Zenith XBV342 Progressive-Scan DVD-VCR Combo

• Plays DVD-Video, CD, CD-R/CD-RW, MP3/WMA (CD-R/CD-RW), JPEG CD, and VHS cassettes
• Onscreen MP3 file and folder navigation for easy access to the tracks you want to hear
• Coaxial and optical digital audio outputs route Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround sound to a compatible AV receiver
• Component-video, composite-video, S-video terminals and RF output
• Hi-fi stereo VHS performance with 19-micron video heads for clear recordings in EP mode

On day in August my eight year old Panasonic Hi Fi VCR died. I was going to get a new HiFi VCR but they were about $80. I had an original Toshiba DVD which worked fine, but I wanted to shrink down the space for components.

This unit is all in one. I hooked it up in ten minutes to the TV, Digital Cable Box and Receiver. What is nice is that you can watch TV, DVD or VCR throught the RF output (LESS HASSEL). When you watch a feature film you can route it throught the receiver and Component Video in on the TV for clearer picture and great sound.

The unit is very quiet (even rewinding tapes). It doesnt whistle playing DVDs and I tried an MP3 CDR of 10 hours of Jimmy Buffett Music (through the TV Speakers or Receiver). It is great with onscreen display.

If you are worried about the price don't be. The next step up offers a few more features but not worth the extra $20 unless you need it.

Buy Zenith XBV342 Progressive-Scan DVD-VCR Combo Now

I purchased this item as I wanted to save some space in my entertainment center. The DVD VCR combo seemed a great option and for the price I thought it was a bargain. You get two high end machines in one box, less then half the price you would pay for two seperate machines and half the space consumption.

The machine is very quiet, no squeeking when rewinding tapes, no buzzing when playing DVD's so you get the imression its worth alot more then what you paid for it. Also I love how you can plug it into the tv, amp etc... from the front of the machine, it's convienent if you move the machine around alot. Also it's good to hook up a video games machine to it.

All in all its a great machine, cheap and worth it.

Read Best Reviews of Zenith XBV342 Progressive-Scan DVD-VCR Combo Here

Since the price of this combination unit is only slightly higher than a free standing DVD player I purchased it to replace an aging Toshiba VCR as well as a first DVD player. It is simple to connect and just as simple to operate. After several hours use in both DVD and VCR mode I can say that I am very happy with this purchase. I would recommend this unit to anyone.

Want Zenith XBV342 Progressive-Scan DVD-VCR Combo Discount?

Bought this as a replacement for a 20 year Toshiba VCR that finally bit the dust. Worked fine for 3 weeks, then the audio output circuitry for the DVD player went south. The sound would die after playing for an hour and the only way to get it back was to shut the player off for 15 to 20 minutes. I suspect an overheating problem in the circuitry despite more than adequate clearance and airflow. VCR continues to work fine. The store (Circuit City) gets this one back today.

It's possible that I just got a lemon, but my XBV342 crapped out after less than a year of use. The warranty covers one year on parts and 90 days on labor, but I have no proof of when I bought it (my fault, but it still sucks.)

I took the player to a local electronics repair shop who told me the laser needed replacing, and that a new one would cost just as much as buying a new player. What a waste.

Until it quit working, this was an excellent player. It would have been nice to be able to play VCDs or DVD-R discs, but it could do neither. I thought I would use the VCR quite a bit, but truthfully, I used it maybe 4 or 5 times out of 6 or 7 months. Next time I get a DVD player, I'm going to get a non-combo player that plays DVD-R and/or VCDs this time I'll keep my receipt, ESPECIALLY if I buy a Zenith.