Great machine; when it's working

I bought this 7 months ago and fell in love with it despite the fact that my machine was defective and kept locking up on me. Customer service at Philips is great, they had me pay shipping to return the machine, then sent a new one out (a month later). This one is great. I can play "finalized" CDs on all my other players, but the chapter marks I added don't carry over. Up until now, it received my over-the-air signal in exemplary fashion, but the tuner has appeared to have given out. I could watch TV while when I had a tape stopped, could watch a tape while recording a DVD from TV, could easily dub all my VHS tapes (in real time). Philips is willing to replace my machine again now that my tuner stopped working, I just pay shipping to them. The hardest part is going without my beloved machine for a month. It's really wonderful when it's working like it should.

Phillips DDR3545V DVDRW/VHS

While I have not used all of the functions available with this unit, it does everything it claims that I have tried. It is not as easy to use as other DVD players and VCRs I have owned. Less tecnical folks will struggle operating this unit. The Documentation is sparse on the advanced functions and features.

The remote has tiny buttons, not intuitive, and is very directional.

This unit is a little pricy but appears to be a solid box for the money.

*Recommended*

one minor problem

I was having problems coping from tape to DVD, the DVD would only play on their machine. I tried everything burned about 7 DVD's before I decide to call tech support which was very good. It turned out you can only use either Maxell or Philips DVD's. i when out purchase Maxell's and have no problems. Other then that the machine is great.

can't play on other players!

recorded our babies life onto disc from VHS using this machine . Can't play the discs we made on other any other DVD player. None!.... Can only play disc on this player! Waste of time! Poor design. very upsetting!

video system component

This is a good box. It replaces a separate DVD player and vhs player,
and can record dvd as well. It has a built-in digital tuner, and up-
converts whatever it plays to the resolution of the tv. It has a digital
output (HDMI) to go the tv.
In my application, I use the tuner on the house antenna to get "free-from-air" digital broadcasts, while the cable input goes
directly to the tv. I didn't realize how important the upconverting
feature was until I saw it - it makes old media look .. better.
In my copious spare time, I hope to convert vhs tapes I want to
save to dvd - this box can do that offline, and unattended.
good value for the money.

Sure beats the Panasonic DMR-EZ47V

Initially, I bought the Panasonic DMR-EZ47V, based on Consumer Report's high ranking. It was a glitchy, slow, maddening disaster. I returned it and got this Philips, and so far, no complaints. Turns on and changes digital channels reasonably quickly. Remote control makes sense. Doesn't crash unexpectedly. Pretty low standards, I realize, but after the Panasonic, I'm happy to have a machine that does the basics.

Great unit...ZERO issues with performance....but

this thing is BOWLING SHOE UGLY compared to my other Philips/Magnavox equipment. Yeah, I'm nit-picking...sorry.

Function wise, user-friendly, performance...no problem rating it an A+ item. I would normally not complain, but we have an awesome entertainment center topped off with a 42" Philips lcd HDTV. All of the Philips units are sleek and really look nice. This great little performer sticks out like a chicken in a flock of swans.

I would suggest an up-close look-see at Wally World prior to purchase if you're concerned about aesthetics. If not...GO FOR IT! You won't be disappointed.

If you want VCR, don't purchase this machine

Unlike other VCRs, you don't get a TV image while the VCR is stopped or paused. Only a blue screen. You can't change TV channels from the remote when the VRC is turned on.
Also the "info" button is useless on a VCR tape. It stops and starts in spurts so you cannot fast forward to another program with any accuracy.
The remote must be held a just the proper angle (sideways) to work on either VCR or DVD.

Works good

I haven't had time to actually try to record DVDs yet, but so far it works great. It plays DVDs and VHS tapes with no problems which was the reason I replaced my old unit (it would overheat after playing 1 movie). The menus are simple and the remote works good.

The Number One Combo Recorder

This was my second purchase of a combo recorder - it should have been my first! In late 2005 I bought an LG LRY-517 DVDR/VCR. The biggest mistake of my life! The LG had constant problems with both DVD and VHS playback. I thought this might be a universal problem with combos but, out of desparation and frustration with the LG, I bought this Philips combo. What a solid, reliable machine. My only complaint might be with the editting program. No big deal. As far as recording, dubbing VHS to DVD, and playback the Philips functions flawlessly. I might just buy another one...and throw the LG away!

Great DVD/VCR recorder

Works exactly as said. i have had no problems at all. Instructions are strait forward and clear. Recording and dubbing are easy and are very user friendly. I would buy this product agin. Thanks