Zenith XBR716 - DVD recorder/ VCR combo - black, silver

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Zenith Electronics is focused on the digital future, building on a proud heritage of leadership in entertainment products for the home and professional markets.PRODUCT FEATURES:Superior recording format flexibility: DVD?R/DVD?RW/DVD+R Double-layer;All digital video and audio output;Auto-dub personal video from DVD to VCR or VCR to DVD;Convenient recording and editing from digital camcorders with DV (1394) input recording.
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Technical Details

- Zenith XBR716 DVDRW/VCR Combo Recorder General Features: Silver and black design
- Multi-Format Recording: DVD+R/+RW/-R/-RW 4 headHi-Fi stereo VCR Region 1 Progressive Scan
- Superior picture quality with DVFx recording All digital video and audio outputs
- Auto-dub personal video from DVD to VCR or VCR to DVD Simultaneous record and play
- Supports MP3, WMA orJPEG files
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 "First positive review of this unit?" 2009-10-01
By Wade A. Brandis (South Dakota)
I purchased my Zenith XBR716 in April 2009, and I have to say, it has to be one of the best DVD Recorder/VHS combo units I have ever used, even if it is the first. Before I got this unit, I had two seperate VCR and DVD Recorder units for doing VHS to DVD transfers, which makes the Zenith XBR716 very handy, especially if you don't have a lot of space, as I am a college student.



Im not sure if everyone else here either had a faulty model or just plain bad luck, but every DVD I have recorded in this unit has played back on the other DVD players that I own, and also on my computer. The recording quality is the best I have seen in a DVD recorder yet, and it's a lot better than my old LiteON LVW-1107HC1 recorder. VHS playback is also good, and I have transferred many VHS tapes to DVD (either with the built in unit or my external RCA DRC6350N DVD/VCR) and they have superb picture quality, even when the disc is recorded in EP mode.



There is no built in tuner in this unit, which means that if you want to record off TV, you will need either a Satellite or cable TV box, or an external VCR to tune broadcast channels, so if you want a unit with a tuner, then this one isn't for you. The DVD recorder portion also does get somewhat warm when in use, but it's not too hot, and fresh discs from the unit are just as warm as those that come out of my computer's DVD-RW drive.



Even LG's warranty service is excellent. The reason why I bring this up is in late August, my unit would no longer power on. Any attempt to power it on and the display would just say "HELLO" for about two minutes, and shut off, with nothing appearing on the screen. My unit was still under warranty, so I sent it in to LG's service depot, and a couple weeks later, it was sent back to me via FedEx, fully repaired and working like new again.



Would I recommend this unit? Yes, I would.

 "don't buy it" 2009-06-04
By Robb W. Posch (colorado, US)
I bought this and in 3 months it broke. Now it won't play comercial dvd's and every once in a while it will play the dvd's it made. I looked up reviews on all dvd recorder/ vcr's and all of them say they have this problem. So Buy a dvd recorder without a vcr and connect one. Most the regular dvd recorders seem to have good reviews. and good luck

 "Whadda piece of JUNK! :-( E-Waste, here we come! " 2009-02-07
By GingerVitis
I have been generous to award one star for this product --- it deserves ZERO stars. If I had paid only $10 for this product it would have been a waste of my money. The DVD player has worked only occasionally (it rejects well over half of all commercial DVDs {fyi:I don't own any bootlegged dvd's.} And if a disc actually loads up, occasionally there's no audio!

The product (claims it) is a DVD recorder. It WILL record on to a disc, but try to play that disc on any other device and your disc will not be recognized. I've tried several dif. formats and brands of discs -- no luck.

When I factor in the reoccurring cost of my underused NETFLIX subscription, the amount of money I've wasted is embarrassing. Time to E-Waste this thing and find a replacement.

If you're looking for a more technical critique I suggest you check out CNET.com. (put 'Zenith XBR716' in the search window.)

