Toshiba SDV-291 DVD/VCR Combo , Silver

Product Review

The SD-V291 offers a convenient, one-unit source for high-quality entertainment in both DVD and VHS formats. The DVD deck plays a variety of optical content, including DVD-Video, DVD-R, audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and video CD, as well as MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) music files recorded on CD-R and CD-RW discs. A four-head, hi-fi VCR gives you exciting stereo playback for your entire library of VHS tapes. You can even play a DVD while simultaneously recording a TV broadcast to videotape, and you can copy non-Macrovision-protected DVDs to videotape--perfect for sharing edited, DVD-based home movies with loved ones.

Into digital photography? This dual-deck model is a perfect complement to your hobby. Its JPEG feature makes it easy to view digital photo shots burned to recordable CDs from a variety of digital cameras. The unit's array of home-theater-ready video connections includes composite-, S-video, and ColorStream component-video outputs (the VCR requires its own composite-video or RF audio/video connection). The DVD player's internal digital-to-analog converters work at 24-bit, 192 kHz resolution to ensure optimum sonic quality from a range of digital program material.

Two sets of left/right analog-audio outputs (one each for the DVD player and the VCR) channel audio to Dolby Pro Logic receivers and stereo televisions. Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals from DVDs can be routed through the player's digital-audio outputs (one each of RCA coaxial and Toslink optical) for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver. In addition, readily accessible front-panel AV inputs permit easy connection for a game console or a camcorder for simple dubbing of home movies to the VHS deck.

For enhanced picture quality during VHS playback, the four-head hi-fi VCR uses a pair of 19-micron video heads, which deliver exceptional (near SP) picture quality of content recorded and played back in the extended play (EP) mode. Commercial skip lets you pass over commercials during playback. Other features include one-year, eight-event programming, high-speed (200x) rewind and fast-forward, index skip, auto head cleaner, and auto clock set--no more flashing "12:00"!

What's in the Box
DVD player/VCR, remote control, remote batteries, user's manual, stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable, and a coaxial video cable.

Product Features

Space-saving combination DVD player and 4-head, hi-fi VCR
Plays DVD-Video, DVD-R, VCD, audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3/WMA CD, and JPEG image CD
Record TV broadcasts while watching a DVD movie; record non-copy-protected DVDs to videotape
Optical and coaxial digital-audio outputs channel Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound to compatible receiver and speaker systems
VCR includes 19-micron heads for clear EP recording, auto clock set, auto head cleaner, and commercial skip

Accessories

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review

(35 customer reviews)

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful

Great Combo!, February 9, 2004

Rae "mom of 2 boys" (MN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba SDV-291 DVD/VCR Combo , Silver (Electronics)

I was surprised at the negative reviews for this DVD/VCR combo because I've been very pleased with ours.I found the set-up to be very simple. It plays DVD's very clear. The only time I heard a "whirring" sound was when I had the DVD paused, and it wasn't very loud.The VCR also works nicely, and I like that you can be recording a Television show while watching a DVD. We've used this feature a few times already. The shows we've recorded were just as clear as when they originally played.The remote is a little overwhelming at first, but if you take a look at the instructions, it's very easy to understand. Every remote takes some getting used to at first since they're all different.I'm overall very pleased with this DVD/VCR combo and have recommended it to friends.

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful

Absolutely a BEST Buy!, December 5, 2003

Tall Dee "ctalld" (Fort Mill, SC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba SDV-291 DVD/VCR Combo , Silver (Electronics)

I bought the SDV-291 and had it set up in 10 minutes in tandem with my Symphonic WF802 combo player. Instructions in the manual are clear and concise. Works like a charm, records well, plays all my MP3s and on some CDs I have 215 songs in MP3 format. Can record from the Symphonic to the Toshiba with no problem. Auto clock works great! All in all I rate this equipment as 5 outa 5. Only negative is the silver color and the very faint red lettering on the multi-function remote. Buy this baby folks, unless you are electronically illiterate and then I recommend you stay away from a combo DVD/VHS player and buy a simple low-end DVD player!

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful

Not Friendly, November 15, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Toshiba SDV-291 DVD/VCR Combo , Silver (Electronics)

I ordered this combo because I wanted the commercial skip feature. Although I am quite computer and electronics savvy I found the controls to be impossible to use, not at all intuitive or user friendly. There are 46 buttons on the remote with obscure and complicated functions. Sitting with the instruction book in my lap, I attempted several times over a period of a week to program the VCR timer to record a program and was unable to accomplish the task.