Customer Reviews

Magnavox ZV457MG9 Dual Deck DVD/VCR Recorder

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(46)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(26)

 

 

I've only had this product for a week, so I can't address reliability--only design and function.

Overall, this is a good unit that does what it needs to do at a reasonable price. It does take some time to learn how to use this unit, and some things are not intuitive, so be sure to sit down and actually read the manual as you do things.

This unit has a DVD recorder and a VCR--which is handy for transferring old videos to DVD. However, if you have commercial VHS tapes, it will not let you dub those to DVD (due to copyright restrictions--if you try, it says this program is not allowed to be recorded.) The process for dubbing from VHS to DVD is pretty straightforward--set up the parameters and press a button and let it go until you tell it to stop or it senses that you have come to the end of the recording on the tape.

The editing process is a little more challenging. If you want to input title names, you have to use the remote like you are text messaging (eg press 1 three times to get the letter C). Also, the manual does not tell you this, but if you are not using RW discs, any chapter marks that you add will not be read by any other machines. (When you press skip during playback, you advance to the next chapter mark.) You can add manual chapter marks that are read by this machine, but when another DVD player is reading the finalized disc, it only recognizes the chapters that were auto-generated. On RW discs, manual chapter marks do show up. You can set the frequency of the auto-chapters--I used 5 minutes.

I tested this machine with +R, -R, +RW, and -RW and it worked as advertised with all of them. Both the +R and -R worked with my two other DVD players. The RW discs were not recognized by my older (2002) Sony DVD/VCR combo. The difference between +RW and -RW is that you don't have to go through the finalization process on the +RW discs, though there is a process called "Make Edits Compatible" that you need instead. I used Sony and TDK discs and they worked fine. I did not try Memorex discs because I have had problems with those in the past. Supposedly, the -R/-RW standard is more compatible than the plus versions. I found the distinction in compatibility to be more about whether it was R (single burn) or RW (rewritable).

It also has a digital tuner (standard definition) that works as well or better than the Zenith digital converter box I was using before in terms of pulling in channels and keeping a good picture. It also can tune analog channels, though there are none near me anymore. It does have an onscreen program guide that tells you the channel, signal strength, name of the program, and a program description. It does not tell you the length of the program or any programs that will be on afterwards. It does have the ability to record TV onto DVD (and VHS--some other units don't let you do this) and you can program the timer to record your show.

In general, the buttons on the remote are small and not well thought out. I was also disappointed that the remote lacks a button for changing aspect ratio; doesn't control the TV; and lacks some other basic buttons related to TV watching. Don't lose the remote either--it is integral to using 90% of the functions. It does have a few interesting bells and whistles: There is a commercial skip button to use during DVD playback that automatically jumps 30 seconds ahead. There is also a feature where you can tell the VCR to go forward a certain number of minutes.
Also, this unit tends to "think" slowly--whether loading discs, changing channels, etc., you have to wait for it. It ultimately does get the job done and the wait is just a little longer than what you might expect. It's not a deal breaker, just a minor quirk.

Overall, this unit compares favorably to others out there, even ones that are more expensive. I compared this with a Panasonic unit that cost about $300 and found that this had more functionality because the Panasonic unit was geared to use DVD-RAM discs. On that one, you could use R or RW but with limited editing ability. If you are looking at any DVD recorder, go online, find the manual, and read closely through it (this one's at [...]Carefully compare functions, paying special attention to what functions are available with each specific type of discs.

In general it is more complicated to record to DVD than VHS, so any DVD recorder is going to be complicated. This one doesn't do much to simplify that, but it does offer most of the functions that a combo unit like this should have at a reasonable price.

Purchased unit to play back older VHS Movies through S-Video Cable.(Clearer Picture)
Also to record TV programs with DVD Recorder..
Was VERY HAPPY & AMAZED to find that all signals (VHS, DVD & TV Tuner) are able to be played back through the HDMI cable to TV. Makes VHS playback sharpest picture you can get. I have 1 cable running to my TV from this machine.
(No Need for the S-Video cable)
This allows hook up to be very easy, very fast and makes for nice neat appearance. (1 cable vs 3,4 or 5)
DVD recording play back is very SHARP and CHRISP. Sound is perfect too.
Having the DTV tuner lets me record DTV chanels too.

Only feature I found that was a little problem, was the Auto Clock setting.
Clock did not keep correct time when in Auto Mode.
Changed Clock setting to Manual Mode and clock keeps perfect time now..

I bought this because it can tune HD off the air, play VHS tapes, will output both without any issues,* and will record DVD. I already have an old ILO DVD recorder with internal HD, but it does not tune digital channels and the DVD burner had quit on it some time ago. So at this point all it's good for is recording to the Hard Drive from another source. I also needed a replacement for my old Sony VCR for the few remaining VHS tapes I still have. The Magnavox ZV457MG9 fits the bill for exactly what I need.