 "Piece of crap. " 2008-12-28
By J. Blotniski (Vernon, CT)
I got this product as a gift last Christmas, and a few months later, the thing would get really hot and make noise when playing a DVD. Then, it got picky about which discs it would play. Now it won't play any DVD's at all. It either says that there is no disc or that it is an unrecognized disc. I came downstairs one day proclaiming that I needed a new DVD player and my mother was quite upset that the $250 DVD player she purchased for me last Christmas was not working. I've tried tricking the machine every which way to get it to play a disc, with absolutely no success. My efforts ended with me slamming the top of the unit with my fist - that didn't work either, but I at least got some satisfaction from it. Don't even get me started on the record function (when that was working).

 "Very Problematic" 2008-12-21
By M. Phillip Bechtel
I received this as a gift under a year ago. I held onto it in spite of problems but now it is useless to me. The DVD tray will not stay closed and the unit will not play DVDs. Even with a receipt and having the unit under warranty, Zenith wants $70 to fix it. Before this issue there were other problems. The DVD player was regularly very loud and made a suspicious humming noise. Sometimes it would get so loud and hot that we would stop watching for fear it would ruin the DVD. I'm finally getting rid of this unit and I will likely stay away from Zenith products in the future.


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JVC DR-MV80B DVD and VCR Combo Recorder - Black

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The JVC DR-MV80B DVD/VCR Combo Recorder is a quality multi-format DVD/VCR combo recorder that offers great features. This unit has a progressive-scan player capable of upconverting your current DVD library to a 1080p high-definition experience. Record your favorite home movies onto DVD-R/W, DVD+R/W and DVD-RAM discs with a choice of 4 different recording speeds. Enjoy Dolby Digital/DTS audio decoding, Timer-Link recording capability, DivX, DV-input, and HDMI-output. With multi-format playback capabilities, connectivity to virtually any A/V source, Quasi (S-VHS) playback, coaxial/optical digital-audio outputs, One-Touch (bi-directional) Dubbing, and 12-hour recording capability, your entertainment choices are endless with the JVC DR-MV80B. Just connect your digital video camera to the unit's DV-input terminal, and you're ready to record images onto a DVD recordable disc. With playback specifications that meet the standards of professionals, this recorder features a component video output for high-resolution low-distortion video playback. Front A/V inputs allow you to plug your accessories directly into the unit without having to pull it out of your entertainment center and messing with the rear inputs. This is a progressive scan DVD player, capable of scanning an entire video frame at once. Scan-lines commonly associated with interlaced video are drastically reduced. The result is a spectacularly clear image with no motion artifacts (stair-stepping), and details so sharp they seem as if they're etched onto the screen. If you're looking for a DVD player with exquisite audio playback, this unit will do the job. Use the coaxial or optical audio outputs to connect the DVD player to your home theater receiver and enjoy full Dolby Digital surround-sound entertainment. One-Touch Recording provides a simple and convenient way to make a recording. Simply connect the recorder to your cable or satellite box and then to your TV,
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Technical Details

- Tuner-Free DVD+VHS Recorder with Versatile featuring TimerLink Recording, HDMI Output with 1080p/720p Up-Conversion (DVD/VHS)
- Playable Formats - VHS Hi-Fi, DVD-Video, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R, +RW, +R, +R (Dual), CD, SVCD/VCD, CD-R/RW, WMA/MP3/JPEG Digital Still/DivX (CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, +R/+RW)
- Recordable Formats - VHS Hi-Fi, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R, +RW, +R
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 "What the??" 2009-09-15
By pillbox59 (Ardmore, PA USA)
The DVD recorder will not record shows that are "copy protected" and guess what? All the shows are copy protected. I can spottily record things when the recorder is in the right mood but 9 times out of 10 when I press record I get the "can not record" message. I called JVC and they said, yep, you can't record copy protected material. So this unit to me is basically useless.

