I'm looking to replace an old malfunctioning DVR system ( one of those crappy ones from Costco) with something that actually works well. I'm trying to keep costs down below $600, but I want a stable reliable unit, not another cheap piece of crap.

In my research I came across two units that fit my needs:

New Sanyo DSR-2004H80

refurbished/used: Sanyo DSR-M804

The DSR2004H80 is newer and has more features. However it can only record 7fps at full D1 resloution. the M804 is old and lacks a remote, but it can record full D1 at 30fps on all 4 channels (if I'm reading the documentation right).

Here's the dilemma: I can get the M804 for almost $200 less than the 2004H80.

Between these two, which would you choose? The 804 strikes me as a more 'industrial' model meant for large scale installations; it may not be user-friendly for residential uses. But with it I won't have that jerky low fps playback.

This is for my home and the cameras are those cheap ones from my costco kit. I know GIGO, but for now it will have to do.

I use a sanyo 804 I love it! This is the third dvr I have used (I have a liquor store) and my far the best. In use for about two years (maybe three, time goes quick). I bought a samsung(shr1040) from samsclub becuase I wanted a remote, but quickly switch back because of the picture quality of the sanyo 804. If you used any dvr, you'l find this easy to use for home use or small busines. I do not know anything about the other unit your comparing.