dvd-vcr and other dvd combos

I bought the Apex ADV-3800 from Amazon because it seemed like a great price. I had no problems with it at first. Then, a malfunction started. I no longer got video output from the DVD player. I could still view cable channels and VHS tapes fine. But when I switched to DVD mode, the screen would go black; there wasn't even the generic-blue DVD screen. If I inserted a DVD and pressed the buttons in the right order, I could get the DVD to play. However, I only heard the audio (which came through flawlessly); the screen was still black.
I tried calling Apex's customer service number (both the California area code and the toll-free). They were busy every single time. Except for once. The one time that it wasn't busy, I was on hold for over 3 hours before I gave up waiting. (In that time, I went from #17 to #3 in the queue, according to the recorded voice.) I also posted my problem on their website. They promised a reply within 24 hours but none came after 5 days of waiting.
I even called one of the companies listed on the Apex website as a licensed repair company. The company told me that they also have great difficulties with Apex, especially in getting hold of them on the phone.
Spend your money on a product supported by a company that will actually help you if anything goes wrong. Avoid Apex. I'd give them zero stars if I could.

I purchased this device two weeks ago (May 26, 2004) from SEARS and straight out of the box, the DVD player does not play ANY DVD! I burn DVDs in many different formats (DVD-+RW) from different manufactures and none of them play. Then I tried to play a regular DVD (Anthony Robbin's Get the Edge) and it also will not play. I tried several other brand new DVDs and none will play. I even tried playing MP3 and WMP discs, with no luck. I knew I should not have purchased this product without researching it first but I was in a time crunch. I do not recommend this product! And I waited over 10 minutes trying to speak with a customer service rep, which is also unacceptable!

Use it with an HD tv. Plays back VHS and DVD just fine. Does exactly what it says it does, and does it well.