Sunday, June 15, 2008

About.co: 8 DVD/ VCR Combo Recommendations

Top 8 DVD Recorder - VHS VCR Combinations

From Robert Silva,
Your Guide to Home Theater.
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DVD recorder/VCR combos are here. For those that are both replacing a VCR and want a DVD recorder, this flexible option gives you the best of the old and the new. You can use these units to play DVDs and VHS tapes, as well as record or copy homemade recordings (such as camcorder tapes, television recordings, etc...). However, keep in mind that DVD recorder/VCR combos cannot be used to copy commercially made DVD movies to VHS or commercially made VHS movies to DVD, due to copy-protection.

1. JVC DR-MV99B DVD Recorder/VCR Combination

The JVC DR-MV99B is a DVD Recorder/VCR combo that offers both good performance and a versatile feature package. This combo records on both the DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW formats and plays back most DVD and CD formats, including MP3 and Divx files. In addition, using the VCR section, the consumer can both record directly to VHS (HiFi) or dub non-copyprotected video content from VHS to DVD or DVD to VHS. The MV99B also has a front mounted DV input (iLInk) that allows direct video and audio transfer from digital camcorders. Also, with its HDMI output the DR-MV99B can upscale to both DVD and VHS up to 1080i The MV99B is also equipped with an ATSC tuner, for the reception of digital TV signals after Feb. 17, 2009.

2. Panasonic DMR-EZ47VK DVD Recorder/VCR Combo

The Panasonic DMR-EZ47VK has just about everything a user needs in a DVD recorder/VCR combo, including the ability to record most DVD formats and play back most DVD and CD formats, including Divx, MP3, and Divx files. In addition using the VCR section, the consumer can both record directly to VHS or dub non-copyprotected video content from VHS to DVD or DVD to VHS. Also, with Panasonic's enhanced 4-hour recording mode, you can record sporting events and longer movies onto DVD with the same video quality as the 2-hour recording mode. The incorporation of HDMI and video upscaling makes the EZ47VK a good partner for use with an HDTV. The 47VK also has an ATSC tuner, for the reception of digital tv signals after Feb. 17, 2009.
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3. Toshiba DVR650 DVD Recorder/VCR Combination

The Toshiba DVR650 is a very flexible DVD recorder/VCR combo. Some of the practical features include the ability to record in most DVD formats and play back most DVD and CD formats, including Divx, MP3, and WMA files. In addition using the VCR section, the consumer can both record directly to VHS or dub non-copyprotected video content from VHS to DVD or DVD to VHS. The incorporation of HDMI and video upscaling to 1080i makes the DVR650 easy to use with an HDTV. This unit also has both an NTSC, ATSC, and QAM tuners, for the reception of digital tv and basic digital cable signals after Feb. 17, 2009.
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4. Sony RDR-VX555 DVD Recorder/VCR Combo

The Sony RDR-VX555 is a DVD Recorder/VCR combo with a twist. Unlike most other DVD recorders and DVD recorder/VCR combos, this unit has no built-in tuner. In order to record TV programs, you must connect a Cable Box, Satellite Box, or other type of Desktop Box used for receiving either analog or digital television signals. However, the VX555 certainly does not leave out other important features, such as multi-format DVD recording and playback, DVD to VHS and VHS to DVD crossdubbing, iLink DV video input for digital camcorders, CD playback, and video upscaling via HDMI output. If you are looking for a DVD recorder/VCR combo, and used a separate box for accessing television programming, check out the Sony RDR/V555.
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5. Samsung DV-VR357 DVD Recorder - VCR Combination

If you are confused about whether to replace that aging VCR with a DVD recorder, now may be the time with the Samsung VR357 DVD Recorder/VCR combo. The VR357 records to all five recordable formats DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD-R/+RW and DVD-RAM, and has composite, S-Video, and iLink video inputs. In addition, on the DVD playback side, the VR357 can play back Divx files and has both component and HDMI video outputs and features 720p/1080i upscaling via the HDMI output. Of course the Vr357 can still record and play back VHS tapes. However, keep in mind that to record television programs, you need to use an external tuner, such as cable or satellite box. To find out more details on whether the VR357 is right for you, download the User Manual.
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6. Toshiba DVR-600 DVD Recorder/VCR Combo

The Toshiba DVR600 is a basic DVD recorder/VCR combo with practical featuress, including the ability to record in most DVD formats and play back most DVD and CD formats, including Divx, MP3, and WMA files. In addition, using the VCR section, the consumer can both record directly to VHS or dub non-copyprotected video content from VHS to DVD or DVD to VHS. The incorporation of HDMI and video upscaling to 1080i makes the DVR600 easy to use with an HDTV. However, keep in mind that this DVD recorder/VCR combo does not have built-in tuners. In order to record television programming, you need to connect a cable box, satellite box, or DTV converter into the audio/video line inputs of the DVR600.
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7. Sony RDR-VXD655 DVD recorder/VCR combo

Sony's RDR-VXD655 DVD recorder/VCR combo has the ability to record in four of the five available recordable DVD formats: DVD+R/DVD+R DL/DVD+RW/DVD-R/DVD-RW so you can make DVDs that will play in just about any DVD player. Of course, you can still record and play back in VHS. This is not only a flexible recorder but has high-end playback features, including progressive scan and video upscaling via HDMI. Add a full complement of video inputs, including a DV input, and the incorporation of both NTSC and ATSC tuners, this DVD recorder/VCR combo is ready for the analog-to-digital Television broadcast transition on February 17, 2009.

8. JVC SR-DVM700US DVD/miniDV/Hard Drive Combination Recorder

If you are looking for a DVD recorder that is a cut-above the typical consumer-based unit, you might want to check out a professional unit, such as the JVC SR-DVM700US. This recorder not only features DVD-R/-RW and DVD-RAM recording capability, combined with a large 250GB hard drive, but also adds miniDV recording and playback capability. In addition, the DVM700US also has cross-dubbing and editing capability. Although the capabilities of this unit are extensive, it does not have a built-in tuner or 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling output capability, and is expensive. This is definitely a unit best suited for the more serious user or video editor. For a detailed look at the features and functions of the JVC SR-DVM700US, download the User Manual.
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