continued from email...
Please ask tech questions in the forums. Others can often help you, too!
Quote:
What about DVD Recorders/DVR/VCR combos? Do any companies make a good, durable machine with all 3? I was just wondering in case I ever have to order a movie that is only available on VHS and want to make a DVD copy. And is it true with a DVR, you can record a channel and not have to have it on the same channel you're recording, like you can flip through the channels, while it records a different channel?
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Link for the Panasonic:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B000FKKO74
As per the last email, I don't suggest combo units. They break too easy. The parts are shared, and the power supplies never seem to last. I can only guess they fail from being overloaded.
The VCR half is good for recording TV to VHS, or playing VHS.
The DVD half is good for recording TV to DVD, or playing DVDs.
The HDD is good for recording TV to HDD, rough editing, and transferring the recordings to DVDs.
Combo units are
NEVER good for VHS to DVD work.
If I had to pick such a monster unit, I'd look at an expensive JVC pro deck.
From the two you've picked, I'd begrudgingly select the Panasonic. It sucks the least between the two units. So it doesn't "win" as much as it "doesn't lose".
I'd also like to add that CNET is worthless. They only write reviews that are positive, even when the item being reviewed it complete garbage and faulty in every way. That's the editorial style -- too afraid to piss off any company, for fear of losing ad dollars. Or fear that somebody may not click there affiliate links to buy whatever it is. There are no honest reviews on that site. For example, on the Panasonic, the only way it would have "outstanding recording quality" is if you're legally blind, or you're using a 13" screen to test view it, AND you're only using XP mode, and the recorded input source was NOT a video tape. The quality is acceptable, but that's it. Notice that you'll NEVER find a bad review (that's not in the user comments section) on CNET. Pathetic. The fourth estate has been bought out there.
Hope that helps.