 "Excellent Choice" 2009-07-31
By D. L. Sosebee (Lula, GA USA)
My primary purpose for purchasing the DR-MV80B was to transfer older VHS recordings to DVD. I also plan to use the DVD recorder to save new satellite television broadcasts. Since I have satellite TV I don't need a tuner, so this model is perfect for me. I did a lot of research on the various brands and models of VCR/DVD Recorder Combo Decks before choosing this one, including downloading operation manuals off the internet for each one. I chose the JVC DR-MV80B because it was by far the easiest to understand how to operate, and had all of the features I needed (and even a couple I don't need). So far I've tested it quite a bit, and although I haven't tried to make any VHS recordings yet (and am not likely to), the DVD recorder works very nicely. I have tried playing the recorded DVD's on my computer and that works fine as well. In fact, I was a bit surprised at the video quality of the DVD recording considering the age of some of the video tapes I've been experimenting with (some were recorded over 15 years ago). The only real complaint that I have is that I have found times when the remote control's EJECT button doesn't seem to want to work - I get the 'invalid function' icon on the screen and have had to resort to using the front panel DVD Eject button. Also slightly annoying is that the DVD drive seems to be just a bit noisy when some commercial DVD disks are played.

 "Tunerless Recording" 2009-07-20
By Michael Kerner (Brooklyn, New York U.S.A.)
There is no question that we are honestly seeing fewer and fewer DVD Recorders onm the market lately. Simply, because so much more from the market is gaining ground because of the Blu-Ray DVD disc players. While that might seem understandable, there are those who are also looking for a newer way to record their favorite shows. With the new changes that've affected the TV Signals from NTSC to ATSC, many consumers have had a harder time trying to upgrade to the newer signals. But that also has led consumers astray from finding the new leads into DVD recorders too. But it isn't as difficult as it seems with more DVD / VCR recorders and players not having any tuners in them. In fact, they can work just as well, and this is one of them.



The JVC DR-MV80B is a tunerless DVD / VCR Recorder that just does the job well, and as good as you would've expected, compared to hooking up a VCR or DVD recorder with a tuner. The job does just as good of a job. All you have to do is set it up easily with traditional Audio / Video cables to the back of your recorder, and easily connect it to the back of your cable box or converter box, with a simple connection. Next, check and make sure that your TV has a input connection for video components. Switch to that after turning it on, and you can simply watch whatever you record on your TV with ease.



The setup also here is much more universal than other DVD recorders, as you can record and playback your DVD's in +RW or -RW formats discs as well as the rarely recognized DVD-RAM discs. The JVC DRMV80B also does the job well at recording in both the widely used Video format, as well as the more advanced VR format or otherwise known as the RW Compatable format. The recorder does a great job at helping you edit out all those annoying commercials, and setup your favorite shows on DVD so you can have extra room to record more shows. It also does a good job at dubbing your shows from DVD to VCR cassette, and from VCR to DVD with ease. There is one big disadvantage though, the timer-link mode here where you can setup recording your favorite shows, is a lot more complicated than it was setup in the instruction book. Thankfully, it is much easier to use the regular timer recording option instead, which doesn't complicate the owner.



All in all, despite one or two issues the JVC DR-MV80B isn't as complicated to setup, and honestly works just as well as you would've expected with all the other recorders with the NTSC or ATSC tuners. It is a affordable recorder that does the work well, and is one of the easiest recorders to operate on the market. While DVD / VCR Recorders aren't being recognized as much, they still are great to own, and JVC does the job well at making ones that are worth the money. I absolutely recommend this for anyone who wants a DVD Recorder that is advanced that also is easy to use.



Price: B+



Setup: B 1/2+



Convience: B



Overall: B 1/2+

 "Timer Link Recording a sham." 2009-05-27
By Media Man (St. Petersburg, FL USA)
I was impressed how easy this was to set up, until I tried the Timer Link recording, the ONLY reason I bought this unit. It wouldn't work at all, which of now means having to manually set the unit AND the set top box. When I called customer support I got a young lady who knew nothing and tried to tell me it was the DVD disc I was using. Yeah, right. Stay away and get one with a tuner.


