single DVD recorder or DVD/VCR combo?

[kthan]

I am considering to buy a dvd recorder in order to convert my video files (miniDV and VHS) into dvds. Other than direct recording from VHS to DVD, is there any other differences between the two types of recorders?

Any difference in record quality and/or play quality (just like the weaker performance in dvd recorder than standalone dvd player when playing dvds)?

Other than direct recording convenience, would DVD/VHS combo give better recording quality than "direct hookup recording between VCR and DVD recorder"? I have two VCRs (one is almost 10 year old Sony and the other is about 3yr old Samsung DVD/VHS player. As long as I can use component or S-video connection, would it be the same picture (recording) quality or still weaker?

I don't want to spend more and buy a bulkier Combo, if there's not much difference in record quality.

Also, please let me know if there are other differences (convenient things when buying combo) between the two

[trhouse]

I use both combos and singles. Here are some of the differences.

The combo is by far more convenient if your tapes are in good condition. They can fast forward to find the end of the video and set the recording time and mode automatically. In theory, they can produce better quality because they do not have to send the the video signal through so many standard interfaces. For example, a combo does not need to convert the VCR signal to composite. It can use a more direct connection from the VCR to the dvd recording part. In practice, if there is any difference, it is pretty hard to see.

If the tapes are not in good shape and need external processing such as TBC's, color correction, or any other form of hardware external processing, the single is much easier to use. The combos can do it but it eliminates all the convenience it was intended to provide.

[deadskullz]

If given the choice I would avoid combo's because if 1 part of the unit fails for some reason your stuck with a combo nightmare you should buy single units. Because if one fails you will still have the other thats why I myself have baught 3 single units VCR Player , DVD Player, DVD Recorder think about what i'm saying here plus if you get diffrent units you will have more options in the end color settings all sorts of stuff plus you won't be able to put a macrovision decoder in the middle where would you put it?

[trhouse]

color settings all sorts of stuff plus you won't be able to put a macrovision decoder in the middle where would you put it?

I have two combos and two singles. The combos both have a composite output for the VCR side and two inputs for the dvd recorder side, so the signal from the VCR composite out goes to the external hardware input, the hardware output then goes into one of the dvd recorder inputs just like you would do with a single.

[deadskullz]

I was talking copying from the VHS on the combo to DVD+R on the same combo you can't connect the VCR output's to DVD Recorder because it's all on the same motherboard inside no? besides combo's ain't the best solution just my thoughts thanks

[SingSing]

I only retain my single disc DVD recorder . I packed or give away all my VCRs. Same as my casette tape deck, Hi-8 camcorder, and my flim camera.

[trhouse]

you can't connect the VCR output's to DVD Recorder because it's all on the same motherboard inside no?

No. The DMR-ES30V and ES35V both have composite out for the VCR and IN1 and IN2 to the dvd recorder. When it "one touch" copies from the VCR side to the dvd side, it uses an internal connection but you do not have to do that.

You can connect up just like single, the difference is only one remote, so you have to start the dvd recorder side, then switch to the VCR side, etc.

[cyflyer]

a. You already have two VCRs, so why waste money on buying another in the combo.
b. Combos seem to be big ugly brutes when compared to the sleek size of the recorder.
c. Quality difference, you might as well be splitting hairs if you think you're going to see any noticable difference.

Stick to the recorder/separate vcr. Once you've finished doing your tapes, you wont be using the vcr and you can do away with it.