My very basic Sony VCR broke and I want to replace it with a very
basic combo DVD player/VCR. Hopefully something under $150, but a
not-TOO-terribly obscure brand. The Sony was a total lemon so I hope
to find a different brand, that has two particular features I liked
about it. The second seems easy to find, the first doesn't seem to
rate coverage even where it does exist.

1. Can display the current program or movie name (*not* just the
channel name and number). I think what it is detecting is the "XDS,"
Extended Data Service, and that this is the same signal that allows
VCRs to set channels and clock automatically. FYI, not all channels
would display the exact current program/movie name, but enough did for
me to have found it very useful.

I don't know if this feature is actually so unusual, but maybe it's
too trivial to be covered in product descriptions. My Sony didn't even
mention it anywhere in the manual. I don't think all VCRs that can use
the XDS to auto-set clock/channels can also do this. (FYI, Sanyo used
to offer it but stopped in new models.)

The elusive feature had nothing to do with special technologies like
satellite or digital cable, TiVo, newer TV models, etc., and I don't
want to upgrade to any of those to obtain it. My old, one-outlet TV and
basic cable service, in conjunction with the basic-priced Sony VCR,
were enough to facilitate it.

2. This feature appears to be pretty common: Can display a status bar
kind of icon, showing where you are at on any VHS tape inserted (also
called "tape position" by at least one manufacturer). Not just a
counter type of thing that could only serve a similar purpose with a
lot more work.

For an answer, I'd like brand and model names of any you find that
have both of these features. More than one brand would be great, if
possible. And general references to it using the XDS or being able to
display the channel aren't specific enough to be "safe." Please alert
me if you find that any of the preferences I mentioned along the way
must be tweaked for us to get anywhere. Thanks!!