LG
RC897T DVD Recorder/VCR Combo with Digital Tuner
The LG RC897T is a versatile, discontinued home entertainment unit combining a Region Free DVD Recorder and a VCR with a digital tuner. It expertly handles global media, featuring lifetime guaranteed region-free DVD playback and a built-in PAL to NTSC converter for seamless foreign disc viewing on NTSC TVs. This combo supports HDMI output with 1080i upconversion for modern displays. The recorder accepts DVD±R/RW and DVD-RAM media, and the unit includes ATSC/Clear QAM tuners for recording digital broadcasts. Note that the VCR component is NTSC-only for VHS playback.
$273.99
Owner Satisfaction
3.5
/ 5
Category Rank
27
/ 49
#27 in DVD Recorders
Price vs Category Average
+7%
Above average
Power Supply
110
/ volts for USA use
Who it's for
- VHS to DVD Archiving
- Space-Saving Combo Unit
- Built-in Digital Tuner (ATSC)
Who should skip it
- Standard Definition Output
- Mechanical Reliability Concerns
- Limited Modern Connectivity
Key Specs
Power Supply
110 volts for USA use
DVD Player Region Code
Region Free
Supported Recording Media
DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, Dual Layer
Video Input Interfaces
Composite Video, FireWire (i.LINK)
Supported Output Resolution
1080i via HDMI
Tuners Included
ATSC Digital Tuner, NTSC Analog Tuner, Clear QAM Cable Tuner
VCR Playback Compatibility
NTSC standard VHS tapes only
Supported File Formats
DIVX, XVID, MP3, WMA, JPEG
Features
- Plays any region DVD disc globally
- Built-in converter handles PAL to NTSC video
- Records on DVD±R/RW and DVD-RAM formats
- HDMI output supports 1080i upconversion
- Includes ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM digital tuner
- One-touch dubbing between DVD and VHS
- LG Simple Link technology for device control
- Lifetime guaranteed region-free DVD playback
What customers say
Consumers highly value this combo unit primarily for its unique media migration utility, successfully converting VHS tapes to DVD. The consolidation of a recorder and VCR into one device is frequently praised for saving space and simplifying entertainment centers. However, satisfaction is tempered by significant concerns regarding long term reliability. Many users report mechanical failures in both the VCR and DVD mechanisms after moderate use. Furthermore, initial setup and programming, especially using the digital tuner, are often described as complex and unintuitive. While the core function solves a specific digitization need well, the overall experience is marked by mechanical fragility and operational difficulty.
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