Your Basic DVD/VHS Combo (Sharp DV NC 55)

Member Name: twisted-gem

Product:	Sharp DV NC 55
Date:	30/08/03 (363 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Saves Space, Easy To Use

Disadvantages: Not Multi-Region DVD Player

*NB: This review is for the DV-NB60H (the updated version of the DV-NC55H)

This VHS/DVD combo was bought when the old VHS player went bust. As we (the family) didn't already have a DVD player, we decided to go for the combo to save on space.

We went to a few electrical stores and looked at a few models. In the end we settled for the DV-NC60H as it wasn't too pricey, but not exactly at the cheapest end of the scale. The manufacturer has a good reputation and we knew we could rely on that. Also it looks pretty good. The actual player isn't cluttered with too many button and displays.

As a video player, I've personally found it pretty easy to use. The Menus are self-explanatory, even though the remote control can put you off if you don't like too many buttons.

If you want to record a programme to VHS, you can use VideoPlus+, programme it or record immediately to stop at an allocated time. You can also record from DVD to video.

You will find that it all of the basic functions of a VHS player and a DVD player. Two-speed rewind and fast-forward on the VHS; Short Play, Long Play and Extended Play functions; DPSS (to easily access the next/previous recording session) and more. The VHS player also plays NTSC format videos. The DVD player an easy access function menu that can be accessed while you are watching a DVD, if you need to change any of the settings.

The down-side is the fact that aside from playing DVDs, the DVD-player will only let you play audio CDs. You can't play VCD's or multi-region DVDs. So if you're looking to import DVDs, forget it. There's also no region-hack for it (not that I would condone that!).

A slight glitch, and I'm not sure if this is just me or whether it's the product, but I sometimes find that when I press play, the DVD won't play straight away. I check that the remote control it on DVD mode (it is), but it requires some fiddling aroun
d before it will play. This doesn't happen all the time and I don't know why it does (maybe it's the TV settings)...but it does get irritating (especially when you can see it playing on the display).

All in all, this player has all the functions I need. It would be nice if it also played VCD and multi-region, but these are not major problems for me, at the moment.

Summary: