With hard-disk and DVD recording now commonplace and hi-def recorders just around the corner, VHS may seem like an antiquated concept.

But just as vinyl lives on despite the popularity of MP3 downloading, the millions of video tapes still being hoarded has granted VCRs a stay of execution.

To satisfy the lingering demand for the format, Toshiba has included a few VHS combis in its current range, including models with built-in HDD and DVD recorders. But the deck on test here combines a DVD player with VHS playback and recording, enabling you to watch your DVDs and tapes all from one convenient unit. But the best part is its price tag, which on paper, makes it a very cost-effective proposition.

It's also reasonably attractive, styled in glossy black with a limited smattering of buttons on its fascia.

Features

Despite its dual capability, the socket selection is limited. The highlight is a component video output, which only works for DVD playback and offers PAL progressive scan. It's joined by two Scart sockets, one of which outputs RGB pictures from DVD and composite pictures from the VCR, and one which accepts a composite signal for recording.

On the audio side you'll find an electrical digital audio output that fires Dolby Digital and DTS bitstreams to your AV receiver, while the front panel sports composite and stereo audio inputs for hooking up external devices for recording.

There's no HDMI though, so don't expect any upscaling, and the lack of a digital tuner is also disappointing, making the deck seem outdated, especially with the digital switchover in October. The built-in analogue tuner is robustly efficient, but it doesn't mask the deck's old-fashioned feel.

Meanwhile, the DVD section fares better, with DiVX playback (including ondemand video) being the main attraction.

For DVD playback you'll find all the usual trickplay features such as a three-stage zoom, multi-angle, bookmarks and subtitles. The VCR side offers merely Nicam stereo, an eight-event, one-month timer, auto tracking and a long play mode.

Ease of use

The remote control is robust and attractively styled, but most of the buttons are far too small and fiddly and the layout feels cluttered. Having said that, it is well labelled and the menu control keys are sensibly placed.