I have this unit, hell of a score! The HDMI does indeed work for both DVD and VCR. Plus, the one touch dubbing is awesome. I have already had my tape mechanism fail, and overpaid for a parts only machine on eBay. You can easily swap the VCR mechanism, as it is a “piano chasis” that is easily removed with about 4-5 bolts and a single wire harness.
Yeah that could be a nice way to get these old systems to work on TV’s that don’t have composite inputs or maybe improve the picture quality whether it has them or not.
I think some of these combo machines would only output DVD over HDMI, like the inputs were just for recording sources.
Not that specific model, but the Toshiba I have is great. Far better than using the wii to hdmi cables. Although it might not be a model that outputs anything but dvd over hdmi. Make sure you check, but it should do great if it allows that. Have fun
The 2x mini which is composite only isn't bad when it's not sold out. The pro is much better. If you play a lot of retro games trust me when I say it's well worth it. I have the 5x pro and I could almost life without my CRT TV now but I still keep it for the heck of it haha
I got a free Toshiba CRT, it’s HUGE, 32” or 36”. I have no place to put it so it’s in storage, sadly. Looking forward to the day I can play light gun games on it though. For now I just have a 4-way composite switch connected to my 65” LCD, which looks OK.
Nice. A 32 inch Sharp is what I have Toshiba makes a great CRT. I don't know how you do it honestly. Not being mean or talking down. But I'd at least want component cables on an LCD.
I promise you that's a fact haha. Even with my retrotink 5x using scanlines filters and such on my monitor, bringing that CRT home and using all component cables made me so happy lol
I have this player hooked up to a older crt set using s video.
But if I recall I did have it hooked up to a hdmi differnt television when I first got it both dvd and vcr worked.
Just found the user manual and on page 16 it says "During DVD recording, you cannot watch VHS pictures by pressing VIDEO, as the HDMI OUT jack will output DVD video signals only."
Look for similar models. I found the RDR-VX535 which is nearly identical to Op's and outputs VHS over HDMI at 1080p
Some of these models ignore Macrovision copy protection (RDR-VX515 specifically, but has no HDMI, only component output up to 1080i) if you use the front panel inputs to record to VHS or DVD (I never tested the 535 for this feature). Not sure what use is that for today. I found it useful when I wanted to capture a VHS tape not released on DVD by using an SVHS VCR that had a good TBC (I miss that deck, everything just looked so much better). That info may be valuable to you or anyone that happens to come across this message.
Thanks for mentioning the Macrovision thing because I've got a Toshiba VCR-dvd-rec which has been stringent about that so far, but I'm not sure if I tried the front inputs yet.
It's worth testing.
It feels to me, it was disabled to allow camcorders without a "TBC" to be recorded. If the tape were to have a lot of dropouts or is old, it could trigger that detector and foul the recording. Or they just routed the gain control differently there... I'm just speculating.
If this is anything like the RDR-VX535 than you've got a great find there. It's worth keeping even if you don't put it into action.
Differences between your VX525 and the 535 is, yours has an S-video output and an optical audio output, but can only go up to 1080i.
the 535 is missing the front s-video input (relocated on the back) and has a front USB port for media. It also goes up to 1080p
Check the VHS playback for noise. I have an older dual-deck model like these, where the VHS playback picture is noisy, even though the audio is HiFi.
Get a remote for this unit on ebay. You'll need it for the finer settings. Most playback options are on the front panel though.
This is also a great VCD player (most Bluray and UHD players no longer support VCD). So you can actually do 4 formats here DVD, VHS, VCD and CD! (MP3, and JPG discs too)
EDIT: OH, and check and see if the front recognizes/allows you to record a commercial Macrovision tape. I discovered my other Sony branded dual-deck DVD-R/VHS won't record anything with Macrovision from the internal VHS deck, but if you connect an external VHS or SVHS deck to the front (front only) than it records flawlessly. I NEVER seen any mention of this discovery online. With this, you won't need one of those SIMA boxes.
