Need Some Electronics Advice Please!!
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
October 28, 2008 11:11pm CST
Thankfully I have a little extra of the green stuff that I might actually consider buying a new VCR and DVD (or one of those combo ones) My VCR is rather old, in fact, it plays video great but no sound and I don't think it's the video/audio heads that need to be cleaned. Also I just don't trust it as the last few times I tried ejecting out tapes they nearly got jammed, so it's on its way out. My DVD player is rather old, I'm beginning to notice some glitches with it, like not reading the DVDs (or CDS) fast like it used to and often I get a message that it says it's the wrong kind of DVD, which it isn't, I'm talking about DVD movies (in prime condition) that are being rejected by the DVD I have.
So now I'm thinking....mmm..while I have this extra money, and no not a big vast fortune I would like to get a new component. I have tons of great movies on tape but can't watch as I'm afraid if anything my old clunker will "eat" them, and I have a great collection of DVD movies as well.
Now I've always had the tendency to be a stickler for Panasonic...but like huh, which component to buy. I think to save money would rather buy those combo units for both DVDs and VCRs but I'm not sure which would be the best to get. Also I have to take into consideration since I don't have a HDTV with digital tuner, I have to get one of those converter boxes (this week or next) so I'm ready for the digital switchover in Feb. 17, 2009-- so I also need something that will be compatible with that as well.
Any suggestions out there from anyone great with electronics know how? Like I said I've always had a preference for Panasonic...never had luck with anything Sony.. so if you know of a great type of Panasonic OR anything else let me know.
5 people like this
19 responses
@apples99 (6556)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I am also considering buying another one combo's with the DVD and VCR because I have accumulated a lot of both DVD'S and VHS movies and my currant DVD VCR has went out. and now I cant watch my VHS because the DVD player works but VCR part dosent work.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I'm beginning to wonder which would be better getting the combo type or separate, as that could be a problem...if one fails to work then it's kind of useless, no?
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I have been very happy with a dual VCR and DVD player from K-Mart brand name "Sylvania". It was not too expensive.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I check into the Sylvania brands...I'm going dingy reading reviews of DVD/VCR combos...LOL..been reading up mainly on the Panasonics since that's all I've ever used
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
29 Oct 08
Before you buy anything, watch this video. I can not help myself....
, I even place it on my profile...
You can see instructions for digital convention...
http://www.hulu.com/watch/36608/talkshow-with-spike-feresten-cable-psa
, I even place it on my profile...
You can see instructions for digital convention...
http://www.hulu.com/watch/36608/talkshow-with-spike-feresten-cable-psa2 people like this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I also placed it on my profile...maybe will work. I am going to find it on other sites...
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Oct 08
Oh you wicked lady..I couldn't stop laughing...gee, hope I'm not as bad as that lady....heeeheee
1 person likes this
@mariposaman (2959)
• Canada
29 Oct 08
Anyone outside the US cannot watch your link. Is it available anywhere else and I am interested in watching it. I could use a good laugh today.
2 people like this
@jwfarrimond (4473)
•
30 Oct 08
Hello Pye, I can't recommend a particular brand or model as you have different models over there than we do, and my experience of different brands is limited anyway. But you might try having a look on Amazon, the prices tend to be very competitive, and most things have customer reviews which is very useful. You might also like to have a look at TV/VCR/DVD combos. That would give you a digital ready TV so you would not need to mess about with a separate box. This option though, might cost you more than you want to spend, but it's worth checking out all the same.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
30 Oct 08
How I would love to get a new TV too, but while I do have some extra money not enough to get that also..how I wish...LOL
@010878 (303)
• Indonesia
30 Oct 08
I don't think the TV/VCR/DVD combos is a good idea though because if the TV or the VCR or the DVD broken then you cannot replace it. I suggest you buy them separately so if the vcr or the dvd broken you still can watch the tapes or discs while the player is getting fixed
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
29 Oct 08
You cannot buy VCRs in Australia anymore.
