I would suggest buying a different brand combo. This one makes noise when it is not playing but the unit is on. Also, you have to select "Timer Record" on the remote control or your timer will not record. Then it takes you into DVD mode until your program is on. Other models you just have to turn off and the timer will work. Also, the auto tracking is just terrible on this if it is a tape recorded on another vcr. Your have to use manual tracking and it doesn't get the picture right after doing that either. Plus the dvd doesn't always pick up where you left off if you stopped watching the dvd in the middle. Sometimes it starts back at the beginning.