Magnavox Dvd Vhs Recorder Reviews
The dubbing feature on DVD recorders allows you to make a copy of DVD or VHS tape, onto a DVD. It all depends upon the kind of DVD recorder you have. There are dual deck DVD recorders on the market which allow you to copy from a DVD to a DVD; or transfer videos from a VHS tape to a DVD (or vice versa). Preserving your old home movies and other rare videos, recorded on VHS tapes, onto a DVD is now almost as simple as a pressing button.
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Using the Dubbing Feature on Your VCR / DVD Recorder
Step 1
Step 2
Aug 23, 2013 - 10 min - Uploaded by LdeinerProductionsWill I ever be rid of this company?
Go to your VCR / DVD recorder’s main menu (this might be called a 'System menu' or 'Setup menu' depending upon the particular brand of your VCR / DVD recorder).
Step 3
Use the arrow buttons on your VCR / DVD recorder’s remote control to scroll through and select the 'Dubbing' or 'Recording' options for the devise. If you plan to transfer video from a VHS tape to a DVD, set your dubbing to 'VCR to DVD.' If you plan to transfer video from a DVD to a VHS tape, set dubbing to 'DVD to VCR.' Exit the menu.
Step 4
Insert a blank DVD-R disc into the DVD tray (if you’re recording to a DVD); or insert a blank VHS into the VCR (if you’re recording to a videocassette). This is your recording medium.
Step 5
Insert the DVD you want to copy into the DVD tray; or insert the VHS tape you want to copy into the VCR. This is your source medium.
Step 6
Set the source on your VCR / DVD recorder to correspond to your source medium (press 'VCR' if your source is a VHS tape; press 'DVD' if your source is a DVD disc). Cue your DVD or videotape to the spot where you want to begin your dub.
Step 7
Set the source on your VCR / DVD recorder to correspond to your recording medium. Select your recording speed (SP, LP, or SLP, for example).
Step 8
Press 'Dub' on your VCR / DVD recorder’s remote control to begin dubbing. If your VCR / DVD recorder does not have a 'dub' button on the remote control, this operation might be executed by pressing 'OK' instead. If you’re unsure, consult your owner’s manual.
Press stop when your dub is complete. If you are recording to a DVD, don’t forget to finalize your disc so that it will be readable to other DVD player devises.
Tip
- Using the 'dub' feature on a dual deck DVD player / DVD recorder allows you to copy from DVD to DVD at the push of a button, and at a speed more accelerated than real time recording.
Magnavox Dvd Recorder/vcr Reviews
Items you will need
- Television
- Blank DVD-R disc or VHS tape
- Source DVD disc or VHS tape
- Dual deck DVD player / DVD recorder
- OR
- Dual deck VCR / DVD recorder
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DVD recorders are an alternative to the VCR. With affordable prices, DVD Recorders are within reach of most pocketbooks. Check out some current suggestions DVD recorders and DVD Recorder/Hard Drive combo units. If you are looking for a DVD Recorder that also includes a VCR, check out my list of suggested DVD Recorder/VCR Combinations.
Many manufacturers are no longer making new DVD Recorders for the U.S. market. Some that still do are selling the same models that they introduced two, or more, years ago. Also, some of the following units listed may be officially discontinued, but may still be available at local retailers, or from third party sources, such as eBay. For further details, refer to my article: Why DVD Recorders Are Getting Harder To Find.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Magnavox MDR867H - MDR868H DVD/Hard Drive Recorders
Although DVD recorders have been abandoned by most consumer electronics manufacturers, Magnavox is not only still carrying the torch but has come out with some innovative features on its 2015/16 models.
The MDR-867H/MDR868H are DVD/Hard Drive recorders that include 2-tuners, which allow the recording of two channels at the same time (one on the hard drive, and one on DVD) or the ability to record one channel and watch a live channel at the same time. However, there is a catch - the built-in tuners will only receive over-the-air digital and HD TV broadcasts - it is not compatible with cable or satellite, and does not include reception of analog TV signals.

On the other hand, you can record programs in high-definition on the hard drive (DVD recordings will be in standard definition) and you can dub non-copy-protected recordings from the hard drive to DVD (HD recordings will be converted to SD on DVD).
If you find that the built-in 1TB (867H) or 2TB (868H) hard drive storage capacity is not enough, you can expand either unit via a compatible USB hard drive - Magnavox suggestions the Seagate Expansion and Backup Plus Series and Western Digital's My Passport and My Book Series.
Another innovative feature is the inclusion of both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity.
This allows consumers to watch live TV received by the MDR867H/868H's tuners or hard drive recordings, and even download up to 3 recorded programs from the hard drive onto compatible smartphones and tablets using a wireless home network using a free downloadable app (iOS/Android.
However, it must be noted that despite network connectivity the MDR868H does not provide access to internet streaming content, such as Netflix.