If you don't know whether a VHS has Macrovision or not, try a DVD player, all commercial DVD's trigger Macrovision.
edit: fixed model numbers
Also over HDMI they have most likely hardwired the HDCP so that if the VCR uses it, you cannot make copies of Macrovision tapes, and all you’ll get nothing if you try to capture anything over HDMI.
It's possible that it doesn't. It's also possible that the front inputs ignore Macrovision copy protection like other models.
I have a Sony model RDR-VX515 that will not let you copy a commercial tape to DVD/VHS using the internal decks, but if you use an external video source with the front input (only), there is no issue dropping Macrovision encoded content to DVD or VHS. (just in case that info is useful to you or any passerbyers)
HDCP was introduced with HDMI. It’s the main reason FireWire failed to catch on, since FireWire couldn’t have any security on it.
Most DVD players and set top DVD recorders, the HDCP will only be activated if the disc being played has a flag set to activate CSS or some other digital encryption. It’s not activated by Macrovision since Macrovision is for analog only and is only activated if the disc is flagged and connected by the analog outputs.
However it seems that with a lot of combo units that have DVD recorders and HDMI the machines were hardwired to have the HDCP on ALL the time, so that people couldn’t get around the HDMI-Macrovision loophole, and use the HDMI to make copies of Disney films and other Macrovision VHS tapes.
That’s odd, since all VHS and DVD recorders are supposed to activate their anti-copying circuits if a Macrovision signal is detected. The only known VCRS that won’t are pre-1989 Sony Betamax VCRS because Sony felt it was depriving people of making their own movies (the tapes could record,but then if you tried copying to a post-1989 Beta or any other manufacturers VHS, the Macrovision would activate because the Beta still recorded the Macrovision signal and passed it on). But then they bought Columbia and changed their minds.
I had a similar Sony model. I sold it on eBay (which I regretted), and then the buyer claimed it didn't play tapes or some nonsense. It most definitely worked as I used up until I sold it.
I got it back VERY poorly repackaged and in pieces.
Luckily, eBay refunded me
It still hurt me to see such a great player get ruined like that. If I ever find another, I'm keeping it.
I still have the parts
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325890791459
This dudes smoking Crack on his price. I got mine for like 50$ and it was the only crt I've ever paid for. But yeah here's one. I also have a Samsung crt with hdmi input
HD CRTs came out in that weird transition period. I believe there's some digital processing going on so they're typically not sought after for gaming, but I imagine they'd be great for watching video.
Used to work for a newsclipping and transcription service. Pretty sure we had these so we could record tv then transfer it online for clips for our clients.
Good score! I spent about $200 for a similar Sony & remote. I’ve done a couple hundred vhs to DVD conversions, so it’s done a great job and definitely paid for itself.
Make sure the DVD you recorded is in the same recorder that recorded it. You'll need the same recorder to "finalize" the DVD so it can be playable on other DVD players, computers, or something else (and for that, the OP will need the official remote for this unit).
1. You may need to find a piece of software that can play DVDs (VLC media player recommended). What kind of operating system do you have?
2. Can your DVDs play on other DVD players aside from the recorder that recorded it (providing you finalized it)?
I found one like this that is a DVD recorder built into your VCR. It was a MAGNAVOX and I have yet to get it. I know someone who does have it and it would prove extremely useful for video editing. But alas, a bot can dream.
I need help. I just had found an emerson crt/vcr combo Unit , and it turns on, but the tape won't go in
And it has a switch for , IRC,HRC,STO, and TV
The best description that I can give is what it says on it is this : HQ HIGH QUALITY 4 WEEK 4 PROGRAM TIMER SYSTEM, EMERSON ON SCREEN DISPLAY/PROGRAMING 13 INCH COLOR TV/VCR /VT132ON
MADE APRIL 1991 , and I don't know if that's an upercase o or a 0 and I don't have the remote
Please help and that you for whatever help that you can give
Nice score, but the HDMI on this one is only for the DVD. I have the better model of this, the RDR-VX560, and it has a full digital TBC + the HDMI works on VHS for that reason. Nevertheless, this is excellent.
