When it comes to a good-quality DVD Recorder/VHS VCR combination, you can expect more than just the basic facilities. Many of them allow you to upscale your media, meaning anything previously recorded in a lower resolution can be changed to more accurately fit modern TVs. Physical media continues to be on its way out, and these devices are becoming increasingly difficult to come by, but we’ve gathered some of the best models still available. Each one should make it much simpler to keep your favorite videos secure, and in a more portable and practical format than before. The only thing to be aware of is that it lacks a tuner so you’ll need to connect an external tuner such as a cable or satellite box to the unit’s AV line inputs if you want to record TV shows to either DVD or VHS. For simple VHS-to-DVD conversion though, you can’t go wrong with the ZV427FX4. It just simply works. It records to only DVD-R (rather than DVD+R), but that means it’s compatible with playback on most DVD players so you won’t have to worry about any issues when watching them. For all your playback needs, the ZV427FX4 is compatible with DVDs, CDs, Kodak CD Picture Discs, and VHS tapes, so there are plenty of options here. It also offers progressive scans out via the component video outputs and HDMI and 1080p video scaling via HDMI. The ZV427FX4 covers all the bases, is built to last, and is affordable for all its features. Up-Conversion: 1080p | Compatibility: DVDs, CDs, Kodak CD Picture Discs, VHS tapes | Conversion: 2 ways We’re also big fans of its Progressive Scan feature, as this player can optimize your recording’s image quality so you get clearer and sharper videos with fewer lines on screen. It’s an attractively versatile and easy-to-use media player that should handle all your multimedia playback needs. Up-Conversion: VHS conversion | Compatibility: CD- (S)VCD- DVD- DVD+R/RW- DVD-R/RW- DVD+R DL- VHS | Conversion: 1 way There’s also two-way conversion so you can convert both DVDs and VCR tapes into both formats—something that not all DVD recorder/VHS VCR combos offer. Alongside all that is HDMI output, although it’s not quite perfect. If you want to record shows directly off your TV as they air, you’ll need to purchase a separate tuner to do so. Despite that drawback and the fact its design is pretty dated, the ZV427MG9 is an easy-to-use and practical device. Even though it has an older appearance, the device is relatively progressive with what it offers, and upscaling is sure to be particularly helpful. Up-Conversion: 1080p | Compatibility: DVD-video, DVD+RW, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD-R, CD-DA, video CD, CD-RW, CD-R, VHS | Conversion: 2 ways That includes a built-in tuner so you can easily record from your TV without needing to buy an additional tuner. You can also convert between DVD and VHS in either direction, and the device is compatible with most DVD formats and can play back CDs. To further sweeten the deal, the RC897T also has 1080p upscaling, both analog and DV video inputs, along with a USB input so you can plug in memory sticks to play back family photos or music files. The unit also complies with the DTV transmission requirement with its built-in ATSC tuner, allowing for reception of digital TV signals. It might be aging technology, but the RC897T keeps up to date with what you need. Up-Conversion: 1080p | Compatibility: VHS, DVD-R Dual Layer, CD, DVD, HD DVD, DVD-Audio, Blu-ray, DVD-RW Dual Layer, CD-R, DVD+RW, CD-RW, DVD+R | Conversion: 1 way It’s one of the best multi-format devices thanks to its ability to record to all five types of DVDs: DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM. That means plenty of flexibility for you and you won’t have to worry about purchasing incompatible blanks. Besides that, there’s an HDMI output included along with upscaling so you can choose to play and record at either 720p, 1080i, or up to 1080p. Just bear in mind you’ll need an external tuner if you want to record straight from your TV. As with most Samsung devices, this combo is pretty easy to use and should last you a long time, which is what you’d expect for this price. Up-Conversion: 1080p | Compatibility: Plays VHS, DVD, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA, JPEG, DivX | Conversion: 2 ways If you’d prefer a device that records DVDs to VHS, there’s always the Philips DVP3345V Combo DVD Player/VCR (view at Walmart), with its convenient progressive scan feature.
About Our Trusted Experts
Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology and gaming since 2010. She specializes in iOS and Apple technology, as well as wearable technology and smart home devices. She’s been a regular tech columnist for Paste Magazine, written for Wareable, TechRadar, Mashable, and PC World, as well as more diverse outlets including Playboy and Eurogamer. Katie Dundas is a freelance journalist and tech writer with several years experience of covering home tech, photography, and drones.
What to Look For in a DVD Recorder/VHS VCR Combination
It’s becoming increasingly trickier to get hold of a new DVD Recorder/VHS combo which means oftentimes, you’ll need to buy a refurbished or second-hand unit. That doesn’t mean that you should expect to make too many concessions in exchange for the privilege. Here’s a brief rundown of what you should keep in mind before buying any of these DVD Recorder/VHS Combos.
Built-in Tuner
A built-in tuner allows you to record TV programs, which many people find to be a handy feature in DVD recorder/VHS VCR combo devices. Without a built-in tuner, you’ll have to connect a Cable/Satellite or DTV converter box. Not all of the units listed here have a built-in tuner, so if you end up buying one of those, you’ll need to budget (and find the room) for a separate unit to reap the full benefits.
Price
If you’re on a budget, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a low-cost DVD Recorder/VHS VCR combo device. Since supply is shrinking, prices of remaining units (some of which can be nearly a decade old), are getting expensive. Some of them are selling for as much as two to three times higher than their original selling prices. Look out for used units, which can be cheaper but still functional.
Upscaling Support
If you’re converting and transferring video footage between VHS and DVD or vice-versa, it’s useful to be able to upscale what you’ve already got. The majority of DVD Recorder/VHS Combos on our list support upscaling, and it’s certainly worth the extra expense if you want your home videos to look better than before.
Compatibility
Different DVD Recorder/VHS Combos offer various levels of support for the kind of discs they’ll accept. This may not be a dealbreaker for you, but if you already have an existing supply of recordable DVDs, it makes sense to be certain you can use them on your new device.
