The remote is required for playing DVDs with any forward or backward movement, etc. Only stop, play, and record are available on the unit for the DVD side. The full buttons are on the VHS side, though. The remote can do all the necessary functions. It is harder to use without it, especially DVDs.

It is good quality overall though, and the Magnavox name gets a 6/10 rating with me. There are better brands, and worse. This brand does not last as long as some others, and is my second Magnavox device.

2/8/10 update - The device doesn't have it's own tuner, although this is not obvious on the box. I have used it with a separate tuner to bring in HDTV signals now, or record them. The display is a little dim, but is not too hard to read. I recommend DVD recorders (recordable or rerecordable discs) in general, and this one records in 4:3 format, even with HDTV. Can't be perfect.

1-21-12 update - Recently, this machine which I sold to my parents, began... Read more