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My Mother in law wants a DVD/VCR combo for Christmas

I'm not a big fan of anything that combines two functions like that. They usually don't work very well for either one, and you're screwed if half of it breaks.
 
Originally posted by: Heisenberg
I'm not a big fan of anything that combines two functions like that. They usually don't work very well for either one, and you're screwed if half of it breaks.
Click to expand...

Given the ridiculously low prices for both DVD players and VCRs, the only real advantages to the combination units are if you're lacking shelf space or video inputs.
 
My wife and I had a Samsung DVD/VCR combo that was working great for a while until the power went out and somehow scrambled the DVD part. We've got a Toshiba unit now that's been working great so far. Your mileage may vary. 😀
 
Originally posted by: Heisenberg
I'm not a big fan of anything that combines two functions like that. They usually don't work very well for either one, and you're screwed if half of it breaks.
Click to expand...
I feel the same way...would never want one myself...but that's what she wants....

 
We bought a really nice Panasonic DVD/VCR for $139.99 @ CostCo B&M because

1) I don't have a DVD Player in the bedroom.
2) I'd rather have 1 device than 2 to save on space and numbers out outlets being used.
3) Our DirecTIVO can archive shows to VCR.
4) The DVD can read virtually ALL CD formats including CD-R, MP3, DVD burner discs, etc.
5) Last but not least CostCo has THE BEST return policy ... if it breaks I take it back and get a replacement or refund, no questions asked.

You can find combo DVD/VCR units for $99 or less but I've always enjoyed quality Panasonic products.
 
Radioshack has some brand that they always sell cheap (under $100).

I stuck one (GO Video, I believe) in the living room because the old VCR died and I wanted to play DVDs and video but didn't want both components taking up space. Normally, I'd stay away from these things though.
 
I bought my mom a samsung dvd-1000 last year or the year before. space was an issue and she wanted a combo. it's a great dvd player for general use, she's not looking at hooking up a 10,000$ home theater or anything. in addition to vhs, svhs, and dvd; it plays mp3s and vcds
 
I looked into this for a friend last xmas and the user reviews on Amazon were very negative even for major brands like JVC, but maybe after another year they're less craptastic.

Sony, JVC, Panasonic, others now have super-slim DVD players under $100 that should fit on top of or under another component on a single shelf, so if I were giving the gift I'd give separates.
 
Last year we bought my mom a JVC combo and while I do like it I think the VCR portion of it could have used a little work. It doesn't seem to do well with old tapes or tapes that you've recorded over 1000 times. Other than that though it's been a pretty solid unit.

My friend just got a Samsung combo (don't remember the model # but I always see it at best buy) and it seems like a really nice unit. If I had to choose one for myself I'd probably go with the Samsung or a Toshiba.
 
Personally, I would rather have separates......you can always find higher quality components in separates vs. combos. But, we bought one of theose Sony mispriced specials at Sears a few weeks ago for Debbie's parents for Christmas. They want a VCR and DVD player all-in-one for less space and because they don't care about ultra-high quality. (They don't have a DVD player but tons of VHS tapes, so they want to retain the tape playing capibility.) The $35 Sony will do them just fine.

 
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