Sony DVD/VCR Progressive Scan Combo Player SLV-D281P

When deciding to purchase a dvd/vcr combo the only things that concern me is the picture quality,ease of operation and the price. This inexpensive easy to use unit has an excellent dvd and vcr picture playback quality that is probably second to none. Remember-This is a dvd player and not a dvd recorder. Also keep in mind that this unit does not have a built in tuner. This means that in order for the unit to function you will need a separate tuner(such as a cable box or satellite box) THAT HAS audio/video jack outputs along with a television THAT HAS audio/video jack inputs. I am sure that the unit being tunerless is what makes for a better picture.

While there is nothing exceptionally bad about Sony SLV-D281P DVD/VCR combo player, there is also nothing exceptionally good about this unit either. Like in the previous reviews, this is a player and not a recorder unless you are using the VCR side. VCR side still function as a recorder as always. There is also no tuner in this unit and thus, there is no cable input or output in this machine. I found that somewhat disappointing and real pain since I usually like to connect my cable to the VCR and then to the TV. Instead, all the connections are done with RCA cables but you have to buy an another set of RCA cables initially since Sony provides only one set of cables. This will allowed you hook up the RCA cables from the cable converter box to this unit. You still need to buy another set to connect this unit to your TV set. In case I forget, you have to buy another set of cables to connect the DVD player half to your TV. Of course, to connect the unit to the audio system will require more cables. This unit does not come with a DTS or DD decoder so your receiver better have one if you want sound separation. (Hopefully, you already have these cables from your previous usages. It should be noted that if your cable box do not have a RCA outlets, this unit will be totally useless for your needs.)

Another minor complaint is that the function lights are pretty dimmed with this unit. At times, depending on the lighting around the unit, it can be difficult to see if this unit is on or off. The remote also appears to be bit on the weak side. Its range of angle appears to be pretty limited to direct on approach.

On the other hand, it does the job it designed for pretty well. The VCR works fine and the progressive scan DVD provide good images for your standard DVD. I agreed with some of the previous reviewers that this unit is really geared toward a very basic and limited needs of the user. I can't see anyone who owned a real home entertainment system using this unit as their primary player.

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I'm very happy with this player. We use it all day long. I bought it for my 3 year old daughter's room. Her tv is not hooked up to cable. We just use it for her to watch her videos and DVDs. She can watch Sesame Street tapes all day and we keep them playing. This machine is up to the task. Obviously, we haven't recorded on it, but the picture plays very clearly and the sound is great. Remote is easy to use as well. Wonderful seller. Fast shipping. Would recommend.

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When I googled VCR/DVD player with tuner the Amazon website comes up and if you click on the link this product is one that is in the grouping of VCR/DVD players that should have a tuner BUT it does not. I was further deceived because this is the replacement model for the unit I have that does have a tuner built in. Upon receiving the product and reading on the outside of the box I could see this was not what I was wanting to purchase. I had to send it back at my expense and there is still a 10% restocking fee even if unopened. Not like returning something to a local store.

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As noted in other reviews, this model doesn't have a tuner or a coax connector, and also it won't record a DVD onto a VHS tape. I bought it in person (at Costco, our local "big box" wholesale store, so the deal was even sweeter), and I read the limitations on the outside of the box before I purchased. I also already knew our TV set had the required red, white, and yellow input jacks. It would be very frustrating to order online and not realize what connectivity this model includes... and doesn't include.

We use this DVD/VCR combo with a standalone TV set which serves only as a monitor, with no TV broadcast access either by cable or airwaves. This model is excellent for this purpose.

It was so easy to set up, I didn't even need to look at the instructions. If you can match red, white, and yellow plugs to jacks, and you understand the difference between "line in" and "line out," you can set this up in a couple minutes. If you are confused on those points, you can follow the instruction manual.

Switching between VHS and DVD play is effortless and intuitive. If you are using the controls on the front of the unit, you can go from DVD to VHS play without adjusting anything. If you are using the remote control, you press a button to select either "DVD" or "VIDEO." If you have a Sony TV set, the remote control will work on that too! (We don't have a Sony TV, so we have to keep our old TV remote to adjust the volume, and turn the TV on and off.)

Like all DVD players and VCRs, this combo should be placed on a level surface while operating. We learned this lesson the hard way when our old DVD player and VCR both broke down. We had them perched on top of the TV set and they were not level. We had trouble with discs skipping and tapes having tracking problems, until both machines stopped working completely. We built a new shelf just for our new SLV-D281P to keep it level, and playback is flawless.

The most important thing to realize about this model is that the only connectivity is through the red, white, and yellow RCA jacks. If this fits with your existing equipment, or you can easily obtain any additional adapters you may need, then the SLV-D281P is an excellent choice.