Insignia Progressive-Scan Multiformat DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW DVD Recorder/Hi-Fi VCR Combo

• Record TV, movies or music to DVD-R/-RW and DVD+R/+RW
• 4-head hi-fi VCR provides stereo sound and outstanding picture quality in both SP and SLP recording speeds
• Progressive-scan video output maximizes the picture quality when used with a digital TV or monitor
• Plays DVD, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW, DVD+R DL, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA, JPEG, DivX and XviD formats, plus VHS tapes

It is very easy to transfer VHS tapes to DVD-R disks with this unit, insert a blank DVD-R disk, start the tape, and hit the "dubbing" button, that's all. That's the good part. The bad part is that it broke after only 1 month of relatively light use. The VCR motor began making loud grinding noises and nothing would play, including DVDs. Kudos to BB, though, they "fixed" it in only 2 weeks. The unit has worked since (2 months or so), but one time it did make the grinding noises, so I am wary. Also, the picture quality is average to poor on DVD playback compared to my Panasonic CP-72S, so I keep the Panny hooked up also for playback use. By poor picture quality I mean the colors are weaker and you can see jagged edges on diagonal lines. It is certainly watchable, just not as good as 90% of players out there. In conclusion, not a bad buy for what I paid (less than half of list), use it only for VHS transfers and it is probably ok. Keep in mind LG is the old "Goldstar" brand, low end c**p mostly, but they have been successful in improving their quality and image somewhat, but apparently not on this one. If I had to pay full price, I'd consider spending a bit more and getting a better unit.

Update: January 4, 2007: unit has same problem again, motor grinds continuously. Stellar Best Buy customer service refused to provide me a refurbished or replacement unit. Given the issues and poor video quality, into the garbage it goes...

Buy Insignia Progressive-Scan Multiformat DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW DVD Recorder/Hi-Fi VCR Combo Now

I've used this recorder (the VCR and the DVD recorder both) for months now and I absolutely love it. Flawless recording, fantastic playback, and perfect recording. My other DVD recorders (a Centrios and an RCA) had so many issues they weren't woth keeping. The other reviewer may have had a bad unit, but needlessly insulting LG as "low end c**p" isn't very helpful.

Remember to use rewriteable DVDs to make nice custom menus for your recordings. You'd be surprised how many editing options you have for your recordings.

Read Best Reviews of Insignia Progressive-Scan Multiformat DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW DVD Recorder/Hi-Fi VCR Combo Here

I've owned this item for about a month and have had no problems with it at all.

Contrary to the experience of the other two users here the DVDs I've created (either by dubbing from a VCR tape or by recording live TV) have worked flawlessly in the other two DVD players I own. Mind you, you do need to finish a disc before you insert it into a standard DVD player, but that's to be expected. The VCR has also worked fine every time I've used it.

I also appreciate that machine has a number of inputs that allow you to use it essentially as a hub for the rest of your devices. I have both my computer and my cable box connected through composite/s-video inputs and thus never have to touch my TV remote. Also, unlike some VCR/DVD combinations only requires one set of outputs not matter what you're doing. Other DVD/VCRs only allow you to output only DVDs through the higher quality component video and coaxial audio outputs. On the contrary this device outputs everything through all of its outputs, allowing you to use only one set of inputs on your TV/Audio Receiver. Finally, this device does have both coaxial audio and optical audio outputs, so you can be flexible depending on what inputs are available on your receiver.

Finally, the timer record works quite easily and it can do both specific date and "every Monday-Friday" or "every Tuesday" recordings. I highly recommend using DVD+RW or DVD-RW discs for day to day recording it'll save you a ton of money

As another reviewer noted, the picture quality isn't quite what you'd get from a higher-end device, but given the price and the other features that wasn't enough to dissuade me from giving this device high marks.

Want Insignia Progressive-Scan Multiformat DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW DVD Recorder/Hi-Fi VCR Combo Discount?

Bought one about 2 years ago and it was flawless. I backed up my kids vhs tapes to dvd's which of course it records them in Divx format but no big deall as my other players also does divx. About 8 months ago it got to where it wouldn't play dvd's. I opened it up and tried cleaning the laser but still had the same results. I also noticed the dvd drive itself was basically the same as a computer dvd drive and used the same cable hook ups. So removed my dual layer burner from my pc and installed it (had to design a way to mount it so it aligned up with the opening)in the dvd/vhs player. Perfect again....

Oh incase someone is wondering this doesn't play vcd or svcd out of the box but there is a hack you can do to turn that option on in a hidden settings menu and the remote (just google it) I did it in 5 mins and it works great!!!

I have had my combo player for 5+ years. I have never had an issue. I transferred over 500 vhs tapes to DVD and recorded several movies off tv. It was one of our best purchases. It is very easy to use. I also bought mine from Best Buy and would buy it again...