Which DVD/VCR combo should I buy? MUST dub VCR to DVD?

Question

I want to get a decent DVD/VCR combo to record from my TV and to dub (transfer) my old VCRs to disc (not generally pre-recorded as I know about problems with them). Hard drive recording would be good and must be digital prepared. Want to spend around £200 - £250 but could go higher (or lower!). What do you recommend? I like the Panasonic DMR EZ47 or Toshiba RDXV47 - what do you think? Hope you all had a good Christmas and enjoy a happy new year!

Definitely want both VCR and DVD - and HDD

Answer 1

Hi Hilary

Twisted is absolutely right although you don't have to get rid of your VHS.

I will add one thing. If the VHS tapes are commercially recorder then you will have to bypass the copy guard. That is legal to do as long as you are backing up tapes you own.

To bypass the copy guard you need to get a device like "Sima T120 GoDVD". It removes the copy guard and enhances the picture. You plug your source into it and plug it into the input of your recorder.

Here is an example of one - http://www.heartlandamerica.com/browse/item.asp?PIN=54817&

Another one that will work is the Digital Video Stabilizer. They work like a charm. Go here to read about and see an example - http://www.qualitekindustries.com/vidstab.html


Norm

Answer 2

In all honesty, it's not worth bothering.

DVD / VCR combinations are notoriously unreliable for starters. Then, once you have dubbed all your tapes, the VCR section becomes redundant.

It's much better to buy a DVD recorder with a built in hard drive, then link your current VCR player to it with a scart cable and dub directly from tape to hard drive, then on to DVD.

Once you have transferred all your videos, you can get rid of the VCR.