The HD tuner is above average in quality of picture resolution on my Sony HDTV, with image quality on par with the TV's internal digital tuner and slightly better at resolving weak signals. Down sampling to NTSC to record shows on my ILO is very clean, with the only real loss in the compression I use to save HD space.

DVD playback is good quality, up sampling well through component or HDMI output. The only major downside I have found is when you put a DVD of any type (including blank disks) into the player it can take up to 30 seconds before the disk is recognized. Layer transition is usually very smooth, with very few artifacts or frame skips. Damaged DVDs still play rather well, so long as the damage is not severe. It even played a DVD that had been heat damaged that play in very few players with only a few artifacts.

For burning DVDs, I have only done a few, but in all cases the drive works as advertised. Recording to DVD is as easy as recording to an old VHS tape... just insert a blank disk, press the [RECORD] button, and you're recording about 3 seconds later. The DVD menu creation is a bit simplistic, but gets the job done. If you want high-quality DVD menus, this won't cut it, but if that's what you need you should be authoring on a PC, not a console. The display for time remaining on the blank part of the disk is about as accurate as you can expect and it errors on the conservative side, ensuring you probably have a little more time of recording on the disk than it says. You have a choice of 6 recording qualities; HQ (61 min), SP (120 min), SPP (151 min), LP (180 min), EP (244 min), and SLP (365 min) for DVD+R disks. I did find that the recorder does not record to dual-layer disks. (completely incompatible, will not record at all)

* VHS playback I was sorry to see does not route to the HDMI output or even the component output. It has a separate composite output that is the only output source for the VCR. Only the DVD player and digital tuner output to the high-resolution outputs, so to watch a VHS tape you have to have a separate set of cables running to your TV. (luckily mine has 6 inputs, but it's a pain to have to switch to watch a tape) I have yet to dub a tape to DVD, but the instructions seem very straightforward.

Considering the combination of good quality VCR, Digital tuner, and DVD recorder, it's a decent package.

I really like the bang-for-the-buck with this machine so far (especially since I bought a refurbished model for half price on Amazon.com, though I'd have bought it for this excellent price otherwise). My own experience is too short to give a complete review, but there is such an unusually high amount of inaccurate info in reviews here I feel compelled to set the record straight because they confused me and I took a "chance" buying this machine, only to learn all my fears were groundless. After I've put the machine through all it's paces, I'll update this review.

The wrong information is clearly often from people who've had the machine for a short time and comment on things for which they haven't yet realized they've made a mistake, haven't found a solution in the poorly written -but extensive- manual, or even about things they haven't even tried.

For example, this machine copies VHS tapes directly to DVD and -in my brief experience- makes a decent recording directly from VHS to DVD-R on the 2-hr setting (I haven't tried slower), yet a commenter wrote: "...Though I have not tried it yet, im fairly sure it also wont allow for you to burn your old VHS tapes to DVD..." Amazing that someone would make such a comment without checking! Of course you can burn VHS tapes directly to DVDs on this machine - unless they're copy protected (more on that later).

Another false claim, for antenna broadcast TV use, is that you need a separate antenna for this machine and another for the TV! You can do it that way if you really need to point indoor antennas in two different directions, but you can run a single antenna (or cable TV) lead into this machine's "in" connection then "out" to the TV's in-connector just like VCR's have always done. As someone who gave up cable because I didn't use it enough, I needed a machine with a tuner and this one does an excellent job picking up broadcast TV with indoor rabbit ears - I live between Baltimore and Washington and pick up nearly 30 different channels in crystal-clear digital quality. And I use ONE antenna that supplies the signals to both this machine and the TV!

Another claim appears based on not reading through the manual. Some say their DVDs won't play in other players. Please, folks, read the section on page 54 about "finalizing" disks!

Note that this unit features HD quality "1080p up-conversion output" to HDTV's using the [not supplied ):] HDMI cable (a 6' HDMI cable is $2.43 with free shipping from an Amazon supplier as of April, 2011). But some comments wrongly claim you can't play VHS through HDMI. Page 94 of the manual says "HDMI resolution can not be CHANGED when in VCR mode" but you can switch to DVD mode, change it if you've got the HDMI cable attached, then switch back.

So contrary to some comments, if your TV has the connectors you can view/hear VCR PLAYBACK using HDMI as well as S-video or component connectors EXCEPT when dubbing to DVD, in which case you need to use the machine's "VIDEO OUT" connectors (red-white yellow) to see the video and hear audio. On pp. 94-95 of the manual it says that is ONLY during VCR RECORDING or VCR-dubbing-to-DVD (and apparently simultaneously viewing/hearing - since you technically don't need a hooked-up TV to record!) that you need to use the "VIDEO OUT jack."

