Sylvania DVC860E Progressive Scan DVD / VCR Combo , Silver

• Progressive-scan DVD video output renders seamless, flicker-free images on high-definition and HD-ready TVs
• 4-head hi-fi stereo VCR with front audio/video inputs for camcorder or gaming console
• Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel digital output (for use with a compatible surround receiver)
• DVD-Video, video mode DVD-R and DVD-RW, VHS tape, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3 CD playback
• 19-micron heads for clear recording in EP mode, and self-cleaning tape heads

Amazon.com Product Description:
Ultimate quality, ultimate convenience: from high-end progressive-scan video output for DVD programs to MP3 music playback from homemade CD-Rs, DVD-R/RW playback, and backward compatibility with your library of VHS tapes, Sylvania's DVC860E offers a wealth of audio/video features. The unit sports an easy-to-read fluorescent front-panel display, and your camcorder or gaming console plugs right into the unit's front panel for hassle-free connections. Whether your living room is currently home to an HDTV or you're merely thinking of "someday," the DVC860E stands ready to deliver the full potential of your DVDs. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. Other DVD features include Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel digital output (a coaxial connection, cable not included) for hookup with a compatible audio/video receiver and speaker system, simulated surround sound through any two speakers, 2x and 4x zoom, search speeds up to 100x, 10-point bookmarking, and parental lock. The VCR's four-head design ensures smooth slow-motion play (forward and reverse) and clear still-frame images, and the unit records and plays back stereo audio in hi-fi sound. Nineteen-micron heads deliver the clearest possible picture when recording or viewing in EP (extended-play) mode. The VCR also offers a built-in calendar, advance programming, and auto head cleaning. Inputs and outputs include front and rear audio/video and an RF input for the VCR, and for the DVD player, component-video, S-video, and composite-video outputs, as well as one each stereo analog and coaxial digital-audio outputs. Auto power off conserves energy and extends product life. What's in the Box DVD/VCR, remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual, a stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable, and warranty information.

Mediocre Quality for a Good Price...:
I purchased this unit to replace a high-end VCR that quit working after 13 months (1 month out of warranty). As a matter of fact, we have gone through five VCRs in the past five years. I now regret getting rid of my 1980's vintage Sylvania VCR that was still working after 15 years. I have concluded that today's Chinese-manufactured VCRs are all of questionable quality. So my recommendation is to buy cheap, and when it breaks, throw it away. The biggest disappointment with this unit is that it does not automatically set itself up when plugged in. You can have it setup the channels automatically once you figure out how to get to the appropriate menu selection, but it will not automatically adjust the time. My only other complaint thus far is that the clock is very difficult to see. It's small, dim, and located where the plastic distorts the time unless you are looking at it straight on.

Stay Away!:
I found a serious bug with this product and the foreign customer support from Funai was horrible. The problem is this: when changing the RF channel output, the dvd video will go to black. Once you make this channel change you can not revert back. The dvd will play audio but outputs black on the rf output and video outputs. Unplugging the unit for hours didn't allow it to go back to it's original state. I had the EXACT same problem happen with two units. Funai's broken English tech support said I must be doing something wrong! Bite me. Never again! The store I bought it from had six of them piled up behind the returns counter! Returned it and got my money back!

Stay Away from this one!:
It is now April 29, 2005! I purchased one for a Christmas gift in early Dec., but because my sister was out of town, she did not plug it in until Jan.; it wouldn't eject the 1st tape put in. Since it was over a month since I purchased it, Amazon said I would have to utilize the warranty process. I did, bringing it into a "factory authorized" repair store. It has been in there for 3, count 'em, three months, and the repair store says they still haven't received the necessary part....

Decent product...:
I ordered two of these combo players, one for my main television and one for my bedroom. After one year, one is playing just fine. On the other one, the DVD player stopped working after about 9 months. It's on the main television, so who is to say that my 3 year old didn't destroy it? I'll never know. The picture quality is fine. While the DVD drawer is a bit on the flimsy side, it hasn't broken off. The process to go through to set the VCR to tape at a later time is quite cumbersome, however.

Arrived in timely manner:
I orderd this product for my mother. It arrived on Mothers Day in a timely manner. She was able to hook it up with ease. I could easily track it for delivery.