other
competing technologies that are not related to DVD which are designed
to record in the HDTV era. D-VHS, a digital relative of the original,
is one of the better-known products in this arena.

Here's a good article from Cnet on DVD Recorders: 
http://electronics.cnet.com/electronics/0-3622-8-9964913-1.html

Philips makes a DVD Recoder that's been getting some attention:
http://www.dvdrecorder.philips.com/

Panasonic also has several models:
http://www.prodcat.panasonic.com/shop/newdesign/productlist.asp?categoryid=2596

Here's a link to a review of D-VHS:
http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/dvhs/


Note that this is a relatively young technology, and there are lots of
factors to consider. Do you want to record HDTV in addition to regular
TV, either now or when it becomes available in your area? Do you want
the disks you record to be viewable on regular DVD players? Do you
plan to use something like Apple's I-Movie to make snazzy home video
DVDs?

If you really want to learn about this, I suggest you spend some time
on *the* online forum for this kind of stuff: The AV Science Forum.
You may want to click on the links below and see what others are
talking about.


AV Science Forum
http://www.avsforum.com

DVD Hardware Discussion Area
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=18

HDTV Recorders Discussion Area
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=42

Thread: Is there a DVD recorder minifaq?
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169520

Thread: Suggestions for DVD recorder
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=173217

Thread: What DVD recorder should I buy?
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=177354

Search Strategy:
DVD recorder, DVD-R (google and avsforum)


That's more than 2-3 sentences, but I hope it helps!

-gentryunderwood

GentryUnderwood, this is a comprehensive and well-written answer.  
Terrific work!
Thank you.