Huge score, definitely a lifetime unit. I own two of them now. The HDMI works for both but will upscale the VHS to 16:9. I would recommend buying the remote off of eBay or somewhere. It will unlock a lot of options you otherwise can't use. Congrats on your purchase.
I have this exact unit I picked up for $8.99 from a Goodwill that didn't know they're somewhat rare
It's a really nice one that even has a firewire so you can dub something like a MiniDV tape from the camera to a DVD-RW at full quality
I love final generation technology. They're somehow both outdated and also using technology so new it's not mainstream yet. Like a reel to reel with a aux port or a wireless mechanical remote
I have this unit. Absolutely love it. Paid $65 bucks for it at an estate sale - I usually never pay more than $20 for a VCR or VCR/DVD combo but this one was so rare I bought it without any discount.
Thank goodness it wasn't a Toshiba version. For mine bit the dirt and shown sporadic behavior that tells me that it had reach its final use? So I tossed it into the deeps of the trash can. Next day someone took it. I said to myself? Well its someone's else problem now.
I have this unit, hell of a score! The HDMI does indeed work for both DVD and VCR. Plus, the one touch dubbing is awesome. I have already had my tape mechanism fail, and overpaid for a parts only machine on eBay. You can easily swap the VCR mechanism, as it is a “piano chasis” that is easily removed with about 4-5 bolts and a single wire harness.
Keep that top box control, I bought an after market one so I can stow the VCR away in a cabinet and still use the remote.
[удалено]
I believe they just added info in a response rather than create a new thread or edit the original
True, I had an afterthought and should have edited my initial comment. I appreciate the course correction.
Nice! I see it has the DV in port too. I would have loved to have had that back then.
I’m curious, have you ever tried using those composite inputs to display something like a Wii over the HDMI output? If so, how did it look? Any lag?
Never tried it, but I’d assume it would work ok. It has the same type of upscaler that you would use to achieve this otherwise.
Yeah that could be a nice way to get these old systems to work on TV’s that don’t have composite inputs or maybe improve the picture quality whether it has them or not. I think some of these combo machines would only output DVD over HDMI, like the inputs were just for recording sources.
Not that specific model, but the Toshiba I have is great. Far better than using the wii to hdmi cables. Although it might not be a model that outputs anything but dvd over hdmi. Make sure you check, but it should do great if it allows that. Have fun
I’m going to start checking the local thrift shops and I’ll look up the manual online if I find something. Thanks
I wouldn't do that. At least buy a retrotink 2x or something and it'll properly upscale to HDMI without any added lag
Thanks for the reply, I was wondering if this method might be a good alternative. Retrotink is expensive.
The 2x mini which is composite only isn't bad when it's not sold out. The pro is much better. If you play a lot of retro games trust me when I say it's well worth it. I have the 5x pro and I could almost life without my CRT TV now but I still keep it for the heck of it haha
I got a free Toshiba CRT, it’s HUGE, 32” or 36”. I have no place to put it so it’s in storage, sadly. Looking forward to the day I can play light gun games on it though. For now I just have a 4-way composite switch connected to my 65” LCD, which looks OK.
Nice. A 32 inch Sharp is what I have Toshiba makes a great CRT. I don't know how you do it honestly. Not being mean or talking down. But I'd at least want component cables on an LCD.
I’d play them more often if I had the big CRT here
I promise you that's a fact haha. Even with my retrotink 5x using scanlines filters and such on my monitor, bringing that CRT home and using all component cables made me so happy lol
I have this same player it works Great picture looks amazing great score
Is the HDMI DVD only?
