DVD/VHS combo machines

Peter

2010-03-09 18:50:15 UTC

Post by r***@newsgroup.com
I'm still on analog cable for awhile but slowly preparing for digital
conversion.
To that end I've got one DVD/VHS combo unit that has both analog and
digital tuner built in, JVC DR-MV100B. I've been looking for another
such unit with a different brand name so the the remotes won't effect
each other. I like to be able to tape (yes tape) two shows while
watching a third.
In order to work both before and after full switch over for what I want
it must have the following specifications
1. Analog and Digital Tuners
2. Timed recording to either DVDs or VHS tapes
3. RF and AV outputs
All combos I could find in my searches were capable of dubbing, for that
appears to be the main purpose in selling these.
Many were missing either both tuners or the analog tuner and most were
lacking the ability to make timed recording to VHS tapes.
Do you know of any non-JVC machines still being made, that meet these
specifications? Thanks to JVC for still making such a machine.

Although not exactly what you desire, if you have the $$, look at the Magnavox
H2160MW9 HDD&DVD Player/Recorder. When I got mine, it was only available at
Walmart.com and Target.com. I've had it since mid October and I love it.

It has both an analog and digital tuner and as with traditional VCRs, you can
connect an RF coax cable from the device to the antenna input of your TV, so that
you can use the TV normally when not using the Player/Recorder. The hard drive
gives you a choice of 5 different recording qualities, with 60 hrs of next to the
best "standard" quality recording time. You can pre-set up the timer for up to
about 40 programs up to 1 month in advance, or indefinitely if you choose one of
the every designated days instead of programming in a calendar date.

The DVD side can upconvert to 1080i quality (and the playback of recordings made
on the hard drive, although not HD, can also be set to upconvert to 1080i and
looks almost as good to me when recorded in stardard quality as a non-blueray
DVD). As with a TIVO, you can playback a program recorded on the hard drive
while simultaneously recording another onto the hard drive, and can pause a real
time broadcast and resume at will. The device supports dubbing both ways. Has
video outputs in composite, s-video, component and HDMI.

Only downsides are (1)it only has a 30 second memory for clock and programmed
recording in the event of power failure, (2) progamming requires advanced
knowledge and manual setting of the date, time on, time off, and channel for each
show you want to pre-set to record, and (3) there is no programming guide feature
internal to the device. However, there are no monthly fees and doesn't require a
telephone connection. It's a poor man's TIVO but great for my purposes.
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