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JVC DR-MV150B DVD and VCR Combo Recorder - Black

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It's time to make the transition from VHS to DVD and there's no better way than adding the JVC DR-MV150B to your component home-theater system. Equipped with an ATSC digital tuner, this recorder will be able to capture programs from digital TV stations from an off the air antenna. It's DTV ready. While DVD in itself is not a high-definition media, using an HDMI cable to connect to a widescreen HDTV set, permits an (up to) 1080p upconversion. It's the perfect choice as you transition from VHS to DVD. It's like having the best of both worlds. HDMI Output with 1080p/720p Up-Conversion (DVD/VHS) i.LINK Connection (DV Input) SQPB on VHS (SVHS Quasi Play) Dolby Digital/DTS Digital Output (DVD) and Digital Output (VHS) Component/S-Video Outputs (DVD/VHS) DVD Recorder Combo Advantage VHS Playback via Same Output Connection as DVD Super MPEG Encode Pre-Processor Super MPEG Post Processor 10-bit/54MHz Video D/A Converter DVD< >VHS Dubbing 12-Hour DVD Recording (on Double-Sided Disc) One-Touch Recording Manual Timer Programming Playlist-based Editing (DVD) 1.5x Quick Playback with Sound (DVD) High-Resolution GUI (English/French/Spanish/Portuguese) Stylish, Slim Design Only 2-7/8 (71.5mm) High Timer Program 1-Month/up to 16-Programs Unit Dimensions WHD - 16-15/16 x 2-7/8 x 10-1/4 inch; 9.7 lbs
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Technical Details

- Playable Formats - VHS Hi-Fi, DVD-Video, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R, +RW, +R, +R (Dual), CD, SVCD/VCD, CD-R/RW, WMA/MP3/JPEG Digital Still/DivX(R)
- Recordable Formats - VHS Hi-Fi, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R, +RW, +R
- ATSC (Digital) Tuner - 8 VSB (2-69), Clear QAM (1-135)
- NTSC (Analog) Tuner - VHF (2-13), UHF (14-69), CATV (1-135)
- Progressive Scan Output
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 "No complaints - works like a charm!" 2009-09-24
By Honest Reviewer (DFW TX)
I can't help but think some of the reviews are very biased...perhaps based on operator error more than anything. Although its possible to get a bad unit. I almost didn't make this purchase based on the reviews. But after some thought and the fact that I've owned a JVC t.v. for the past 11 years, I decided to give this unit a try. Thus far, I have no complaints. Set up was pretty simple. I have been able to play both DVDs and VHS tapes without problems. The picture quality could be better but its good enough. I had no problem setting up for recording. The one touch recording option was also pretty simple. I like the fact that you can record with both the DVD and VCR and the timer setup allows you to choose between the 2. So if you are away for the week and need more recording time than what is allowed via your DVD, you can also record the remaining shows you want to record on VHS tape. This is a very nice feature. If I run into problems with the unit (which I hope I don't) I will definitely write another review in all fairness.

 "Worst Product purchased" 2009-09-10
By Courtney V. Caudill
Got two units neither would not setup (manufactured in July 2009)locks up , only support from JVC was unplug to reset if no help return unit

 "Works for me" 2009-07-12
By A. Norton (Arkansas, USA)
I purchased this two weeks ago.



It took a short while to figure out how to operate the recorder.



Customer support was superb and helped me immensely.



Be sure to purchase the correct DVD blanks. They are listed in the manual, which is a page I kept overlooking.



I miss the old dvd/vcr recorders that don't require the HMDI. It was so nice to click on/off vcr. With this and other new ones, one must go to the menu for the t.v. and the recorder to switch things around. The t.v. is really a form of computer instead of the off and on switch.



Progress is hard for me to adjust.



However, I can now record off the t.v. to either vhs or dvd blanks. I can dub the vhs tapes to dvd blanks. All pretty easy with practice.