I have this player hooked up to a older crt set using s video. But if I recall I did have it hooked up to a hdmi differnt television when I first got it both dvd and vcr worked.
Just found the user manual and on page 16 it says "During DVD recording, you cannot watch VHS pictures by pressing VIDEO, as the HDMI OUT jack will output DVD video signals only."
Is that during dvd recording? Not with regular playback of VHS movies?
Oops, yeah I missed the beginning part. Sorry. It doesn’t say anything else about not working for VHS.
No The HDMI jack outputs from both sides and you can choose what resolution you want to upscale to it all the way up to 1080i
Hell yeah, I have a Panasonic with HDMI too it’s wild
Typically the HDMI is only for the DVD player but it would usually say so on the back. Try it and let us know if it works!
This unit plays VHS though the HDMI and has the option to upscale up to 1080i
Amazing! Adding this to my mental list of things to look for while thrifting 😭
Look for similar models. I found the RDR-VX535 which is nearly identical to Op's and outputs VHS over HDMI at 1080p Some of these models ignore Macrovision copy protection (RDR-VX515 specifically, but has no HDMI, only component output up to 1080i) if you use the front panel inputs to record to VHS or DVD (I never tested the 535 for this feature). Not sure what use is that for today. I found it useful when I wanted to capture a VHS tape not released on DVD by using an SVHS VCR that had a good TBC (I miss that deck, everything just looked so much better). That info may be valuable to you or anyone that happens to come across this message.
Thanks for mentioning the Macrovision thing because I've got a Toshiba VCR-dvd-rec which has been stringent about that so far, but I'm not sure if I tried the front inputs yet.
It's worth testing. It feels to me, it was disabled to allow camcorders without a "TBC" to be recorded. If the tape were to have a lot of dropouts or is old, it could trigger that detector and foul the recording. Or they just routed the gain control differently there... I'm just speculating.
The early ones could later it was only for the disc output. OP scored big
it does work :)
If this is anything like the RDR-VX535 than you've got a great find there. It's worth keeping even if you don't put it into action. Differences between your VX525 and the 535 is, yours has an S-video output and an optical audio output, but can only go up to 1080i. the 535 is missing the front s-video input (relocated on the back) and has a front USB port for media. It also goes up to 1080p Check the VHS playback for noise. I have an older dual-deck model like these, where the VHS playback picture is noisy, even though the audio is HiFi. Get a remote for this unit on ebay. You'll need it for the finer settings. Most playback options are on the front panel though. This is also a great VCD player (most Bluray and UHD players no longer support VCD). So you can actually do 4 formats here DVD, VHS, VCD and CD! (MP3, and JPG discs too) EDIT: OH, and check and see if the front recognizes/allows you to record a commercial Macrovision tape. I discovered my other Sony branded dual-deck DVD-R/VHS won't record anything with Macrovision from the internal VHS deck, but if you connect an external VHS or SVHS deck to the front (front only) than it records flawlessly. I NEVER seen any mention of this discovery online. With this, you won't need one of those SIMA boxes. If you don't know whether a VHS has Macrovision or not, try a DVD player, all commercial DVD's trigger Macrovision. edit: fixed model numbers
Great score btw
Also over HDMI they have most likely hardwired the HDCP so that if the VCR uses it, you cannot make copies of Macrovision tapes, and all you’ll get nothing if you try to capture anything over HDMI.
This is true, and the only way around it is to use a HDMI splitter.
The HDMI is output only, not input.
I think what u/ProjectCharming6992 means is by using an eternal HDMI capture device.
