DVD/VHS Combos

DVD/VHS combo decks

Experts agree that DVD recorders with hard disk drives are the most flexible. However, combination DVD recorder/VHS decks are also popular. Many buyers of DVD recorders have libraries of VHS tapes they want to transfer to DVD. Keep in mind that if you want to transfer VHS tapes to DVDs, you could also hook up your existing VCR to any DVD recorder.

There are some drawbacks to DVD/VCR decks. For one, in most cases the DVD recorder functionality is more basic than that of hard disk-equipped recorders. Editing functions are generally limited and depend on the format of the disc. Second, while housing two devices in one case certainly cuts down clutter, it also reduces flexibility. Finally, there's the issue of reliability. Housing two devices together increases the odds of failure -- one device or the other could fail, leaving you with a crippled or even useless machine.

Among DVD/VHS combo decks, the Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK (*Est. $280) has the strongest pedigree, though we've not yet seen much professional coverage of this model. It's among the most feature-packed DVD recorders currently available, though. Highlights include a time-slip function that lets you record one show while watching another prerecorded one (using DVD-RAM discs), and chase play, which lets you begin watching the beginning of the show while it is still recording. There's also an SD card slot for playing back still images.

Outstanding recording quality is a highlight of this recorder's predecessor, the Panasonic DMR-EZ47VK, especially in the LP mode -- reports say images look nearly as good as those recorded at lower quality settings. Past Panasonic DVD recorders have been spotty in regards to media compatibility, but even the previous-generation Panasonic DMR-EZ47VK didn't inspire any expert complaints in this regard. One problem that plagued the earlier model, however, is overheating, which reviews claim is addressed with one of the minor modifications added to the newer Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK -- a cooling fan.

The Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK is an upconverting unit, so standard-definition DVDs can be upscaled to 1080p and other HD resolutions and output via the recorder's HDMI connector. (Be aware that upconverting can only help the image a bit -- it cannot actually convert a regular DVD to high definition.) Experts found that the DMR-EZ48VK's predecessor did this competently enough, and some user reviews say the same of the upgraded DVD recorder. But one owner warns of an unappreciated recording feature, wherein the DMR-EZ48VK treats any break in the incoming video as the signal to divide the content into discrete segments. According to the review, this feature can't be disabled and the artificial breaks can result in a loss of content, making the Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK DVD recorder less than ideal for buyers who might be looking to transfer home movie collections from VHS to DVD.

Panasonic also offers a step-down DVD recorder/VCR combo, the Panasonic DMR-EA38VK (*Est. $245) . It should offer roughly the same performance as the DMR-EZ48VK, but lacks a few features -- most notably the built-in digital tuner. Unlike its predecessor, the Panasonic DMR-EZ37VK, this DVD recorder can upconvert to 1080p and has an SD memory card slot -- handy if you want to play photo or short video files. We saw no professional reviews, and user reviews are still too limited to draw many conclusions.

Unfortunately, few other DVD recorder/VCR combo decks get much in the way of positive recommendations, especially from professionals. While the Toshiba D-VR610 (*Est. $170) isn't an expert's pick, the few owner reviews available are mostly favorable. This is a tunerless DVD recorder, a fact which doesn't seem to faze most owners. There are, however, several complaints about the usefulness of the DVD recorder's manual, along with a few of its features. We also found some isolated reports of freezing or difficulty transferring content from VHS to DVD. Most owners seem satisfied, though, particularly in regard to this DVD recorder's overall value. An upgraded model with a digital tuner, the Toshiba D-VR660 (*Est. $250) , is also available, and user reviews are similar in number and tone.