Good value for money
Pros:
Good value
Cons:
NO DTS, NO VHS HI-FI
The Bottom Line:
If you primarily watch DVD's, and the odd VHS tape, it's worth a serious look.
|
|
Overall Rating:
|
 |
|
Author's Review
I'm kind of surprised by the negative reviews I've read on this DVD/VCR player. I've had it now for a couple of months and have enjoyed it completely. I bought it on a recommendation from my in laws. They have had theirs for 6 months and have yet to have any problems. I had been searching in the market for a good unit, I researched the Sony and wasn't to happy with the reviews on it. The Panasonic was so/so. I think the clincher was, I read more positive reviews on other sites for this unit, than I did for the Panasonic or the Sony. If I didn't have so many VHS tapes, I doubt I would have even got the combo unit.
Now on to the nitty gritty. To me, the picture quality is more than adequate. I own a stand alone Sony DVD player as well, and the quality is equal to the Emerson. Now to be honest, there is a bit of a trade off here. First off, this unit does not have DTS. And the VCR is not HI-FI. Well I suppose it's more than a bit of a trade off, guess it depends on what you want and expect out of sound. To me the sound from the DVD was more important than the VHS. But, the DVD and VCR picture quality is more than good enough for me. It does have Dolby Digital in the DVD, which is by all purposes just as good as DTS. But, no matter how good of a system you have, if the movie your showing is an older flick(even if it says dolby digital), it's not going to sound as good as a recent feature presentation. If you primarily watch DVD's, and watch the odd VHS, this DVD/VCR combo should be more than good enough.
I will say all and all, I'm happy with my purchase. And if it ever goes sour within the first year, I'll just get it repaired. And after that I'll use my Sony and forget about VHS. I think it's on the way out anyway.
I believe, the thing you need to keep in mind here, like anything else, you must match up equipment accordingly. I mean if you have a $250.00 home theatre system, I doubt your going to notice a big difference in sound quality no matter what your using for the source. If you want to improve sound and picture quality, your far better off investing in better audio-video cables. Once again, don't go overboard on the price unless you have the stuff to match it.
Unfortunately there are not many offerings of this type of player, this is definitely a worthy consideration.