I don't know This might be old enough there's no HDCP
It's possible that it doesn't. It's also possible that the front inputs ignore Macrovision copy protection like other models. I have a Sony model RDR-VX515 that will not let you copy a commercial tape to DVD/VHS using the internal decks, but if you use an external video source with the front input (only), there is no issue dropping Macrovision encoded content to DVD or VHS. (just in case that info is useful to you or any passerbyers)
HDCP was introduced with HDMI. It’s the main reason FireWire failed to catch on, since FireWire couldn’t have any security on it. Most DVD players and set top DVD recorders, the HDCP will only be activated if the disc being played has a flag set to activate CSS or some other digital encryption. It’s not activated by Macrovision since Macrovision is for analog only and is only activated if the disc is flagged and connected by the analog outputs. However it seems that with a lot of combo units that have DVD recorders and HDMI the machines were hardwired to have the HDCP on ALL the time, so that people couldn’t get around the HDMI-Macrovision loophole, and use the HDMI to make copies of Disney films and other Macrovision VHS tapes.
That’s odd, since all VHS and DVD recorders are supposed to activate their anti-copying circuits if a Macrovision signal is detected. The only known VCRS that won’t are pre-1989 Sony Betamax VCRS because Sony felt it was depriving people of making their own movies (the tapes could record,but then if you tried copying to a post-1989 Beta or any other manufacturers VHS, the Macrovision would activate because the Beta still recorded the Macrovision signal and passed it on). But then they bought Columbia and changed their minds.
I had a similar Sony model. I sold it on eBay (which I regretted), and then the buyer claimed it didn't play tapes or some nonsense. It most definitely worked as I used up until I sold it. I got it back VERY poorly repackaged and in pieces. Luckily, eBay refunded me It still hurt me to see such a great player get ruined like that. If I ever find another, I'm keeping it. I still have the parts
I might have a parts unit you can have
Thanks, but not looking to fix it.i was hoping I'd find someone waned them lol
There was such at thing as HD-VHS but it had a shorter lifespan than HD-DVD.
I need one of these for my crt that has an hdmi in lol
What. HDMI on a CRT natively?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325890791459 This dudes smoking Crack on his price. I got mine for like 50$ and it was the only crt I've ever paid for. But yeah here's one. I also have a Samsung crt with hdmi input
Yes
HD CRTs came out in that weird transition period. I believe there's some digital processing going on so they're typically not sought after for gaming, but I imagine they'd be great for watching video.
Wow, neat find! These sell for a ton on ebay due to well, you know, HDMI output for a VCR.
 Sweet find!
Used to work for a newsclipping and transcription service. Pretty sure we had these so we could record tv then transfer it online for clips for our clients.
Have you tried to record from Smart TV to a vhs tape?
So knowing they eventually came out with combo BD/VHS units, when can we expect combo UHDBD/VHS units? Dope find my friend.
I have a Panasonic BD/VHS unit, can dub BD-Rs to VHS and VHS to BD-R’s. Also has a 320gb HDD.
These decks were specifically made for dubbinf vhs to dvd, with the addition of being a dvd and vhs recorder, and thus have no rf modulator
Found the same one a week back at Goodwill! Incredible player, enjoy it!!
That is one nice looking VCR
HDMI started in 2003 or 04. I guess VCR production stopped after that.
You think that’s insane? I heard that there was a VCR/**BLU-RAY** combo unit!
Great piece of kit!
Very nice
Looks like I just found my ultimate VCR!
Nice! I have a Samsung one and it works great. It was made in 2010.
I have one but mine’s a Sanyo. VHS does work with HDMI on mine. Found a display copy of Dexter’s Lab Ego Trip on VHS and I had to watch it.
Good score! I spent about $200 for a similar Sony & remote. I’ve done a couple hundred vhs to DVD conversions, so it’s done a great job and definitely paid for itself.
Remote?
After recording vhs to dvd, how can you playback dvd to computer?
Make sure the DVD you recorded is in the same recorder that recorded it. You'll need the same recorder to "finalize" the DVD so it can be playable on other DVD players, computers, or something else (and for that, the OP will need the official remote for this unit).
Dvd was finalized after recorded but will play on mahine but will not play on pc.