Some people complain of the recording varying greatly in quality and brightness. Until I double-checked to make sure the slide-on cables (red, white, yellow, antenna) were fully on/tight I had the same problem! I did notice some occasional, brief minor darkening or brightening of the videos I copied from VHS tape to DVD, but I've had the same experience laboriously running the VHS into a computer with a USB converter device plus software, converting it to an .avi file, then burning a DVD. I'm waiting for my HDMI cable to arrive and currently have those slide-on cables connected. If I have one complaint, the supplied 34" to 36" slide-on cables are shorter that I'd like - I substituted the longer ones from my old VCR.

Even using the red-white-yellow connectors [480p] while waiting for my HDMI cable to arrive, I'm very pleased with the DVD recording quality. I recorded several new high-quality video cooking shows, looking for things like vivid color, textures, details in the leaves and other food materials, clarity of letters and subtitles, distortions or background flutter, and the clarity of the clothing and facial details of the chefs. I also listened for audio quality. The highest HQ (1 hr) setting produces a video of excellent video and audio quality virtually indistinguishable from many TV programs. But even the EP (4 hr) setting provides what I, used to watching HDTV, find acceptable in terms of what I'd minimally accept if I want to record and permanently save as many shows as possible on one DVD. Right now my TV is showing an EP recording paused on sesame seed rolls and I can see details on the seeds. The picture is sharp, colors are vivid, and it's in the ballpark of a cheap-but-decent point-and-shoot camera. The sound is ok. The lowest SLP (6 hr) setting produces lower-resolution video much like a 20-year old VHS tape: the video is usable but I don't recommend it: the video would be fine if you weren't used to today's high-definition TV and the audio is weak and tinny.

I recorded some old TV shows like a 1970's grainy PBS showing of the BBC Classic series "Last of the Summer Wine" and an old episode of Louisiana Chef John Folse when his hair was still dark and the EP (4-hr) setting is about as good as the "original" since the source from which it's being broadcast isn't HD quality.

A possibly big note about legally getting around "restricted" broadcasts: Some people complain about the ability to record certain TV shows. This is NOT the problem of the DVD Recorder: all legitimate recorders have to honor the restriction codes included in some broadcasts. BUT one online reviewer notes that many restricted shows are broadcast using a "Record Once" scheme and claims there's one type of DVD media you can use: "There is no way around the 'Record Once' copy-protection scheme used by broadcasters and cable/satellite providers unless you use a DVD Recorder that can record on a DVD-RW disc in VR Mode..." Note that this Magnavox ZV457MG9's manual says on p. 39: "DVD-RW/-R will be recorded automatically in the DVD+VR mode automatically in this unit." Using -RW instead of +RW may mean a difference!

Finally, I'm pleased to say I got this unit "refurbished" from one of Amazon's associate sellers for $99.99 and free shipping. Getting refurbished items is always a risk but I've saved such huge amounts doing so with electronic appliances over the years that even if I one day have to throw one away I'll be way ahead on savings!

This was a replacement for a 15 year old Magnavox (when Magnavox was owned by Philips) 2 head mono VCR that worked fine over that period of time. It gradually developed tape tracking problems and the timer only went to *2009. On searchig for a stand alone VCR I discovered that new ones are no longer available and so resigned myself to a buying a dual deck unit.

I first became aware of this product in a sales flyer from Radio Shack (priced at $279.99). I checked Amazon and was surprised to find it not only available but a hundred dollars cheaper. As this item has only a 90 Day Parts & Labor warranty (9 months parts only after the 90 days) I also purchased the Square Deal 3 year warranty.


We've been using it for about a month, and as of this writing. it has worked flawlessly. And with an HDMI cable connected it upconverts to 1080i (DVD only). It was easy to setup and operate. The owner's manual was very thorough and not at all difficult to understand despite what others may have experienced. It's formatted in sections relating to each recorder functions and it pretty much walks you through the operation of the unit. A minor annoyance-when turning on the unit to watch something recorded on tape, it defaults to DVD and takes about a minute to ready the DVD function even though you want to watch a taped program. Hint: if you want to record to DVD set the start time for the recording about two minutes earlier than the program actual start time so as not to lose the first part of the program. Again, it's the DVD function readying itself.

I did experience the clock resetting itself incorrectly. But, having read the reviews I recalled that one owner who had the same problem and had called Funai was advised to change the clock setting function from Auto to Manual. After so doing I've had no further clock problems.

Overall, this is fine unit at a reasonable price. One great feature is that it has a built in digital tuner that allows unattended timer recording from cable or over the air broadcast signals. There are many recorders available that only allow recording TV programs if you are present and press the record button-really defeats the purpose of time shifting your viewing.

