Re: Sansui DVD-Recorder-VCR combination unit--any good?

Thanks for answering in more detail this time. More below.

You might be right that the deck mentioned is no good. I haven't seen one,
and I cannot find many details about its recording capabilities. I would
like to question a little, if you don't mind, your reasons for thinking so.

1. You state unequivocally that "DVD/VCR combo units are garbage". How did
you come to that conclusion? Did you use one that was no good? Know someone
who had one that was no good? What model? (The unit I mentioned is the only
DVD recorder-VCR combination I know of, but there are many DVD player-VCR
combination units, by many different major manufacturers-Sony, Panasonic,
etc., etc.) All junk? (I would guess that, in a year from now or less, there
will be many models from different manufacturers combining a DVD recorder
with a VCR.)

Why would all such units have "shoddy parts and compromised engineering"?

Because putting both in one unit means they have to compromise on both to
fit them into one box? I wonder. In electronics these days, more and more
electronics can fit in smaller and smaller boxes. (We wouldn't have believed
10 years ago the space a 100 GB hard drive can fit in now.) Also, I wouldn't
be surprised if the box for such a combo is larger than one for a DVD or VCR
by itself. It certainly would have to be large enough in front to
accommodate the slots for each media, as well as the controls, etc.

Couldn't there possibly be a benefit in recording either way with such a
combo unit, VHS-DVD or vice versa, in that the signal doesn't have to go
through cables from one unit to another, two units that might not be
completely compatible? In this case the signal would go from one media to
the other in the same box, all the settings would be optimized for recording
from one to the other, etc. (Not defending this particular unit, just saying
that the general idea sounds good to me.)

2. I don't know anything about Sansui, you could be correct in saying that
"now the stuff they make today, or at least for the North American market,
is pretty much garbage". I am curious, however, as to how you came to that
conclusion. Have you had Sansui gear that was "garbage"? Do you know someone
who has? Or do you assume, when you see a product at a lower price, that it
must be "garbage"?

True that it is strange that I could not find a web site for them in
English. (I assume there must be one, but I could not find it.) However, I
assume that the product comes with a manual, and that manual tells the user
how to contact them for technical support.


<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> On Fri, 28 Nov 2003 17:16:38 -0800, "                    MS"
> Sorry I didnt have more time to delve into your question. I am busy.
> He is my answer.
>
> 1.  DVD/VCR combo units are garbage.  Having a DVD recorder in a
> DVD/VCR combo
> only adds to what is already an overly complex package composed of
> shoddy parts
> and compromised engineering.  In other words, 10 pounds of crap
> crammed into a
> 7 pound package.
>
> 2.  It's made by Sansui.  A long time ago, that name actually meant
> something.
> (Those that own those high power Sansui DC amplifier/receivers know
> exactly
> what I'm talking about.)  Now the stuff they make today, or at least
> for the
> North American market, is pretty much garbage.
>
> Go with the one made by Panasonic.  It may cost more and lack a VCR,
> but it
> will be a superior quality recorder overall with better customer
> support.
>
> Regarding customer support, if you can't easily find contact
> information for
> the manufacturer in the event that you may have to contact them in the
> event of
> a problem, that should be a red flag.  John