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Best VCR DVD Combo

Updated: Jan 27, 2024 1:43 PM
best vcr dvd combo featured image that shows the top three best tv accessorie models

We selected the best VCR DVD combo player by focusing on a range of key features. However, it’s important to note that this electronic is no longer a priority item for manufacturers and is often no longer supported through their in-house customer service programs. Even though it is among the best tv accessories. Throughout the process, we prioritized ease of use, installation and functionality. We specifically focused on the ability to convertor dub content, from VHS to DVD format, as well as wide media format support, high quality visual display, and television output compatibility. With this DVD/VCR combo, your entertainment will be streamlined.

Because of these factors, we rated the Funai Combination VCR and DVD Recorder as our #1 top pick because you can perform two way dubbing between DVD and VHS, enjoy 1080p resolution, and support HDMI and s-video outputs. Not bad for those who are not using the best blu ray player. If you’re looking for a simple way to improve your home entertainment, try this for home improvement,

Top 7 Best VCR DVD Combo Compared

 #1  Funai Combination VCR and DVD Recorder

Award: Top Pick/Best for VHS to DVD

WHY WE LIKE IT: Enhanced functionality is the best way to describe this multifunctional device that features 1080p output, and can record media for up to six hours at a time. You’ll love the two way dubbing that allows you to record from DVD to VHS or VHS to DVD.

Pros
  • 1080p high quality upconversion output
  • HDMI output supports SD upconversion to HD
  • Line in recording for cable and satellite live content
Cons
  • VHS playback can feature noise
  • Disc formatting can be inconsistent

The Funai Combination VCR and DVD Recorder is our top pick because it offers plenty of features to help bridge the gap between aging and newer media technology formats without forcing you to compromise on video output. Not only can you convert VHS cassette tapes to DVDs, but you can also dub DVDs to VHS. You can also record from live cable or satellite playback. The Funai combo player supports, RCA, HDMI output and s-card input and output, and features a 4 four-head Hi-Fi stereo.

This is a great option if you don’t have the best DVD recorder but want the combo instead. One of the best features of this device is that you can record for up to six hours, and the 1080p upconversion ensures that even old family VHS footage will look clearer than the day it was recorded. A six-hour recording mode means you can record long sporting events and program series in the same quality as a two-hour recording mode. With this combo, your old VHS player may become moot. For best results with VHS conversions, use DVD-Rs with this combo player. Do you have a place to position your TV and your TV accessories? Get one of the best TV stands on our list.

 #2  Toshiba SD-V296 DVD Player/VCR Combo

Award: Honorable Mention/Best Sound

WHY WE LIKE IT: Multi DVD format support, CD audio playback, Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound output support come together with one-touch VHS to DVD dubbing in this solid combo player from a trusted name brand. Perfect for classic electronic enthusiasts who prefer a slimline design in their media center.

Pros
  • Supports wide range of DVD and CD formats
  • Video and audio digital to analog converter
  • Simultaneously play DVDs and record on VHS
Cons
  • Can be hard to install with Smart TVs
  • Poor customer service for troubleshooting
  • Audio noise when VHS tapes are played

The Toshiba SD-V296 DVD Player/VCR Combo is a great option for someone who’s biggest focus is choice. This particular model can support a wide range of media formats including DVD R/RW, CD R/RW, and VCD. You’ll also enjoy a digital to analog video converter output of 108MHz/14-Bit and audio digital to analog converter output of 192KHz / 24-Bit. The four-head Hi-Fi on this device helps minimize visual noise on VHS, while the ColorStream Pro Progressive Scan component video ensures you’ll see all your DVD and VHS footage in vivid color. This DVD recorder VCR combo will allow you to watch your best home movies, to last nights Masked Singer at your personal convenience. Its audio sound systems also supports Dolby Digital for improved sound quality, and surround sound home theater connection.

Convert VHS footage to DVD with a simple one-touch button. And you can even turn your TV into a digital picture frame with the JPEG Viewer feature that lets you display your still photos on your screen straight from your DVDs or CDs, and you get superior images because the video component optimizes the image quality. You can refer to the provided user’s manual for details on this The Toshiba model also supports RCA, S-video out, and coaxial digital audio output. You can enjoy it all on the best 65 inch 4K TV.

 #3  Sony SLVD360P DVD / VCR Combo

Award: Best for Antenna TVs

WHY WE LIKE IT: This dependable DVD/VCR Combo is ideal for a wide range of users including analog TV owners thanks to the supported RF connection. Program up to a month’s worth of live recordings in advance, connect your gaming console, and enjoy crystal clear VHS playback with the 19-micron heads, all without confusing dubbing features.

Pros
  • RF connection supports antenna-based television sets
  • Supports multiple media disc formats
  • Supports gaming console connections
Cons
  • Doesn’t support VHS to DVD conversion
  • Glitchy DVD playback
  • Only supports 480p video output

People with older antenna television models know how difficult it can be to buy compatible media electronics. But the Sony SLVD360P DVD VCR Combo Player is designed with these people in mind and supports RF connections. Connect this DVD VCR player with gaming consoles or digital camcorders through a front-facing connection (front panel DV input). This combo supports multiple media formats through the DVD player including DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, and CDs including those encoded for MP3 and JPEG playback as well as Kodak CDs, so you can watch your converted home video tapes, browse pictures, and listen to music too. When you purchase this device, what you get in the package is the DVD/VCR combo, Remote Commander remote control, remote batteries, a user’s manual, an RF coaxial video cable, and warranty information.

