An easy choice
Written: Jan 21 '04
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Pros: Ease of use, loaded remote, progressive scan
Cons: none, really, given the price
The Bottom Line: If you have a first generation DVD and you're already on your second VCR, and want to consolidate your components, this is an excellent choice.
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| travelmess's Full Review: Zenith XBV342 DVD Player / VCR Combo |
Zenith was one of the last US companies that manufactured its products here; now LG, which makes cell phones, owns the name. I mention this because anybody can buy a US product name and that doesn't mean the product remains a good one. In this case, I think it's still as good a name.
Basics: DVD/VCR. Set up was a breeze out of the box. The faceplate is simple - the remote is what makes it work. The remote is NOT UNIVERSAL!! If you have a universal remote that this unit can recognize, it still won't have the functions that this remote has to work this product: zoom, for example - you can pause and zoom in on a particular area and even explore the cell that you're watching.
Intuitive: if you want to make changes to the set-up while watching a DVD, the machine intuitively puts the disc on pause. This is the level of its sophistication. I didn't try out many other units before settling on this one, so I can't say others don't have these features, but I am happy with the ones this has. As a gift item for relatives, my in-laws (he's 70-ish) found it easy to use too.
Progressive Scan: for a unit under $140, I think it's a real plus. But to use it you need a tv that will accept the inputs, and the unit does not come with the cabling you need to use it.
Sound: Again, I don't know how many other units have it, but this one also has a virtual surround sound function that does a decent job enhancing sound from even a simple 2-speaker stereo tv.
The DVD to VCR function is one-button "COPY", or can be manual. The unit's tuner also seems to be pretty good (it's better than the typical tuner in an inexpensive tv). Needless to say, the DVD makes even an inexpensive basic tv look pretty good (if it has a decent tube).
I did compare it in the store to the "GO VIDEO" Unit, and for the short amount of time I had, I found the Zenith to have more useful functions.
Until the price of DVD burners comes way down so I can copy my favorite older videotapes and finally retire them, this unit is a good interim investment since it seems that buying a separate VCR today is pretty much a waste. Especially since it also plays CDs and will play back jpeg format pictures, and accepts camcorder inputs (front) and has 2 extra inputs.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 125
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Epinions.com ID:
travelmess
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Reviews written: 18
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