dvd recorder/ vcr combo

Looking to purchase a dvd,vcr recorder for copying old vhs tapes onto dvd as well as recording new dvd's from a new plasma hdtv. Is there a brand that works best? Is a dvd/vcr combo the best way to go or should I get individual components? It seems Sony is the only company that makes a combo that can read all types of dvd (+/-, etc.) But the ratings on the newest combo wasn't good. I have a new Hitachi plasma so I need something compatible. Any suggestions?