Sony RDR-VXD655 VHS DVD Recorder Combo with Built In HD Tuner

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13.1 x 16.9 x 3.2 inches ; 12.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 17 pounds
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000PGDT8O
• Item model number: RDR-VXD655
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (80 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,748 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
  • #50 in Electronics > Televisions & Video > DVD Players & Recorders > DVD Recorders

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Intuitive graphical interface makes programming your recording easy. Seven VHS recording speeds let you record up to 8 hours per tape. Plus, enjoy the convenience of one-touch recording from disc to tape or the reverse. The DVD deck lets you experience high picture-quality playback from a wide variety of formats, including DVD, VCD, VCR, VHS, SVHS, music CD and more. Progressive scan playback, HDMI output and 720p/1080i upscaling from DVD/VCR deliver optimal picture quality. You can even control your DV and Digital8 camcorder for editing via the i.LINK interface.

HDMI Output with 720p/1080i upscaling for DVD and VHS
Reads the data on a standard DVD at 480p and VHS and upscales the video resolution to 1080i resolution on your compatible TV. This allows for you to enjoy the best in video performance while delivering digital video and audio over one simple cable.
Built-in HDTV Tuner (ATSC/NTSC/QAM Tuner)

Allows recording of standard definition or high definition programming

Two Way One Touch Dubbing
Allows for dubbing from VHS to DVD or reverse by pressing one button on the front of the unit.

One Touch Recording Using i.LINK Interface for DV & Digital 8 Camcorders
Allows for easy copying of your personal content on DV/Digital8 tapes in order to preserve them for your family and friends. Easy operation by pressing a button on the front panel.

Multiformat DVD compatible
Sony DVD Recorders can record on and playback DVD-RW/-R/+RW/+R and +R Double Layer media and playback DVD-RAM allowing for a high level of compatibility with DVD players and recorders.

Set Top Box Pass Through
Allows for viewing of programming from Cable Set Top Box or Satellite Receiver even when the recorder is powered off through the line input. You can see TV programs of the connected Cable Set Top Box or Satellite Receiver, regardless if the recorder is powered on or not.

More Features

• 4 Video Head Stereo VHS with 19 Micron Heads
• Easy to Use Graphic User Interface
• Parental Control
• Child Lock for Locking the Operation Buttons
• DVD-Video/Video CD/SVCD/CD-DA (CD-R/-RW)Playback1
• JPEG, MP3 on CD-R/-RW and DVD+RW/+R/+R DL/-RW/-R Playback1
• VHS & S-VHS (SQPB) Playback
• Variable Bit Rate Recording (7 Speeds)
• Recording Hours on DVD: 1H(HQ)/1.5H(HSP)/2H(SP)/2.5H(LSP)/3H(LP)/4H(EP)/6H(SLP)/8H(SEP)
• Progressive Scan Playback
• Dolby Digital Decoding Playback Compatible
• TV Virtual Surround
• Remote Commander Remote Control
• Cable Box/Satellite Receiver Control (IR Blaster)

Specifications

Weights and Measurements

• Dimensions (Approx) Width : 17" x 3 1/4" x 13 1/10" (420 x 82 x 332mm)
• Dimensions (Approx.) : 17" x 3 1/4" x 13 1/10" (420 x 82 x 332mm)
• Weight (Approx.) : 12lbs 6oz (5.7kg)

Convenience

• Recording Modes : 8 [1H (HQ), 1.5H (HSP), 2H (SP), 2.5H (SLP), 3H (LP), 4H (EP), 6H (SLP), 8H (SEP)]

Audio Features

• CD Playback : Yes (CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW)1

Hardware

• Remote Control : Yes

Power

• Power Requirements : AC 120V, 60Hz
• Power Consumption (in Operation) : 31W

General

• Disc Capacity : 1
• Tray Type : DVD and VCR Combo

Convenience Features

• On-Screen Display : Yes

Video Features

• DVD (VR Mode) Playback : Yes
• DVD Playback : Yes
• DVD+R DL Read Compatibility : Yes
• DVD+R DL Recording : Yes
• DVD+R Read Compatibility : Yes
• DVD+R Recording : Yes
• DVD+RW Read Compatibility : Yes
• DVD+RW Recording : Yes
• DVD-R DL (Video Mode) Read Compatibility : Yes
• DVD-R DL (Video Mode) Recording : Yes
• DVD-R Read Compatibility : Yes
• DVD-R Recording : Yes
• DVD-RAM Read Compatibility : Yes
• DVD-RW (VR Mode) Read Compatibility : Yes
• DVD-RW Read Compatibility : Yes
• DVD-RW Recording : Yes
• Heads : Yes (Four heads, 19 Micron)
• JPEG Playback : Yes
• SVCD Playback : Yes
• VCD Playback : Yes

