Advice re DVD player/recorder

I have been given a DVD player/recorder for Christmas. I know very little about electronics.
I have 2 questions:-
1) This DVD player is an Aspire 8091. As it was bought for me by my children, I assume it was not very expensive. I have read a report that it is trash. I have used it a lot to play DVDs and it seems fine. I have not yet figured out how to record. Does
anyone have any experience with this DVD player and am I likely to have trouble with it in the future.
2) I still use my VCR. My TV is not vey old and I have cable. I have not figured out how to permanently attach both the VCR and the DVD player to the TV. I have to contantly plug and unplug each component. Is there some sort of connection I can get so I can plug both in at the same time.
Any help would be appreciated by this "electronically challenged" individual!

Hi Diane and welcome.

I followed up on your DVD player and the reviews were 50/50. SOme of the reviews were positive. But if it works for you then perfect!

Also. You might want to a buy a switcher for your TV, depending if you only have one input on the back of your TV. Here is a link to one at Bestbuy just to give you an idea of what it looks like:

- EXTERNAL LINK -

(sorry for the link being to long)

This will help you attach both VCR and DVD to your TV. By hooking up both DVD and VCR to the input on the switcher. And then hooking up the output to the input of the TV. Also, you have a DVD Recorder so you might want to get a cable splitter... link here:

- EXTERNAL LINK -

and split to your TV and DVD Recorder. That way you can record Shows/Programs to DVD. So I hope this helps and if you have anymore questions please do hesitate in asking asking us here at DVDTown.

Hi!.
Many, many thanks for this info. It is extremely helpful. Much appreciated.

Diane.