VCR/Blu-Ray combo?

Forums › Home Theatre (incl HTPC) › VCR/Blu-Ray combo?

quickymart

3806 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 807

Topic # 112488 10-Dec-2012 22:20

Until tonight, I owned one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-DVP3050V-DVD-VCR-Combo/dp/B0009OAP0W

That's until something inside it just popped and the display went dead. My wife was the one who saw it, and she wasn't using it for anything, it was just sitting there waiting to be used.

While this is a shame as I found the DVD/VCR combo feature quite useful and it gave me many years of good reliable service, it means I'm now on the hunt for something a bit newer to replace it. I realise Philips may not be the brand I go for for my next purchase, but keeping with the times, are there any VCR/Blu-Ray machines available in NZ? Reason I ask is I still have a large-ish library of videocassettes and I'd like the opportunity to digitalise them all one day, but for now I'd like to know if there's something newer and better that includes a VCR and Blu-Ray in the one device?

I found this one:

http://www.sharp.net.nz/product-archive/products/DVRW250X/

but I can't see it anywhere for sale.

Anyone got any suggestions? I can't be the only one out there seeking something like this, surely (although I will readily admit I may be in the minority).

bfginger

929 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 39

Reply # 730037 10-Dec-2012 22:48

VHS Blu-ray combo units have been sold overseas including Japan. I've never seen them sold here so you may have to import one from overseas if you specifically want it. We're in Blu-ray region B.

You could buy a capture card and record to the computer via the composite out from a VHS player. There are many VHS and VHS/DVD players on Trademe.

Recording to disc inside a player isn't a good way for permanent archival storage as writeable discs are like floppies and will fail eventually, and the recording quality is more limited than what you can do on a computer.

That's until something inside it just popped and the display went dead. My wife was the one who saw it, and she wasn't using it for anything, it was just sitting there waiting to be used.

That may have been an electrolyte capacitor. They're replaceable with electronics know-how.

quickymart

3806 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 807

Reply # 730047 10-Dec-2012 23:32

Sorry I should clarify - the Blu-Ray part would be for playing only. I'd use a component cable connected to the video player to digitalise my old video tapes :)

B1GGLZ

1927 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 128

Reply # 730163 11-Dec-2012 09:14

quickymart: Until tonight, Reason I ask is I still have a large-ish library of videocassettes and I'd like the opportunity to digitalise them all one day, but for now I'd like to know if there's something newer and better that includes a VCR and Blu-Ray in the one device?

I found this one:

http://www.sharp.net.nz/product-archive/products/DVRW250X/

That isn't Blu Ray, it's DVD and it's most unlikely you'll find a Blu Ray/VCR combo. I've never heard of one.

Dunnersfella

3364 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 456

Reply # 730171 11-Dec-2012 09:24

I'd buy a separate BluRay player and recorder option.
They cost next to nothing and will typically be a little higher spec'd / easier to use / quicker to load than combo units. Having said that, I haven't seen combo DVD / VCR units for a long time.
In regards to recorders, you will either need to get your VCR repaired or buy second hand sorry, the analogue tech is simply out dated, so it's time to digitize it or kiss it goodbye.

B1GGLZ

1927 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 128

Reply # 730183 11-Dec-2012 09:27

quickymart: Sorry I should clarify - the Blu-Ray part would be for playing only. I'd use a component cable connected to the video player to digitalise my old video tapes :)

Not quite sure what you mean. If you don't have a record function of some sort how can you digitize your tapes? And I presume you mean Composite cable not component as VCRs didn't have component out.
You could get a DVD or Blu Ray Recorder and find an old VCR on Trademe. Use the VCR to play the tapes and the DVD or Blu Ray Recorder to record. Be aware though that if the tapes have macrovision copy protection they won't record.
Best Alternative is a tuner card in a PC which will record anything with the right software. I've also got a lot of old tapes but found in the long run it was much easier and less time consuming to just buy the DVD or Blu Ray version of the Tape. The DVDs have much better resolution and surround sound whereas the tapes are 4:3 crappy resolution and Stereo sound.
With my old home movies I just pop them in the VCR and record to the PC (or my Blu Ray Recorder) then edit.

quickymart

3806 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 807

Reply # 730902 11-Dec-2012 22:15

B1GGLZ:
quickymart: Until tonight, Reason I ask is I still have a large-ish library of videocassettes and I'd like the opportunity to digitalise them all one day, but for now I'd like to know if there's something newer and better that includes a VCR and Blu-Ray in the one device?

I found this one:

http://www.sharp.net.nz/product-archive/products/DVRW250X/

That isn't Blu Ray, it's DVD and it's most unlikely you'll find a Blu Ray/VCR combo. I've never heard of one.

Sorry, try this instead:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/609997-REG/Panasonic_DMP_BD70VK_DMP_BD70VK_Blu_ray_Disc_VHS_Combo.html

(note: no longer available - d'oh!)

B1GGLZ

1927 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 128

Reply # 730917 11-Dec-2012 22:23

quickymart:
Sorry, try this instead:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/609997-REG/Panasonic_DMP_BD70VK_DMP_BD70VK_Blu_ray_Disc_VHS_Combo.html

(note: no longer available - d'oh!)

Wouldn't be much use in NZ either. VCR is NTSC and Blu Ray is wrong Zone (A, NZ is B) and can't be easily changed. Would need new firmware. DVD is Region 1 but could be altered.

Masterpiece

235 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 21

Reply # 732087 13-Dec-2012 15:18

You can't buy new this type of tech anymore, personally I'd agree with others and go down the separate devices route.

I'd look (advertise) for a 2nd hand VCR, as I'm sure people can't give thses away now, quite likely to spend more on freight or petrol picking one up. But probably cheaper than having current one repaired or even looked at.

As for a Blueray player, go separate, however watch out for newer models dropping older connection types like component. (if your tv/reciever is limited for input types). You can get good ones from around the $200 mark these days. If you want to record freeview there are BD/recorder options.

Masterpiece Calibration Ltd, isf certified

www.mastercal.co.nz

"I'm not a robot!"

quickymart

3806 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 807

Reply # 732982 15-Dec-2012 21:33

I didn't realise it would be this difficult! With that in mind, I think I'll look into getting my VCR/DVD combo device repaired for now and get a separate Blu-Ray player. No worries with my TV, as it has plenty of HDMI connectors.

Can anyone suggest a good video/DVD repair place on the North Shore?

B1GGLZ

1927 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 128

Reply # 732989 15-Dec-2012 22:15

quickymart: I didn't realise it would be this difficult! With that in mind, I think I'll look into getting my VCR/DVD combo device repaired for now and get a separate Blu-Ray player. No worries with my TV, as it has plenty of HDMI connectors.

Can anyone suggest a good video/DVD repair place on the North Shore?

Electrowave in Rosedale (Panasonic service agent)?
Good luck though because you probably won't be able to get parts for it and probably uneconomic to repair anyway.
Most likely better and cheaper to source another unit from Trademe.