Sony SLV-D500P DVD/VCR Combo

• DVD/VCR combo unit with WEGA styling and 1-month, 8-event VCR programming, DVD bookmarking, and picture zoom
• Progressive-scan output with 54 MHz video DAC renders seamless, flicker-free images on compatible televisions
• Plays a wealth of formats, including DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, MP3 CD, JPEG image CD, and S-VHS tape (at VHS resolution)
• 4-head VCR offers VCR Plus+ programming, commercial skip, and 19-micron heads for clear images from EP recordings
• Includes multibrand remote control that operates most TVs

I had already ordered a Sony SLV-D300P DVD/VCR Combination player, when I read the uniformly bad Amazon.com customer reviews. Apparently, the SLV-D300P had a significant problem with skipping on all but the newest DVDs. Having learned to respect the accuracy of Amazon.com customer reviews, I sent the SLV-D300P back and ordered its slightly more expensive ($$$-$$$ more) successor, the SLV-D500P. I figured that if Sony had created a lemon, they would fix the problems in the newer model. I was not disappointed. The SLV-D500P is easy to set up, easy to use, and has excellent picture and sound quality. Most significantly, I have had no problems with skipping with over 3 dozen DVDs, including new, used, and from the local library. I have encountered no negatives with this product, and would highly recommend it, particularly for its relatively affordable price.

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I just took delivery of the Sony SLV-D500P DVD/VCR Combo earlier today. Contrary to some other reviewers' experiences, my unit has no noise issues whatsoever. The picture quality with both DVD & VCR is decent, but I do have some quibbles:

1) The DVD output doesn't offer 3:2 reverse pulldown for watching DVDs of films [movies] (which have a different native frame rate than video, & require this feature to avoid nasty visual artifacts.) The Phillips combo offers this at the same price, but has gotten bad reviews for other reasons.

2) The VHS output doesn't offer an S-Video Out jack, so one is forced to use the lower-quality Composite or Antenna Out jacks.

3) To use the Component Video outputs (which yield the best quality) of the DVD player, you must turn on the "Progressive" setting, which, despite a button for it on the front panel, is frustratingly difficult to do, and often requires repeated attempts. (And the DVD output will be scrambled until you do.) And then you must turn it off again when using the VCR, or the VCR picture will be scrambled!

4) The remote is terrible! (32 buttons of the exact same size [tiny] and shape, which do eveything from selecting channels to controlling system settings.) Don't even try to use this in the dark!

If you can afford the space, buy a separate DVD & VCR you'll be glad you did, & you can buy both for the same total cost. If you don't have the space, as I didn't, this will do.

Read Best Reviews of Sony SLV-D500P DVD/VCR Combo Here

After I ordered the SLV-D500P, I read the review below

about the unit being loud. I was a little worried,

but after I received the SLV-D500P my

fears were put to rest. It isn't loud at all,

either this guy got a bad unit or is reviewing the

wrong product.

First we tested a DVD-R that we made using our

iMac SuperDrive. It worked wonderfully.

The picture quality is excellent, but be sure

to modify the built in sound settings if you

don't have surround sound, because the volume will

appear relatively quiet compared to your TV audio

unless you modify the DVD player settings to say

Audio: TV. Then it will sound fine.

We are using this DVD Player with the

Sony KV-27FS100 Flat Panel TV. This combo

makes an excellent relatively low cost, but quality,

Entertainment System.

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I have bought Sony products over the years for their high quality. This item is a very big disapointment from the start. I bought it mainly for the DVD operation which never worked. The door would not open. Took to Sony repair shop who replaced laser. Still did not work, returned to repair shop. They replaced laser again. Did not work. Now Sony is going to do something, not sure what. But after paying a high price I have no unit.

I'm a girl, okay? Not a tech-head girl either. The last VCR I bought was years ago, and it was going on the blink. So I knew I needed to get with the DVD program, but still had all these tapes! So I wouldn't look like I was buying myself a new toy, I bought it for my husband's birthday. Since it was a surprise, I had to wait until he was out of the house to install it. I ran home on my lunch hour, hooked it up, and learned most of the functions by the time I had everything straightened up and had to rush back out.

So it's easy to hook up, it's easy to operate. No loud noises, everything works as it should. Yes, the buttons are tiny on the remote. It looks good and I would recommend this for anyone scared to buy. Don't be.