EQUIPMENT:
Panasonic TH-50PZ800U, LG 32LG70, and Sharp LC-26GA4U TV's


PROS:
Good picture quality (DVD)
Features/Design
Channel edit function
Simplink
Single HDMI output for DVD and tape


CONS:
Unit gets exceptionally hot
Video Mode Recording periodically stops
No backlighting on remote control buttons
Does not have LP speed for tape recording (only has SLP or SP)
Poor quality VCR SLP recording
Cannot select timer recording channels using direct input
No return to previous channel/input button
Erases program recordings when channel scan performed



I purchased this unit because it has a built-in digital tuner, the ability to record Over-The-Air (OTA) broadcasts to VCR tape or DVD, and has the ability to playback both DVD and VCR tapes via the HDMI output. I rate the recorded DVD picture quality as good, however the VCR picture quality is poor. The VCR picture quality is worse than the SLP picture quality of a badly recorded analog VCR tape.

It is relatively easy to set the unit up and use it to record, however I recommend using the VR recording mode as opposed to the Video recording mode. The unit randomly stops recording when used in the Video mode to record OTA programs (especially The CW channel), regardless of the brand of DVDs used for the recording. The VR mode seems to ignore whatever causes the recording issue (see the Internet for discussions of copy-protected OTA and cable issues). If this is a glimpse of the future for consumer time-shift programming, my television watching will significantly be reduced because I time-shift all my TV programming.

The unit has all the features one needs to record and/or copy DVD/VCR media. The machines design is simplistic and functional. The channel edit function is especially intuitive to use. The ability to use the single HDMI output for DVD or tape allows the use of a single cable between the pre amp/receiver or television. SIMPLINK allows the unit to change to the active link when the unit is powered on, but this only works if you are connected to another LG device.

I noted the unit gets exceptionally warm during use. This makes me concerned about the longevity of the product however it has operated OK over the year I have owned it. In fact I was so pleased with it, I purchased additional units.

I mainly purchased this unit for it's OTA ATSC tuner and to be used for VCR the upscaling DVD was a nice convenience. I unfortunately did not read the reviews until after I had purchased it adn they mostly said "DVD player will break"...

7months later it's true to form and the DVD blue screens while the rest of it functions properly. I didn't really purchase it for the DVD player, since I use my xbox 360 which also upscales through VGA and Component.

The tuner is pretty good over all and the upscaling does a good job overall on both Standard Def TV and surprisingly well on the VCR.

What frustrates me is it has a limited warranty on a product notorious for breaking. 90days labor so when it breaks they require $69 to repair it after 3 months.

Overall it's probably not worth the money for just a VCR with an ATSC tuner.

My LGRC897T lasted 60-days past the warranty - despite light use over the year. I was the only user and am familiar with how to handle and use electronics. LG offered me nothing except the opportunity to pay them $70 plus parts and shipping to determine if the unit could be repaired. When I complained to a supervisor, I was chided for asking to speak to a supervisor. I have experienced good and bad customer service but LG sets a new slow. Electronics should work beyond their warranty. When a customer complains, a responsive company will seek ways to make the customer satisfied, if not whole. I realize that complaining to a multi-national corporation about their service is useless. So I write this review. Beware: LG doesn't stand behind its products.

I bought this LG DVD/VCR RECORDER to replace a 24 year old VCR. Even though the instructions are hard to follow, this product does what it says quite well. It was one of the very few that has a built in tuner and is resonably priced.Alfred Schreuder

This product functions satisfactorily. However, there are some small annoyances. For example, when rewinding the VCR tape, you would like to keep the display on the TV screen to tell where the tape is, so that you can stop it at a desired place. Instead the display disappears after a few seconds, and you have to keep bringing it back. Also, the rewind/forward speed is slower than other VCRs I have had in the past. On the DVD side, the recording quality is very good in the 4 hour mode, which I use most often. I recommend this product with the minor reservations mentioned above.