Toshiba DVR620 DVD/VHS Recorder Black

Toshiba DVR620 DVD/VHS Recorder Black
I had replaced a Toshiba DVR610 with a JVC DR-MV100B. The JVC was a pain. When the JVC conked I got this newer Toshiba DVR620. It works just like the DVR610. It reads and finalizes DVDs recorded on the old 610. This is a great recorder 

The Toshiba has no tuner. I use the tuner of an older Sharp VC-H820 VCR. The Sharp tuner puts out a superior picture to the JVC and thus clearer recordings. It was a pleasure to stop using the JVC tuner 

I use tapes a lot because 

1. tapes start faster. DVD's need to load and the screen blanks out so I miss moments of program 

2. Both Tapes and DVDs can fail. On the Toshiba I can record a tape and a DVD simultaneously. I can even record a third tape on my Sharp at the same time. 

Yes one could TIVO, but recording real time means I don't have to do it later 

3. It is still easier to search tapes than DVDs, depending on the search 

The Toshiba and the Sharp both make excellent VCR recordings. JVC tapes were less good, although that could be the internal tuner, and it developed tracking problems. 

The Toshiba has great design 

1. I can change channels while recording because I use an external tuner. I did this a lot during 911 to grab news flashes. The JVC internal tuner will not allow channel change during record 

1. The Toshiba can 'Display' while recording or watching. In VCR setting this means I get the invaluable time and tape counter on the TV screen. The JVC would not do this and it drove me nuts. The tiny panel display on the unit is not useful 

2. the remote is logical. FED and REV are on the right and left of PLAY, unlike the JVC which puts FWD and REV above, to the left 

3. The Toshiba VCR screen display is clean and easy to read. The DVD screen display is smaller, and filled with detail I don't need 

4. The Toshiba DVD thumbnails are smaller, so more fit on screen, and the graphics more elegant than the clunky JVC 

5. The tuner on the JVC changed channels so slowly you get stressed 

6. Having an external tuner is useful. If VCR dies I still have my tuner. if you don't have a tuner, you might be able to buy a used VCR to use for a tuner 

Going back to Toshiba is just a relief 

And the Toshiba dubs tapes nicely to disc.