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Toshiba DR570: Review

Posted to Video Components 2010-02-28

The Toshiba DR570 is a new DVD recorder/player with built-in tuner from Toshiba. It features a built-in ATSC/NTSC/QAM analog/digital tuner, one-touch recording and full programmability. Other features include upconversion of DVDs to 1080p for playback and multi-format recording to DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW media. The unit also features Dolby Digital 2-channel recording and Virtual Surround.

The DR570 can store up to 12 programs spread out over 1 month, features progressive scan output and can be used to view digital photos from DVD. Connectivity options include 1 HDMI output, 1 component video output, 2 S-video inputs and 1 output, 1 composite video input and 1 output, 1 coaxial output and a front DV input. The unit features REGZA link over HDMI, which can be used to control other Toshiba products over the HDMI link.

Rating:

3.6 out of 5

Value

The DR570 represents a very good value in a DVD recorder with tuner at its current street price. It has a wealth of I/O, the built-in tuner can receive broadcast or cable channels and the 1080p upconversion is an added bonus. The unit features excellent build quality, and is very easy to use. The included remote control is well laid-out and easy to use as well. Programming is very flexible and the format support is complete. All in all an excellent replacement for that aging VCR.

Features

The DR570 has most of the features you're likely to need in a DVD recorder. In fact, it has enough features and I/O that you won't need a separate player to bring your DVDs into the 2010s. The 1080p output produces excellent quality images, even in fast action scenes. And the audio is excellent as well. You can program it to record your favorite shows, or use it to record a movie while watching, just like you're used to doing with your VCR. About the only thing to complain about is long DVD load time, sometimes as much as 30 seconds, but this is fairly common among DVD players.

Summary

If you're looking to purchase a DVD recorder, you might want to consider the DR570 as an option. It as enough I/O to allow you to put your existing VHS collection with your VCR on to DVD, and doesn't cost that much more. It operates much like a VCR and takes up less space than a DVD recorder/VCR combo. All in all an excellent offering from Toshiba.

Pros

Built in ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuner
Fully programmable
1080p upconversion of DVDs
Wealth of I/O

Cons

Disc loading can be slow

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