Toshiba D-VR4 DVD Recorder / VCR Combo

Pros: Stylish, slim profile, all-in-one design
Cons: It doesn't work. Can't be much more of a "con" than that.

So….where was I? It’s been a while since I wrote a review. A long while. Like, oh, about four years. My how time flies. Admittedly, this return to Epinions will be a brief re-introduction, as my comments about the Toshiba D-VR4 will be a bit ...

Pros: Looks good, nice price, and fairly easy to use.
Cons: MAJOR internal problems that can all too often render this model completely inoperable.

Like ChrisJoker, I too have experienced fatal errors - twice now - with this unit during the simple transfer of basic (and uncopyproteced) video from VHS to DVD. The first error occurred during the "finalization" phase of the DVD-R, when I was met with ...

Pros: Excellent DVD and VCR playback, record, and copy capability. Superior high-end CD audio playback.
Cons: Setup somewhat confusing, minimal video and audio playback options, slow tuner.

First, beware Epinion's overall star rating of a product doesn't necessarily reflect the actual average rating of all reviews of the product as appears to be the case here. This 5 star review inexplicable does not average into the overall star rating ...

Pros: Looks nice
Cons: Either can't do it correctly or can't do it at all

I have never had so many issues with a DVD or VCR player before. It has problems recording, copying, and it frequently freezes in certain modes and you have to unplug and replug in to unfreeze it (e.g. just to be able to change channels). It has no volume controls whatsoever. DVD playback also many issues.

Timer recording is not reliable, intuitive or convenient. It has failed to record even when all settings were correct. (Checked settings when it was not recording as set -- all settings were correct.) After you set up your recording times, channel, etc. (scrolling with up or down arrows to specify each unit of time and the channel, etc -- very tedious), and return to the regular view, you still have to press yet another button on the remote to complete. You also cannot specify automatic repeat recording -- e.g. record using these same settings every Monday through Friday.

Bottom line - don't waste your time or money on this unit. I am returning mine.

Pros: When it worked, picture and sound quality was always very good.
Cons: It was like playing roulette, never knew when it was going to mess up.

Purchased this Recorder Dec. 2005.

Symptoms over the year:
1.) Recorder would lock up - no response to front panel buttons or remote, have to unplug unit for it to become responsive again
2.) Recorder would reboot - unit would reboot at the end of recording a TV program, during the time the window stating WRITING DATA TO DISK appeared. After the reboot - all data would be gone from DVD-RAM disk.
3.) Recorder reboots when looking at the DVD chapter menu.
4.) Sluggish response to Remote, have to press buttons repeatedly before recorder would respond.

Finally I got tired of making excuses for the machine and took it to Best Buy for repair. Returned it Nov. 2006. I just learned that Best Buy has decided to give us a replacement unit since this one is not repairable or too expensive to repair. Since they shouldn't have this model in the store anymore, I believe I am saved from this Toshiba monster.

Pros: Looks good has DVD recorder and VCR in one
Cons: will not work on all brand names of disks.

Having problem with blank DVD-R. some brands will not work in this model for example Sony. out of 50 only about 20 would work in this unit. E-mailed Toshiba on this problem they can't give me an answer on what brand name of blank DVD-R will work in there unit.