 "Poor Design" 2009-06-29
By W. Schultz (USA)
This machine could be an interesting case study in how to get a bad result from a combination of individually good pieces. As you might expect from JVC, the picture quality is good on both the VCR and DVD players. The digital tuner is also quite good, actually superb might be a better characterization. Evidently, however, no one at JVC thought through what it would be like for customers to actually use this product. There are two serious issues.



First, the HDMI resolution has to be set from a button on the from panel, and does not stay set when the unit is turned off. Therefore, you have to set up the HDMI interface via the front panel button every time that you want to view something. Not a nice thing to do to a customer, especially if this unit is underneath the TV in an entertainment center.



Second, when you are watching a movie and hit the off button it does not shut of cleanly. For a brief period of time the TV tuner comes on while this machine is shutting down. Since over the air TV is broadcast at way way higher volumes than a typical DVD produces, it blasts your eardrums during shutdown. Again, not a nice thing to do to a customer.



It is kind of a shame really, because neither of these problems is difficult to fix from a design point of view. Nor, I suspect, would having it hold its HDMI setting and shutdown quietly affect the cost. JVC just didn't think through what it would be like to be a customer.

 "Quirky But Works" 2009-06-20
By Mom (NJ, USA)
The bottom line with this machine is that it works. We've been able to record OTA and cable broadcasts, in standard definition and HD, to DVD-R and DVD+RW discs and we copied a VHS tape to DVD-R. All have worked well.



The ATSC (digital) tuner works great, but the NTSC (analog) tuner seems a little poor. We only get basic cable, so we expected to use the NTSC tuner and had tested the ATSC tuner for OTA signals for a few days. The NTSC output seems a little fuzzy, though that might be due to its A/D and D/A conversion, since we're using the digital output to our receiver and then component video into our standard definition TV. (The ATSC tuner output was observed through this same connection as well as via HDMI to a 22" LCD TV.) It turns out that we have digital channels, often two, corresponding to each analog channel in our cable lineup, so we're using those channels instead.



One of the first things you notice about this machine is that access to the Setup menu is awkward. You press the Home button on the remote and the Setup menu is selected, but not opened. You must press the center (OK) button to open the setup menu. If you want one of the other menus, you merely press the left or right cursor button and the menu is selected and opened at once. Why wouldn't the setup menu be visible immediately!



Another awkward thing about the Setup menu is that it contains normal use and setup controls. One normally relegates rarely used functions to a setup menu because they are set-and-forget options, right? Sadly, in this machine, you must navigate past such options to use common functions such as for finalizing or labeling a disc.



Another frustration about the design of the user interface is that common operations for a DVD recorder like finalizing are not the first that appear when you invoke the menus with the Home button and are not accessible from the remote any other way. The principle operations of a device like this should be close at hand and those used less frequently should be accessible, but require extra steps to reach.



My final complaint about this machine is that it will begin recording a timer program whether the machine is on or off and, if on, seemingly regardless of what you may be doing with it at the time. No VCR would start recording when the machine is on. It will complain when it is time to record, but will wait for you to turn it off before recording. A DVD recorder should be no different and this was just stupid on JVC's part.



An interesting behavior of this machine, which is unlike any DVD player I've ever owned, is that it will automatically load and begin playing an inserted DVD, just as a VCR would start playing a prerecorded tape when inserted. That's a nice touch.



The channel editing feature is very nice, too. When editing which channels the machine should recognize or ignore, it uses a picture-in-picture style arrangement to show the channel in the upper left corner so that you can navigate from one channel to the next while deleting or enabling them. Our LCD TV, by contrast, pretty much requires selecting a channel, navigating the menus to the channel editor, and then adding or deleting that channel, for each channel you want to change. A button on the remote to access the add/delete functionality is probably the simplest approach with analog TV, but that is harder to use with digital signals because of the fractional channel numbers.



This machine has a good ATSC tuner, records as expected, and so deserves four stars for function. If JVC were to upgrade the firmware with a smart, frequency of use based menu layout, it would deserve five stars.



(By the way, we've had no problems with the machine freezing up on us. If yours does, exchange it.)


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