Toshiba DVR610 DVD Recorder / VCR Combo

Pros: quality of recording from TV to DVD reliability of machineInputs for camcorder recording to DVD
Cons: VCR to DVD recording only OK, doesn't upgrade signal when viewing HD.

I love this machine, the DVD portion of it is awesome, records great, I have had this Toshiba for about a year and I have had no problems at all with it.My only real complaint is that the machine records HD great but the transfer signal while watching ...

Pros: Built In Fan which prolongs life
VHS player is in synch with DVD
Cons: No pass through of signal and sound when unit is turned off

I have owned many DVD recorders since 2002, and finally Toshiba gets it. The Toshiba D-VR610 has the very best clearity, sharp images and abilty to reproduce HD signals from your cable box.  By having S-Video input as well as RCA in, you are able to capture HD and regular TV shows with 16:9 and 3:2 pulldown widescreen aspects.
I am totally impressed by the much improved recordings with this combo unit.  Another key point is that when copying from VHS to DVD there is no issue with voice synch being off like many other combo units.  The only disappointment with the D-VR610 is that Toshiba did not include pass-through technology so that when you shut down the Unit, the sound and picture will continue (as other units have implemented) . The EZ setup and menu offer a good variety of user choices, but the one thing that stands out more than anything is the picture quality of High Definition signals (live) with either HDMI to TV or, the Component into TV.  Not too many units are capable of sending near HD quality with a DVD Recorder. Playback is stellar !
This is the very best out there by far.  

Pros: VHS to DVD copy quality for short time it worked.
Cons: $160 for 6 weeks of use? Garbage.

VCR play capability went out after 6 weeks. Would start a tape and after a few seconds the unit shut down automatically. Spent $20 to ship to a service center and the repair was made. Then after receiving it back, the VCR to DVD copy function ceased working after a couple of days. Out of warranty by then (whopping 90 day warranty). Wasn't going to pay to ship back again to a service center and ALSO have to pay for the repair - wouldn't be worth it.