Just ran across this new JVC combo unit at, of all places, the Target website.
There's nothing on it at the JVC website. Anybody have one or know anything about JVC's recent track record for reliability? I just got through returning a panasonic EZ47V to Circuit City before even getting it out of the box due to some negative and downsight scary reports about its product flaws right here in the forum. Trying to avoid the same experience if I go with this new JVC product instead of waiting for the ATSC-equipped Sony combo tto arrive at CC or BB. Target's price for the JVC combo is $329, $50 less the the only new Sony combo price I've seen. Any info on JVC. Anybody?

I just got through returning a panasonic EZ47V to Circuit City before even getting it out of the box due to some negative and downsight scary reports about its product flaws right here in the forum.Just because of one negative thread where a few people who had problems with it had posted?

A lot of other people here are perfectly satisfied with theirs and have had no problems whatsoever.

Anyway, I know that JVC recorders had a "loading bug" issue in some older models, but I believe they fixed that awhile back.

I agree. There may be a problem with the EZ47V based on reports here but then all DVD recorders should be returned because there are failures reported across all brands and models. As far as the EZ47K I guess I'll find out because I just ordered one.

I think the JVC is made by LG. Last I checked it was. The Insignia brand at Best Buy is also made by LG and is essentially the same as the JVC but priced much lower. But there have been bad reports on the quality of LG/Insignia/JVC models. I believe Zenith is also of the same breed - made by LG.

I think the JVC is made by LG. Last I checked it was.

I just got a Toshiba (not a combo) which is an exact clone of a JVC recorder. If I put a disc recorded on it into my computer, the volume label says "Funai DVD Recorder"....I'm wondering if this means that JVC is now using Funai as the OEM for some of their products.

You know that's a good point.

I think the JVC is not part of the LG rebadged group but rather a funai as you point out. It would not surprise me at all that the new Toshibas are also made by funai. I think all 2007 Toshibas are probably funai and I think Toshiba started sneaking in some lower end funai produced models in 2006.

I just got a Toshiba (not a combo) which is an exact clone of a JVC recorder. If I put a disc recorded on it into my computer, the volume label says "Funai DVD Recorder"....I'm wondering if this means that JVC is now using Funai as the OEM for some of their products.
Apparently, several companies farm out their VCR products to Funai. I read about Philips doing this for its VCRs in 2005. TruTech in Malaysia makes some Aiwa, Kenwood, JVC and Panasonic products.

Thanks to one and all for the input. I think I'm going to wait for the new Sony combo XXX655 to appear at CC or BB. I agree with the previous posters about not over-reacting to negative reports about various products. The posts regarding the Panasonic EZ47V, however, included one by a service tech in Iowa who actually identified an LSI chip that was running way too hot and failed in no less than eight units he purchased AS IS off Ebay in the hope of repairing and reselling them. The chip failure knocks out the display and freezes both the DVD and VHS load/eject mechanisms. He also mentions contacting Panasonic and discovering replacement parts or circuit boards for the unit were not yet available. I just elected not to take the chance that it's a flawed chip in all of the Panny units. Hope it's not the case for the sake of those who've just prurchased one. The post to which I refer is on the last one or two pages of the Panasonic EZ47V thread right in this section of the forum. Good luck.

Toshiba has been farming their recorders and TV's out to Funai for at least a couple of years now. (That includes all flat panel and CRT TV's - I don't know about projection.)