Inputs and Outputs

• Coaxial Audio Digital Output(s) : 1 (Rear)
• Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) : 1 (Rear)
• HDMI Connection Output(s) : 1 (Rear)
• i.LINK for DV/Digital8 Video Input(s) : 1 (Front)5
• Optical Audio Digital Output(s) : 1 (Rear)
• RCA Audio Input(s) : 2 (1Rear/1 Front)
• RCA Audio Output(s) : 2 (Rear)
• RF Connection Output(s) : 1 (Rear)
• Composite Video Output(s) : 1 (Rear)
• S-Video Input(s) : 1 (1 Front)
• RF Connection Input(s) : 1 (Rear)
• Composite Video Input(s) : 2 (1Rear/1 Front)
• S-Video Output(s) : 1 (Rear)

Service and Warranty Information

• Extended Warranty : 1 Year Parts / 1 Year Labor

Audio

• Digital-to-Analog Converter : 16 Bit, 96 kHz

Product Description

A DVD Recorder/VCR Combo that allows you to easily preserve your memories or record favorite terrestrial HD programming.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

191 of 199 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recorder-player-converter box, October 2, 2007

By 

Pig Pen - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony RDR-VXD655 VHS DVD Recorder Combo with Built In HD Tuner (Electronics)

With the conversion from analog to digital TV signals to be completed by 2009, I wanted to extend the life of my 5-year old analog set. I had read that some of the newer digital recorders have tuners in them, enabling them to function as the converter box that will eventually be required when the signal switch is complete. Moreover, the recorder will still be useful when the analog TV is replaced with a HDTV. Since I did not have a digital recorder, that would be another benefit.

The VXD655 turned up during my search. Since my TV is a Sony, I thought it would be a good match. This DVD/VCR recorder combo also would enable me to get rid of my old tape player and save space.

The unit has exceeded my expectations. I had been receiving a very good quality picture with a modest roof-top antenna, but going digital really kicked the quality up a notch or two it terms of more accurate colors and picture sharpness. I am fortunate in that all of the local over-the-air signals come from the same direction, the transmission towers all being clustered on a high spot about 15 miles from my home. I do have an antenna rotator but do not have to touch it. I am receiving all the local stations with great quality plus some secondary channels the stations operate. With the resulting high quality of my TV picture, there is no reason to hurry into getting a high def.

DVD and VCR recording and playback are accomplished easily, and there are several recording quality or duration choices. The unit handles Rewrite DVDs and I am using them much as one would use a hard drive. The recorder also provides for easy dubbing back and forth between tapes and disks. Editing recorded media is a bit slow using the remote to select letters from an on screen keyboard. This is a function that can more easily be done on a computer.

Setup was painless. A quick start guide is included. I do recommend spending a few bucks extra for an s-video hookup cable if your TV provides an input socket. If there is a downside, it is the remote control. The buttons seem to require much more pressure to activate them than the two older Sony remotes that I have. Consequently, I find it frequently necessary to give the remote control a second squeeze.

In sum, the unit works great for my needs.

143 of 153 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Inconsistent Performer, June 12, 2008

By 

Pam (NE PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony RDR-VXD655 VHS DVD Recorder Combo with Built In HD Tuner (Electronics)

I researched DVD/VCR combos for weeks. My husband wanted a new DVD player for our new digital TV and I wanted something to record our TV shows that could be watched on our other TVs - hence, the VCR. The QAM/digital tuner is also important because we often record when watching another program. We first purchased a Magnavox but just watching a DVD was torture. This Sony was a great improvement in viewing but disappointing in one major aspect: the tuner preset. We have cable without a set top box of any kind so the hookup is simple. However, each time the lengthy auto preset was initiated, the Sony would only add about half of the digital channels available. You cannot manually add channels to the lineup, only delete. The auto preset takes at least 40 minutes for the digital channels (even though I only have 11 available) so it is pretty frustrating when you get a different batch of channels each time. Then, when I decided to record a digital channel (the only one that the unit consistently added during the setup), it only recorded in black and white, not color. It recorded analog channels fine. In addition, the unit did not like my DVD-RW discs, freezing the recorder each time so that I had to turn the unit off and then eject the disk. As far as DVD playback, it was beautiful and dubbing from our VHS tapes to DVD-R was simple to do and they look great. I was also able to record one program while watching another - a big concern. After finalizing the disks, they play on every DVD player we have. Finally, I bought a JVC combo for $150 less than the Sony. The JVC unit added every digital channel during the 10 minute auto setup and records digital and analog broadcasts flawlessly. I took the Sony back immediately. I don't know if my cable line is at fault or if it is a flaw in design but I would not buy this unit without a reasonable return policy. One last caveat: the Sony does not come with any cables other than an RF cable - if you wish to hook it up to your TV, you will need to have an HDMI, S-Video, or other audio/video cable. I give it 3 stars because of the dubbing and DVD playback but you'll be reorganizing your DVD collection while it looks for your channels.

51 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Recorder, December 10, 2007

By 

J. Crivelli "SOLTC" (NY, NY, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony RDR-VXD655 VHS DVD Recorder Combo with Built In HD Tuner (Electronics)

I am completely delighted with the RDR-VXD655.
This is a complex piece of equipment, but the manual is very thorough and complete.
Attaching the recorder to my SONY Bravia HDTV was no problem. I was able to record and playback with both DVDs and tapes immediately.
It takes patience to learn the myriad of things this recorder can do.

NOTE: For some reason, the RDR-VXD655 is not yet generally available.