Would appreciate any recommendations for a good, reliable, easy-to-use DVD recorder/VCR combo unit. I had an RCA DCR8335, but it has lost its mind. VCR motor runs while the unit is off, locks up, not easy to program recordings.

Also had bad experience with a Sanyo DVD player--no longer turns on.

Looking for combo unit so I can transfer old personal VHS tapes to DVD. Need tuner in unit to be able to record TV programs for later playback. Connecting to older TV with coax and RCA input jacks.

Have read some reviews of Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK. Ranks high, but have also read some consumer reviews that have not been positive--failures, poor manual, poor remote, hard to set up and program.

Does any manufacturer make a reliable combo unit? Do manufacturers ever try their products out with consumers or do they just throw this stuff out there as cheaply as they can?

Thanks for your input!

I like Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, JVC and Philips

I read that Panasonic ranks highest but I always had problems with their speakers so I won't buy Panasonic.

I looked it up and I saw things that said the Panasonic can be hard to use.

These had good ratings.
Sony SLVD380P DVD/VCR combo

JVC HR-XVC11B DVD/VCR combo