dvd-vcr and other dvd combos

I'm very satisfied with this combo. As others have said, the picture quality of both DVD and VCR is excellent. On the VCR/TV side of things, most units offer SVideo out but not input. This is one of the few that offers this (in addition to composite and RF). So, I have my digital cable TV box connected via SVideo, then SVideo out on the JVC unit connects to my HD-ready TV. Then, component out to the TV as well. With progressive scan turned off, I can watch DVD, VCR, or cable TV on SVideo, and just DVD on component. With PS turned on, DVD can only be watched on component and SVideo is only used for VCR or TV viewing. The only drawback using the SVideo input from cable TV is that the unit needs to be turned on in order to view cable TV. It doesn't pass through the signals if it is turned off. A small price to pay for best quality viewing.

This combo unit performed as advertised for about 9 months. Unfortunately the video output for the DVD player just died. I can hear my DVDs, but not see them through either standard or S-Video output.

So I'm back on Amazon looking for the next unit. Not going to go the combo route this time. I'm hoping the durability will be better with a 'dedicated' DVD player.

This unit features S-Video inputs along with the usual composite inputs on both the front and back panel. The output also includes S-Video. There are component and digital outputs, but these only work with the DVD. The ability to play VHS on the S-Video output is an unusual feature, and was the reason I purchased this unit. So far I am delighted.

Unlike a DVD, VHS video is a composite signal. To convert it to the separate signals required by S-Video requires an expensive "comb filter". Comb filters are generally omitted from VCR's and A/V receivers because of their cost, and because they are critical to picture quality. So I used to run both S-Video and composite video to my TV and switch channels on the TV.

My new setup has S-Video from satellite TV to the JVC, and S-Video to the TV. I never touch the TV and don't need its remote because the JVC remote controls its power and volume. To play a DVD or VHS I just push "play". If I do neither, I get TV. Everything just works.

I do have a slight complaint. When I plugged everything in, I got sound but no picture. It turns out that you must choose between composite or S-Video inputs via a menu selection. I feel this should have been explained on page 15 of the manual where it describes S-Video connections. If you have this problem, refer to page 79, and choose S-Video for the rear input.

The feature set seems very extensive to me. In particular the unit displays JPEG images and plays WMA and MP3 audio from regular CD-R's. But I find I seldom use fancy features. Sound and picture quality are excellent.

In summary, this is the unit to buy if you have a TV with S-Video inputs, or an A/V receiver lacking a comb filter or fancy switching. If you are running composite video or (gasp) RF, the extra money for this unit will be wasted.