Hooking up dvd/vcr combo to converter box or... (1 Viewer)

[KevinB777]

I haven't posted in a long time at this forum. I hope this question belongs here. If not, mod will move it. Please excuse me again for making this a long post.

Gentleman, I am wanting to buy a new dvd/vcr combo since my old vcr was damaged this past summer in a bad thunder storm. And of course you can't buy new vcr's anywhere, except for a site I found that sells a few refurbished ones. I personally wanted something new and also with a dvd player.

First of all I am using an old analog 25" console tv that still gives great reception even after 22 years. I know it's time for a new LCD or Plasma HDTV. Just can't afford it now. I am also using Time Warners cable service and using their Motorola DCT2244/166/ACDEG converter box.

I bought a dvd/vcr combo several weeks ago from Wal Mart but could not get it to work. I called the product company makers tech service and even my own cable company to make sure it was hooked up right. It was hooked up right, but it would not show video or put out any audio. Maybe I needed an RF Converter in my case. Most dvd/vcrs are probably like that according to what I have seen.(?)

Went to Wal Mart this past Tuesday and looked at some more dvd/vcr combos again. I ran across a combo that actually had two coaxial connectors in back. One 'In', and one 'Out'. It was the only dvd/vcr player/recorder they had with coaxial connectors in back. Sorry, but I forgot the brand name.

Does this save me? Will this player work? My old vcr would hook up from wall outlet to 'In' of vcr, and from 'Out' of vcr to 'In' of TV, which has only one coax connector on back anyway. So the new dvd/vcr should hook up the same I would assume. Doesn't that sound right? Of course I forgot to mention the 3 RCA Composite cable for the DVD/VCR to connect to the cable box also.

If this works, are you sure of it? I would dislike to have to take another dvd/vcr player back to Wal Mart. I want to know it's right before I buy it. From what I have gathered, I can always use an RF Converter with it. Don't really want to go that route though. Have heard they may cause decrease in picture quality. Thanks a lot for your help on this.

 

[JohnRice]

As far as I know, the RF output on (most) combo units only works for the VCR. So, you're still stuck for the DVD. Your old unit must have been a rare exception to this. You should check the manual of the new unit to verify this.

BTW, you don't have to get a new LCD. I would watch Craig's List. There are plenty of nice TVs for sale cheap. As long as you get one with some video inputs you are a few steps ahead. Since you are on cable, a digital model isn't critical. I also wouldn't get a combo unit anyway. You can probably get separate ones for the same or less.

 

[Scott Merryfield]

Excellent suggestion, John. We just sold a 27" and 13" TV through there for $40 and $25, respectively.

 

[KevinB777]

I should have made some notes first on the dvd/vcr first before posting. But yes it has two antenna coax connecters (In/Out). The model is ZV450MW8. However after reading several reviews on this model it was only given a good rating overall. Some people gave it 5 stars. Some gave only 1 star. There were 60 ratings. I didn't read all of them, but some of the one star ratings were not to my liking. So I will not buy this unit.

Unfortunately I am not a person to buy used electronics unless I know the person. That's just the way I am. And actually one can get a 32" Plasma from Costco for $500. Some LCD/Plasma TV's are under $500. Depends on brand and quality for sure.

Consumer Reports gave the Vizio 32" LCD a very good rating overall. They also gave RCA a good rating as well as Polaroid. I am talking lower end costs here too. But they were rated good-very good overall. I'm just talking about 32" TV's for now. That's all I need to be happy. Like all electronics, they are still coming down in price. I will just save my money and purchase new. Thanks for your response.

 

[KevinB777]

I guess I would agree that buying from Craig's List is a great way of saving money if you don't mind used. It depends what the item is. Like I told John, I still prefer new though for a TV. However, I might buy used from someone I know. LCD and Plasma TV prices keep getting cheaper. I will save up money and buy new. A 32" is all I need. You can buy some of those for under $500 and a few more for just over $500. Will probably skip buying a dvd/vcr for now and concentrate on just the TV.

I sold some items on Craig's List the first day for a couple items. Wish I had more stuff to sell now. Great place to sell anything. Thanks.