Home > How to Choose and Buy DVD Players > DVD/VCR Combis

How to Choose and Buy a DVD/VCR Combi

This page will give you some hints and tips on what to look for when buying a DVD/VCR Combi:

DVD and VCR Picture Quality

• DVD: Most DVD players now offer 10-bit video processing which gives better picture quality during action sequences. But with the next step in image quality being the introduction of High Definition TV, in order to get the most of this exciting new development, your DVD/VCR combi will require the Progressive Scan feature.

Progressive Scan reduces flickering, giving a better level of picture quality. Resolution and brightness are greatly improved and distortion is reduced. However, to fully appreciate these effects, you will require a High Definition Television.

• VCR: Picture quality for a VCR is dictated by the number of heads that are used. The bare minimum is two heads, which are enough to cover playback and recording. However, a four head VCR will give you a superior picture, and functions such fast-forward and freeze frame will also be better.

Unique Features of DVD/VCR Combis

With a DVD/VCR combi, you can record your favourite TV programme on the VCR and watch a DVD film at the same time. Some models also have a DVD recorder built in, which allows you to record from the TV and even upgrade your video collection to DVD.

DVD Disc Types

Please bear in mind that there are different formats of blank DVD as well as types of DVD player. The most common formats are DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM. It is worth checking out whether the DVD player in any DVD/VCR combi that you’re considering is compatible with the type of discs you are most likely to use.

Ease of Use

When buying a DVD / VCR combi then consider the following questions:

• Is the DVD player easy to use?
• Is the front panel clearly labelled and easy to understand?
• Are the set-up and on screen configuration functions easy to understand?
• Can the DVD player navigate on-screen menus and features easily?
• Is the instruction manual written in plain English with any jargon clearly explained?

Guarantee

Most DVD/VCR combis come with a manufacturer’s guarantee. Check to see that you are happy with the length of the guarantee. If you aren’t, make sure that you can extend it before you buy the product.

Further Information

You can find out about some of the most popular brands and models of DVD/VCR combi on the market in our Brands and Top Models sections.

For details of some of the top online suppliers, including details of their delivery times and postage and packaging costs, visit our Where to Buy section.

You can learn more about other types of DVD player available in our Types section.

To find out about some of the different accessories that you can buy to go with your new DVD player, visit our Accessories section.