DVD/VCR combo to play both DVD and record VHS w digital t?

... and they said nothing that would record to vhs ;-( But I will ask if they have any Panasonic unit for that price. I agree, it's steep, but it would be worth it. Thanks for that info!

This digital change is interesting but frustrating. Right now, I have local stations cable, and my analog tv and vcr seem ok with that, tho have not tried time recording (which is my aim

I also have a new lcd tv here for now, and wow, it is getting a million channels-- guess they are the new digital ones. But I can't record or playbck to the vcr even with the local cable... even just local stations. Just discovered that.

Dan (or anyone else),

I found this at Costco...
SOLD OUT
$229.99 after $40 OFF
Panasonic
Progressive Scan DVD Recorder w/ VHS VCR
Multi-Format Playback
Item # 290022

But it's not exactly the same model numbers as I was given. It is DMR-EZ485v. Says DVD recorder, HDMI cable, multi format recording an playback but does not (on box mention vcr). One guy at Costco said yes, would tape vcr from antenna; the other guy said, no. SIGH. Is it a wonder I'm confused?

Anyhow, if you have any insight into this please let me know!

Thanks.

C.

The combo player is listed on the Panasonic website: http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Video/DVD-Recorders-Players/DVD-Recorders/model.DMR-EZ485VK_11002_7000000000000005702 There just isn't a price listed because that model is sold thru the Big Box outlets like Costco. From what I can see, this model does have a digital tuner to allow VHS recording of TV channels.

Thanks, Dan.
Yes, sometimes the numbers are off cuz things are sold thru Costco, I've noticed.

What I find confusing about these vcr/dvd deals, if they HAVE a digital tuner, is that all you must have to record on both vhs and dvd? Is it that simple?

Because some have said they record on dvd and you can upgrade your vhs's, which sure doens't sound like the same thing. But if it has a digital tuner, by definitely would it mean it would work for both?

I yam confoosed. If they'd only say, "record DVDs. P:lay DVDs. Record VHS. Play VHS." then I'd understand!

The fact tha thalf athe folks at Costco don't know what's going on doesn't help

Since I don't own a DVD/VHS combo that has a DVD recorder, I can't honestly tell you if the DVD portion can record directly off-air like the VHS portion can. I think to do this would require some sort of buffer to hold the info while it burns to DVD, and I just don't know if this unit has this. On some of these units, the DVD portion is meant to record only from VHS. You can certainly call Panasonic and ask their support people. Go to www.panasonic.com and click on Consumer Products, then click on Support and you should get either a phone number, or better yet, a live chat person to answer your questions. In this case, your computer is your best friend. Use it wisely my friend.

Took your advice only there was no live chat option. So I sent them an email, which hopefully they will reply to.

So, soon we will learn what the heck this unit does! lol.

Thanks!

Crud.
It won't record off air from the VCR. ;-(

Back to the drawing board. I'm running out of places!

I still use the VCR side of my combo unit because it makes it very simple to record a program then import it into my computer to delete commercials and burn a DVD. I do this to stuff that doesn't need an HD picture, like program that I want to watch on vacation or save for conenience viewing. I recorded the History Channel program about the history of the Star Wars movies, which I burned to DVD. When I record stuff to the DVR, it's not convenient to import into the computer or burn to DVDs. Yes, the quality stinks, but for convenience viewing, it's fine.

to do when they stop produce vcr at any price? You'll be looking for alternative (I bet).

Oops, I'm so sorry. I mistyped. Target had had the Panasonic DMREZ48 for $299, NOT $399.

I phoned Sony, they say their model is RDRVXD65 and was made 4 years ago (guess only reconditioned ones sold)? I find it confusing how to tell from a description if a machine records on VHS or only on the DVD part. For instance, on this page: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/search.asp?keywords=vcr+dvd+combo+recorder&searchbtn.x=0&searchbtn.y=0

are 2, 4, 5 recording on VHS, or do they only "upscale" to DVD?

I understand, of course, the item has to have a tuner! But can someone tell me how to tell the difference since the descriptions are not clear to me?

Or, simply, i fyou know models other than the Panasonic and the old Sony? Or which companies are likely to have one (I could phone them)?

Thanks!!

none of them have a built-in tuner.

Take a look at: http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Video/DVD-Recorders-Players/DVD-Recorders.list.75012_11002_7000000000000005702 . I like this model: DMR-EZ48VK.

Panasonic lists a few combo units that all have digital tuners capable of recording TV shows, and they have a DVD recorder. My Panasonic combo unit does not up-convert, but I would assume that the upconversion to 1080p only applies to the DVD side of the unit, not the VHS side.

Ahtoi, yes I know that VCRs will cease to exist at some point, and I will embrace whatever technology will allow me to burn DVDs of recorded TV shows. At this moment, it's a pain to ingest TV shows from the DVR to a computer to burn DVDs. So for now, and until the VCR ceases to exist, the VCR is an easy, cheap (but low quality) way to allow burning DVDs of recorded TV shows.

it will come in handy someday; and I think I will hold on to the 3 that I have. But my problem is the cable signal (too much noise/snow) and I seem unable to get a good rf amp. at least the 2 that I bought didn't work for me at all ( by hannel master).

speaking of which, my vcr made perfect copies from my antenna.
Now that I have cable, it plays back with some specks (not snow but a bit annoying).

Wonder why?

Many of the channels are heavily compressed to conserve bandwidth. This is generally why some still look like garbage, regardless of whether or not you are paying for 'digital' cable.

-Pedro

Well BestBuy has them at $309.00... Home Depot (since when do they have this kind of stuff?) says it is out. That left Fry's, which can order it. They are not that close.

I will see if Sears or Target will order... that would be best.

It doesn't say it records to VHS from the tuner. But it does? For sure?

It is confusing since they don't say so.

Thanks.

On the Panasonic site that I gave you, click on Support and you can download the owners manual (http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DMREZ48V-MUL.PDF). There is a section called "Recording TV Programs".

costco I was told has them on sale for $229 till july 5

They are out of them. I wonder if they even got them in...

I just found this out in case you or someone else is interested. Only records on dvd

I just got my dad the magnavox 2160 hdd dvr, He already had the pannyez48
Here is the delema- He finally learned how to record to dvd as I got him the +rw sony discs to make it easier (he still cant figure out home much "tape" is left on the disc ) anyway, when he brought the disc up to the mag to play it, the disc menu does not show up. It plays fine, but we do not know what is on the disc when put in the magnavox.
He gave me a disc to try on my phillips 3576 HDD and it does not show up either- is that common with either of these units?
That will be a problem when he is recording 2 programs, one on the dvd on the panny in the basement and another on the mag.
watching will be done on the mag as mom does not like to go to the fully furnished basement to watch

Why not put the letter M or P on the disc and tell him to use the corresponding discs for that machine only (Magnavox or Panasonic).

actually that will not work, because he tapes one of the soaps that is on at them same time another is for my mom on the panasonic
but she wont go in the basement to watch it and there is no other tv upstairs to hook it to , it is a 46 inch in the basement and too big to put upstairs.
Someone else said to set it as compatable and that may work
will have him try it

it's not always possible to make compatible. A little more expensive alternative would be to get another Magnavox or Panasonic.

Have you try using a splitter anyway? In my case (with the exception of the snow/noise that I mentioned), I am able to get the cable channels (up to 99). Of course this ruled out many channels, but still..it works.