Can all DVD/VCR combis copy from DVD to video?

[Katherine]

Need to get DD a new DVD player for chritmas and was thinking of getting a combi so we can loose the old video and they can copy some of these DVD's we loan. That way when they stop watching them we can tape over them. Is this a good plan? I wasn't sure if all (any?) of them allowed you to do this.

commercial DVDs have copy protect on them so you can't do that on regular DVD/VCR combis sorry

Fm%%*

I suppose that makes sense really. DH mentioned about DVD ripping software. Oh well can't think of anything else to get her so might get one anyway - or maybe should get a DVD recorder at least then we could record decent films when they are on TV (trying desperatly to remember the last time she saw one on TV!)