LG RC897T DVD Recorder / VCR Combo Review

I bought the LG RC897T DVD Recorder / VCR Combo in November 2008 from the Best Buy Outlet store on EBay.  It was a "floor model", and it was in great shape, with all the accessories.

I had previously owned a more basic DVD Recorder, made by CyberHome, and I pretty much wore it out.  It started skipping and stuttering, so I decided to replace it.  The LG model is much more solid and robust, with a lot more features.  In particular, I like the 1080p upconvert feature, and the built-in digital tuner.  These are features that are usually found on much more expensive units.

I haven't used the VCR section that much, but when I have used it, it worked fine.  I mostly use the unit to play DVDs (both pre-recorded and homemade) and to record old University of Michigan football and basketball games from VHS to DVD.  I have used both the built-in VCR and a separate VCR to provide the signal for recording the DVDs, and I got similar results with each of them.

My only complaint about the LG unit is that the picture is occasionally just a touch too dark.  It doesn't matter if I am playing a DVD (both pre-recorded and homemade), playing a VHS tape, or using the built-in tuner, the picture is just a little dark.  It could just be the particular unit I got.