Customer Reviews

Toshiba SD-V391 Progressive Scan DVD-VCR Combo , Silver

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

I got the SD-V391 as a replacement for an old VCR that we used to play my son's video's. The combo is attractive and works really well. The remote is simply use. The picture quality is great and the sound is crisp. My only complaint is when you want to watch a DVD you have to remember to push the play button for the unit to recognize the DVD or re-insert the DVD even when the DVD selector switch is set to on. This can be a problem if someone else is using the DVD player who is not familiar with the unit.

Loved the easy hook-up, easy use of remote, looked nice and played fine. Purchased 11-06-03, and the DVD part stopped without warning 05-29-04. The kids never touched this one; it was all for Mommy and therefore subject to only gentle use. Now if you put a DVD in, it takes a long time to load, then comes up "ERR." And now the door makes a grinding noise when it opens. Severely disappointed, heartbroken, etc. Apparently VCRs, DVD players, and these combo units are meant to be disposable - work six months and then discard. If so, we may as well disregard brand names and buy the cheapest ones available. Forget quality, reliability, and pride of workmanship - those are things of the past.

Received the first unit and it had the mechanical defect of the DVD draw not opening. Emailed Amazon customer service, received reply within 24 hours that a 2nd unit was being shipped, and that UPS would pick up the defective one. Received the second one same day the first was picked up. Free shipping all the way around. 2nd unit works fine. Good value for these features. Will see if the DVD draw holds up. Problem with the first one sounded like an alignment issue.

I purchased the Toshiba SD-V391 based on the good experience I've had with a previous Toshiba product. My experience with the SD-V391 will make me think twice on future purchases from Toshiba. I read a handful of reviews that addressed the quality issues that this unit was having and decided to take a chance. Shame on me for taking the chance. My out-of-box experience was that the DVD drive door would not open. This was accompanied by a gear grinding noise and the display eventually showing ERR. This is a fairly big manufacturing defect. If Toshiba believes that a 50% return rate (based on user reviews) is acceptable than I'm switching brands. A responsible company would take a proactive approach and remove defective product from the shelf. Having good customer service is critical but not at the expense of quality.

As I noted on 1 or 2 other reviews, when I got the unit the DVD drawer wouldn't open. Normally that would lead me to rate the unit a 1, but the Toshiba customer service was so exceptional and the unit (once working) decent enough that I rate a 3. First, the customer service was astounding. I had to call 4 or 5 times. Every time, they answered the phone on the first ring. The person spoke clearly and well and was knowledgeable - the call never had to be transferred. I was never put on hold. After they had me try a few things, they provided instructions for a return. As promised, the new unit showed up after about 7 days, and worked fine.

Combo units of this type, no matter who the manufacturer, are prone to problems, so it is critical to have that customer support.

I bought from Amazon because they were $20 cheaper than Best Buy or any other retailer. Best Buy wouldn't match the price, which surprised me - it's not like Amazon is generally cheaper. However, if the price is close would recommend buying from a retailer in case you need to return it. If you read reviews for combo players in general you will find lots of problems.

So far, happy with the replaced unit. Setup was easy and the remote is easy to use, which often isn't the case.

I bought the player even though there were problems with its DVD draw. The player I received also had the same problem. The DVD draw wouldn't open up. I wrote to Amazon customer service and got a reply in 24 hours. They shipped me a new one which got to me in 2 days. This one works fine. So if you don't mind the bother of exchanging (in case you have a problem) I would say go for it. Its a great player.

I have been shipped 2 of these units. Neither one worked as the DVD draw would not open. I called Toshiba and they did not seem at all surprised. I've done well with other Toshiba products but would hesitate to get anything from them going forward.

I purcahsed the Toshiba SD-V391, knowing that it has a high rate of mechanical problems. However, if you read the reviews for other manufacturers DVD/VCR combos in this price range, you will find similar complaints about the unit malfunctioning. Perhaps this happens with less frequency if you purchase a more expensive machine, but I don't have the money to spend on a high end home theater system. So I ordered the SD-V391, along with an extended service plan (which I recommend for just about any piece of electronics that you purchase).

I hooked the unit up in no time at all, and it was very easy to set up electronically as well. My TV is fairly new, but does not have audio/video jacks. I assumed that I would have to use the RF modulator that I had laying around, but surprisingly, it was unneccessary. The machine plays DVDs and VHS tapes just fine with only the basic TV and antenna connections hooked up.

The picture is amazingly sharp and clear for such an inexpensive unit, and I'm glad that I spent the small bit of extra money for the progressive scan, which the SD-V291 does not have. All in all, I think that it was a sound investment, and should the unit fail (which as I said, most of the lower end combos seem to do) then the $20 I invested in the extended service plan was money well spent.

I would recommend this unit to anyone!

I bought mine in Oct. of 2003. I have the same problem with the DVD player that others have been complaining about. I called Toshiba and a VERY nice lady is sending me a new updated model as soon as I send in my old unit. The trick is to call Toshiba's Customer Service number (800) 631-3811.

This certainly is much better than Panasonic or Sony has treated me in the recent past with my VCR players. I highly recommend anything Toshiba!!!

I have two other Toshiba DVD/VCRs in two bedrooms and I wanted to buy one for the living room, so I naturally went for the Toshiba. The unit played fine for the hour that I had it connected, but unfortunately, Toshibia re-designed the counter display and I don't like it. The tape/DVD counter display only shows in minutes instead of minutes and seconds. When I tried to record a tape, the number 1 was displayed for a minute, then it switched to number 2, and stayed at number 2 for another minute, instead of counting 1:01, 1:02, 1:03, etc. Yet, when I pressed "Display" the on screen display shows minutes and seconds. I want to see minutes and seconds on the counter too. That's the only reason why I returned it.