written by Signman417 on 08/11/2010
I had purchased this Sansui VRDVD4005 product from Sears approx 7 years ago. Cost was $330.00. It has been great for recording daily shows on a VHS tape and playing movies. I recently began transferring my 8mm home movies onto a DVD using a new DVD recorder in my basement. I am using DVD-R which is compatible with the VRDVD4005 unit. I have finalized the DVD Disc and the Sansui VRDVD4005 will not read the disc. I expected to be able to play my home movies on the other DVD player as well. FYI-The counter for VCR has recently began to malfunction.
written by on 10/12/2008
Not exactly user friendly. Takes too long to edit.
5 years old. Very seldom used until appx. 2 months ago when I started recording one one hour program a week and all of a sudden it will not read anymore therefore no longer to record or play previously recorded DVD's. Have tried various versions of DVD's.
written by on 29/09/2008
I have had my Sansui VRDVD4005 for four years and it is just now showing signs of failing. The DVD is repeatedly showing the dreaded "C104" message. I think it may have died at this point but there was no warning. We had watched several commercially produced DVDs on it and then recorded from cable signal. When we tried to go back to playing the mass produced DVD, the "C104" came up. Tried the DVD we had JUST recorded, again it failed to recognize it. Went so far as to insert NEW disk hoping it would default to the "format" option, did not, "C104" again. The DVD drive is supposed to be made by Pioneer, I read the repair shop wanted over $300 to repair, is this a do it yourself project, maybe, I don't know. I know i have made several dozen DVDs on this unit so I can't complain too much, I just hate to think it' breaks down to about $8-$10 each and now I might have to get another one.
written by cor64vair on 12/09/2008
If I had read these reviews before I purchased the Sansui VRDVD4005 I certainly wouldn't have. The vcr works but the dvd has the error C104 saying incorrect disc and I know its the correct disc, looks like we all got stuck with a lemon. I agree with taking it back to sears where I purchased it, but I figure I can purchase a new unit (different brand) cheaper than I could to have it repaired.
written by on 30/04/2008
1. The Sansui VRDVD4005 is a VERY SLOW machine.
2. Manual is both complicated and yet still lacking, really a lot of trial and error to work the features. Very poorly worded instructions. Setting it up was a task in itself.
3. Timer recordings never worked right.
4. One problem after another with this thing, all I can do now is watch VHS tapes with it.
It worked for a while playing DVD's and recording some stuff, but the difficulty in using this machine took away from it.
written by on 14/04/2008
Sansui VRDVD4005 Review - There surely must be more user friendly units available out there these days but it does do what we had basically intended it for..find frequently these days with many products that instructions are inadequate...
written by Bruw459 on 16/11/2007
It a nice recorder but there a lot wrong with it
written by lorina444 on 26/10/2006
To finalize the Sansui VRDVD4005 DVD Recorder to play on other machines:
Press Setup on the remote which is on the right beneath the navigation buttons.
This brings you to the Setup Menu.
Scroll down to System Setup and Select it.
Scroll to Disc Setup and Select It.
Next to Finalize is the word Proceed, scroll down and select this.
Confirm and it will finalize.
written by jlester2 on 25/09/2006
When my Sansui VRDVD4005 broke, I took it to Sears, who sent it off for repair. The technician called and left a message saying the total cost would be about $335, with the bulk of that being the cost of a new DVD drive. When I finally reached the technician by phone (they don't like to answer the phone at the repair facility), he said that the manufacturers don't want people to repair these machines; they want us to buy new ones. That is why the DVD drives cost so much to replace. To me, this is outrageous. The manufacturer doesn't want to stand behind the product; they just want to take our money.
written by hperry303 on 25/08/2006
The quality of the picture and sound on the first home video I transferred from cassette to disc, with my Sansui VRDVD4005, was excellent. Unfortunately, this was the only time I was successful in recording anything onto a disc. The only disc that has worked in the unit so far has been the TDK-RW included in the packaging with the unit. None of the other DVD-R's or DVD-RW's I have purchased have worked. I've owned the unit for 3 years and only successfully recorded onto a DVD once.
Written on: 05/04/2007
I had the same problem. No other disk would record except the original one that came with it. I bought another DVD Recorder that records either the -R, -RW, and +R, +RW. When I put the DVD-R disk in it that I bought at Staples, it loads it up fine. Then I take that one to my Sansui VRDVD4005 DVD recorder and format it for DVD VIDEO, SLP, and then I can record on it.
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<br/>Does not make sense to me, but it works. I too have a large supply of DVD-R and DVD-RW to try now.
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<br/>Bummer to go through this process, but I paid too much money for this VRDVD4005 to just throw it away, which is what I was just about to do!
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<br/>Jim A.
Written on: 05/07/2013
were i could buy this kind of dvd recorder
written by jannelyons on 17/06/2006
Generally, I would like to say go for it and buy a Sasui VRDVD4005 DVD recorder. But, until I can actually play a DVD on another player, I am going to hold my tongue. I will be back to let everyone know if it works. Thanks to all of you who wrote in with the helpful hints. I sure hope they work.
written by SanLea on 16/01/2006
The problem, THE ONLY and MAIN PROBLEM we have with the Sansui VRDVD4005 DVD recorder is that we have found when TRYING to watch certain DVD's, the unit will NOT read it, and FINALLY an error message comes up.
written by Jimmy74 on 30/11/2005
I had a problem with recording on the Sansui VRDVD4005 DVD recorder, and this week I took it back to Sears. My warranty had run out. I had to pay a $29.99 fee to have it checked out. They called yesterday and stated it would cost $344.00 dollars to repair. This is more than I paid for the unit. I told them to throw it in the trash can.
written by suziebr on 11/09/2005
When a DVD- blank disk is inserted into the Sansui VRDVD4005 DVD recorder, the initializing menu comes up, and when it's complete, we set the DVD timer, or instant record button, and the unit seems to be recording, although we can't hear any noise coming from recorder, but the counter is ticking as though it's recording. After we hit stop and then play, it seems to take forever. Today, we tried to finalize, although it doesn't state anywhere that you must finalize before watching. The unit froze at the very end of the finalization. We had to unplug the unit to reset it. The screen turns black and there's no volume or picture when attempting playback of something we recorded on the unit. I burned a DVD on my computer this afternoon, and played it in the Sansui DVD unit, and it played perfectly. I've spent at least 6 to 8 hours trying to figure this out, and I've had it. Is there something I'm missing?
