Sony RDR-VXD655

The Sony RDR-VXD655 is the perfect solution for those who still need a VCR and those who would like to have a capable DVD player and recorder. The Sony RDR-VXD655 combines both of these into one easy to use device.

The Sony RDR-VXD655 features an all black exterior with the DVD player on the left and the VCR on the right. Between the two are two easy one touch dubbing options. Press one if you would like to record from DVD to VHS and the other to record from VHS to DVD.

Standout Features

• Built in digital tuner

• One touch dubbing and recording

• Upscaling HDMI output

Features

With the Sony RDR-VXD655’s built in digital tuner you can record your favorite TV shows in digital quality. The tuner also works for analog TVs that don’t have a digital tuner. This means that you won’t be left in the dark after the digital TV transition in February 2009.

The Sony makes recording and dubbing from VHS even easier. Pressing one button is all that’s required to record from your VHS tape to a DVD, or if for some reason you want to record from DVD to VHS, that is also possible. The RDR-VXD655 also features one touch recording from your digital camcorder via the Firewire connection.

The Sony RDR-VXD655 upconverts all signals to 1080i or 720p, improving the picture quality of your older DVDs. This improves the detail and image quality and gives new life to your DVDs. The HDMI connection provides the best and easiest way to connect your DVD player to your TV. Unlike component video, HDMI keeps the signal in digital form, all the way to the TV.

Summary of Reviews

The 7 recording speeds for VHS is more than most VCRs offer and the DVD player is capable of playing back a variety of formats. The RDR-VXD655 provided a good picture and did a good job upconverting standard DVDs to high definition. The VCR will also support SVHS playback. Most experts would like to see upconversion to full 1080p instead of the 720p offered. The Expert reviewers were impressed by these features and would offer their overall recommendation.

Users liked the one touch dubbing option. This made it easy to transfer VHS home movies to DVD. The one touch recording through the firewire connection was also simple and a nice feature. The menu was also intuitive and easy to navigate. The picture quality of TV when viewed using the tuner was also excellent. Most users would recommend this to a friend.

Summary

Plenty of features and an easy to use system make the Sony RDR-VXD655 worthy of a recommendation for anyone.