The popularity of DVD and the need to still use a VCR to play back old tapes as given birth to the DVD/VCR combo. Check out some of my DVD/VCR combo picks in this alternative to the home theater mix.
Toshiba has been in the forefront in affordable DVD players and VCRs. The SDV296 DVD Player/VCR combo, combines a DVD player with DVD/CD/DVD-R/RW file compatibility and all the analog and digital AV outputs you need, including progressive scan video output and digital coaxial audio output for DVD playback, along with a fully functional 4 Head HiFi Stereo VCR. If you are replacing that old VCR, get a VCR and DVD player in one.
NOTE: An external DTV converter box or a cable/satellite box with composite video output is required for recording television programming.
The Samsung DVD-V9800 DVD Player/VCR combo can play back CDs, DVDs, and Discs with Divx files as well as being able to record and play VHS tapes. In addition, the DVD side offers 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling via HDMI interface. The resulting playback quality via HDMI is very good. However, it is important to note that this unit does not have a built-in tuner. In order to record television programs, the DVD-V9800 must be connected to an external Cable, Satellite, or Over-the-Air Set-top Box using Composite video connections. Lastly, the DVD-V9700 is a DVD Player/VCR combo - not a DVD Recorder/VCR combo.
The HR-XVC12S DVD Player/VCR combo has a full complement of AV inputs and outputs for its 4 Head HiFi VCR section, as well as composite, S-Video, and Component video outputs for the DVD side. There is a digital coaxial output for Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS soundtracks. The DVD side features progressive scan, and is playback compatible with CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, VCD, and JPEG CD discs.
NOTE: The VCR section of this unit requires an external tuner (such as a cable, satellite, or DTV converter box) to record television programs. If you are looking for a bare-bones unit that can play DVDs and still record on VHS tapes, check out the JVC HR-XV12S as a possible choice.
