JVC DR-MV1 review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: Ben Patterson

Reviewed on: 2 March 2005

Tags: JVC, JVC DR-MV1, electronics, discs, keypad

We like:

Dual tuner lets you record two shows at once; sharp recording quality in four-hour LP mode; chases playback with DVD-RAM discs; progressive-scan VHS playback; FireWire input; custom recording speed

We don't like:

Difficult to use; dual tuners won't work with digital cable/satellite boxes; inconvenient to watch VHS over component video or S-Video; no chapter stops in recordings; IR blaster sold separately

You might also need:

Blank DVD-R/-RW media and VHS tapes; video cables; IR blaster

CNET UK judgement:

JVC's promising but confounding VCR/DVD combo recorder is saddled with too many quirks

Full review:

JVC's intriguing VCR/DVD combo recorder comes loaded with promise on paper and riddled with annoying quirks in person. The DR-MV1 (£300 or less online) can control a satellite receiver thanks to the included infrared transmitter. It plays VHS tapes in progressive scan, but you must copy to DVD first to do so. And it makes sharp recordings of VHS tapes -- but without chapter stops. While we admire this VCR/DVD combo's attempt to break the mould, it's saddled with far too many compromises. If you're looking to archive your VHS collection to DVD, you'll find it all too infuriating to cope with. Continue Reading...