LG RC897T DVD Recorder/VCR Combination - Product Review and Rating

The LG RC897T DVD recorder/VCR combo records most DVD formats and plays most DVD and CD formats, including MP3, WMA, and Jpeg files. The user can also record directly to VHS or dub non-copyprotected video content from VHS to DVD or DVD to VHS. The HDMI output and video upscaling function makes the RC897T a good match for an HDTV. The RC897T also has both analog and DV video inputs, a USB input for digital image and music file playback and complies with the upcoming DTV transition requirements, with its built-in ATSC tuner. After reading this review also check out my Photo Gallery and Video Performance Test Results.

A DVD recorder refers to a standalone unit that resembles and functions very much like a VCR. All DVD recorders can record from any analog video source (most can also record video from digital camcorders via firewire). Like a VCR, DVD recorders all have AV inputs as most have an onboard TV tuner for recording TV shows. DVD Recorders come in several configurations: Standalone, DVD Recorder/VCR Combo, or DVD Recorder/Hard Drive combo units. The type of DVD recorder that is being reviewed here is the LG RC897T DVD Recorder/VCR combination.

A DVD recorder can be used to copy any homemade videos, such as camcorder videos and videos made from TV shows, and can also copy Laserdiscs, and other non-copyguarded video material.

However, just as you can't copy commercially made video tapes to another VCR due to Macrovision anti-copy encoding, the same applies to making copies to DVD. DVD recorders cannot bypass the anti-copy signal on commercial VHS tapes or DVDs. If a DVD recorder detects the anti-copy encoding on a commercial DVD it will not start the recording and display some sort of message either on screen or on its LED front panel display that it detects the anti-copy code or that it is detecting an unusable signal.

If you need more info about DVD recording, check out my DVD Recorder FAQs before continuing on with this review.

LG RC897T Product Overview

1. The RC897T Records to all current DVD disc formats with Super Multi Format Recording: DVD±R /DVD±RW/DVD+R Double Layer/DVD-RAM.

2. Digital music, photo, and video file playback with flash drive via front USB port.

3. The RC897T features 1080p video upscaling via HDMI output for both DVD and VHS playback.

4. This unit has an ATSC tuner for reception and recording of over-the-air Digital TV signals. This complies with DTV Transition requirements.

5. An IR blaster cable is provided for control and recording from cable and satellite boxes.

6. VHS to DVD and DVD to VHS cross-dubbing of non-copy-protected video content is featured.

7. A front panel DV (IEEE-1394, iLink, Firewire) input for recording from digital camcorders is provided.

8. Video Inputs included: RF Coaxial and Composite Video (1 rear, 1 front).

9. Audio Inputs included: 2 sets of analog stereo inputs (1 front, 1 rear).

10. Video Outputs included: 1 HDMI, 1 Component (red, green, blue), 1 S-video, 1 Composite.

Audio Outputs: 1 Digital Optical, 1 Digital Coaxial, 1 set of analog Stereo outputs.

NOTE: HDMI can output both audio and video.

HDMI Overview

HDMI stands for High Definition Multi-media Interface. Get a closer look at an HDMI connector.

The RC897T has the ability to DVDs, VHS tapes, and ATSC tuner signals and send them via HDMI output to an HDTV equipped with an HDMI or DVI-HDCP (via a connection adapter) input. It must be noted that HDMI can transfer both video and audio signals.

Overview of Video Upscaling

The RC897T can output 720p, 1080i, or 1080p (in addition to 480p) to your HDTV.

720p is 1,280 pixels displayed across a screen horizontally and 720 pixels down the screen vertically. This yields 720 horizontal lines, which are displayed progressively, or each line displayed following another.

1080i represents 1,920 pixels displayed across a screen horizontally and 1,080 pixels down a screen vertically. This arrangement yields 1,080 horizontal lines, which are displayed alternately. In other words, all the odd lines are displayed, followed by all the even lines.

1080p represents the same pixel resolution as 1080i, however, the lines are displayed progressively, rather than alternately, providing a better visual look. Check out more details on 1080p.

The Practical Side Of Video Upscaling

The capability of the RC897T to output a video signal in 720p, 1080i, or 1080p format allows its video output to more closely match the capabilities of today's HDTVs.

Although this is not the same as watching DVDs or other standard definition sources in true-high definition, there is increased detail and color over a non-upscaling DVD player.

The upscaling function works best on fixed pixel displays, such as LCD or Plasma sets, the upscaling process may sometimes result in harsh images on standard CRT and Projection sets.

The RC897T is designed to do the following:

1. Record DVDs in a variety of formats.

2. Play standard DVDs and Music CDs.

3. Play and Record VHS Tapes, and dub from VHS to DVD and DVD to VHS.

4. Receive over-the-air DTV signals.

5. Watch DVDs, VHS tapes, and live DTV signals in an upscaled format.

6. Play music, photo, and video files from a Flash Drive.

The RC897T CANNOT do the following:

1. You cannot dub most commercially made VHS movie tapes to DVD or vice versa due the presence of copy-protection.

2. Although RC897T receives over-the-air DTV/HDTV signals via its ATSC tuner, it cannot record high definition onto DVD. All HDTV signals are downscaled before the recording process, but DVDs are upscaled on playback.

3. The RC897 cannot play Blu-ray or HD-DVD discs, nor can it record them.

Hardware Used In This Review

Home Theater Receivers: Onkyo TX-SR705, Harman Kardon AVR147.

Source Components: OPPO DV-983H DVD Player (used for standard DVD upscaling comparison).

Loudspeaker System1:2 Klipsch F-2's, 2 Klipsch B-3s, Klipsch C-2 Center , 2 Polk R300s, Klipsch Synergy Sub10.

Loudspeaker System2: 2 JBL Balboa 30's, JBL Balboa Center Channel, 2 JBL Venue Series 5-inch Monitor speakers, Polk Audio PSW10 Subwoofer.

TV/Monitors: A Westinghouse Digital LVM-37w3 080p LCD Monitor, and Syntax LT-32HV 720p LCD TV. Displays calibrated using SpyderTV Software.

Audio/Video connections made with Accell, Cobalt, and AR Interconnect cables. 16 Gauge Speaker Wire used.

Software Used

Standard DVDs: Crank, House of the Flying Daggers, The Cave, Kill Bill - Vol 1/2, V For Vendetta, U571, Lord of Rings Trilogy, Master and Commander.

Comparison DVD recordings used in this review were originally recorded on the Sony RDR-HX900, Philips DVDR985, and Pioneer DVR-533H DVD recorders.

CDs: Al Stewart - A Beach Full of Shells, The Beatles - LOVE, Joshua Bell - Bernstein - West Side Story Suite, Blue Man Group - The Complex, HEART - Dreamboat Annie, Eric Kunzel - 1812 Overture, Lisa Loeb - Firecracker, Nora Jones - Come Away With Me.

Proceed to Page 2 - Evaluation and Final Take.