VHS To DVD Recorders
An overview of the machines available
For those of you seeking a simple solution to converting your old VHS tape keepsakes to the sleeker more modern DVD, a VHS/DVD combo unit may just be for you. These devices offer a flexible option by integrating a VHS and DVD, thereby, not only updating your old VHS player but giving you the ability to play DVDs in one unit. Some of the new VHS to DVD machines also up-convert the video signal to be shown on the latest Hi-Def TV screens.
Today, many of the VHS to DVD converters are much easier to use than their older counterparts, offering such features as easier menu navigation and one touch dubbing. The advantages of these units can not be discounted as they require little technical know-how or a computer to transfer and burn DVDs and will allow you to play your tapes for a long time to come. By attaching a TV tuner, or using an integrated tuner, if the unit comes with one, you will also be able to record your TV shows onto tape or DVD. Keep in mind, many DVD/VCR combo units can not be used to copy commercially made copy-protected DVD discs or VHS tapes.
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Sony RDR-VXD655
This VHS to DVD recorder comes with an intuitive graphical interface that makes the programming of the unit easy and the available tape recording speeds allow you to record up to eight hours per tape with the same quality as the two-hour recording mode. Dubbing is also easy as you have the convenience of one-touch recording from either tape or disc thereby making the dubbing process very easy. The device's also upconverts the video signal, giving you the experience of high-picture quality playback on your new Hi-Def TV on either VHS or DVD.
Toshiba DVR670 Recorder with Built in Tuner
This VHS to DVD machine is a true multipurpose device that allows you to easily convert your non-copyprotected VHS tapes to DVD and vice-versa as well as the ability to play DivX, CDs and MP3 file formats. The built-in TV tuner also allows you to record your favorite shows either to VHS or DVD from either analog or digital sources.
Samsung DVD-VR375/DVD-VR375A Up-Converting VHS Combo DVD Recorder
This reasonably priced unit allows for the easy conversion of your VHS tapes to DVD and many of the automatic built in features allows for the best picture quality, far better than can achieved with manual tracking. This VHS to DVD recorder also plays all the DVD recordable formats thereby allowing all your burned DVDs to be played on any player imaginable. You can also play back DivX video files and the upconverting features allow you to view your videos on the latest HD TV screens.
Toshiba DR420DVD Recorder with 1080p Upconversion
The Toshiba DR420 is an easy to use VHS to DVD recorder which allows for the playback and recording in HD resolution. The ease of use in navigating the menu system makes this a versatile device. You can also add menus to your burned discs thereby allowing easy navigation of burned recordings.
Magnavox MWR20V6
This versatile VHS to DVD machine allows for the easy taping of shows to VHS and DVD. It also has the advantage of some simple editing features which allows you to remove any commercials before making that final burn to DVD.
JVC SR-DVM700US DVD/Hard Drive/miniDV Recorder
If you are looking for a device that offers more than the typical home consumer unit, you may want to consider something that is professional grade. This machine, while one of the most expensive of the lot, features a large 250GB hard drive in addition to DVD and miniDV recording and playback, making this a true all-in-one recording device. While this device does not have a built-in tuner or Hi-Def upscaling features, it is a serious unit given its features and editing capabilities.
JVC DR-MV150B DVD Recorder/VCR Combination Unit
This other machine from JVC offers some versatile features. This device offers both NTSC and ATSC tuners, allowing for the recording of both analog and digital TV signals. The combo unit can also record on all DVD formats, including DVD-RAM and playback of both MP3 and DivX files. The MV150B also features front mounted DV inputs that allows for the easy connection and transfer from digital DV camcorders.
As you can see, there is a wide variety of VHS-to-DVD machines available that will facilitate the easy transfer of your VHS tapes to DVDs and provide some useful features. The advantage of these devices is that it obviates the steps needed to digitize your VHS tapes and convert them to DVD format on a computer thereby making this a quick and easy process. With a built-in tuner and some simple editing capabilities, you are also able to record and save your on-air TV programs on to VHS or DVD, minus the commercials, to be viewed later on your new Hi-Def TV.