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.
