Great Kids TV for tight Places.
Written: Aug 09 '04
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Pros: Cheap, Decent Picture, Small Package
Cons: Large Remote, They Don't Make the VCRs like they used too, 2 head, non stereo.
The Bottom Line: Not much selection in this arena. Gets the job done for a kids bedroom while occupying little space. Simple enough for a 4 year. (and an adult too!)
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| rfuscjr's Full Review: Toshiba MV13P2 13 inch TV/VCR Combo TV |
GENERAL:
This is a small 13" Toshiba mono TV with a built in 2 head VCR. The TV is small enough to fit in small places. I think its a great for a small child's room. I have had the TV for a week or so.
PICTURE:
Nothing really spectacular here. The picture is fine and can be adjusted. We have the cable hooked up and the reception is pretty good considering we have the line split several times. The default setting seemed to have a slightly washed picture but I am confident it can be adjusted if I get around to it. This TV is for a 4 year old to watch some toons, watch VHS videos and eventually DVDs (once I connect one).
REMOTE:
I am not a huge fan of the remote. It could be more ergonomic. It is also quite large. This actually can be a plus since in a 4-year-old's room it could end up any where. The remote only controls the Toshiba TV and VCR. It does not accomadate a DVD. It is not a universal remote. One nice feature (for bed time) is both the V - Chip parental settings and sleep timer.
TAPE PLAY:
It is only a 2 head mono VCR. The picture quality though seems fine. Remember though it is only a 13" screen. Its a nice feature that when you insert a tape it plays. No need to switch to channel 4. There are buttons on the front of the TV to FF, REW, Play, Stop and Eject. (Of course there are buttons for changing channels and volume as well) Similar controls are on the remote. Note the sleep timer works the VCR too. After the desired time is set the whole set shuts off.
CONNECTION:
There is one mono A/V input on the front of the TV. This is great for gaming. It is a real nuisance for hooking up a DVD though. I am getting a RF modulator so I will not have to plug the DVD into the front of the TV. The TV can easily be dialed to the AV input by channeling down past '2' or using the remote. There is only a coaxial input on the back of the TV. Note: Most of these TVs (for some reason) do NOT offer A/v connections on the back of the TV anymore. Ironically you do find some TV/DVD combos that do have the jacks on the back. I am unsure why you would need the jack with a built in DVD player though as hooking up a VCR to such a unit would go right through the coaxial cable.
QUALITY:
I purchased this unit because Toshiba made it. I had luck with both their TVS and VCRs in the past. I must say though that the overall feel of the VCR leaves a bit to be desired. It takes a good shove the get the tape in and though it does eject, it does not pop out smoothly. I tested several of the Toshiba sets as well as Combos from Sylvania and Broksonic. None appeared to be any better or worse than another. In fact I noticed the few VCR-only models that are still made today also do not seem to be made as well as they were years ago. Oh well. I bought a 3 year warranty thru Sam's Club so hopefully I am covered!
PRICE:
Best Buy eventually had an instant rebate that brought the price down to $99. Their extended warranty cost more though. Both BJs and Sam's Club had the TV for $99. Sam's though had the extended warranty for $15. This was the best deal. This is where I made my purchase.
EXTENDED WARRANTY:
Most folks do not believe in these; especially when the item is only $99. In fact sometimes the warranty can be as much as the unit. Still with what appears to be the cheaper quality VCRs produced today, the fact that the VCR will likely be used often and that my 4 year old will inevitably be inserting tapes; I thought the warranty was a good idea.
OTHER BRANDS:
There was not a big selection in my neck of the woods. Sylvania was available but they have a junk reputation. (my perception anyway) I found a Magnavox at Sam's Club but I was suspicious when the Sam's price card above the TV said Magnavox/Funai. The actual box only said Magnavox. I thought Funai and Sylvania were one and the same. Funny thing, I saw the same Maxnavox combo at WalMart under the Emerson name. Same remote too. I am not a big fan of Emerson either. In this case I think Magnavox just slapped there name on the combo. So who knows who really makes what anymore! Time will tell but I hope this little Toshiba last for years.
QUIRKS:
Not many. Programming the VCR looks to be a bit counter intuitive. Still, I doubt we will ever use this feature. Again having only the jacks on the front is a bit bothersome. I must admit though I did not see a combo unit with them on the back.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 99
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Epinions.com ID:
rfuscjr
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Reviews written: 22
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