Mom wants a DVD Recorder / VCR all in one

[Al Neri]

My mom wants a DVD recorder and a VCR all in one thingy (so she can record her tapes to dvd, and off the tv to dvd)...

I'd like it to
* I want to get her something that records to both +/- -- but as long as it does one, it's ok

* That also can maybe play DivX/XviD files, not a definite

* that's easy, my mom isn't quite techno-savvy

thanks
matstars

 

[eelw]

My mom wants a DVD recorder and a VCR all in one thingy (so she can record her tapes to dvd, and off the tv to dvd)...

Sure. Go to Best Buy and you can find them for less than $150.

I'd like it to
* I want to get her something that records to both +/- -- but as long as it does one, it's ok

Nope. Multiformat DVD Recorders are DVD only. No combo units.

* That also can maybe play DivX/XviD files, not a definite

Nope. Only a select few DVD players have built-in DIVX playback. No DVD recorders have it.

* that's easy, my mom isn't quite techno-savvy

Of the DVD recorders that I have used, all of them are as simple to use as a VCR.

 

[snoturtle]

there are a few out there that will record to + and - media
but there expensive

sony has one RDR-VX515 around 300+

 

[PurdueRy]

eelw kinda assumed a bit too much there....Theres quite a few that meet most of what you want...granted I do not think any play Divx. There are only a select few DVD players that do

Here are some options that record both + and - formats. (Although - is the industry standard that is approved)

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-kahL011EEE...-bin/ProdView.asp?g=69800&I=133DMR40VS

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-kahL011EEE6/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=69800&I=158VX515

There are probably more, but this gives you an idea of what you can look for

Let me also add that with these units you really pay for what you get. I would read around because there are definitely "junk" units if you go TOO cheap

 

[chibchakan]

I want to buy one also, but I can't find one with component video inputs.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: chibchakan
I want to buy one also, but I can't find one with component video inputs.

Can't use S-video?

 

[eelw]

Originally posted by: chibchakan
I want to buy one also, but I can't find one with component video inputs.

My Philips DVDR985 has component inputs, but only interlaced.

 

[eelw]

Originally posted by: eelw

Originally posted by: chibchakan
I want to buy one also, but I can't find one with component video inputs.

My Philips DVDR985 has component inputs, but only interlaced.

I've had my STB DVD recorder for nearly 5 years now. So I haven't done any major in depth researching on the current line of DVD recorders for a while now. But I plan to pick up a HD based recorder for my parents this Christmas. I prefer the +RW standard for video recording and the Philips HDRW720 looks to be a nice model. But to my surprise, this model actually can record in 480p mode :Q

edit - picked up the unit last night. It doesn't have 480p input Too bad this review made it sound like it did. Anyhow, still a nice little unit. Too bad it will need to sit in a box until Christmas.