Lite-On LVC-9016 Progressive-Scan DVD Recorder/VCR Combo

Had high expectations on this Lite-On LVC-9016 DVD Recorder/VCR Combo. I've used plenty of Lite-On DVD/RW drives for various computers with absolutely no problems whatsoever, so I was expecting to have a good experience with the VHS->DVD recorder feature. Coupled with the fact that it had a built-in firewire socket in it for ease of transferring digital video from a camcorder to the unit for editing / recording, I was sold. Lots of good features came with the unit (one-touch DVD->VHS or VHS->DVD recording, easy setup-menu, ability to record to DVD+/-R and DVD+/-RW), though the remote isn't the most user-friendly remote that I've used (text is hard to read).

Before I could even try the recording features on this unit, I already had one severe functional problem: the unit would freeze unexpectantly while on tuner mode. The unit would be on a TV channel, and a few minutes later, the screen would turn blank, audio would be cut off, and the unit would become unresponsive to any user input from the remote or the buttons on the unit itself. The only way to get the system to power down would be to press the "Power" button on the remote. (The "power" button on the unit does nothing to remedy this situation, which I found to be really odd). I tried to look on their website for any information regarding this problem, but none is available. I did try updating the firmware on this unit with what was on their website. Though updating the firmware was a breeze, the problem still remained, so I think it might be other software-related issues with the unit. I'm not sure whether this is an isolated incident, but after reading some of the reviews for the previous model (LVC-9006), I will most likely be returning this defective unit for a full refund and be looking at purchasing a combo unit from another manufacturer.

Whatever you do, don't buy this. It has a laundry list of problems:

1. It's almost impossible to read the tiny button symbols

2. After playing several older tapes the color left, then came back after I turned it all off.

3. Very slow, takes 5 seconds to play, 15 seconds to record on the VCR/DVD, 20 seconds to stop recording a DVD, takes a minute to load a DVD, and sometimes it never ejects a DVD unless you turn it off and on

4. It crashes and stalls.

5. After you stop recording on the DVD it makes a loud reverberating sound that you can't control, even on mute.

6. When you copy something to the DVD it sometimes skips a minute ahead

7. When you copy something to the DVD it sometimes speeds up to make a "chipmunk" sounding video. It's funny to hear, but it's hell to try and go threw the deathly slow DVD menu to try and erase the mistake.

8. While it's reading a DVD, EVERYTHING else stops working. It won't turn off, it won't record on the VCR

9. It randomly says "FAIL" on certain blank discs while it allows others to work for no reason.

10. It's complex to understand.

If you can, avoid this product. There are many better ones.

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I'd been debating getting a DVR, a DVD recorder, a HD recorder, etc. for a while when the VCR broke. As it turns out, I need a VCR for work so I picked up the LiteOn VCR/DVD-recorder.

I love it. Easy to set up, easy to use. Clear, well designed graphical interface.

Here's our situation: low tech. We had a videotape that I had labeled the "poor man's TiVO" that we would record on and watch our weekly programs. I wanted something that would be easy to set recording times on and this machine is it.

Speaking of low tech: all the reviews of these things talk about how to hook up satellite and cable boxes. No thanks, we are still watching broadcast TV. The tuner on this unit is very clear and one feature I appreciate is the "search for channels" set up. As it went through the channels, it showed what signals it was getting in a "picture in picture" type box.

Similarly, when setting up a timer record, it shows the channel that you have selected. This is useful for us because sometimes the bunny ears get knocked and a high UHF channel gets fuzzy and we miss our UPN or WB broadcast.

It's easy to record to a DVD-RW disc (our new "TiVO"). Playback is clear and easy to fastforward and skip ahead or watch in slow motion.

The remote is not cluttered and pretty easy to use. At first, I worried that I didn't see the "Audio" or "Subtitle" buttons on the remote, but there's a "Navi" button that opens a pretty unobtrusive onscreen menu that lets you pick these things quickly. I appreciate the lack of buttons now.

I know, our tv watching sounds pathetic compared to the home theater yakkety yaks in all the other reviews, but hey, it's just the boob tube. This is a great "replacement VCR" with a step up in quality.

(Four stars because I'm a hard grader)

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I have owned this unit for 4 days now. So far I have copied 3 vhs tapes onto DVD-R disks, and one on the editable DVD+R disk that came with the unit. All are perfect. I have had a couple of minor problems. In one case the tape started at fast speed and I had to dump the first DVD, but that was right at the start. I didn't waste any time. In the second case, I tried to change the display while the disk was recording and it locked immediately. So, I chalk that up to learning how to use the unit.

This pretty much does everything it says it will do, so I'm happy. Now I have both a VCR and DVD player hooked up to my TV, giving it more flexibility. This is a real money saver and definitely worth the price. My local camera store wanted $45 per tape for transfer. So, I figure I've already made that back and still have about 30 tapes to copy. Haven't tried making a DVD from my 8mm video tapes yet, but the instructions are pretty clear so I don't anticipate problems.

The unit gives you 3 possible ways to duplicate and they all work. You can play the tape and start to record when you get to the right spot, you can go to the guider program using your remote, or you can push the one-touch copy button on the unit.

Overall, a good experience so far.

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I own this unit. I purchased it originally because it had both a VCR and a DVD and could record from the TV, from my Tivo, and from my VCR tapes AND it was touted as being user friendly. The unit worked flawlessly. I now have a functioning VCR and DVD player in one, that also can easily record from VCR to DVD and/or vice-versa. It's just great. The interface is very easy to understand. You don't have to wade through a technical manual to know what to do; it's all laid out for you on the screen. The one hesitation I had was whether it would record and/or playback captions. Captions are a necessity in my household. I am happy to report that it does indeed record and play back captioned programs. I am so happy with this unit that I intend to buy a second one for my bedroom.