Features:
- Plays DVD-Video, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3 (CD-R/CD-RW), and VHS cassettes
- Onscreen MP3 file and folder navigation for easy access to the tracks you want to hear
- Coaxial digital audio output routes Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround sound to a compatible AV receiver
- Component-video, composite-video, S-video terminals and RF output
- Hi-fi stereo VHS performance with 19-micron video heads for clear recordings in EP mode
Description:
The XBV243 handles all your movie and music needs: VHS cassette recording and playback, superb DVD performance, fast and easy spinning of MP3 CDs. This combo unit saves space and simplifies entertainment hookups. The XBV243 plays CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, MP3 CDs, and standard DVD-Videos, from which you can easily make VHS copies (though copy-protected commercial DVDs cannot be recorded). It even has front-panel audio-video jacks for ready camcorder and video game access. As an MP3 player, the XBV243 performs better than average. We were impressed with its ability to read MP3 discs that give other players trouble, and the navigation between files and folders is intuitive and fast (it even lets you queue one song while another plays). The one downside is, the onscreen display shows only rudimentary folder and file names. If you know what's on the discs, it's a breeze; otherwise, be prepared to do a little file fishing. The DVD player has a typically clear, strong picture, especially through its component-video outputs (for use with a compatible TV). Features include 4x and 16x movable zoom, simulated surround sound, parental locks, and the ability to receive upgrades through CD-ROM. The VCR section offers four heads (for clear slow-motion and stop-action features) and stereo sound. We found VHS images to be a little less focused than images from other combo units. Its tracking is excellent, however, delivering stable images from old and new tapes alike, with none of the gritty audio noise associated with excessive tracking maneuvers. Commercial skip works well. The deck's 19-micron video heads maintain clarity during recording and playback in EP (extended play) mode, and auto clock set maintains the correct time and even adjusts for daylight savings--perfect! For the simplest hookup with a TV, you can use a single RCA composite-video connection to handle both DVD and VCR outputs. If you want a higher-quality connection from the DVD player, you can use a component- or S-video cable to an additional input on a TV (the VCR image requires a composite-video or RF connection with a TV). A coaxial digital-audio output feeds a surround-sound signal to a Dolby Digital- or DTS-decoding audio-video receiver. Packed with the combo unit are an S-video cable, composite-video cable, RF cable, stereo analog-audio interconnect, two AAA batteries, and a user's manual. --Michael Mikesell Pros:
- Easy setup, two-in-one convenience
- Plays hard-to-read MP3 discs
- Good MP3 file and folder navigation
- Fast DVD and CD access times
- Excellent VHS tracking, fast rewind
- Flexible setup options
- Small but nicely configured remote
Cons:
- No file names from MP3 tracks
- Soft VHS picture with slightly muted colors
- Loading a VHS tape interrupts DVD or CD playback
- Does not support JPEG image files
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