The only way to get one is to buy a DVD/VCR combo.
If you can afford one... I would buy a recorder DVD/VCR combo.
Those without a hard drive in them are much cheaper.
The hard drive is only good if you want to copy a lot of stuff from the television... and then edit it before burning on DVDs.
I bought the latest Samsung early this year... model DVD-VR355
And I cannot say that I am very happy with it.
So I would not recommend it.
My friend has an AWA which seem to be good.
And I have another friend with a Philips.
Most of all... what you need to look for when you buy a DVD player or recorder... is to make sure that it will be compatible with every format.
And the big thing today... is DivX
DivX are the .avi files which we download from the internet.
Most movies on the internet are .avi
2 people like this
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
29 Oct 08
Also forgot to say...
My first DVD player is a Pioneer and 4 years old.
Never had a problem with it.
When my new Samsung refuse to play a DVD...
I put it in the Pioneer... and it plays it every time.
2 people like this
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
29 Oct 08
Most of the latest models will have DivX anyway.
And you would be very silly not to get DivX... because you will need it in the very short future.
The future is for movie companies to sell their movies on the internet. And they will be in DivX. You can already buy most movies on the internet.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I really don't think I'll be needing a DVD/VCR combo with the DivX as I don't download movies from the net to begin with...can't with my Mac anyway. So in other words the Samsung sucks huh? LOL. How about Toshiba, any experience with that brand?
@redkathy (3374)
• United States
29 Oct 08
Believe it or not pyewacket I have two magnavox dvd players, different models, that have been working for years, like more than six years. I have had no problems with them. I also have two magnavox tv's that are more than 10 years old and they are still working well. I even dropped the 27" once. I've heard good and bad about LG. I never buy Sony, never had any luck with them. I did have a Panasonic vcr and it worked for a long time too. It was on sale really cheap like 25.00.
BTW - You don't need HDTV to be digital. If you don't have cable then you need to buy a digital converter box instead of using an antenna. No HD required.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I don't think I've ever had anything magnovox, but I'll start looking into them and read reviews what people think. I'm starting to read negative things about LG also. Yes, I know I have to get that dang converter box and probably a new antennae as mine is kind of crappy. Trying to figure out which one of THOSE is best...do you use a converter box, if so which one? I have one of those $40 government coupon things
1 person likes this
@mariposaman (2959)
• Canada
29 Oct 08
If you don't have a cable then you need to buy a digital converter box instead of using an antenna
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63252)
• United States
29 Oct 08
We have a number to the duel players, the roomie even has one with a DVD burner that would let you burn your tapes to DVDs. Not that we've USED it for that or anything...
so, I think mine is a Panasonic - but can't tell for sure - the names too long for Sony tho... They have come down a lot in price, the first one I got was over $200 bucks, but the last one was barely over $100, you would save money probably getting 2 different machines tho. You might see if you can get one that can act as a digital tuner - I had a friend that could use her Beta machine as an additional cable tuner...
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I'm trying to eliminate too many hook ups to my TV though. since I don't have a digital TV, I have to get that converter box gizmo. Believe me if I had the money to do so I would get a completely new system for everything..new TV, new DVD, VCR, but even the cheapest digital TV is out of my league right now.
@BarBaraPrz (45816)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
29 Oct 08
Good luck. I can't advise you either way but would be interested in the answer myself. You can always watch the DVDs on your Mac, though, if you can tear yourself away from the interweb.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I really don't like watching my DVDs on the computer much..don't want to wear it out..LOL. I actually still have more VHS tapes though than DVDs
1 person likes this
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
29 Oct 08
Hi pye,
I have an Sony VCR which has broken dow on me and I can't my old movies on video and my hubbys say you cannot buy them anymore and I haven't seen them around also, that is such a waste, but if I had bought a panasonic, it would still be working, I wish you all the luck with yours. Bright Blessings.
