This may sound like a stupid question, but is there any difference in quality with a standalone DVD recorder hooked up to a VCR vs. a DVD recorder/VHS combo unit?

I want to transfer some shows off my old VHS tapes.

Of course it depends on a model by model comparison (i.e. some units use better quality encoding chips, etc.), but all things being equal as far as price range and how far up the line a model is... the answer is NO. There is no difference in quality just because a unit combines VHS and DVD.

The combo units do offer some features to make your copying easier (fewer steps and connections), but otherwise the results should be the same.

I may be misunderstanding here, but I believe what you wish to do is not possible. The dvd recorders that have the vcr built in still require an external vcr player to be able to record a video tape to dvd.

I may be misunderstanding here, but I believe what you wish to do is not possible. The dvd recorders that have the vcr built in still require an external vcr player to be able to record a video tape to dvd.
Dunno what brand of combo unit you have, but most allow vhs to dvd dubbing.

I think what everyone is hinting at but I don't think anyone has mentioned, it all depends on the VHS tape. If it is a tape you have recorded yourself, it should work. If it is a commercially made tape that you purchased or rented, it probably won't work. Most commercial tapes contain Macrovision anti-copy signals and most DVD recorders will refuse to go into "record" mode if Macrovision is present.

Dave

I haven't tried this. Does anyone know if you put in a tape and play it, take the output and run it through a video filter, plug it into one of the inputs, and then record on the DVD from that input?

COMBO UNITS:
VHS to DVD = YES
VHS w/Macrovision to DVD = NO

Seperate VHS VCR to Video Filter to Seperate DVD Recorder
VHS to DVD = YES
VHS w/Macrovision to DVD Recorder = YES

As far as I know none of the newer VCR/DVD Combos will let you run an Output to an Input so you can't use a Video Filter with them.

The Original Panasonic Combo model DMR-E75V & the next years model ES30V were the only models that I know of that would let you do this.

I believe what you wish to do is not possible. The dvd recorders that have the vcr built in still require an external vcr player to be able to record a video tape to dvd.

Am I misunderstanding your comment here?

Are you saying, if I buy a DVD/VCR combo (because VCR's seem to have disappeared off the market) for my homemade VHS tapes, I can NOT transfer them to the Pio640 HDD to edit and burn to DVD like I did with my standalone, single VCR? (It broke, that is why I am looking for a replacement)

Urlee

The 640 WILL be able to record from the Combo unit to the HDD or directly to DVD just like your old VCR did.

The only exception is that it will not be able to record from the Combo unit if it is playing a Tape or DVD that has the COPY GUARD system in it.

To do that you would have to add a Video Filter on the Video Output of the Combo unit & then you would be able to copy store bought DVDs or Video Tapes to the 640.

Just make sure if your buying a Combo unit without a DVD Recorder in it that it will output BOTH the VCR & DVD signals through the Audio/Video Outputs.

I think some of the cheaper DVD PLAY ONLY Combo units only output the VCR Signal using the RF Antenna Out but I could be wrong on this so just check that it Outputs Both The VCR & DVD Sections using the Yellow, White & Red Outputs & you should be fine.

As for a VCR, you might want to check a few repair shops in your area & see what they have kicking around because I know people that have gotten some pretty good VCR models at some very reasonable prices & these were models that will produce a better picture than any Comsumer VCR model that you can buy today.

Just make sure if your buying a Combo unit without a DVD Recorder in it that it will output BOTH the VCR & DVD signals through the Audio/Video Outputs.

I think some of the cheaper DVD PLAY ONLY Combo units only output the VCR Signal using the RF Antenna Out but I could be wrong on this so just check that it Outputs Both The VCR & DVD Sections using the Yellow, White & Red Outputs & you should be fine.

Bill, I don't think there are any combo units that won't pass video signals from both the VCR and DVD sections through composite video. S-video outputs on these units, however, will only pass the DVD signal.....well, at least on the ones I have.

The built in modulators in these combo players (the RF output) will pass video from both the VCR and DVD sections.

Vin, I think your right but I thought someone told me once that they got a cheap DVD/VCR Combo unit with a DVD only Player in it for the kids room & for some strange reason the VCR section would not pass the VCR signal out using the A/V Outputs only the RF Output?

Seems starange I know because I've never had or saw one that could'nt but I just wanted to pass that on so he could check it out especially if he was going to buy a cheap one just to copy tapes from.

I got my daughter the Panny ES30V Combo unit from another board member here & if I remember right on the ES30V unit it will pass the VCR & DVD signals out through the Component, S-Video or Composite Outputs & it will even upscale the VCR picture to 480P using the Component Outputs.

My Samsung VR330 combo will also pass the VCR and DVD signals out through component, s-video or composite outputs.

I was thinking of this one.

LG® V194H DVD Player and VCR Combo
$79.97


See your videos like never before.
This super-slim DVD player and VCR combo not only fits in just about any entertainment center, but gives you the convienience of two components in one. Plus, a special video processing circuit upconverts your movies to 1080i via the HDMI output.


Video upconversion via the HDMI interface converts your DVD video output into 1080i high-definition
Progressive-scan technology processes video faster and sequentially to produce crisp, clear images
Multiformat disc playback: DVD Video, DVD±R/RW, Audio CD, CD-R/RW, WMA CD and JPEG CD
14-in-2 memory card slot is compatible with most cards so you can enjoy digital music & photos

What's in the box

V194H DVD/VCR combo
Remote control
AAA batteries (2)
A/V cables
RF 75-ohm coaxial cable
User's guide