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The Sony DVD recorder with VCR may not be for you

(Reviewed 10/7/06) This Sony DVD recorder with VCR comes with a very nice innovation: it supports dual-layer DVD+R discs. The Sony RDR-VX515 is a combo unit that will probably prove itself very useful for those who have long VHS tapes that will not fit on a standard disc.

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Apart from DVD+R/+RW and DVD-R/-RW- discs this DVD recorder from Sony is also compatible with dual layer discs. Using double layer discs (they have a capacity of 9 GB while the standard discs have half of this capacity) you can record double the period of time in any recording mode. Sony RDR-VX515 has many recording modes available depending on the quality of the recording: HQ (1h) HSP (1.5h) SP (2h) LSP (2.5h LP (3h) EP (4h) - up to a 16-hour-mode.

Although you have many options to choose from it would have been better if this Sony DVD recorder with VCR had had a flexible recording length option available (Like Pioneer DVD recorder/DVRs). Also the Sony RDR-VX515 does not have an IR blaster or a TV Guide EPG (which would have enabled you to schedule your recordings).

The DVD recorder itself offers just "good" recording quality. Although the first recording modes offer excellent video quality you'll notice quality loss when you get to the LP mode. As happens with most DVD recorders the 8-hour mode is almost unwatchable. However the quality of VCR to DVD dubs will probably not rise to your expectations. This doesn’t mean that the video quality is poor but other DVD/VCR combos can do the job better.

It is easy to make DVD to VHS dubs (or vice-versa). All you need to do is press the arrows on the front of the deck. It is also easy to edit video with this Sony DVD recorder with VCR. Using A-B erase you can remove commercials from your recordings. Also you can erase, rename, protect titles (or create playlists) and play only certain parts of the discs leaving the rest intact. Also when you copy from VHS to DVD the Sony RDR-VX515 enables you to create chapters instead of dubbing the entire disc.

The connectivity of Sony RDR-VX515 could be improved. It lacks an S-video input in the back which is unexpected considering the price of the deck. Apart from this the Sony RDR-VX515 has the standard connectivity: A/V inputs A/V outputs digital audio outputs (coaxial and optical) a component-video output RF input/output. It also has a FireWire input for connecting digital camcorders.

The design of this Sony DVD recorder with VCR is nice if you compare it to most DVD/VCR combo units. On the front panel you have the recording and eject buttons. Since you do not have a navigational keypad you need to be careful not to lose the remote. The remote control it could use some adjustments. Firstly it is very difficult to get used to the button’s layout. The editing and recording buttons are hidden beneath a sliding panel although they are used often. Also you cannot find the button for VHS to DVD dubs on the remote. You have to use the arrows on the front panel.

Conclusion: The Sony RDR-VX515 is useful if you have a large collection of VHS tapes that cannot be copied on a standard disc. However this Sony DVD recorder with VCR could be a disappointment for the dedicated video editor. Some viewers will probably expect better quality dubbing from VHS tapes to DVD considering the unit’s price.

Follow the links to read articles on other Sony DVD recorders.