Posted by Mark on 09/04/06 03:25

I'm low on space & power outlets. I've found units or home theater systems
that have DVD recorders plus VCR in one, as well as 5-DVD changer plus VCR
in one (Are there any other configurations?)

Are there any that combine all three features, or even a changer that
records? I really can't decide yet on if to go with a changer/VCR or a
recorder/VCR. I have a Toshiba 42hl196 1080p HDTV and would prefer to use
the HDMI ports if possible. Currently, I'm using an SA8300HD cablebox
connected via HDMI. I don't know if the cablebox disables the Component
output if the HDMI is used. The Toshiba I believe upconverts everything to
1080p (I think.)

I have a decent HiFi Stereo VCR already, but because of the room size, would
prefer a combo so I can transfer to DVD and eliminate this VCR and take up
less space and power outlets. Ironically, my only DVD player currently is
[in] my Thinkpad laptop (A31p workstation w/1600x1200 FireGL, 15.1" UXGA,
about arm's length away but hard to share.)

Also, the Thinkpad has S-Video in/out & recording software. How would the
picture quality be on the Toshiba if I connected it to the S jack on the
HDTV, and would the entire laptop screen including Media Player be shown on
the HDTV, or just the video of the DVD playing?

The HDTV also has a VGA input but only displays up to 1024x768; using a SVGA
cable gives me a great looking pic on the HDTV but because my screen res is
set to 1600x1200, the window has to be scrolled up/down/left/right to see
the whole 1600 Desktop on the HDTV. Also, playing an mpeg or avi thru Media
Player thru the VGA port show the Media Player/mouse pointer/etc on the HDTV
but no video in Media Player window. Any ideas on this?

Thanks for any help/suggestions.

Mark

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