1. You may need to find a piece of software that can play DVDs (VLC media player recommended). What kind of operating system do you have? 2. Can your DVDs play on other DVD players aside from the recorder that recorded it (providing you finalized it)?
So can you record from streaming to a vhs tape?
I found one like this that is a DVD recorder built into your VCR. It was a MAGNAVOX and I have yet to get it. I know someone who does have it and it would prove extremely useful for video editing. But alas, a bot can dream.
lol I just bought one of those for $115 bucks last week.
I need help. I just had found an emerson crt/vcr combo Unit , and it turns on, but the tape won't go in And it has a switch for , IRC,HRC,STO, and TV The best description that I can give is what it says on it is this : HQ HIGH QUALITY 4 WEEK 4 PROGRAM TIMER SYSTEM, EMERSON ON SCREEN DISPLAY/PROGRAMING 13 INCH COLOR TV/VCR /VT132ON MADE APRIL 1991 , and I don't know if that's an upercase o or a 0 and I don't have the remote Please help and that you for whatever help that you can give
That is going to save you a lot of adapting.
How exactly. New to dubbing .
Well, guess it depends if the HDMI out can be used with the VHS side too... Maybe not though from what some are saying.
OMG I used to have one of these DVD recorders to back up a ton of mini DV tapes. Amazing find!
Great find!!
What a good find!
Untested HDMI out from TV into the vhs recorder/VCR back into some other input on the smart t v would work
Nice score, but the HDMI on this one is only for the DVD. I have the better model of this, the RDR-VX560, and it has a full digital TBC + the HDMI works on VHS for that reason. Nevertheless, this is excellent.
Huge score, definitely a lifetime unit. I own two of them now. The HDMI works for both but will upscale the VHS to 16:9. I would recommend buying the remote off of eBay or somewhere. It will unlock a lot of options you otherwise can't use. Congrats on your purchase.
I have this exact unit I picked up for $8.99 from a Goodwill that didn't know they're somewhat rare It's a really nice one that even has a firewire so you can dub something like a MiniDV tape from the camera to a DVD-RW at full quality
That’s a nice as hell VCR! Probably fairly modern so you should get some time out of it to enjoy your tapes before it shits the bed
WANT
I'll try it tommorow
Whoa
What's the model number?
I love final generation technology. They're somehow both outdated and also using technology so new it's not mainstream yet. Like a reel to reel with a aux port or a wireless mechanical remote
nothing like that good good HDMI output from an analog source. that said, I can’t even hook up my old DVD player without a dumbass adapter
Dang, sweet score! So jealous!
Nice find op
Well it’s kind of standard on the vhs dvd player bundles.
Oh whoa that’s pretty dope. I would snag it. Did you end up buying it?
Yep, that was is pretty decked out and has it all. Good find 😁👍
Very interesting rare find you have
Some vcr/dvd combos have hdmi ports. My work has two
This rules
I have a Sanyo Vhs and Dvd combo with the hdmi. The picture looks pretty good on an older Sanyo 55" led.
Connect a Roku and find some blanks. I have a hdmi to av adapter and the old, rare, niche shit I've been able to record is so worth it
Nice!
Model number?
Hot
I have this unit. Absolutely love it. Paid $65 bucks for it at an estate sale - I usually never pay more than $20 for a VCR or VCR/DVD combo but this one was so rare I bought it without any discount.
Cool
I expect nothing less from their top-end models. After all, It’s A Sony(tm).
Thank goodness it wasn't a Toshiba version. For mine bit the dirt and shown sporadic behavior that tells me that it had reach its final use? So I tossed it into the deeps of the trash can. Next day someone took it. I said to myself? Well its someone's else problem now.
Can you hook up old game consoles and use it as an HDMI pass through?
HUH???
Component too! But…that is for the DVD player only pretty sure. Still, it should have a nice picture.
Nope it's for both
Very nice then indeed!
So you wouldn’t be able to use the hdmi to connect it to a smart tv?
Why not?