Toshiba - Refurbished Multiformat DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW Recorder/VCR combo

I ordered this from bestbuy.com in august of 2011. No, didn't get the extended warranty, and no, didn't return it within the required 30 days as I hadn't even used it by then. In Dec, 2011, tried to convert 2 vhs tapes for a friend, and couldn't get a DVD +R or DVD -R to work in the machine. Gave error message stating Disk error....tried several brands of DVD's as I do video editing and none of the brands-Memorex, Imation, Sony would work. Tried a couple of DVD +RW, and was able to convert the tapes nicely. The unit wasn't used again till a week ago. Now, nothing works in the way of ALL DVD formats-not even the DVD -RW. I called Best Buy here in Encinitas, and was informed that they would have covered it within the 30 day return period, but nothing else they can do. Toshiba's website has a very poor tech support page related to this item (translated: NONE). Tried calling Toshiba for tech support, and got forwarded via phone message to the following site: acclaim.toshiba.com Trouble is, there isn't even a DVD category, let alone a DVR subsection! What's up with that? I am so thoroughly aggravated with both Best Buy AND Toshiba right now, but at the same time I understand about the 30 day rule. Just wish there was some better communication on how to resolve this issue, and get this unit working again. I will NEVER buy refurbished, nor will I buy online again from Best Buy-everything will be done in-store from now on. I've made many purchases at Best Buy, and this is the worst one to date. I'd check into a stand alone DVD burner, with inputs for a VCR hookup should you want to convert your tapes, that's the direction I'm going again-just thought it would have been handy to have a one-click unit for converting the tapes over to DVD format. Waste of cash, time (trying to get a solution) and now need to get ANOTHER burner to get my projects done. Very poor customer service/tech support from both Best Buy AND Toshiba. Thoroughly disappointed.

I just installed my Toshiba recorder yesterday, and I am very happy with it. I would be even happier if the complete instruction booklet were included; printing it online is a waste of ink and paper. I have found none of the problems that other reviewers have. The person who could not watch a different program while recording one may not realize that is a function of the TV, not the recorder. I have my recorder attached to the AV1 ports on the rear of my TV. All I have to do is press the TV button that selects the input, scroll to "antenna", and presto I can watch whatever I like while the recorder does its job. I assume that is how you watch cable, which I do not have. The instructions for recording tapes are incomplete. You have to read every note about recording DVD's to find out that you CAN use timer recording on VHS. The tuner is excellent and produces a very clear picture.

This unit is real nice for the money, but.....there are a few thing that a prospective buyer should know. 1. It does not come with a user manual, the quick guide that is packed in the box has a website listed on it and you will have to download the manual. I suggest that you do so and read through it...CAREFULLY! It's an easy read, but it is 120 pages. 2. Although not listed in the specifications segment of the product on the BestBuy website (shame on them), this unit DOES have a HDMI output which will upgrade your picture to 1080i or 1080p (your choice). 3. This unit IS tempermental. It DOES NOT record ANY DVD! Again, read through the manual and it will explain which DVD's are compatible. All in all, I'm pleased with the unit (so far). Again, save yourself a headache and read through the manual. It will take some time, but once you do, this product will work for you just fine.

This is my 5th Toshiba purchase (3 televisions & 2 DVD units) Other than take the machine out of box, I began to read the manual about connecting it to the television and recording my VHS tapes to DVD. I found the instructions idiot proof as the booklet guides through each step. The remote control is a bit awkward with everything being black and grey. I have been having fun transferring my VHS tapes to DVD. It is so easy. Formatting the disk and making chapters for each tape is done automatically for you. Great product.

The picture quality was great on both watching and the recording. The problem I had was when I recorded I could only watch the channel I was taping. Toshiba's answer on their help line was that it should allow me to turn the input off for the DVD or VCR while it was recording so that the TV was accessible. Nope didn't work no matter how many different ways I hooked it up. Also when I went to return it I couldn't get the VCR tape to eject so had to return it with the tape still in the machine. Wouldn't recommend this model based on these problems.

Set up was relatively easy. Had an issue initially with watching a tape after setting up programmed recording, but an in depth perusal of the manual revealed the solution. Overall I am very pleased with this product.

I am very happy with my refurbished Toshiba Multiformat DVD/VCR player/recorder. I did not have any problem setting it up or programing. There is nothing bad I can say about it. So far it is great. Probably I am going to buy another one before they go out of style. I like to record my daily favorite shows using VCR tapes, so I can use the tapes again and again. I have not try to copy my old family tapes to DVD yet, so I can not give an opinion about it.

Very disappointed with Toshiba quality. The VHS player was very shaky and I did not even want to back up my VHS videos to DVD using this player. Item has been returned. I tested the VHS tape with a Sony player multiple times and video plays fine. However, again very shaky with Toshiba player. I don't think it's due to item being "refurbished". I think it's due to this specific Toshiba product not having been made with good parts. I bought a refurbished Magnavox VHS/DVD recorder for less (only 90.00 vs. 150 for this) and video plays much clearer and less to no shaking. Better deal.