Top DVD/VCR Combo Under $100

Even as next generation technology pushes yesterday's favorites out to pasture, there are some of us that for one reason or another, need to hold on to the past. Now, this is not an article designed to in anyway vindicate those people out there still gripping valiantly to their 8-tracks or their Betamax tapes or their Laser Discs. No, this is about a product a touch more recent, VHS tapes.

There are a number of people out there with very extensive VHS collections who do not actually wish to convert all their tapes over to DVD. In addition, there are a lot of video, like twice-recorded television shows, films and others that struggle to make the jump without very good equipment. What can those people do? The answer is in compromise: The DVD/VCR combination machine.

There are a number of moderately priced DVD/VCR combos on the market. The bad thing is that so many of them are priced that low for very good reason. Some do not have enough of the features that an independent VCR or DVD player might have. Others might have the features needed, but might lack some other important factor. Others still might be the total package, but a package lacking in durability, completely unable to withstand any heavy-duty usage without needing to be sent back to the manufacturer.

That said, there is a very good DVD/VCR combo that is quite capable of servicing practically all of your needs. This DVD/VCR combo is available in a number of online outlets. Most importantly, each of the outlets that offer this unit sell the DVD/VCR combo for under $100, which not so long ago was the price of an inexpensive VCR by itself.

My favorite DVD/VCR combo is the Sony SLV-D360P DVD/VCR Player:
This is a great device. It supports a wide variety of media formats, including VHS, DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, audio CDs, CD-R, and Video CD. It offers one-touch recording, Dolby Digital support and an integrated tuner. It also features MP3 support, Progressive Scan, JPEG picture viewing with a multibrand remote. The Sony DVD/VCR combo has a wide variety of inputs and outputs for both audio and video, including S-Video, Component Video, Composite (RCA), RF Coaxial, Digital Coaxial, Digital Optical as well as A/V.

The VCR section offers 1-month, 8-event advance programming and commercial skip. Any camcorders or gaming consoles can plug directly into the front panel for hassle-free connections. Its 4-head design allows for excellent slow-motion play in both directions as well as offering clear still-frame images. The DVD/VCR combo is also capable of recording and playing back stereo audio tracks in Hi-Fi. The 19-micron video heads provide a sparklingly clear picture when recording or viewing in either SP or EP mode.

All those features and that still is not the best part of this DVD/VCR combo. In my opinion, the best aspects of this device are its compatibility and ease of use. It fits seamlessly with any other product, especially Sony products. Installing the DVD/VCR Combo is simple and easy. It has so many "plug and play" options that allow it to work with virtually any set up. Being a Sony, it is designed to handle a large amount of use, living up to that cliché, "taking a licking and keep on ticking."

The only flaws in this item are that the Sony DVD/VCR combo sometimes responds slowly to the remote control, but it is not enough of a lag to make a difference in performance. The only other problem I have noticed is that transferring recorded material from DVD to VHS is not that easy, but again, not a big enough factor to be an issue.

The Sony DVD/VCR combo is available from SELTRONIC for just $99. It also available at both Radioshack.com for $129.99, as well as from BuyRiteElectronics for $145.95. Amazon offers this DVD/VCR combo for a low price of $59.99. As far as aesthetics, unlike many of its brethren, the Sony DVD/VCR combo looks like it should cost much more than it actually does, which is another plus for those consumers who hate to look cheap.

Overall, the Sony SLV-D360P DVD/VCR combo is the best buy you can get for under $100. It offers versatility, compatibility and durability without costing an arm and a leg, which might allow you to set up the home theater of your dreams without blowing your budget.