Tamara
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Oct 08
Sounds like you've never had luck with Sony either....LOL The problem is, is that nowadays they seem to make a lot of electronics crappily and don't last long, and it never seems worth it to get things repaired as sometimes the repair cost is almost just as much as getting a new one, whatever it is..TV, DVD, etc
1 person likes this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
29 Oct 08
What kind of tv service do you have? If you have either cable or satellite, you don't need a converter box. You also don't need a HDTV, although without one you won't get the benefit of the digital reception, but you will still get the same type of picture you've been getting. If you do want to get a tv, the LCD ones are terrific, last a long, long time and even the 'bargain' ones have exceptionally low repair histories. The plasma ones use a lot of electricity. And the rear-projection ones are expensive to maintain. The bulbs, which only last a few years cost about $400. You only need the converter box if you are using an antenna.
For the electronic equipment, you might want to consider a DVD recorder/player. Then pick up the cheapest VCR you can find, or a used one (or borrow one from a friend/family member). Play your collection of tapes one time, just to record them onTO DVD. Tapes get brittle over time, so depending on how old they are, they may be at the end of their lifespan anyway. It's getting harder and harder to find new stuff on tape, so you really only need to transfer what you have.
If you happen to live near any type of convention center, you might check their website to see if there are any electonics shows coming up. A lot of areas have those types of show leading up to the holidays. That would give you an opportunity to see many brands and models, and perhaps find good prices too. With the economy being what it is...don't be afraid to haggle price.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Oct 08
Unfortunately I no longer have cable to save money, haven't had it in years (miss it...sniffle) which is why I need that dang converter box. They did a test on all the major broadcast stations tonight at 5:58 p.m. which would allow one to see if their tv was digital capable or not...guess what? I ain't..my picture went blank. I was just thinking it would be best for me to get a DVD/VCR combo to save space. Most from what I understand not only playback but record as well. I also have to consider all that wiring connection...with the converter box I need additional outlet space (even with a power strip cord thing a ma gig)
1 person likes this
@ThirdMillion (604)
• United States
29 Oct 08
Well, my preference of brand is LG. I have had great luck with all of their products. I have 2 LG LCD HD TVs, LG DVD players, I have LG appliances in my kitchen and even LG washer and dryer. They have always been great performers for me and I haven't had any issues with anything. I really can't say enough about the quality and craftsmanship of their products. It would definately be worth looking at their components when making your next purchase.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Oct 08
To be honest I never even heard of the LG brand before..LOL. Before answering here I took a quick look at their website....uh, they're a bit expensive so way out of my league there...I have "some" extra money but not enough for an LG product..bit pricy...oh well
2 people like this
@mariposaman (2959)
• Canada
29 Oct 08
LG is a Korean conglomerate formed from Lucky, a chemical company, and Goldstar, and electronics company. I repaired televisions for a living at one point in my career and was surprised on how many televisions with well-known brand names on the front had Goldstar insides. You probably owned one and never knew it. Goldstar has apparently been around for about 60 years. I notice they seem to be taking a lot of the North American market as the price of North American brands increase in price and decrease in quality.
@23uday (2997)
• India
29 Oct 08
Hi buddies,
I had DVD player so,problem is that video is comming but sound is not comming i have checked and gone to repair shop but no use same repeating only.What to do my electronic.I want some good advice to my player.Give me good suggestion for me.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Oct 08
That's the problem I'm having with my VCR..I get picture but no sound and it tends to jam the tapes anyway
@kokacola10 (63)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I know of one new Panasonic DVD plus cassette player. I just got it like 2 months ago and it is awesome! It converts any original movie to high definition! Its model number is DMR-EZ48V. And the brand is Panasonic. Hope that helps!
