VCR/DVD combo

A VCR/DVD combo, or more commonly, a DVD/VCR combo, is a multiplex or converged device, convenient for consumers who wish to use both VHS tapes and DVDs.

Hybrid VCR/DVD players were first introduced around the year 1999, and were sometimes criticized as being of poorer quality in terms of resolution than stand-alone units. The first VCR/DVD combo player released was by Go Video, model DVR5000. The product also has a disadvantage in that if one function (DVD or VHS) becomes unusable, the entire unit must be replaced or repaired, though later models of DVD/VCR which suffered from DVD playback lag still functioned with the VCR.

Normally in a combo unit, it will have typical features such as recording a DVD onto VHS, on most, record a show to VHS with the built-in tuner (Now a digital to analog converter must be used.), LP recording for VHS, surround sound for Dolby Digital and DTS (DVD), component connections for DVD, although some may lack the connection, 480p progressive scan for the DVD side, VCR+, playback of tapes in a variety of playback speeds, and front A/V inputs (VCR only).

To help the consumer, they will have (a) button(s) for switching the output source for ease of use. Usually, the recording capabilities are VCR exclusive, while the better picture quality is DVD exclusive, but some include S-Video and Component (Or HDMI) for VCR too.

Shortly after the turn of the century, hybrids including DVD recorders (instead of players) also become available. These can be used for transferring VHS material onto recordable blank DVDs. Very rarely, will there be component inputs to record with the best connection possible.

In July 2016, Funai Electric, the last remaining manufacturer of VCR/DVD combos, due to manufacturing costs, announced they would cease production at the end of the month, causing the demise of the combo after 17 years of production, but they can still be found on store shelves.