Funai Combination VCR and DVD Recorder (ZV427FX4)

UPDATE May 17, 2022:After nearly 7 years the VCR deck has started to fail – it spits the tape out or shuts off. I have used the VCR many times since I bought this in 2015. The last I used it to watch a VHS tape was around late 2019 or early 2020, I cannot be certain. But I know I never used it during the 1 1/2 years, about.Less than two weeks ago I wanted to watch a tape; and to my surprise, shock & disappointment when I put the tape in, pressed PLAY…and the machine stopped and spit the VHS tape back out! When I grabbed the tape it was tangled inside the machine. I was able to simply lift the tape off the playhead roller and free the VHS. I had to untangle the tape, but it wasn’t snapped. I tried playing another VHS and the machine shut off this time. When I turned it back on, I was able to eject the tape with the STOP/EJECT button. I was able to simply lift the tape off the rollers and pull if free with no damage to the tape. Two more attempts and the VHS tape either just ejected the tape or it shut down the machine. (See video of this phenomenon, IF I uploaded the video)The DVD deck works still, as that is what I used most anyway. I feel bad that I didn’t use the VCR deck as much. In fact, I would eject the tape out when I was done, because sometimes (as with Sony VCRs) leaving the tape in can cause problems. Anyway, so far, the VCR side doesn’t work properly, as it shuts off when trying to play a tape or it get the stuck. I’m sad now. I have a lot of VHS tapes I would still like to watch, so I am considering buying this model “new” again or another VCR player. But in 2022, finding a VCR that is in pristine condition can be a challenge. I’m sad now.UPDATE: DEC 7, 2015:I have since used the DVD recording feature to record my play session from my Dreamcast and PS2 and both were flawless on a Memorex DVD-RW 4x. While the manual guarantees Memorex DVD-Rs only, the DVD-RWs works great. Now the Verbatim DVD-R recorded, but because I forgot to have a signal going through the L2 port, it stopped recording after 5 seconds, and auto finalized (I had it setup that way) since it couldn’t detect a clear signal. It all happened so FAST. I mean, you push that one button and then BOOM! it starts recording. I was able to record my PS2, stop and record my Dreamcast without any problems. It even tells me I have 17min left on that DVD-RW. Since my Wii is connected to Component, I cannot record to DVD from that connection as the FUNAI ZV427FX4’s Component ports are for OUTPUT only. Still…this was awesome investment, just wish I made it sooner than now. Yay!!November, 2015: [I bought this brand new for 173$]I love this thing. I just hook[ed] up my HDMI cable to the FUNAI ZV427FX4 Combination VCR and DVD Recorder and it outputs all [of my devices to my TV]. I [even] have an A/V security camera that I used for my old Sony VCR (before it started eating tapes); I thought it [required] the RCA input on my HDTV, but video was passed through the HDMI connection. Cool! Watching VHS tapes just got fun again! I bought this to really watch VHS tapes, and have my old camera connected [which I have set to] the L1 rear input [of the unit].Point [is:] this set rocks. What I learned is (1) by pressing the HDMI BUTTON [on] the remote you can switch the HD modes from 480p to 1080p. By default is it set to 1080p; [however, some media when played on a 16:9 HDTV using modes 480p or 720p, will either stretch the image or have it [centered in the middle] of the screen. Switching to 1080(i/p) formats the images correctly, OR you may need to adjust the ZOOM or SCREEN SIZE on your TV.](2) By connect[ing] my A/V switcher (which has my Dreamcast, PS2, & Wii connected) into the FUNAI’s L2 front S-Video port I am now able to play my DC, Wii & PS2 in 1080i or 1080p!!!!!!! Aaaaaauuugghjhhhh!!!!!!! WheewwooOK. Anyway, I have not tried the DVD recording as yet. I’ll update this when I do. PLUS I FOUND OUT YOU CAN RECORD YOUR PLAY SESSION TO DVD WHILE YOU’RE PLAYING!!! (Probably, I just assume as such while reading the manual).