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I was reading up on the exact Panasonic DVD/VCR and most people didn't give it great reviews unfortunately
@chocoboy (53)
• India
29 Oct 08
According to me you should prefer sony brand.i have a very nice experince with all of their products.i have 2 or 3 sony products like LCDs, DVD player etc.i have an sony appliances in my bedroom even handycam and digital cam. they have always great performer for me and i haven't any problem with anything. i really can't describe in words about the quality of the sony products. it would be definately worth looking at their components when making your next purchase...
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Oct 08
Its funny I've just never had luck with anything Sony. I know they are supposed to be a good brand, I've just never has a great experience with them
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
2 Nov 08
All I can say is that I had a Panasonic VCR and it worked perfectly for then years. I never tried any Sony product so I cannot say anything about them. © ronaldinu 2008
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Nov 08
I tend to trust Panasonic products myself..mmm...now which one to get...LOL
@sumofalltears (3988)
• United States
29 Oct 08
My first trip into the DVD world was about six years ago and I went for a JVC combo unit that plays both DVD and VHS. The unit was expensive at the time but it was high grade and it still works perfectly. Last year I ventured into a DVD recorder/player and VHS unit that you can use to dub to DVD. It was not as expensive as I thought it would be and it worked great, I was able to copy many of my VHS to DVD and record a lot as well. The recorder was was an SV2000 and it has worked marvelously.
1 person likes this
@sumofalltears (3988)
• United States
6 Nov 08
That is the brand name odd as it is..lol.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Oct 08
What brand is the SV2000, is that JVC also??
1 person likes this
@4mymak (1793)
• Malaysia
29 Oct 08
i didnt know that there is a combo of DVD+VCR.. how convenient if i could get here also..
not to offend anyone.. but over here.. when you mention VCR.. you are labelled 'ancient'.. my husband and i own quite a big collection of movies on VideoTapes.. and dont get to watch them anymore because our player 'konk'-ed a few years back, and we havent been able to get a new player.. i dont think the 'big brands' manufacture VCRs anymore.. and the players we see in the market.. dont seem.. 'trustworthy'..
* have to mention this.. being a member of the 'Panasonic family'.. i am just proud that you would give priority to our brand... 
* have to mention this.. being a member of the 'Panasonic family'.. i am just proud that you would give priority to our brand...
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Oct 08
LOL...I've always trusted and liked Panasonic...Yes I was thinking of getting a combo all in one DVD and VCR since it would one, save space, and two be more convenient than having two separate units
1 person likes this
@010878 (303)
• Indonesia
30 Oct 08
I don't know about VCR as it's not as popular as DVD in here but early this year I want to buy a DVD player. I was shown by the salesman many variety of choices and of course I want to buy a cheaper one. But then he told me and showed me the difference between the cheaper one and expensive one. It turned out the main difference is not the brand but the optic it use. The cheaper one uses a regular optic and the expensive ones using crystal optic. And then he showed me by playing DVD disc on the cheaper player and the expensive player. And I saw the picture on the expensive one really sharp and more bright and the cheaper one. I ended up buying the expensive one and I'm not regretting it because until now my DVD player never had any problem while my friends who bought the cheaper ones already serviced their DVD player so many times :) So I suggest try to get to know the features of the DVD player you want before you buy them and brand is not always guarantee that you have a good player.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
30 Oct 08
I'll keep that in mind about the crystal optics. I saw your comment in the poster above you about getting two separate items..a DVD and a VCR rather than the combo..the only problem is, since I need to also get a converter box as the analog signal is no longer going to be used one needs that converter box..so that means one more thing I have to plug in, and I'm plugged out as it is between the TV, DVD, VCR, and stereo system..
@justin0101 (102)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I have a Panasonic DVD/VCR Combo player and the VCR component has turned out to be total junk. I would go with LG or Blu-Ray. They are now making a Blu-Ray/DVD combo, beprepared for the next gen..
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I've just been looking at LG and they are way too expensive for me. Which type of Panasonic one do you have? I did read up on one with reviews and it did sound like a dud
1 person likes this
