Does my Dream DVD/VHS player exist?

[Fly_Navy]

Hello, first time poster... I tried searching but didn't see exactly an answer to what I need.

I have a LARGE collection of VHS tapes and a growing collection of DVDs. I do still watch my VHS collection a lot, but with my growing entertainment center... I am trying to avoid the huge rats nest in the back.

I have also heard of upscaling DVD players... and I'm not sure if they are worth it or not.

what I want is a SINGLE unit, which will do ALL or most of the following with only the HDMI hook-up to my TV, or by using one bank of my HD cable inputs:
<b>*Play DVD's
*Preferably upscale DVD's (I have a Hitachi 50v710 with 1080i)
*Play VHS
*Not be more expensive than $250 - $300</b>

I've found a few units that require two seperate hook-ups... which defeats the purpose of me buying one box. I realize a lot of players that have the features I want are also DVD recorders... which is fine, but I do not need that option. I just want to simplify my entertainment center and try and clear some space for game systems, Cable Boxes, etc.

Also, upscaling is not exactly a make-or-break for me. It's kind of the reason I have convincd myself it is worth paying to consolidate the machines... but what are some other people's opinions? My research on the net is mixed as to whether or not it works... I have a large screen, and like crisp images... but I'm not going to pop for a HD/BluRay until there is a clear victor.

The few units I have found have all had warnings from users on cnet.com and Consumer Reports that they upscaled poorly and had terrible images... or broke quite often.

<b>What are the recommendations of you, my fellow videophiles?</b>

[SoSpacey]

1- Movie Buffs may be a better way to address yourself/others in this category since videophiles would not be using a VCR still.

2- these units are usually gimicks for a Joe6Pack who wants 2 devices in 1 so companies don't care about putting out a high quality unit.

3- buy a good upconverting player and a seperate VCR so you can throw out the VCR

4- Blu-ray won the war. The treaty was signed 2 weeks ago.

[Chew]

4- Blu-ray won the war. The treaty was signed 2 weeks ago.

Although Blu-Ray has pretty much "won" the war, I wouldn't say the treaty has been signed. Toshiba is still fighting. :p

[Brian Shannon]

You do not say what kind of tv you have. Most combo players are compromises at best hence the warnings. I agree with getting seperate pieces.

[Fly_Navy]

So it is a vain effort for me to try and cosolidate hardware? Then I guess I'll just save my money and wait it out with my high-quality standard DVD player until there is an ultimate victory in the HD/Blu-ray debacle.

I know it's close... and have been following it religiously... but these format wars are never over until all your friends have picked one out. ;) It's not the "movie-buffs" or Videophiles who pick such things... it is usually the Average Joe who's buying power is stronger.

[Fly_Navy]

You do not say what kind of tv you have. Most combo players are compromises at best hence the warnings. I agree with getting seperate pieces.


...
*Preferably upscale DVD's (I have a Hitachi 50v710 with 1080i)
...

But if that isn't breaking it down enough, it's a 50 inch Rear Projection with only one HDMI, two HD composite, Three Regular Composite, one S-Video

And I have no idea how good it's upscaling is, as I haven't much to compare it to.

[Alan Smithee]

These have always been a joke- I wish they'd make one that actually has a GOOD VHS section, with linear (the non Hi-Fi track) stereo playback, S-VHS and D-VHS/D-Theater.

[Brian Shannon]

But if that isn't breaking it down enough, it's a 50 inch Rear Projection with only one HDMI, two HD composite, Three Regular Composite, one S-Video

And I have no idea how good it's upscaling is, as I haven't much to compare it to.

I apologize, I see it there in red, sometimes when posts are too long I lose focus on the details.

No it is not a vain effort but I have a hard time believing that VHS through this tv even looks very good. I understand you want to watch the tapes but the writing has been on the wall for quite some time regarding vhs. A victor in a disc format war has nothing to do with watching tapes. You have to decide how valuable these tapes are to you and can they be replaced on any type of disc media.

[Fly_Navy]

A victor in a disc format war has nothing to do with watching tapes. You have to decide how valuable these tapes are to you and can they be replaced on any type of disc media.

Well, I just have 200 VHS tapes... and I'd rather not drop $10 - $20 to replace each of those films with DVD's just yet. That's why I keep the VHS player hooked up. Those that are original films (the majority) and not "recorded" or Dubbed actually do look fairly decent.

[Spiky]

As mentioned, the VHS in combo units suck. Also, the DVDp in combo units suck. They absolutely refuse to put even decent (let alone good, certainly not great) equipment into these machines. No 4-head VCRs, not really. And no decent de-interlacers or scalers on the DVD side. Plus, they tend to break faster.

For good measure, the combo machines also behave as though they are 2. The remotes are confusing and switching between VHS and DVD sides is about as obnoxious as switching between 2 separate machines. So all you are really saving is shelf space. And with how tiny players are these days, stacking 2 is hardly noticeable.

If you really want to work towards good video, get separates. There are few decent VCRs still available, if any, you may be out of luck. But you can pick up a nice DVD player or even get into HD. You are a little late into the "change my VHS to DVD" world. Maybe you should skip to Bluray.