
Sanyo HVR-DX610
Pros
- Easy to use, effective and simple interface
Cons
- No DVD-R recording, limited outputs, basic feature set
Bottom Line
A great option for users who don't wish to blow their budget on big features and overblown functionality, the HVR-DX610 is a grass roots level recorder, with an emphasis on basic but very solid performance.
-
Price
$ 499.00 (AUD)
A large and rather bulky unit, the HVR-DX610 DVD/VCR combination recorder from Sanyo nevertheless presents itself as a functional and easy to use device. Without any especially impressive features to recommend it, the Sanyo still manages to distinguish itself through a simple and effective interface, allowing the synergy of VHS and DVD technologies to fully blossom.
As a recording combo, the DX610's feature-set is understandably geared towards, well, recording. One-touch record and a well implemented timer function give the recorder a versatile and well-rounded recording capability. Four quality modes for DVD and two for VHS provide a solid range of options when making recordings, although in our opinion, the lower modes delivered a quality that made them not worth using, unless recording length was of maximum importance.
The Sanyo performed quite well in our tests, and we found it to be quite easy to use. Dubbing back and forth between DVD and VHS was pleasantly simple, although we were unable permanently set quality modes, and having to reselect them for each copy began to get a little tedious. Recording quality was clear and sharp at the highest settings, but deteriorated quickly as settings were lowered. The tradeoff here is longer recordings, and we managed to squeeze a fairly standard six hours of footage onto a single DVD at the lowest setting. One gripe we had was the lack of support for DVD-R discs.
The interface on the Sanyo is really what impressed us. It was a little more disjointed than what we usually prefer, but our initial distaste passed in mere seconds, as we found operating the DX610 to be simple and intuitive. Switching settings around, changing outputs, flicking back and forth between TV, VCR and DVD, and basic DVD menu operation were all lightning fast, courtesy of the interface, and we found ourselves completing our testing in record time. A dull grey-buttons-on-grey plastic remote complements the unit's lack of style in general, but still manages to provide excellent operation with a functionally convenient button layout.
With its 430mm x 354mm x 91mm of bulk, we were a little disappointed to discover a fairly minimal set of connection options on the back panel. Digital video output was limited to component, while digital audio was limited to coaxial. S-Video and composite inputs and outputs were also present. DV input provides support for copying footage from digital handycams.
The HVR-DX610 provides a solid and easy-to-use option for users looking for a no-fuss, no-frills DVD/VCR combination. Perfect for transferring an aging VHS collection to DVD, or just as a versatile recording device, this model was a breeze to use.
Brand Post

Most Popular Reviews
- 1 Asus TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A review: This 4K monitor plays nice with consoles
- 2 Firewalla Gold review: Powerful home network security in a tiny box
- 3 Alienware AW3423DW review: Quantum dot OLED renders rival monitors obsolete
- 4 Acer Aspire 5 review: An affordable laptop that’s enjoyable to use
- 5 Asus ROG Zephyrus S17 review: This gaming laptop oozes luxurious power
Latest News Articles
- Optus is offering a deal on its Internet Family Entertainer plans with Netflix
- Fetch TV adds 8 new free channels to its line-up
- Fetch TV releases the Fetch Mini 4K set-top-box with voice activated remote
- Sony announces X-Series speakers for music lovers of every genre
- JBL PartyBox 310 lets you party in wet and dark places and sing duets
Resources
Business Centre
The latest business news, reviews, features and whitepapers

Videos
Watch our video news and reviews from around the world

Guides
Comprehensive buying guides, features, and step-by-step articles

PCW Evaluation Team
Pedro Peixoto
Aruba Instant On AP11D

Set up is effortless.
Cate Bacon
Aruba Instant On AP11D

The strength of the Aruba Instant On AP11D is that the design and feature set support the modern, flexible, and mobile way of working.
Dr Prabigya Shiwakoti
Aruba Instant On AP11D

Aruba backs the AP11D up with a two-year warranty and 24/7 phone support.
Tom Pope
Dynabook Portégé X30L-G

Ultimately this laptop has achieved everything I would hope for in a laptop for work, while fitting that into a form factor and weight that is remarkable.
Tom Sellers
MSI P65

This smart laptop was enjoyable to use and great to work on – creating content was super simple.
Lolita Wang
MSI GT76

It really doesn’t get more “gaming laptop” than this.
Featured Content
- Best Unlimited Internet Deals in 2022
- Microsoft’s universal ‘One Outlook’ client just leaked out
- Liquid Retina vs. Liquid Retina XDR: Which display is better?
- Which flagship TV is best? Sony 4K HDR Bravia 2016 versus LG 4K HDR OLED 2016
- 10 Blu-ray movies / Best looking Blu-ray movies