I called SEAR's, and no one in their tech support has a clue on how to instruct proper use.
written by karenjanczy on 03/08/2005
I've had my unit for over six months now. The DVD player works fine, though it does sometimes take a few moments to get "online". The problem I'm having is with the VCR. I can hear the tape, but no picture. I also lost my manual, so I have no clue what to do. Any help?
written by richardsgift on 22/03/2005
I'm very very dissapointed with this unit. I've never posted to a bbs service like this. But I've been searching online for tech support for this Sansui VRDVD4005, and came across this site. Wish I would have read everyone's comments before buying it - because then I wouldn't have. Sadly, I did. In short, this thing is a disaster! STAY AWAY - UNLESS YOU LIKE PROBLEMS!
Written on: 03/05/2005
When I am copying from a video camcorder to a DVD disc, sometimes the recording will stop and say processing please wait. That message will go on forever and I have to trash the DVD. Can anyone help me with this?
Written on: 07/06/2005
I'm having similar problems with this unit and am very disappointed. I can't find Sansui tech help anywhere. I finally figured out how to transfer my VHS tapes to DVD's after discovering that I need specific types of DVD-RW discs. Unfortunately they will only playback in that machine. They do not work in any other DVD players. Anyone have any ideas or solutions? It would be greatly appreciated!
<br>Dorian
Written on: 07/05/2005
I record TV programs all the time, using VCR or DVD mode. If you time record on VHS, just do the same but choose DVD. It is very simple.
Written on: 05/05/2005
I found I had better luck with Memorex DVD-R's then I did with Sony DVD-R's. Hope that helps.
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<br>Also, do you happen to know how I can record directly from a TV program onto a DVD? Thanks.
written by Hunterider on 22/02/2005
I would like to see a side by side comparison with other similar units in the same price range. Perhaps the Sears store, where the previous reviewer purchased his unit, deals in a larger number of refurbished or returned units. I have recommended the Sansui to numerous friends and relatives, which I would certainly would not have done had I thought its dependability was questionable. The purpose of this review centre is not only to "warn" consumers, but to share recommendations as well.
As I said previously, I have had NO problems with my Sansui and neither have the friends and relatives who also purchased one. Unless one is an "expert", and not just the purchaser of 3 bad units from one particular store, their review is no more valid than that of another. I am extremely please with my Sansui.
I would like to add that this site has also provided numerous suggestions and advice to assist in getting the most from this, and other, products. Keep the reviews coming, and lets try to refrain from implying one review is more valid than another.
Bottom line, this is a great buy for the money.
written by Kwirth on 14/02/2005
I purchased three (3) of these units from SEARS (thank God) and none of them worked right. I thought it was me not understanding how to use the unit, but that's not the case at all. It may work fine initially, but it WILL fail eventually, as all 3 of mine did.
Strong recommendation to avoid purchasing this unit unless you are willing to be very disappointed. There's nothing worse than getting a unit that promises to deliver as much as this one does only to discover it's a piece of garbage. Which it is.
Note: You m-i-g-h-t get lucky and get a unit that works great, but, read the other reviews here and you'll discover that my experience is not unique. Take heed of their reviews.
Also, take any favorable reviews of this unit that were written within a month or two of purchase with a grain of salt. Some of these problems do not show up at first, but over time they will, especially if you use it a lot.
written by shellme52 on 16/01/2005
You will have to know about; copying, Dubbing ways,text input,& read the book a lot to know (when it works,& how) very slow! MACHINE...& you have to be very patience on with this machine.
(Happy,,,NO!, but I work with it since I paid $400.00 in 2004 when it just came out, & they had a very good salesmen. I think Sears should kiss me for using there new machine that they were selling & waited to leave feed back this long. (01/16/05)...we're fair here!
Written on: 14/02/2005
Fair indeed! Sears should be ashamed for keeping this unit on the shelves when there are so many units being returned right and left. I'm writing to confirm that I experienced these same issues and more with three (3) different units of this same box. Listen to what this reviewer says, and to what all other reviewers have to say who experienced problems with this unit. These problems are not isolated or due to the inability of the owner to use the unit. This product has serious flaws and issues (be sure to read my reviews). This producty is only offered through Sears and should be pulled from the shelves immediately.
Written on: 19/03/2005
I purchased this unit on e-bay. store demo. It came with no manual. Seems to work well but it's so complicated I need the manual. I can't find an official Sansui website. Care to sell yours??
<br>[email protected]
written by MRU on 11/01/2005
The Sansui VRDVD4005 is a fine unit for the small price I paid just the above comments are what I'm trying to deal with.
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Sewgirl's Comment
Written on: 20/11/2010
I found this review helpful because this is the first time in my long search that someone mentioned a brand of DVD I could try in my VRDVD4500. I love the idea of this unit and am off work on disability--what better time to record all my VHS home movies onto DVDs, right? But--much frustration--thank you!!