While visual output is limited to 480p and doesn’t feature VHS to DVD dubbing, this combo player is commendable because you can pre-program the VCR to record up to eight programs as far as one month in advance. With the DVD video player, you’ll enjoy enhanced controls that allow you to zoom in, instant replay, and parental controls. Speaking of TV entertainment, learn about the best place to buy a TV online.

 #4  Magnavox ZV450MW8 DVD Recorder and VCR Combo

Award: Easiest to Use

WHY WE LIKE IT: Magnavox’s solution for a VCR DVD Combo is ideal for the person who simply wants an electronic device that’s easy to install and use. The built-in SD tuner makes it easy to pre-program recordings for live TV, plus one-touch two-way dubbing from VHS to DVD and DVD to VHS formats makes this a user friendly option.

Pros
  • Built-in SD tuner for live TV recording
  • Two way dubbing between VHS and DVD formats
  • Multiple DVD and CD formats supported
Cons
  • Hard to find user manual for troubleshooting support
  • Live recording functionality can be inconsistent

No one wants to spend all day fighting with electronics to get them to work. If this sounds like you, the Magnavox ZV450MW8 DVD Recorder and VCR combo is a smart choice. Speaking of smart, it will connect to the best smart TV.

You’ll like that the DVD player supports the most common media formats of DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW. This DVD VCR player features a one-touch recording feature and also supports two-way dubbing between VHS and DVD video file formats. Simultaneous recording and playback functionality makes this a seamless product that works for your lifestyle. Plus, you’ll have the ability to record all of the best TV programs. These features will make this DVD recorder VCR combo a valuable addition to your household entertainment. If you want to move your TV to another room in your house, you need to use the best rolling TV mount carts.

 #5  Philips DVP3150 DVD Player/VCR Combo

Award: Best Value

WHY WE LIKE IT: Easily dub aging VHS content to DVDs while opting to play content from a wide range of supported media formats that include DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, DVD+R DL, SVD, CD, and VHS. A modest price point combines with dubbing, and music and picture playback to qualify for our best value selection.

Pros
  • Supports two way dubbing
  • Supports multiple media formats
  • Works with older TV models
Cons
  • Remote control can be glitchy
  • VHS playback can display visual noise

If you’re looking for a VCR DVD combo player, your biggest concern is the ability to play VHS tapes and to potentially dub old VHS content to more durable DVD file formats. The Philips DVP3150 DVD Player/VCR Combo gives you this functionality all without breaking the bank. But this model takes it a step further by supporting a wide range of media formats that allows for music playback via supported CDs and turning your television into a digital picture frame when you insert photo CDs. Imagine that on one of the best 90 inch TVs.

Another smart feature you’ll love is that the Philips model comes with a universal remote that will control your VCR DVD player as well as your TV. This combo player also supports a wide range of television models, allowing users with older analog televisions to seamlessly install and use it. Now all you need to do is hop on amazon.com for physical copies of your favorite movies.

 #6  Emerson EWD2204 DVD/VCR Combo

Award: Best Budget

WHY WE LIKE IT: Multiple supported media formats, visual converters for content playback, plus a wide range of television support — including RF for antenna models. The low price is ideal for people still holding on to their VHS tape collection, but also want to record direct to DVD from live television without breaking the bank.

Pros
  • Multiple media formats supported
  • Connects with antenna model televisions
  • Multiple media output conversion options
Cons
  • Item can ship without remote control
  • VHS tape playback can display visual noise

If you’re holding onto a large collection of VHS tapes, you know that one of the biggest factors holding you back from buying a VCR DVD combo can be that the massive cost doesn’t make sense for a technology that is, quite honestly, obsolete. So, your focus is going to be on functionality that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. This Emerson combo player is our best budget pick because it offers enhanced functionality that lets you get the most out of your media library for a reasonable price. You really get the most by using one of the best Ultra HD TVs.

The player supports a wide range of media formats that include CD, CD-R/RW, DVD, DVD-R/RW, and VHS. Input and output jacks support connections with a wide range of television models including older antenna models. DVD visual output can be converted to letterbox and pan and scan. Parental controls also help you protect little ones from questionable content. Once you have this VHS combo, you’ll wonder what you did without it.

 #7  Zenith XBV442 Progressive-Scan DVD/VCR Combo

Award: Best for Movie Night

WHY WE LIKE IT: A DVD/VCR combo that focuses on offering quality surround sound through connected speakers, while still offering common features like multiple media format support, and enhanced media playback features. This unit is perfect for media enthusiasts who aren’t ready to abandon their VHS collection full of family memories.

