I have no problems recording from camcorder or tv but I can’t get the dvd’s to play on my other dvd players. Is there a special disk that I need to use, or am I hopless?

I used to use an Emerson, I think. I just had to make sure that the recorder formatted the DVD. After it recorded, I could play it in any DVD player. Your instruction manual might mention whether they can be played in other players. I would check it and if it doesn’t mention it then check the manufacturer’s website.