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Sony RDR-VX560: Review

Posted to Video Components 2010-02-19

The Sony RDR-VX560 is a new DVD player/recorder and VHS player combo unit. It features an HDMI output and performs 1080p upscaling of both DVDs and VCRs. The unit also features 2 way one-touch dubbing from VHS to DVD. In addition, it can perform one-touch dubbing from a digital still camera or camcorder to DVD through a USB port.

The RDR-VX560 can also be used as a regular DVD or VHS player. A line in connection allows recording directly from a satellite or cable TV tuner and BRAVIA Sync allows other Sony devices to be controlled via the RDR-VX560's remote. The DVD player can read all DVD formats and the unit also features digital music or image file playback of MP3 or JPG files from a CD or DVD. I/O connections include coaxial digital audio out, component video out, 2 composite video outputs and 1 input, HDMI output, S-Video output and a USB port.

Rating:

3.8 out of 5

Quality

A few quality issues have been reported by some RDR-VX560 users. Most have to do with the player refusing to play some new factory DVDs. Apparently Sony is aware of the problem but does not yet have a fix. That being said, most users report good results from the machine and are happy with the product. Due to this, it's probably best to buy the machine from a store that has a liberal return policy in case you get one of the units that exhibits this problem.

Value

The RDR-VX560 represents a good value at its street price when you consider what it allows you to do - easily preserve your VHS collection on DVD before it's too late. And it is one of the first units on the market to provide 1080p upscaling of VHS tapes over HDMI. The unit is very versatile, and makes light work of dubbing from VHS to DVD. The line-in and record from USB functions would make it a very versatile DVD recorder even if it were a standalone unit.

Summary

If you're faced with a dying or dead VHS player, or your tapes are starting to wear past being usable, the RDR-VX560 could be just what you've been looking for. It will allow you to preserve all of your VHS movies onto DVD, and let you play them at an upconverted 1080p to boot. All in all a very good offering from Sony that fills a real need.

Pros

One touch dubbing from VHS to DVD
Dubbing from digital camera or camcorder over USB
Host of connectivity options
Upconverts VHS to 1080p

Cons

A few users have reported problems - no fix from Sony

Recommended accessory:

Monster Cable MC 500HD-1M : HDMI 500hd 1 Meter Standard Speed HDMI Cable