Jim Jensen

Hi; I'm new to this, but I've been in photography for more than 60 years. Got into movies (8 mm and Super 8) back in the 60s, then into video in the early 90s. Got a big collection of VHS tapes I'd like to copy on to DVD discs and want the opinions of you as to the best equipment I can get. Here's what I know about some I've heard of: Toshiba, multiformat DVD-R/RW/+R/RW recorder/VCR combo; Sanyo DVD recorder/VCR combo; Funai Combo VCR and DVD recorder, (ZV427FX4); Sanyo FWDV225F DVD/VCR player with line-in recording; Sanyo DVD/VCR recorder and player combo; Magnavox MDV260V DVD player and VCR; Sanyo DVD recorder/VCR combo. I need opinions of quality of the best one of these offered to me. The stuff I want copied includes movies and videos of my kids and my barbershop harmony experiences for the past 30+ years. I'm a baritone, that's why I need help! (barbershoppers will understand that comment.) Thanks, guys and gals. Appreciate it! Jim Jensen, Arvada, CO.

Lucasdv123

Jim.I have had the toshiba for about 4 years,works great.I believe the fungi and the mavnavox are one and the same.to erase the old videos use a demagnatizer when was actually used to erase audio cassettes back in the day.

Jim Jensen

Thanks, Lucas; I'm leaning towards the Toshiba 'cuz I have a new 55-inch Toshiba TV and it's GREAT! Again, thanx! -- JJ

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

You might also take a look at Panasonic. Panasonic, like JVC and Sony have been in the video space for decades. I've had a Panasonic DVD recorder for almost as long as DVDs have been available, and it has performed flawlessly. My experience with Magnavox products has not been good.

Jim Jensen

Thanks, Trix. I too have had good luck with Panasonic - 'specially with my Lumix SZ 40 camera. I'll look it up, too.

dmagett Loc: Albuquerque NM/Sedona AZ

I have a Samsung VR375 that will do what you want. I personally have not converted video to dvd. I use this device to watch vhs and dvd. It's the only one that I have seen that up converts both dvd and vhs to hdmi (one cable to connect to tv). It must be a reasonably good unit...it's price has been going up on eBay.

gazoobie Loc: Lombard, Illinois

I vote for Panasonic. I've had one over 5 years with no issues. It's also connected to the cable box. I can copy anything I recorded on the HD.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

You won't notice any difference among discs recorded with one brand and the others. There are operations differences to consider. Best to play in the store.

I have an older Samsung I hate, and a newer Toshiba I also hate. Sucky human interfaces ruin the experience every time.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Run, do not walk! The only company that still made VHS mechanisms stopped making them a few months ago. We have a Toshiba VHS / DVD recorder that does a decent job, also from mini DVD, but getting one at all will be hard soon.

Independencenorm

Hey Jim, I have two Sony RDR-VX515 Hi Fi Stereo VHS to DVD recording that I have been using for years. Panasonic is also a top brand of VHS equipment.
I back up my VHS tapes to DVD and then I use a program on my Macs to convert them to m4v files on my computer. I load them into iTunes and play them through my Apple TV to my Sony 4k XBR TV, or put them on a USB stick to play on other newer TV.. The Sony also has Firewire (1394) input from my Sony 8mm and Hi 8 video cameras to the DVD recorder.
I have a special Japanese projector that I have used for years to convert my dad's old 8mm (1944 era) movies and my Super 8 onto DVD, then convert them further.
Good luck in finding GOOD equipment.
Norm in Independence, MO.