One note, and this is not a complaint-the unit will not record on VHS and DVD at the same time (should you want to record two different programs in the same time slot). As I have an older LiteOn DVD recorder with tuner and timer functions this is not a problem.

If you are looking for a full function VHS/DVD combo with built in digital tuner at a decent price this Magnavox unit is hard to beat. But, do yourself a favor and get the Square Deal extended warranty. It's reasonably priced and seems to be from an honest company.

*Do you have a working VCR that has a calendar that only goes to 2009? Can't program it to record on timer because the day of the week and date don't coincide? Here's a workaround. In the setup function set the year to 1999 (the days and dates are the same as 2010! Voila, you're all set. In the future-2011 etc., etc. just find another past year that has the days and dates that are the same as the current year and set that year in your machine.

Magnavox ZV457MG9 Dual Deck DVD/VCR Combo with Built-in Tuner, Black
Two years ago when the government advised that all television stations would be using digital signals only and all consumers would have to buy a converter box to receive those signals I decided to get a vcr/dvd recorder with a tuner that would do more than just convert an analog signal to a digital signal. I purchased a Magnavox ZV450MW8 and loved it.
Imagine my surprise when two years later that model was no longer being sold.
Magnavox came out with the ZV457MG9. I purchased three of them and they work just as well as the previous model. The only obvious change was they enlarged the remote control and that was a good thing.
There was a learning curve for me on the first model as I had never recorded anything on dvd but the second model was a breeze to set up.
As the government warned you do have to rescan to bring in more channels or even to get others to come back and you will need an antenna.
You will still get pixels(op art) and no signal but I blame that on the television stations not on this equipment. All of my Magnavox equipment worked perfectly before June 12,2009 and still does if I receive a good signal.

I was ready to ship it back several times while trying to program it but I am persistent and was so proud of myself when I finally got it! I am 87 years old and use it for recording mostly my soaps and movies that are on at conflicting times. The only complaint I have is that the computer is very hard to see for someone like me with macular degeneration. Other than that I am well satisfied with the recorder and also with Amazon. I have had only good experiences in shopping with them.

Received the recorder promptly and was very impressed by the features.
After reading the directions I decided that although it is harder to program than a VCR it is something I can do.

I wired it up and discovered that I could not access the start program on my TV. Used the most basic wiring program available, checked it three times, and it still didn't work. Called the 800 help number and was told to contact the TV maker for help. Was given no explanation of how the TV people could help, only that the Magnavox people could not (or would not) help. Does it only work for certain TVs? Who knows?

I am very disappointed with the Magnavox help line. Magnavox seems more interested in selling products than producing satisfied customers. Will not buy Magnavox again.

I have so many movies that were taped to VHS over the years and I was getting concerned about VHS becoming completely obsolete with no means to view them. When a friend of mine bought this machine I wanted one too and I couldn't be happier with it! A lot of the problems I've seen on other reviews are really not the fault of the machine. For example - yes, a tape that was recorded on an older machine is not always compatible with new machines and the tracking needs to be adjusted. That's just the way it is. I have had other VHS players that I couldn't completely adjust the tracking at all - this one is easy! I've seen people complain about they didn't know you had to finalize the DVD's to make them play in other players. TRY READING THE INSTRUCTIONS!!! Always helps. Speaking of which; yes, there were a couple of things in the instructions that were unclear, but a phone call to customer service gave me a fast, polite solution. Imperfect DVD picture after transfer? How many generations is your tape? PLEASE! People who are real uptight about crystal clear images and impeccable sound probably shouldn't be using this particular technology. I'm very grateful I'm not so picky. As long as I can see and hear - that's all that' important to me.

I HIGHLY recommend this unit to anyone who wants to transfer old VHS to DVD's...at least until DVD's go obsolete, which at this rate.......

Magnavox ZV457MG9 actually has 2 versions:

1. ZV457MG9A manaufactured April, 2009 has a larger remote, records both ATSC broadcasting on VHS tapes and DVDs, output them with an HDMI cable. Setup shows year 2009.
2. ZV457MG9 manufactured in November or in July, 2008 has a smaller remote, records both ATSC broadcasting on VHS tapes and DVDs, VHS tapes output with RCA connections only, setup shows year 2008.

I have both versions and I am happy with both recording PQs and the convenience of recording to both. And of course a lot happier with newer 2009 version with the bigger remote control and the VHS HDMI ouput.

I had a Panasonic DMR-EZ48V before. This Magnavox is not as elite as the Panasonic, however, the ZV457MG9 features (recording to VHS tapes, output VHS to HDMI etc) are better, the remote is more responsive than EZ48K though I like the feel and allocation of the buttons on the EZ are better. Price wise Panasonic price has come down at Costco with ZV457MG9 at a slight advantage.

Funai, a Japanese company made this model and other identical Toshiba, Sylvania models with a different badge and a different casing.