Another Dandy DVD + VCR Combination Unit!
Written: Oct 31 '03
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Pros: Progressive scan DVD and HQ VCR in a single case.
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: If you have a space issue, this may be the combination for you.
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| rbinck's Full Review: Zenith XBV343 DVD Player / VCR Combo |
Preface
The XBV343 combination DVD/VCR is functionally the same as the XBV342 unit. The only difference between the two units is just a model change. I have one of each model and feature for feature there is no difference. I had bought the XBV-342 a few months back for my wife to use because it was a combination unit and she did not have very much room in her entertainment cabinet. The other reason I bought the unit was for the capability of the DVD player to display JEPEG photos. She is visually impaired and needs to sit very close to the TV screen to be able to see the picture. With this unit I am able to burn a CD with our digital photos and she can view them on her TV screen. Saves a lot of printer paper and ink for me.
The remaining review is basically the XBV342 review I submitted a few months ago. I was so impressed with that unit that I bought the XBV343 to use in my main entertainment center.
I don’t know why Zenith changes model numbers without changing the product but they do and the XBV343 is deserving of a review, even thought it is the same unit as the XBV342. I did follow the guidelines and make sure there were at least 100 words different in this review.
Introduction
Man! This is one slick combination unit. Many times I have looked for a combination DVD/VCR unit and have been disappointed in the quality of the units available. Finally a combination unit that combines a progressive scan DVD player with a high quality VCR.
The looks of this unit are quite striking. Rather than the all black look that most electronic manufacturers have adopted as of late, the Zenith unit is furnished with a brushed and polished silver finish. Very attractive and it matches my Bose Lifestyle system.
General Description
The size of the unit is about 17”W x 4”H x 12”D and the DVD tray is to the left on the front panel with the VCR door on the right. There is an array of controls on the front panel, to provide a minimum of control from the front panel. As is the case for most equipment these days, if you want to get to all of the features of the unit, you need to use the remote control. One thing I like a lot is Zenith supplied a separate open/close button for the DVD tray and an eject button for the videotape cassette.
Connections
The unit is somewhat set up to be two separate units packaged into a single enclosure. I say this because the output connections are separated into groups that work with the DVD only, and those that work with both units.
The most basic method of connecting the unit would be via the RF connections. If these connections are used, you would connect either an antenna, a cable box or a satellite receiver to the Antenna Input coax connection. You would then connect the RF Out to your TV’s antenna coax connection. This hookup will allow the use of both the DVD and the VCR all through the same connection. You should be aware this connection will provide the lowest quality video and the sound will be mono only.
If your TV has line input connections, this would be the next best method of connecting the unit to your TV. You would connect the left, right audio and the video outputs on the unit to the corresponding inputs on your TV. The composite video will operate with both the DVD and the VCR operations. If your TV has an S-video input, this could be used for the video for an even more improved video.
Finally, if your TV has component video inputs for a progressive scan video from a DVD player, you can elect to use this method to provide the finest video performance. There is 2 digital audio outputs provided for use with digital receivers, one electrical and one optical.
One thing that surprised me with the unit; if the s-video or the progressive scan component outputs are used, the VCR video will not be sent out of these outputs. They are reserved for the DVD operation only. This can complicate the hookup slightly in that it will be necessary to use some Y connectors in the audio connections to allow the audio to be connected to both the DVD input and the line input on your TV or home theater receiver.
DVD Operation
The DVD unit is a progressive scan unit that provides the highest quality DVD operation. In addition to DVD discs, the unit will also play CD audio, mp3 and WMA discs prepared on your computer and will display discs that have JEPEG photo files, such as those you can order when you get your film developed, just make sure they are less than 2 megapixels.
Playing DVD movies is pretty much what you would expect of any DVD player. There are all of the common controls for the skipping to the next scene and so on.
The mp3 audio discs when played will show an index on your TV screen and particular selections may be made via the remote control. I found it was necessary to make special discs for use in the player to allow the reading of song titles as there is a limited space for the title on the screen. Same is true for the JEPEG photo discs.
VCR Operation
The operation of the VCR is pretty much as you would expect for a high quality VCR. Automatic and manual tracking control is provided as well as high speed picture search forward and backward. Frame by frame playback and slow motion playback is available. Commercial skip where the tape is advanced in fast forward by 30 seconds and EZ review where the tape is rewound to a selected point then replayed twice is also provided. Both normal and timer recording is allowed.
Copy a DVD
One feature you may find useful is the ability to copy a DVD to a VHS videocassette. If the DVD you wish to copy is copy protected, you will not be able to copy the DVD. The copy feature is easy to set up in that all that is needed is to place a DVD to be copied in the DVD tray and a recordable VHS tape cassette in the VCR transport and then play the DVD. When you want to start the copy (I wait until after the movie starts) you press the copy button on the front panel and the unit will start the VCR recording.
Conclusion
I have found the Zenith XBV343 to be an excellent unit and a real space saver compared to having to have two components. The feature I like the best is the ability to display the JEPEG photos. I have made several photo “slide show” discs that have been quite a hit, if only in my own mind!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 150
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Epinions.com ID:
rbinck
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Member: Richard Binckley
Location: Houston, Texas
Reviews written: 125
Trusted by: 26 members
About Me:
Retired A/V professional, likes Hawaii and Classic Cars
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