Pros
  • Supports multiple media formats
  • Supports RF output for older antenna television models
  • Supports Dolby Digital and 5.1 channel surround sound
Cons
  • Can only dub from DVD to VHS
  • VCR functionality can have tracking issues

You normally don’t associate a combo VCR DVD player with having a high-end stereo system. But the Zenith XBV442 Progressive-Scan DVD VCR Combo Player promises to give you that movie theatre quality sound system right in your home — whether you have a surround sound system in your home or not. When paired with up to two external speakers this unit can emit Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 channel surround system to a supporting A/V receiver.

Sound aside, other major features you’ll enjoy include support for multiple media formats such as DVD-Video, CD-R/RW, CD, JPEG CD, and VHS. Use your television to navigate through MP3s or images for playback through the player or your screen for photos. A wide range of television formats can be connected, including antenna models thanks to RF connection support. One of the best 55 inch TVs would be perfect for this, with the best TV wall mount. Compare this combo to single functionality DVD players if all you need to do is watch your best DVDs.

Note: Other DVD VCR combos worth mentioning here that did not make our list include the Panasonic DMR-ES45VS DVD/VCR Combo unit, and the Sanyo FWZV475F DVD recorder/VHS Combo. The Panasonic offers a]progressive scan and full HD up-conversion, available on Amazon, and the Sanyo can record in DVD-R and DVD-RW format, which is compatible with most DVD players. This Sanyo model is also available on Amazon and comes with an AV cable, remote control, batteries, and owner’s manual.

How We Decided

Selecting a VCR DVD combo player can be a challenging process because of a variety of factors. Through our research, one of the biggest issues we noted is that this is an aging technology that is often no longer serviced through traditional customer support models from the original manufacturers. This means you may need to contact third party resellers or general electronics stores for repairs or support if you have issues. Don’t worry though, repairing your VCR combination is not impossible. Plus, we focused on user-friendly models that don’t require a high degree of technical skill to install or use. If  you’re interested in these combos, you may want to also take a look at the best VCR recorder on the market.

One of the biggest reasons people buy a combo player is to convert or dub an existing VHS home movie collection to DVDs. While not as popular, there are also models that will dub DVD content to VHS. Within our list, the majority of the players focus on VHS to DVD dubbing (with the exception of #3 and #6, and oddly #7 which only allows for DVD to VHS dubbing). And to support that need, we also prioritized brands that support a wider range of media formats. Anyone who remembers the days of burning music to CDs knows that not all CD formats are equal — and the same is true for DVDs. We focused on models that supported both DVD-R and DVD-RW formats for enhanced versatility.

Additional factors that will be important for you include television output compatibility. Not all combo players support all television models, especially older antenna versions. Because of this, we included a range of options across price points that specifically support a wide range of connections from RF to s-video and HDMI.

And finally, the price is going to be an important factor as you shop for a VCR/DVD combo player. For many people, it doesn’t make sense to spend significant amounts of money on a technology that is frankly obsolete. So, we worked hard to focus our research on modestly priced models that offer a wide range of functionality without a hefty price tag.

VCR DVD Combo Buying Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

  1. Playback Options
    Obviously a major feature for someone that’s purchasing a VCR DVD combo player is media playback. So, look for core functions like track selection with the DVD portion of the player as well as standard options like fast forward, reverse, stop and play with both the VCR and DVD controls. Same goes for these stationary models and portable ones too like the best car headrest DVD player. Having that control over the content you watch makes your watch experience much better if you like to skip around or rewatch scenes.
  2. TV Connections
    Even though most television networks upgraded to newer digital outputs, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t people using analog-style antenna televisions to watch pre-recorded media like a VHS tapes. There’s a good chance that if you’re in the market for VCR DVD combo, you might be also own an older television set too. While this isn’t always the case, it’s important to make sure that the combo you’re considering buying will work with an older model and feature the right connections for a seamless installation process. HDTV owners should be able to use RCA cables to connect to a VCR DVD combo player, but you may be able to use HDMI cables for an improved high-definition experience. Other common options include s-video connections and digital tuners.
  3. VHS to DVD Recorder
    Maybe you’re ready to say goodbye to the VHS tape and are ready to embrace a media device that is less prone to warping or wear and tear. In this case, you should check to see if the VCR DVD combo you’re thinking of buying also allows you to convert VHS content to DVDs or to record live shows or movies directly to a DVD player. It’s important to note that the DVD recorder feature won’t allow you to record in high definition as the signal is always converted to standard definition before writing to the disc.
  4. Noise Filtration
    Depending on the quality and age of your existing VHS tapes, the output might be “noisy” — a nice way to say that your footage has static. So, you’re going to need a VCR DVD combo that features a four-head hi-fi that is designed to minimize the chance of static on even the lowest quality VHS tape. A noisy DVD player can be distracting from the content you’re watching, whether you’re at home using your VCR DVD combo player or you’re in the car using the best portable DVD player, so make sure the device doesn’t generate excessive noise.
  5. Upconversion
    If you’re looking at a combination player, a major concern will be that if you’re playing a DVD, will the output show in high or standard definition format? A quality combo player will feature an upconverter that accurately displays high definition footage without impacting overall visual/picture quality.

Best VCR DVD Combo Questions (FAQ)

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