The MDR868H can record and play (DVD-R/-RW, CD, CD-R/-RW) discs.
Home theater connectivity includes HDMI and Digital Optical audio outputs. For connection to older TVs, a set of composite video/analog audio outputs is provided.
For analog recording, the MDR868H provides two sets of Composite video inputs, paired with analog stereo RCA inputs (one set on front panel/one set on rear panel), as well as a front panel S-Video input (very rare these days).
You may also be interested in our roundup of the best upscaling DVD players out on the market today.
Runner-Up, Best Overall: Magnavox MDR865H DVD/Hard Drive Recorder

The MDR865H starts off with a built-in ATSC tuner for reception and recording of digital and HD TV over-the-air broadcasts.
The MDR865H also features both 500GB hard drive for temporary video storage, and DVD-R/-RW format recording. DVD/Hard Drive cross dubbing of non-copyprotected recordings is provided.
However, any recordings made in HD will be down-converted for recording onto DVD. On the other hand, when DVDs (either commercial or home recorded) are played back, 1080p upscaling is provided via the HDMI output.
One added feature is that the hard drive storage capacity of the MDR865H can be expanded using the provided USB port. Ps2 hd loader 0 8c iso. Magnavox suggests the Seagate Expansion and Backup Plus Series and Western Digital's My Passport and My Book Series.
Connectivity includes an HDMI and digital optical audio output for connection to HDTVs and home theater systems, as well as a set of analog video/audio outputs for connection to older TVs. Of course, an RF connection connects loop is provided for reception and pass-through of over-the-air TV signals. The MDR865H is not compatible with cable or satellite, except through the analog AV inputs.
For analog video recording, the MDR865H provides both composite and S-video input options, along with analog stereo audio.
Best Budget: Toshiba DR430 DVD Recorder with HDMI Output
Here is a budget-priced DVD recorder with very practical features. For less than $120, the Toshiba DR430 offers DVD-R/-RW and +R/+RW format recording with Auto Finalization, a front-panel DV-input for connecting digital camcorders, and an HDMI output with 1080p upscaling. In addition, the DR430 can also play back MP3-CDs, as well as standard audio CDs. However, the DR-430 does not have a built-in tune, so it is necessary to use an external cable or satellite box to record television programs. If you subscribe to cable or satellite and use a box, and have an HDTV to access the 430's 1080p upscaling video output capability, then this DVD recorder might be a good match for your entertainment setup.
Best Combo: Magnavox MDR-557H DVD Hard Drive Combination Recorder
DVD Recorder/Hard Drive combos are now an endangered species in the U.S., so if you are looking for one, the Magnavox MDR-557H is one of only a few choices left. This unit has a built-in ATSC/QAM tuner for reception of digital over-the-air broadcast TV signal and select unscrambled cable signals. The MDR537H also features a huge 1TB hard drive for temporary video storage, DVD+R/+RW/-R/-RW format recording, DVD/Hard Drive cross dubbing, iLink (DV) input for copying video from compatible digital camcorders, and video upscaling to 1080p on playback via HDMI output. If you are looking DVD recorder/Hard Drive combination, definitely check out the Magnavox MDR-557H.
Interested in more combo products? Check out our pickings for the best LCD TV/DVD player combos.
Best Entry-Level: Panasonic DMR-EZ28K DVD Recorder With ATSC Tuner
The Panasonic DMR-EZ28K is a great entry-level DVD recorder that includes an ATSC tuner. This allows the reception and recording of over-the-air digital TV signals, which replaced analog signals, effective June 12, 2009. In addition to an ATSC tuner, the DMR-EZ28K also includes other great features, such as compatibility with most DVD recording formats, a DV input for recording from digital camcorders, and 1080p upscaling via HDMI output. Another bonus is Panasonic's enhanced playback quality on discs recorded using the four-hour LP mode. When comparing the LP mode playback on Panasonic DVD recorders and most other brands, you can tell the difference.
This DVD recorder has been officially discontinued but may still be available via clearance outlets or third parties.
Runner-Up, Best Entry-Level: Panasonic DMR-EA18K DVD Recorder
The Panasonic DMR-EA18K an entry-level DVD recorder that requires an external tuner, such as a cable box, satellite box, or DTV converter box, to receive and record television programming. However, the DMR-EA18K does include compatibility with most DVD recording formats, a DV input for recording from digital camcorders, USB and SD card slot for digital still image playback, both progressive scan component video outputs, and 1080p upscaling via its HDMI output. Another bonus is Panasonic's enhanced playback quality on discs recorded using the four hour LP mode. The EA18K can also play Divx files. When comparing the LP mode playback on Panasonic DVD recorders and most other brands, you can tell the difference.
This DVD recorder has been officially discontinued but may still be available via clearance outlets or third parties.