Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic PV-C2080 20-Inch TV/VCR Combo

When I decided that I wanted a new TV that included the convenience of a built in VCR, I price shopped around major electronic stores like Best Buy and Circuit City. I never thought I would make a major purchase of an electronic product over the Internet. A book, a CD, or a video tape sure but a TV? I don't think so. Oops! I was wrong. :) Amazon.com had the best selection for TV/VCR combos that I could find, and a price that matched or beat even "discount" chain stores. Amazon.com also had a return policy that seemed fair to me, so I decided to try this rather major Internet purchase. And, I'm glad I did...

Now, as to the TV itself, in case this posts in the wrong place I'll clarify that I'm commenting on the Panasonic PV-C2080 in black, which I received yesterday, I am really happy with it. The screen is 20" on the diagonal, which is round about 16" horizontal. I think it's the perfect size for a bedroom TV, which is what I'm using it for. I was concerned that I would need extra cables or another antenna for it like is recommended for some models, but I didn't at all. The only cable I needed was the antenna cable from my old TV that links it to the outdoor antenna.

It was so easy to use too! I just plugged it in, hooked it up to the antenna connection, put the batteries (that come with it) in the remote, and turned it on. The TV programmed itself. I selected the language I wanted (English, Spanish, or French), and then it found the channels and set the clock.

All of the options that it comes with are really nice, like the FM radio, sleep timer, and alarm clock. I can't wait to wake up to my favorite tape of music videos in the morning (by Type O Negative! Sorry... shameless plug). Well, I probably can wait to wake up, but at least it's not an alarm blaring in my ear. I'm still trying out all the features with the REALLY detailed operating instructions booklet, but I haven't found a single glitch as of yet. I was going to get another model originally, the PV-C2020, but for $100 more I also got a 4 head VCR, stereo sound, and an FM receiver. That's a lot of really nice extras that matter when it comes to quality. The sound is really great. I was impressed with the way it "fills" the room even with the volume low, and it's very clear. The picture is great as well, even with low quality VHS recordings, I could see the images as clearly as possible, and with professional recordings it's fantastic. The reception allows me to see stations I could barely see on my old TV with only a little 'fuzz' if any, and the popular network stations are as good as ever if not better. I am really happy with this, and if you're looking for a TV for a bedroom or dorm room, this would be an ideal choice.

Also, for the interior design conscious, the look is really subtle with no hard lines, and the black screen with the black paneled TV just blends in without being obtrusive at all. No matter where you put it, it will look like it belongs there. It wasn't too hard to move around either. I got it upstairs and on my dresser by myself--didn't even break a nail. :)

I was actually very surprised at the quality of the picture and the stereo sound when I first turned on the unit. This model has features not often found on TV/VCR combos, such as a 4-head VCR and stereo sound. The VCR is easy to program, and the remote control included with the set is quite good (it even controls my cable box). All in all a great value.

The screen comes in with a pink hue and red shading.

Panasonic products are supposed to be good, however, over the recent years, I'm seeing more defects.

I'm avoiding Panasonic products. I haven't had any luck with them.